FDA approves pill version of Wegovy

(CNN)– People who are severely overweight will soon have a new option to help them shed unwanted pounds.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a daily pill of the weight loss drug Wegovy.

Currently, patients must get weekly injections of the drug.

The pill’s maker, Novo Nordisk said the pill version had about the same weight loss and side effects in clinical trials as the Wegovy shot.

The company’s lead doctor said the FDA’s decision is an alternative for patients who don’t like getting shots.

The initial cost of the Wegovy pill is expected to be $149 for patients paying out of pocket.