Key takeaways
- Oral glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist medications like Foundayo, Wegovy, Rybelsus, and Ozempic can provide similar clinical outcomes to injectable forms for weight management and type 2 diabetes.
- To switch from an injectable to an oral GLP-1, talk with a healthcare professional who will guide you through a 7-day washout period after your last injection before starting the oral form.
- You may experience side effects like nausea and vomiting when restarting on an oral GLP-1, and your doctor will monitor your progress, including blood sugar levels if you have type 2 diabetes.
Overview
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) like Ozempic and Wegovy are becoming increasingly common for their uses in diabetes and weight management. The majority of these medications are only available as injectable drugs, but oral forms are becoming more common.
Some people may prefer oral GLP-1s because they may be more convenient or comfortable. If you’re already taking an injectable GLP-1, it is possible to switch to the oral form under the supervision and guidance of a doctor.
Need a diagnosis or prescription quickly? Optum Perks offers personalized on-demand care in as little as 15 minutes. For $29, answer a few questions online and receive a diagnosis and treatment plan from a US-licensed healthcare professional. Get started here.
Oral vs. injectable GLP-1s
For many people, the choice between an oral and an injectable GLP-1 comes down to personal preference, and research suggests that taking a patient’s preferences into account can lead to better medication adherence and overall outcomes.
In fact, oral semaglutide can provide similar clinical outcomes to those of its injectable counterparts in both weight loss and A1C management for diabetes. Oral GLP-1s also 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.
The following table shows the currently available oral GLP-1s.
| Foundayo | Wegovy | Rybelsus | Ozempic | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | orforglipron | semaglutide | semaglutide | semaglutide |
| Approved use | weight management | weight management | type 2 diabetes | type 2 diabetes |
| Administration | once daily | once daily | once daily | once daily |
| Food restrictions | none | take on an empty stomach and wait 30 minutes to eat or drink | take on an empty stomach and wait 30 minutes to eat or drink | take on an empty stomach and wait 30 minutes to eat or drink |
| Maximum dosage | 17.2 mg | 25 mg | 14 mg | 9 mg |
| Side effects | gastrointestinal effects early in treatment | gastrointestinal effects early in treatment | gastrointestinal effects early in treatment | gastrointestinal effects early in treatment |
How to switch to an oral GLP-1
If you’d like to switch to an oral GLP-1, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional first. You can’t simply stop taking one drug and start another — the switch will need to be monitored by a doctor.
Typically, the doctor will ask you to wait at least 7 days after your last injection before starting a pill form, although it may be longer if you were on a high dose. This is known as the washout period, and it ensures you aren’t taking too much of the medication at one time.
Then, a doctor will use the recommended starting dose of the new medication. This may be higher than the recommended minimum dosage for the drug because your body is already used to a higher dose.
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 14 days of the switch.
If weight loss stalls after the switch, it may be because your body isn’t absorbing the oral dose efficiently, so you may discuss a dose escalation with your provider after 30 days.
Free prescription coupons
Seriously … free. Explore prices that beat the competition 70% of the time.
Get free cardTransition checklist
The following steps can help you make a successful transition to oral GLP-1s.
- Step 1: Speak with your doctor about switching to an oral GLP-1. The doctor will help you decide which one is right for you based on the condition you want to treat.
- Step 2: The doctor will give you a prescription for the dose they’ve calculated for the oral GLP-1. Try to fill this around 2 weeks before your injection runs out.
- Step 3: Take your final injection as scheduled.
- Step 4: Wait 7 days. Do not take another injection or start taking your pills.
- Step 5: Take the first oral dose according to the prescribing instructions. For some forms, this may mean taking the drug on an empty stomach in the morning.
- Step 6: Monitor your blood sugar levels or your weight to ensure the medication is working as intended.
- Step 7: Check in with a doctor as needed about dose escalations or side effects.
Pro tip: Consider screenshotting this list to keep handy throughout the transition period.
Summary
Oral GLP-1s are becoming more and more popular for their convenience and ease of use. There are 4 currently available, only available as brand-name drugs: Foundayo, Wegovy, Rybelsus, and Ozempic.
If you’re already taking an injectable GLP-1, it is possible to switch to an oral medication with the supervision of a healthcare professional. Speak with a doctor if you think an oral GLP-1 might be right for you.
Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.