Q&A: Understanding Adherence, Adverse Effects, and Patient Choice With Oral Semaglutide

In this Q&A, Richard Frank, MD, MHSA, and Chief Medical Officer at Vida, discusses key considerations when choosing between oral and injectable semaglutide (Wegovy; Novo Nordisk), emphasizing that clinical efficacy, safety, and adverse effect (AE) profiles are largely similar between the 2 formulations. He explains that differences in real-world adherence are driven less by tolerability and more by how the medications are taken, with the daily, highly structured requirements of the oral formulation posing potential barriers to long-term persistence compared with the once-weekly injectable option. Frank highlights the importance of shared decision-making, noting that patient preference, lifestyle, and expectations should guide therapy selection, and underscores the critical role pharmacists play in educating patients on proper administration, managing AEs, and setting realistic expectations for long-term, chronic weight management therapy.