Who is this guide for?
Foundayo (orforglipron) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist taken as a daily tablet. This guide covers UK adult weight management, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. The licensed initial BMI criteria are:
- 30 kg/m² or above; or
- 27 kg/m² to below 30 kg/m², with at least one weight-related condition, such as prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal blood fats, obstructive sleep apnoea or cardiovascular disease.
The licensed starting BMI thresholds do not have a lower ethnic-group exception. Starting weight-management treatment below an initial BMI of 27 kg/m² is outside this licensed indication. [1]
Foundayo acts on appetite-regulating pathways in the brain. It can help reduce hunger and food intake, but the effect and the amount of weight lost differ between people. [3]
This practical guide explains the dose steps, how to take the tablets and what to do after a missed dose. Follow your own prescription and the leaflet supplied with your medicine.
Foundayo’s dosing schedule
After evaluating your health status and personal circumstances, your healthcare professional will determine if Foundayo is suitable for you.
The starting dose is 0.8 mg once daily. If you have had an extended break or are switching from another weight-management medicine, ask your prescriber how to start or restart; do not choose a restart dose yourself. [1] [2]
After at least 30 days, the UK prescribing information specifies an increase to 2.5 mg once daily. After at least another 30 days, the dose can increase to 5.5 mg. Later steps are 9 mg, 14.5 mg and 17.2 mg once daily, if appropriate.
Allow at least 30 days on the current dose before any increase. Later increases depend on response and tolerability, so reaching the highest dose is not an automatic monthly target. If you want a higher dose, request it for prescriber assessment and wait for approval before changing your dose.
The usual maximum dose is 17.2 mg once daily, but some interacting medicines require a lower maximum. The diagram summarises the dose steps; it is not a personal dosing plan. [1] [2]
Tell your prescriber about all other medicines and supplements before a dose change. Some combinations need dose adjustments or must be avoided. [1]
If you use an oral contraceptive, add a barrier method such as condoms while continuing your pill, or arrange a suitable non-oral method, for 30 days after starting Foundayo and for 30 days after every dose increase. [1] [2]
How to take Foundayo
Take the prescribed tablet strength once daily. Swallow it whole without breaking, crushing or chewing. Do not take more than one tablet per day or combine tablets to make a higher dose. [1] [2]
You can take Foundayo at any time of day, with or without food. There are no special water-intake restrictions for taking the tablet; continue to follow any individual fluid advice from your clinician. [2] [3]
A daily phone reminder may help. Keep tablets in their original packaging and check whether you have already taken the day’s dose before taking another. [2]
What happens if you miss a Foundayo dose?
It is easy to forget your daily Foundayo tablet while managing your everyday routine.
If you realise you missed a dose, follow these steps:
- Take the missed tablet when you remember, but do not take more than one dose in a day.
- Do not take an extra or double dose to make up for a missed tablet. [2]
If you are unsure about a missed dose, have missed several days, or have had an extended treatment break, ask your pharmacist or prescriber for advice.
When should you get medical help?
If you take too much Foundayo, contact a doctor immediately. [2]
Stop Foundayo and seek urgent medical help for severe, persistent abdominal pain, which may spread to the back, with or without vomiting. This can be a sign of pancreatitis; do not wait for approval to seek help. [1] [2]
