Orforglipron
FOUNDAYO
What it isOral nonpeptide GLP-1 receptor agonist; chronic weight management in obesity or overweight with a comorbidity.
Why this oneIts small-molecule tablet has no fasting, food or water-timing restriction, unlike oral semaglutide.
What limits itNausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation limit escalation; pancreatitis and gallbladder disease remain class concerns.
FDA-approved for
- chronic weight management in obesity or overweight with a weight-related comorbidity (2026)
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term, in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity | Adults with obesity, or overweight with >=1 weight-related comorbid condition | 0.8 mg QD | escalate in >=30-day steps: 2.5 -> 5.5 -> 9 -> 14.5 -> 17.2 mg QD | 17.2 mg QD |
Titration Increase to the next dosage level only after ≥30 days at the current dose
Renal No adjustment needed (no PK change, including ESRD); monitor renal function if volume-depletion reactions occur
Hepatic Mild-moderate: no adjustment; not recommended in severe impairment (Child-Pugh C)
One tablet once daily; escalate no faster than every 30 days; max 17.2 mg/day
Instructions
- Take once daily with or without food; swallow whole — do not break, crush, or chew
- Follow the escalation schedule to reduce GI reactions; do not take more than one tablet per day
- If ≥7 consecutive doses are missed, reinitiate escalation at a lower dosage
- With a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor that also inhibits OATP1B: max 9 mg/day; avoid strong CYP3A4 inducers
- Oral contraceptives: switch to a non-oral method or add a barrier method for 30 days after initiation and after each dose escalation
Contraindications
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN 2
Cautions
- Acute pancreatitis — discontinue if suspected
- Severe GI reactions; not recommended in severe gastroparesis
- Acute kidney injury from volume depletion
- Hypoglycemia (especially with insulin or a sulfonylurea)
- Hypersensitivity reactions (anaphylaxis, angioedema)
- Diabetic retinopathy progression in type 2 diabetes
- Acute gallbladder disease
- Pulmonary aspiration during general anesthesia/deep sedation (delayed gastric emptying)
Adverse reactions
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Dyspepsia
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Abdominal distension
- Fatigue
- Eructation
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Flatulence
- Hair loss
Pregnancy Weight loss offers no benefit in pregnancy and may cause fetal harm; discontinue when pregnancy is recognized.
Lactation No human data; present in rat milk. Not recommended for nursing women.
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Principal riskGI intolerance as for the class
Cost, est. cash$149–$649/month
Generic entry2040 est.
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Legacy pregnancy categoryNot assigned — PLLR-era drug
Defining liabilityGI intolerance, gallbladder disease and rare pancreatitis; hypoglycemia is uncommon without insulin or sulfonylureas.
Mechanism of action: Orforglipron ballicule
Open Orforglipron in the interactive console ↗
Memory aids: mascots and interaction avatars
Tide Pod → GLP-1 agonist
