Semaglutide has emerged as a groundbreaking medication for weight management. Available in both oral tablets and injectable forms, it offers flexibility for people looking to achieve sustainable weight loss.
But the question remains: which form of Semaglutide – tablets or injections – is the best choice for your weight loss journey?
In this blog, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of Semaglutide tablets vs. injections, helping you make an informed choice for effective weight management.
Key Takeaways
- Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, is widely recognized for its role in weight loss.
- Semaglutide is available in the form of injections, oral tablets, and oral drops. Injectable Semaglutide is taken weekly, while oral tablets must be taken daily.
- Semaglutide oral tablets are convenient to use for most patients as they offer freedom from taking injections.
- Injectable Semaglutide is preferred by people looking for a weekly dosing schedule rather than the daily dosing of oral medication and it’s more affordable.
What Is Semaglutide and How Does It Work
Semaglutide is a medication widely recognized for its role in weight loss. It belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).
This hormone plays a crucial role in regulating appetite, thus reducing your food intake.
In addition, Semaglutide slows down the rate at which food leaves the stomach, leading to prolonged feelings of fullness and reduced appetite. [1] [2]
This dual action reduces total calorie intake, contributing to weight loss over time.
What Are The Available Options for Semaglutide Tablets and Injections?
The available options for Semaglutide tablets include:
- Rybelsus
- Compounded Semaglutide tablets
The available options for Semaglutide injections include:
- Wegovy
- Ozempic
- Compounded Semaglutide Injections
Overview Of Semaglutide Tablets
Semaglutide is available as oral tablets under the brand name Rybelsus.
Rybelsus comes 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. [3] [4]
Compounded Semaglutide tablets are another option for people who prefer to use oral medication for weight loss. Compounded Semaglutide tablets offer a customizable approach to weight management.
Compounded versions are tailored to the specific needs of individuals who may require different dosages.
Semaglutide tablets are typically taken once daily, preferably 30 minutes before a meal, and work similarly to injectable Semaglutide by delaying gastric emptying and reducing overall calorie intake.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Oral Semaglutide Tablets
Benefits of Oral Semaglutide Tablets
- Convenience: Oral Semaglutide tablets offer a non-invasive option for weight management, making it an ideal choice for people who prefer not to use injections. Taking a pill is often easier and more accessible for daily routines.
- No Needles: For those who are uncomfortable with injections, oral tablets eliminate the fear and discomfort associated with needles.
- No Local Side Effects: Oral tablets allow you to avoid local side effects associated with injections, including pain, redness, and swelling.
- Effective for Weight Loss: Although not as potent as the injectable forms, oral Semaglutide is still effective at promoting weight loss by reducing appetite, increasing satiety, and slowing digestion.
- FDA-Approved: Rybelsus is an FDA-approved oral GLP-1 agonist, offering benefits for weight management.
- Compounded Options: Compounded Semaglutide tablets can be used in customized dosages, offering flexibility for individual health needs and preferences.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Compounded Semaglutide tablets offer a cost-effective alternative to branded drugs, including Rybelsus, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
Potential Drawbacks of Oral Semaglutide Tablets
- Lower Absorption: Oral Semaglutide tablets have lower bioavailability compared to injections, meaning they may not be absorbed as effectively, resulting in slower or less pronounced weight loss results.
- Daily Dosing: Unlike injectable Semaglutide, which is taken weekly, oral tablets must be taken daily, requiring more frequent adherence to maintain effectiveness.
- Higher Doses Needed: Because of the lower absorption, higher doses of oral Semaglutide are often required to achieve the same effects as injectable forms, which can sometimes increase the likelihood of side effects.
- Food Restrictions: Oral Semaglutide must be taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking, which can be inconvenient and difficult to remember for some users.
- Cost: Although compounded Semaglutide tablets are cheaper than branded drugs – Rybelsus, Wegovy, and Ozempic – they are more expensive than compounded injections.
Overview Of Semaglutide Injections
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. [5]
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. [6] [7]
In addition to these branded versions, you can also consider compounded Semaglutide injections for a cheaper but more customizable approach to weight loss. Prepared by specialized pharmacies, compounded Semaglutide injections allow for tailored dosing, often at a lower cost compared to brand-name versions.
Both branded and compounded Semaglutide injections are typically administered once a week, providing convenience and consistent results for those seeking effective weight loss solutions.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Injectable Semaglutide
Benefits of Injectable Semaglutide
- Higher Efficacy: Injectable Semaglutide generally delivers more potent and faster weight loss results compared to oral forms due to higher absorption and bioavailability.
- Convenient Dosing: Injectables are typically administered once weekly, offering a more convenient routine compared to daily oral dosing.
- Proven Weight Loss: Wegovy is specifically FDA-approved for weight loss. Clinical trials have shown significant weight loss for patients using injectable Semaglutide, making it a reliable option for long-term weight management.
- Cost Effectiveness: Compounded Semaglutide injection is a cost-effective alternative to brand-name injectables, catering to individual preferences and health needs. Compounded Semaglutide injections are also cheaper than Rybelsus and compounded tablets.
