Semaglutide Tablets vs. Injections

Comparing Oral vs. Injectable Semaglutide

Before diving into the details of each form, let's take a broad look at semaglutide tablets and injections. While other forms contain the same active ingredient for weight reduction, they differ in administration, dosage, advantages, and cost.

Semaglutide Tablets

What Are Semaglutide Tablets?

Semaglutide tablets are the oral version of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, primarily used for blood sugar control. Oral tablets are taken daily, ideally on an empty stomach. Waiting 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other medications is recommended to ensure the best absorption.

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‍Dosing of Semaglutide Tablets

Compounded oral semaglutide is administered via oral dissolving tablets (ODT), which allow for more efficient absorption and higher bioavailability (its ability to be absorbed and used by the body). The milligram dosing of compounded oral semaglutide is often lower than its name-brand counterpart (Rybelsus) due to its higher bioavailability.

Compounded oral semaglutide is available as 1 mg oral dissolving tablets (ODTs).

• Month 1: 4 weeks of 1 mg once daily = 28 mg via 28 ODTs
• Month 2: 4 weeks of 1 mg once daily = 28 mg via 28 ODTs
• Month 3 (and onward): 4 weeks of 2 (two tablets) x 1 mg once daily = 56 mg via 56 ODTs

Dosage increases are based on various factors, including the rate of weight loss, current weight, and side effects.

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Effectiveness of Semaglutide Tablets for Weight Loss

Oral semaglutide has shown comparable weight loss results to the injectable form in recent studies, offering a convenient alternative for patients who prefer not to use injections. A recent meta-analysis highlighted that in some cases, oral semaglutide may even lead to slightly greater weight reduction due to better adherence and ease of use. This positions it as an effective option for individuals seeking flexible treatment methods for weight management.

In oral form, the dosing schedule of semaglutide tablets typically involves taking one tablet per day. Taking the tablet on an empty stomach, ideally at least 30 minutes before your first meal, drink, or other medication, is critical.

Your medical provider will determine which dosage strength is right for you. Common dosage strengths for semaglutide oral tablets include 3 milligrams (mg), 7 mg, and 14 mg. The maximum recommended dose is usually 7 mg to 14 mg, depending on your health goals and response to treatment.

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Side Effects of Semaglutide Tablets

The side effects of semaglutide tablets are generally similar to those of the injections.

Common side effects include:

• Bloating
• Constipation
• Cough
• Darkened urine
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Nausea 
• Vomiting

These symptoms are usually mild and decrease over time as the body adjusts to the medication. However, although rare, some patients may experience more severe side effects that need immediate medical attention, like seizures, fast heartbeat, or trouble breathing.

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Why Would You Consider Semaglutide Tablets?

Fear of needles

For individuals who find injections inconvenient or uncomfortable, semaglutide tablets provide a practical solution. Taking a tablet daily is often more familiar and less intimidating for many patients compared to administering an injection. 

Adherence

The dosing schedule for semaglutide tablets involves taking one tablet daily, which can easily fit into most people's daily routines. This familiarity can improve patient adherence as oral medications integrate more seamlessly into everyday life and encourage consistent use.

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Semaglutide Injections

What Are Semaglutide Injections?

Semaglutide injections are the injectable versions of the glp-1 receptor agonists, administered via subcutaneous injection once a week into the upper arm, abdomen, or thigh. Although the idea of needles may be off-putting to some people, fewer doses offer a level of convenience by reducing the frequency of medication administration.

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Dosing of Semaglutide Injections

Semaglutide injections have several dosage strengths: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.5 mg. 

Your medical provider will determine which dosage strength is right for you. Common doses for most weight loss patients are as follows: 

• Weeks 1-4: 0.25 mg
  
• Weeks 5-8: 0.5 mg
  
• Weeks 9-12: 1 mg
  
• Weeks 13-16: 1.7 mg
  
• Maintenance dose (from week 17): 2.5 mg

The dosing of semaglutide injections gradually increases to help the body adjust to the medication and minimize potential side effects, such as nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort. Starting with a lower dose (0.25 mg) allows for gradual acclimatization, while higher doses in later weeks (up to 2.4 mg) are needed to achieve optimal effects for significant weight loss.

This stepwise approach ensures that the medication is both effective and well-tolerated by patients over time.

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Side Effects of Semaglutide Injections

The side effects of semaglutide injections are similar to the oral tablets. They include: 

• Abdominal pain
• Burping
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn
• Injection site reactions
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Some side effects, although rare, can be serious. Contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention if you develop any of the following symptoms:

• Abdominal pain in the upper, upper left, or middle abdomen that may extend to the back, with or without vomiting
• Allergic reactions
• Anxiety or mood changes
• Changes in vision
• Clay-colored stools 
• Confusion
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Drowsiness
• Excessive sweating
• Fever
• Headaches or blurred vision
• Hunger and weakness
• Increased heart rate
• Jaundice
• Jittery feeling
• Rash or itching
• Reduced urination 
• Shakiness or feeling fainting
• Slurred speech
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
• Swelling of the eyes, face, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble breathing or swallowing

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Why Would You Consider Injectable Semaglutide?

Fewer doses

Weekly dosing is a benefit for patients who prefer less frequent administration. Although injections may seem intimidating at first, most patients get comfortable with the self-injection process after proper training and practice. 

Fewer restrictions

Unlike the oral form of semaglutide, you can freely eat or drink before injecting semaglutide without the fear of affecting its absorption.

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Tablets vs. Injections: Which Form of Semaglutide is Best for You?

When choosing between semaglutide tablets and injections, consider the following factors:

• Effectiveness: According to research, oral semaglutide is as effective as injections, making both options suitable for weight loss.
  
• Convenience: Tablets offer the convenience of daily dosing, while injections provide the benefit of once-weekly administration and less concern about food timing.
• Fear of needles: If you're uncomfortable with needles, once-daily oral semaglutide may be a better option for you.
• Consistency: Tablets may require greater consistency in daily dosing, while injections offer the simplicity of weekly doses.
  
• Cost: Injections tend to be slightly more expensive, though the difference may not be significant enough to change your decision.

Still not sure what to choose? Don't worry – LookMeds licensed clinicians will help you determine which form and dosage is best for you based on your needs.

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Bottom Line

When it comes to choosing between oral and injectable semaglutide for weight loss, both help people reach their weight loss objectives.

Oral semaglutide provides the convenience of daily dosage without the need for needles, making it an excellent choice for those wary of needles. In contrast, injectable semaglutide, administered weekly, appeals to people who prefer less frequent doses and don’t want to worry about timing food around dosages.

Your lifestyle, tolerability, and unique medical needs will influence which form of semaglutide is best for you. Your LookMeds licensed clinician will help you determine which type of semaglutide is ideal for your weight loss journey and general health objectives.

Whatever path you take, semaglutide represents a substantial improvement in the fight against obesity and type 2 diabetes, providing optimism for long-lasting results.

Ready to start your weight loss journey with semaglutide? Get Started now with LookMeds!

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^{*In a 68- and 72-week clinical trial studying Wegovy (2.4 mg) and Zepbound (15 mg) in patients without diabetes and with BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with a weight-related condition, the average weight loss was 15% and 20%, when paired with diet and exercise changes (compared to 2.4% and 3.1%, respectively, with diet and exercise alone).}