Foundayo medication is the brand name for orforglipron, a new FDA approved oral GLP-1 medicine prescribed primarily for weight loss. Foundayo medication is a once daily tablet to help adults with obesity or those who are overweight with a weight-related health condition lose weight and keep it off when combined with diet and exercise. Foundayo medication belongs to a group of medicines called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, alongside other weight-loss medications like Wegovy® (semaglutide) and Zepbound® (tirzepatide) medication.

Foundayo (orforglipron) medication works by mimicking the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1, which regulates blood sugar, appetite, and metabolism. It slows down the rate at which the stomach empties to make you feel fuller longer, and signals the brain to reduce appetite, which can lead to weight loss when combined with diet and exercise.

Foundayo (orforglipron) medication is different from other GLP-1 medications due to its small molecule structure compared to the large peptide molecules in other GLP-1 medications, such as semaglutide (Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Zepbound). A smaller molecular size may improve how your body absorbs the medication.

Foundayo medication is FDA approved for weight loss and maintenance in adults 18 years and older who are obese or overweight with a weight-related health condition. Adults aged 18 years and older with certain body mass indexes (BMI) may be eligible for a GLP-1 agonist medication through a Walgreens Weight Management visit – typically a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27 or above with at least one weight-related health condition such as hypertension, high cholesterol, liver disease, sleep apnea, or PCOS.

Before taking Foundayo medication, make sure to discuss with your provider if you are pregnant, plan to be pregnant or are breastfeeding to discuss the risk versus benefit of the medication. GLP-1 agonist medications are typically not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to the limited data on its safety in these cases. Foundayo medication cannot be used in patients with a personal or family history of MEN 2 (Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome type 2) or medullary thyroid cancer (MTC).

The amount of weight someone loses when taking Foundayo medication can vary based on the medication dose, how consistently they take it, and their personal health conditions.

Research from clinical trials shows that Foundayo medication is effective for weight loss. Studies show that patients who are obese or overweight using Foundayo medication lose an average of 27.3 pounds (12.4%) when taking the highest dose alongside healthy diet and exercise.

There are a few similarities and differences between Foundayo medication and other FDA-approved GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy and Zepbound medication.

• Use/Eligibility:
  • Foundayo (pills), Wegovy (pills and injectables), and Zepbound (injections) are all FDA-approved for weight loss and maintaining weight loss long term. Both Foundayo (orforglipron) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) medication are manufactured by Eli Lilly, while Wegovy (semaglutide) is manufactured by Novo Nordisk.
  • Wegovy and Zepbound medication are also approved for other indications beyond weight loss.
    • Wegovy is approved to lower the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Injectable Wegovy is also approved for the treatment of noncirrhotic metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
    • Zepbound medication is approved to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity.
  • Foundayo pills, Wegovy pills, and Zepbound injections are approved for adults 18 and older. While, the Wegovy injectable is approved for adults and pediatric patients aged 12 and older.
• Ingredients and Available Strengths:
  • Foundayo pills contain orforglipron and are available in six strengths– 0.8 mg, 2.5 mg, 5.5 mg, 9 mg, 14.5 mg and 17.2 mg per tablet.
  • The Wegovy pill and injection both contain semaglutide.
    • Wegovy pills are available in four strengths–1.5 mg, 4 mg, 9 mg and 25 mg per tablet.
    • Wegovy injections are available as single-dose pens in six strengths– 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg per 0.5ml and 1.7 mg, 2.4 mg and 7.2 mg per 0.75 mL.
  • Zepbound injections contain tirzepatide and are available as multi-dose KwikPens, single-dose pens, or single-dose vials.
    • Single-patient use KwikPens are available in six strengths that deliver 4 doses per KwikPen–2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg and 15 mg per 0.6 mL.
    • Single-dose pens and vials are available in six strengths– 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, or 15 mg per 0.5 mL.
• Dosing and Administration:
  • The Foundayo pill and the Wegovy pill are both taken by mouth once daily.
    • The Foundayo pill should be taken around the same time of the day with or without food. Avoid breaking, crushing, or chewing the pill.
    • The Wegovy pill should be taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach with no more than 4 oz of water. Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking anything else, or taking other medications and avoid splitting, crushing, chewing, or dissolving the pill.
  • The injectable versions of GLP-1 medication, such as Wegovy and Zepbound medication, are more flexible as they are injected under the skin in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm once weekly, on the same day, with or without food or water.
  • Schedule: Patients on Foundayo pills or any other oral or injectable GLP-1 will be instructed to gradually increase their dose after 30 days (or 28 days) based on response and tolerance to help minimize side effects and achieve weight loss.

Side effects of Foundayo medication are similar to those of Wegovy, Zepbound, and other GLP-1 medications. The side effects of Foundayo medication are generally mild to moderate in severity and the most commonly reported side effects include digestive issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, stomach (abdominal) pain, gas, swollen belly, burping or heartburn, as well as headache, fatigue, and hair loss.

Other less common but serious side effects of Foundayo medication can also occur. Notify your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:

• symptoms of thyroid tumors such as a lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing or shortness of breath
• severe pain in the stomach area that will not go away
• diarrhea, nausea or diarrhea that does not go away
• low blood sugar
• changes in vision (in individuals with type 2 diabetes)
• symptoms of gallbladder problems including pain in your upper stomach, fever, yellowing of skin or eyes and clay-colored stool.

You should stop taking Foundayo medication and get medical help if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, problems breathing or swallowing, severe rash or itching, fainting or feeling dizzy or rapid heartbeat.

There is an increased risk of food or liquid getting into the lungs during surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sleepiness (deep sedation). Notify your providers that you are taking Foundayo medication before you are scheduled to have surgery or other procedures.

Walgreens Weight Management makes it simple and convenient to get weight management support online. After reviewing your medical history, our licensed providers will determine if treatment is clinically appropriate. If so, they will create a personalized treatment plan and prescribe a weight loss medication. Talk to one of our doctors or nurse practitioners today to see if Foundayo medication is right for you.

Walgreens Weight Management is currently intended for patients self-paying for weight loss medication. Start Foundayo medication for as low as $149/month with subsequent doses ranging from $199-299/month depending on the dose through a Lilly offer, restrictions and exclusions apply.* Please note, the cost of the Walgreens Weight Management visit is separate from the cost of the medication.