Potential Drawbacks of Semaglutide Injections
- Injection Discomfort: Some individuals may be uncomfortable with the idea of self-administering weekly injections, which could lead to non-compliance.
- Higher Cost: Branded injectable Semaglutide can be expensive, though compounded versions may offer more affordable options.
- Potential Side Effects: Other than the common side effects associated with oral Semaglutide, injectables may cause additional reactions at the site of injections, such as pain, redness, and swelling.
- Access and Availability: Due to high demand, there may be supply shortages of Wegovy and Ozempic. This can limit access to treatment for patients seeking injectables for weight loss.
Semaglutide Tablets and Injections: How To Choose The Best Weight Loss Medication For You?
The comparison of Semaglutide tablets and injections for weight loss can help you choose the right medication depending on factors like safety, convenience, cost, and personal preferences.
Here’s how to weigh these considerations:
Safety and Side Effects
Semaglutide tablets and injections share common side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
However, injections may lead to localized skin reactions at the injection site, such as redness or swelling.
Convenience and Lifestyle Considerations
Daily vs. Weekly Administration: Tablets are taken daily, requiring a higher level of adherence, while injections are administered once weekly, offering a simpler dosing schedule.
Ease of Use: Tablets avoid the need for needles, making them more appealing for people uncomfortable with injections. However, injections may be more practical for those who prefer less frequent dosing.
Travel and Storage: Tablets are more portable, making them easier to manage during travel, whereas carrying injections can be difficult while traveling.
Specific Concerns: Semaglutide Tablets vs. Injections
Absorption Variability: Semaglutide tablets must be taken on an empty stomach, with no food or water for 30 minutes. Not adhering to these guidelines may lead to variations in absorption, resulting in inconsistency in effectiveness.
Injection Reactions: Injectables generally offer more consistent absorption and effectiveness.
Cost Comparison: Semaglutide Tablets vs. Injections
The cost of Semaglutide differs mainly based on whether you choose a branded drug or the compounded version rather than choosing between injections and tablets.
The cost of Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus is around $900 to $1,500 per month.
The cost of compounded Semaglutide injections ranges between $300 to $600 per month, while compounded tablets cost between $299 and $399 per month.
Patients also have a choice of subscription to 3-month and 12-month plans to lower the monthly costs of compounded medications. An annual plan at Amp Health may reduce the cost to as low as $199 per month, depending on the specific treatment plan.
Comparing Weight Loss Results: Semaglutide Tablets Vs. Injections
Here’s a quick summary of the weight loss comparison of Semaglutide tablets and injections to help you make informed decisions.
| Alternatives | Type | Frequency | Cost | Side Effects | Weight Loss Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | Injectable | Weekly | High | Digestive side effects plus potential local reaction | High |
| Wegovy | Injectable | Weekly | High | Digestive side effects plus potential local reaction | High |
| Compounded Semaglutide | Injectable | Weekly | Moderate | Digestive side effects plus potential local reaction | Moderate to High |
| Rybelsus | Oral Tablets | Daily | High | Digestive side effects | Moderate to High |
| Oral Semaglutide | Oral Tablets | Daily | Moderate | Digestive side effects | Moderate to High |
Semaglutide Tablets vs. Injections: FAQs
Is Semaglutide in Tablet Form as Effective as the Injectable Form?
Semaglutide tablets are effective for weight loss but generally result in less weight reduction compared to the injectable forms. This is because the bioavailability of the tablet form is lower, meaning the body absorbs less medication.
How Often Do I Need to Take Semaglutide Tablets vs. Injections?
Semaglutide tablets are taken daily, while the injectable form is administered once weekly.
Are There Any Specific Dietary Restrictions When Taking Semaglutide Tablets?
Yes, Semaglutide tablets must be taken on an empty stomach, with no food or water, for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication.
Are Semaglutide Injections Painful?
Most patients report minimal pain with Semaglutide injections, though some may experience mild pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
Is One Form of Semaglutide More Expensive Than the Other?
Branded injections (Wegovy, Ozempic) tend to be more expensive than tablets (Rybelsus). However, compounded versions – both injections and tablets – can lower overall costs.
Conclusion
Choosing between Semaglutide tablets vs. injections ultimately depends on your weight loss goals, lifestyle, and medical considerations.
Tablets offer a convenient, non-invasive option for those who prefer oral medications and do not need rapid, significant weight loss. However, their efficacy is generally less pronounced than the injectable versions due to differences in bioavailability and absorption.
On the other hand, injections provide more potent results and are often recommended for those seeking faster, more significant weight loss.
You can book an appointment with our weight loss experts at Amp Health to assess which form of Semaglutide aligns with your health needs, lifestyle, and weight loss expectations.
You can subscribe to our Amp Health Program, which includes consultations with our doctor, nutritionist, and coach, in addition to the monthly subscription of compounded Semaglutide ($79/month + cost of medication).
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/33567185/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36208922/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6969659/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33830968/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8717485/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34706925/
