Key takeaways
- Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are available as both injectable and oral medications. Injections are typically given once per week, while oral pills are taken once per day.
- Injectable GLP-1 medications need refrigeration and include Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, Mounjaro, Trulicity, and Saxenda. Oral versions can be stored at room temperature and include Rybelsus, Foundayo, and oral forms of Ozempic and Wegovy.
- Both forms can provide similar outcomes for weight loss and blood sugar management. Your choice may depend on your daily routine, preference for pills versus injections, and whether you can follow the fasting requirements that some oral GLP-1 medications require.
Overview
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) are increasing in popularity. These are still newer medications, so research and development into them is still ongoing.
Originally, GLP-1s were only available as injectable medications. However, more recently, oral pill formulations have been developed. GLP-1 injections and pills have different benefits that can help you decide, alongside a healthcare professional, which one is right for you.
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Oral vs. injectable GLP-1s: What’s the difference?
GLP-1 pills and injections both work in the same way: by affecting your brain and body to reduce blood sugar and help with weight loss. The key difference is in how the drug is delivered. Injectable GLP-1s are given as an injection into your thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. Oral ones are taken as a tablet that you swallow.
Injectable GLP-1s include:
- Ozempic
- Wegovy
- Zepbound
- Mounjaro
- Trulicity
- Saxenda
Oral GLP-1s include:
- Ozempic
- Wegovy
- Rybelsus
- Foundayo
Strength
Oral GLP-1s tend to have a higher dosage than injectable forms. This is because of the way oral drugs are absorbed. Oral drugs are broken down more when you swallow them, so less of the active ingredient reaches your bloodstream.
This doesn’t necessarily mean the oral forms are stronger or will have a greater effect than injectable GLP-1s.
As an example, the oral form of Wegovy has a maximum dosage of 25 milligrams (mg), whereas the maximum dosage of injectable Wegovy is 2.4 mg.
Storage
Injectable GLP-1s typically need to be kept refrigerated between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C). This is because the structure of the medication may degrade if kept at higher temperatures for long periods, making the medication less effective.
They can safely be kept out of the refrigerator for up to 28 days as long as they’re not exposed to extremely high or low temperatures.
Oral GLP-1s, on the other hand, can be stored at room temperature until the expiry date on the packaging.
Dosage and timing
Most injectable GLP-1s are given once per week. The specific time of day doesn’t matter, and the medication enters your bloodstream quickly.
Oral GLP-1s, on the other hand, are taken once per day. Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus pills must be taken on an empty stomach, and you need to wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking. However, Foundayo has no such restrictions.
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Get free cardHow to choose between oral and injectable GLP-1s
For many people, choosing between an oral and an injectable GLP-1 involves thinking about which one they’d prefer — one isn’t necessarily better than the other. In fact, oral semaglutide can provide similar clinical outcomes to those of its injectable forms in both weight loss and A1C management for diabetes.
In fact, research suggests that taking a patient’s preferences into account in treatment can lead to better medication adherence and overall outcomes.
Some considerations include how you prefer to take your medications. Oral GLP-1s tend to be easier to use because you don’t need to use a needle, and they may make GLP-1 treatment more accessible for people who need it. However, injectable GLP-1s are only taken once per week, so they may fit into a busy schedule better.
Medical perspective
What lifestyle considerations should I think about when choosing between an injectable or oral GLP-1?
“You should think about which option best fits your daily routine and which one you are most likely to stick with long term. A once-weekly injection may be easier for some people because it does not require the strict fasting instructions that come with a daily oral medication, while others may prefer a pill over giving themselves injections.”
Can I switch to a new GLP-1?
If you’d like to switch to a new GLP-1, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional first, as the switch will need to be monitored by a doctor.
The doctor will ask you to wait at least 7 days after your last dose before starting a new GLP-1. This is known as the washout period, and it ensures you aren’t taking too much of the medication at one time. Then, you will start on the recommended starting dose of the new medication.
However, once you restart on a new GLP-1, you might experience the side effects associated with the beginning of GLP-1 treatment, such as nausea and vomiting. These should go away with time.
Your doctor will continue monitoring your progress throughout the switch. If you have type 2 diabetes, you’ll need to monitor your glucose levels more frequently during the first 2 weeks of the switch.
Learn more about switching from an injectable to an oral GLP-1.
Online care for GLP-1s
If a doctor has prescribed a GLP-1, it’s important to take the medication as directed for as long as your doctor recommends. However, some people might face barriers to accessing these drugs, including high costs and access to healthcare appointments.
Online care may make getting treatment easier. With Optum Perks Online Care, for example, you can get a refill of a weight loss prescription or get help with an existing prescription.
With this service, you can submit an online form answering a few questions about your condition, and a licensed healthcare professional will respond soon after — without the need to make an in-person appointment.
Summary
GLP-1 medications are available in both oral and injectable forms. Think about your own routine, lifestyle, and preferences when deciding which is right for you. A healthcare professional can also help you make this decision.
What’s more, if you find a specific drug isn’t working for you, you can always switch to a new one — as long as you have the supervision of a healthcare professional.
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