Foundayo (Orforglipron)

Foundayo is a once-daily weight loss tablet that contains the active ingredient orforglipron, a GLP-1 agonist that works by reducing your appetite. It is available as an oral pill that you swallow whole once a day at a time that is convenient for you. Unlike some other weight loss pills, there are no fasting or water requirements when taking Foundayo, which can make it a more flexible option for some people.

That’s because orforglipron is a non-peptide small molecule rather than a protein peptide, which means its structure allows it to pass through the stomach intact, even with food and drink. Other protein-peptide GLP-1 tablets require a specialised coating to stop them being broken down by stomach acid and to enhance their absorption, which is why they must be taken on an empty stomach.

Foundayo works by binding to GLP-1 receptors in the brain and, in doing so, mimicking the effects of the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1 to reduce your appetite, slow digestion to keep you feeling fuller for longer, and regulate your blood sugar levels.

Together, these effects make you less likely to snack between meals and make it easier to stick to a diet and exercise plan, which is essential if you want Foundayo to be effective.

How much weight can you lose on Foundayo?

The average weight loss on the highest 17.2mg dose of Foundayo, which has been approved for weight loss in the US, is 12.4% over 72 weeks. The ATTAIN-1 clinical trial found that a 36mg hard capsule dose, which has an equal effect to the 17.2mg film-coated tablet, resulted in:

• 77.1% of people losing at least 5% of their starting body weight
• 59.6% of people losing at least 10% of their starting body weight
• 39.6% losing 15% or more of their starting body weight
• 20.1% losing at least 20% of their starting body weight

These figures are averages, and your weight loss journey may look different and can depend on several factors, including how well your body responds to the medication, side effects, any current health conditions or medications you are taking, and how well you are adhering to lifestyle changes.

The eligibility criteria for Foundayo is the same as other prescription weight loss medications. So, you will be able to get the Foundayo pill if you have a body mass index (BMI) of:

• 30 or above or
• 27 or above with weight-related health conditions, including prediabetes, obstructive sleep apnoea, and high blood pressure

You will need to have a consultation with one of our registered doctors, which consists of a short online medical questionnaire, and you will need to submit photographs for our doctor to review. This will help them decide if your chosen weight loss treatment is right and safe for you.

Like all medications, Foundayo can cause side effects, although not everyone will get them.

Very common Foundayo side effects, affecting more than 1 in 10 people, are:

• feeling sick (nausea)
• constipation
• diarrhoea
• being sick (vomiting)
• indigestion
• stomach pain

Common Foundayo side effects, affecting up to 1 in 10 people, are:

• low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) when Foundayo is taken with a sulfonylurea alone or in combination with up to 2 other type 2 diabetes medications
• dizziness
• headache
• fast pulse
• low blood pressure
• bloating
• burping
• reflux or heartburn
• gas
• gallstones
• hair loss
• feeling tired
• increased levels of pancreatic enzymes in your blood

Uncommon Foundayo side effects, affecting up to 1 in 100 people, are:

• low blood sugar when orforglipron is taken without insulin or a sulfonylurea
• unusual sense of taste
• unpleasant or abnormal feeling when touched

How long do Foundayo side effects last?

Most common side effects last from a few days to a few weeks, and will usually improve once your body gets used to the medication. Side effects such as feeling sick, diarrhoea, and being sick are most common when you first start taking Foundayo, but ease in time. If you get any side effects that are persistent, get worse, or are affecting your daily life, contact your doctor for advice.

What to do if you get Foundayo side effects

Most Foundayo side effects are mild and temporary, but there are some things you can do to help manage them, such as:

• nausea – eat smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding high-fat, greasy, or spicy foods, and choosing plain foods like rice and crackers
• diarrhoea – stay hydrated by sipping clear fluids throughout the day, slowly introducing fibre into your diet, and getting rest
• vomiting – sip water throughout the day to prevent dehydration, eat plain, bland foods, and contact your doctor if you cannot keep water down
• constipation – drink plenty of water, get some gentle exercise, and speak to a pharmacist about suitable laxatives that can be taken with Foundayo
• headaches – drink plenty of water, take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, and get plenty of rest

If you get any of the following serious side effects while taking Foundayo, get urgent medical attention or, in an emergency, call 999 or get someone to take you to A&E:

• inflamed pancreas, which can cause severe pain in your stomach and back that does not go away
• sudden changes in your vision
• bowel obstruction causing severe stomach pain, bloating or swelling of the stomach, being sick, or not being able to poo or pass wind
• severe constipation
• serious allergic reaction, symptoms include swelling of your lips, eyes, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, cold skin, feeling dizzy or weak
• severe diarrhoea or vomiting causing dehydration and potential kidney problems

If you get any Foundayo side effects that cause you concern or are not going away, contact your doctor for advice.

