Semaglutide is a medication used to treat obesity. Compounded Semaglutide is a form of Semaglutide containing a measured dose of Semaglutide based on the patient’s specific requirements, including weight loss goals.
Compounded Semaglutide is available in the form of injections, tablets, and drops.
This article discusses the differences between these forms of compounded Semaglutide to help you make an informed decision. It also provides information on the recommended dosages of Semaglutide injections, tablets, and drops and how to use them.
What is Semaglutide Used to Treat?
Semaglutide is used to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a group of medications called GLP-1 agonists (glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists). It works by modifying the action of GLP-1 receptors. This helps stimulate insulin secretion in the pancreas and improves glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. [1]
Although Semaglutide has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in the management of diabetes, it is the weight loss-promoting effect of this drug that has contributed to its immense popularity.
Recent clinical research has established that Semaglutide can promote weight loss by delaying gastric emptying. It helps slow the movement of food from the stomach to the intestine, allowing you to feel fuller for longer. This leads to decreased appetite, eventually reducing your food intake. [2]
Thus, Semaglutide can lead to a statistically significant weight loss, when combined with appropriate lifestyle changes, such as eating a balanced diet and regular exercise.
What Are the Different Forms of Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is available in different forms including:
- Semaglutide Tablets
- Semaglutide Injections
- Semaglutide Drops
Here is a brief discussion about the benefits of each of these forms of Semaglutide and how to use them.
Semaglutide Tablets
Semaglutide is available as oral tablets under the brand name Rybelsus. Semaglutide oral tablets are convenient to use for most patients as they offer freedom from taking injections. They are also easy to carry.
Semaglutide tablets are available in strengths of 3 mg, 7 mg, and 14 mg. Patients are typically advised to start the treatment at a lower dose. The usual recommended starting dose is one 3 mg tablet per day for 30 days. This is followed by one 7 mg tablet per day for the next 30 days. The dose may be increased to 14 mg per day if needed for additional weight loss and glycemic control. [3]
Here are some things to remember while using oral compounded Semaglutide:
- The doses should be taken first thing in the morning. Take the tablets on an empty stomach about 30 minutes before breakfast.
- Use no more than half a glass of water to swallow the tablets.
- Do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after taking oral Semaglutide.
- Do not take any other oral medication within 30 minutes of taking the doses, as it may reduce the absorption of the drug, making it less effective.
- Swallow the tablets whole without crushing, cutting, or chewing them.
- Do not take two 7-mg tablets to get a dose of 14 mg.
- If you miss a dose of compounded Semaglutide, skip the missed dose and go back to your dosing schedule the next day.
Semaglutide Injection
Semaglutide is available as an injection under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy.
The usual recommended dosage of injectable Semaglutide is once a week. The injections are to be administered subcutaneously (just under the skin). The recommended sites include the upper arm, thigh, and abdomen. You can take these injections at any time of the day without regard to meals. However, it is advisable that the doses be taken on the same day of the week every week.
The available dosage strengths of Ozempic include 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg. These dosage strengths are available as prefilled pens, offering convenience in taking injections.
The recommended starting dosage of Ozempic is 0.25 mg administered subcutaneously once weekly. The dose can be increased to 0.5 mg once a week after 4 weeks and later to 1 mg once a week if needed to achieve further weight loss and adequate glycemic control. [4]
Your doctor might advise you to increase the dose to 2 mg once weekly to improve weight loss further or when adequate blood glucose control is desired. This is the maximum recommended dose of injectable Semaglutide.
The dosage strengths of Wegovy for weight reduction include 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg, all as prefilled pens.
The recommended dosing schedule of Wegovy for weight loss is as follows:
- Weeks 1 to 4: 0.25 mg subcutaneously, once weekly
- Weeks 5 to 8: 0.5 mg subcutaneously, once weekly
- Weeks 9 to 12: 1 mg subcutaneously, once weekly
- Weeks 13 to 16: 1.7 mg subcutaneously, once weekly
- Maintenance dose from week 17 onwards: 2.4 mg subcutaneously once weekly
The injectable form of compounded Semaglutide contains a measured dose of this drug suitable for you based on your age, medical history, and expected weight loss results. Your healthcare expert at Amp Health will prescribe the most suitable form and dose of compounded Semaglutide to help you get optimum results without experiencing serious side effects. [5]
Semaglutide drops
Compounded Semaglutide drops offer a convenient option for people who need to take smaller doses of this drug more frequently.
You can increase or decrease the number of drops depending on the dosage requirement recommended by your doctor. This can help you minimize the difference between peak and trough drug levels, leading to an easier dosage titration. It can also allow you to reach a steady state concentration more easily as compared to the once-daily dosing of oral tablets and once weekly dosing of injectable Semaglutide.
Compounded Semaglutide drops are available in different strengths including 1 mg/0.5 ml, 2 mg/0.5 ml, and 3 mg/0.5 ml. This medication needs to be taken sublingually, which means you can just put the drops below your tongue and it will get absorbed into the blood.
What Is Better, Semaglutide Tablets Or Injections Or Drops?
Here are some points that will help you decide which form of Semaglutide is better for you, tablets, injections, or drops.
Semaglutide Oral tablets
- Do not require the use of needles
- No local side effects from injections
- Are typically taken once daily
- Easy storage
- Easy to carry while traveling
- Cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
- Need to be taken on an empty stomach first thing in the morning
Semaglutide Injections
- Require the use of needles
- Are typically taken once weekly
- Can be taken without regards to meals
- Cause systemic side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
- May cause local side effects, including injection site reactions
Semaglutide Oral drops
- Easy to use
- Adjustable dose
- No need to use needles
- Easy storage
- Easy to carry while traveling
- Smoother transition while changing dosage
How To Choose the Best Form Of Compounded Semaglutide?
You can choose the best form of compounded Semaglutide based on your weight loss goals and your preferences regarding the dosing schedule.
If you wish to avoid daily dosing, you can choose the injectable version of compounded Semaglutide. If you want to avoid taking injections, oral tablets or drops can be great options for you. Oral drops offer additional benefits as it allows you to modify the dosage easily. Tablets and drops are also preferable to use by people who travel frequently.
Compounded Semaglutide Injection vs. Tablets vs. Drops: FAQs
Is Oral Semaglutide as Effective as The Injectable Version for Weight Loss?
Research suggests that oral Semaglutide could be equally or more effective for weight loss than injectable Semaglutide. [6]
However, the results may differ in different patients, and it is best to consult your healthcare expert at Amp Health to know the best form of compounded Semaglutide suitable for you.
What Are the Disadvantages of Oral Semaglutide?
Oral Semaglutide requires once-daily dosing, which means you have to remember to take the doses daily. Also, you need to take your tablets on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. You must also avoid eating or drinking anything for 30 minutes afterward. Semaglutide injections, in contrast, can be taken without regard to meals.
In addition, oral tablets are more likely to cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
What Is Sublingual Semaglutide and How Is It Different?
Sublingual Semaglutide is a form of compounded Semaglutide designed to be administered under the tongue. It is the same as oral Semaglutide drops.
Conclusion
Oral and injectable forms of Semaglutide have similar effectiveness and safety profiles. However, they differ in their dosing schedules and offer different benefits. Your doctor will help you choose the best form of compounded Semaglutide depending on your age, weight loss goals, and dosing preferences.
DISCLAIMER
If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on our website are based on information drawn from medical research, societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
References:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34942372/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36254579/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36208922/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33830968/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34706925/
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13300-021-01034-w