Foundayo may not be suitable for everyone. There are certain medical conditions or medications that can interact with Foundayo and make it less effective, or potentially unsafe. It is important that you tell the doctor about any health conditions you have or medications you are taking during your consultation.

Do not take Foundayo if you:

• are allergic to orforglipron or any other ingredients listed in the medication

Before taking Foundayo, let your doctor know if you:

• have or have ever had pancreatitis
• are using a sulfonylurea and/or insulin for diabetes
• have severe problems with food digestion or food staying in your stomach for longer than usual (severe gastroparesis)
• you have kidney problems because some Foundayo side effects, like feeling and being sick and diarrhoea, can cause dehydration
• are taking medication to manage high blood pressure
• have gallbladder problems
• have a problem with your eyes or vision
• are due to have surgery and require anaesthesia
• have or have had severe heart failure

Foundayo and other medications

Before taking Foundayo, let the doctor know about any prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal medications you are taking or plan to take. Some medications can slow down the breakdown of Foundayo.

Some medications can increase the amount of Foundayo in your blood, such as:

• clarithromycin to treat bacterial infections
• itraconazole or ketoconazole to treat fungal infections
• ritonavir or telaprevir to treat viral infections

Some medications can reduce the amount of Foundayo in your blood, including:

• carbamazepine to treat seizures
• bosentan for pulmonary hypertension
• efavirenz to treat viral infections
• rifampicin to treat bacterial infections
• phenytoin to treat seizures
• St. John’s wort

Foundayo can affect how you process other medications, so your doctor may need to adjust your dose or monitor you closely. These include:

• simvastatin to lower cholesterol
• rosuvastatin for lowering cholesterol
• topotecan to treat certain cancers
• oral contraceptives – you will need to use a barrier method, such as condoms, or a non-oral contraception method for 30 days after starting Foundayo and for 30 days after each dose increase

No, you cannot currently buy Foundayo in the UK. Although it was approved in the US by the FDA in April 2026 and by the MHRA in August 2026, it is not yet available to buy. However, it is expected to be available soon..

Will I need a prescription for Foundayo?

Yes, like other licensed weight loss medications in the UK, you will need a prescription from a registered doctor before you can obtain it. They will make sure you meet the eligibility requirements needed to get a Foundayo prescription and that it is safe for you to take.

Will I be able to get Foundayo on the NHS?

It is not yet known if Foundayo will be available on the NHS. It will need to be reviewed by NICE before it can be made available on the NHS.

It is possible to switch to Foundayo from GLP-1 injections or other GLP-1 pills like Wegovy pill, but you must speak to a doctor if you are thinking of switching and they will be able to safely advise the suitable option for you.

Can I switch from weight loss injections to Foundayo?

Yes, with help and approval from a doctor. It may be possible for you to start on a dose higher than the starting dose of Foundayo but it depends on what injection dose you are currently taking. If you took your last injection dose over 2 weeks ago, you may need to start on the lowest Foundayo dose.

If you feel you would like a non-injectable GLP-1 alternative to Mounjaro or Wegovy, Foundayo may be a suitable option for you. It may also be a good option if you have made progress with weight loss and want to switch and maintain and manage your weight with a lower dose or lower cost alternative.

Remember, Foundayo is less effective than GLP-1 injections like Wegovy or Mounjaro. So, if you are thinking of stopping Wegovy or Mounjaro it is likely that you will gain weight again. If you are not seeing the results you wanted on Mounjaro or Wegovy and you have also made the recommended lifestyle changes, speak to your doctor and they should be able to advise on a suitable alternative for you.

Can I switch from Wegovy pill to Foundayo?

Yes, with help and approval from a doctor. If Foundayo is suitable for you it may be possible for you to start on a dose higher than the starting dose, depending on the Wegovy pill dose you are currently taking. If your last Wegovy pill dose was over 1 week ago, you may need to start with the starting dose of Foundayo.

Foundayo is more flexible with how you can take it as there are no food or drink restrictions, but it is less effective. If you are currently taking the Wegovy pill and you aren’t experiencing issues, we recommend staying on the Wegovy pill.

Is Foundayo the same as orforglipron?

Yes, Foundayo and orforglipron are the same. Foundayo is the brand name for orforglipron, which is manufactured by Eli Lilly, the same company that makes Mounjaro. They contain the same active ingredient, in the same amount, and work in the same way to help you lose weight.

Is Foundayo safe?

Foundayo is considered safe and effective for weight loss, having been approved in the US by the FDA and MHRA in the UK.

How do you have to store Foundayo?

Foundayo should be stored in its original packaging to protect it from light, as it is light sensitive. Keep the medication out of the sight and reach of children and always check to make sure that it has not passed its expiry date before taking it.