Which Is Better: Semaglutide Tablets or Injections?

A Comprehensive Comparison

Over the years, quite a hype has been created by semaglutide, beginning from its ideal treatment application for type 2 diabetes to aiding in weight loss in recent years. Nonetheless, Semaglutide is accessible in both tablet and injection forms, implying that it can be delivered in different ways to most of its patients. More questions though still arise from patients nowadays, “Is it better: semaglutide tablets or injections?

In this comprehensive article, we will discuss the pros and cons of semaglutide tablets compared to injections for weight loss, the efficacy, dose, side effects, and cost of semaglutide – and answer queries like oral semaglutide for the management of weight in non-diabetics, how switchable forms are between each other, and which semaglutide option is likely best for you.

Understanding Semaglutide

What Is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, modeling the activity of a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1. It affects the control of blood sugar; it enhances a sense of fullness and slows gastric emptying, so it controls the diet through which individuals can manage their eating and maintain control of body weight.

Originally approved for the management of type 2 diabetes, semaglutide has proven to be a very effective agent for weight loss as well. In the management of type 2 diabetes, semaglutide is sold under the brand name Ozempic. For the treatment of weight loss, semaglutide injections are sold under the brand name Wegovy and semaglutide is sold under the brand name Rybelsus as an oral version.

Semaglutide Tablets vs. Injection for Weight Loss

Semaglutide is taken either orally or by injection for weight loss purposes. However, their effectiveness is different in terms of dosage, administration, and costs. Semaglutide tablets vs. injection weight loss: Comparison

1. Effectiveness

Oral Semaglutide vs. Injection for Weight Loss: Injectable (Wegovy/Ozempic) is, on average, better. In most clinical studies, patients who were given injections of semaglutide lost more weight than patients who received oral semaglutide.

• Injectable Semaglutide: Average number of patients who lost 15-20% of their total body weight within 68 weeks during the therapy with injection of Wegovy/semaglutide for weight loss.
• Oral Semaglutide: The oral version (Rybelsus) is less effective in terms of weight loss; the patients lose about 10% of their body weight over the same duration.

2. Dosage

Semaglutide tablet dosage and injection dosage are quite different

• Oral Semaglutide (Rybelsus): The standard dose is 3 mg taken orally once daily, increased according to the patient’s response with either 7 mg or 14 mg once daily; this version needs to be taken at least on an empty stomach with water, and the patient will need to wait at least half an hour before starting food or drink anything else.
• Injectable Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy): The dosage of injection initiates at 0.25 mg once a week and advances to a maintenance injection dose of 1 mg or 2.4 mg per week for weight loss.

3. Administration

The process of administration is one of the major differences between the two formulations of semaglutide.

• Oral Semaglutide: This is a tablet that is taken daily – this drug is not invasive but needs to be taken on an empty stomach and has to stick to the time very strongly, which is to say 30 minutes after that individual starts eating.
• Injectable Semaglutide: The injection is given once a week through the patient or healthcare provider. This is a long-acting effect, of course: once in some cases, reducing it to one pill per day, but the administration process can be fairly complex, especially for those who are needle-phobic.

4. Comparison of Cost

The price of the drug Semaglutide between a tablet versus injections can be pretty different according to several locations, insurance, and brand.

• Semaglutide Tablets (Rybelsus): This drug is sold between $800 and $900 according to the pharmacy and coverage with insurance. It is therefore a variable price depending on the final pharmacy cost and the insurance coverage.
• Injectable Semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic): Injectible semaglutide generally falls in a higher range compared to its counterpart with its price estimated to be between $1,200 and $1,500 per month if one has no insurance coverage. However, for diabetes or weight management, some of its costs can be covered by insurance.

Side Effects

Oral and injectable semaglutide have the same side effects but vary in degree based on formulation and strength.

Common side effects of Semaglutide tablets

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain

Common Side effects of Semaglutide injection

• Nausea
• Gastrointestinal discomfort
• Pain and swelling or redness at the injection site

The side effects of injectable semaglutide are milder given that the rate of release of the drug is slower compared to the oral form.

Long-Term Benefits: Tablets vs. Injections

Both oral and injectable semaglutide provide long-term benefits when used consistently and correctly. However, their effectiveness and durability differ slightly.

1. Weight Loss Maintenance

• Injectable semaglutide: Typically demonstrates a higher long-term response regarding weight loss. Clinical studies have proven that patients on Wegovy or injections of semaglutide retained weight loss much more effectively than those taking oral semaglutide (Rybelsus).
• Injectable Semaglutide: Injections have been found to result in greater overall weight loss and better maintenance of that weight loss due to the sustained and potent delivery of the drug over time. Patients who adhere strictly to a weekly injection can have long-term benefits regarding the reduction of body weight and metabolic markers.
• Oral Semaglutide: Although oral semaglutide remains effective for weight loss, other studies indicate that patients will only see a lower percentage of weight loss compared to the injectable version. However, for those who like taking pills, oral semaglutide can indeed still be an important long-term option, especially when combined with lifestyle adjustments.

2. Metabolic Health Improvement

Both types of semaglutide strengthen the metabolic markers, which include blood pressure, cholesterol level, and regulation of blood sugar.

• Injectable Semaglutide is more potent as it reduces the sugar levels in the blood of type 2 diabetes patients. This is major because higher doses are achievable through injection than any other process.
• Subcutaneous, Oral Semaglutide will maintain the balance of sugar in blood though additional medication may be required as a backup to manage severe diabetes or to overcome very strict sugar control.

3. Long-Term Feasibility

Probably one of the most vital aspects of long-term weight loss and management of diabetes is treatment adherence. Injectable semaglutide is much more sustainable for most patients, especially where several may prefer a once-weekly dose more than a daily pill. Injections with higher efficacy and longer-acting are more fit for longer-term use both for diabetic and non-diabetic patients.

Safety Profile: Semaglutide Tablets vs. Injections

Even though both injectable and oral semaglutide have been proven safe and effective with a doctor’s supervision, they do bear some differences in the sense of their safety profiles.

General Side Effects Common for Both Forms:

• Nausea: The most significant effect for both forms of semaglutide is nausea, which can be experienced especially in the first weeks your body is getting used to the treatment.
• Vomiting and Diarrhea: Gastrointestinal upset is normal but usually subsides after several weeks.
• Constipation: A few patients can have constipation, especially with the oral formulation.

Injection Specific Side Effects:

• Injection Site Reactions: Some of them may be exposed to mild pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site. Still, symptoms are usually temporary and controllable.

Specific Side Effects of Oral Formulation:

• Gastrointestinal Problems: Oral semaglutide is likely to produce slightly more gastrointestinal side effects compared to injectables. This may be due to the once-daily dosing schedule and mechanism of absorption through the digestive tract.
• Drug Bioavailability: The bioavailability of oral semaglutide might be variable since any orally administered drug is supposed to be taken with water on an empty stomach 30 minutes before food and liquid.

Both forms of semaglutide are considered suitable for long-term use, but like any drug, each must be observed by a patient’s healthcare professional on an ongoing basis for signs of adverse effects over time.

Practical Tips for Incorporating Semaglutide Into Your Routine

Whether you take it in the form of oral or injectable semaglutide, here are some tips for incorporating this pill into your daily schedule so that you can maximize the benefits it can give you for now and for a long time:

1. Set Reminders

If you’re on oral semaglutide, set a daily reminder that you have to take it initially the first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, which will ensure that you adhere to the recommended 30-minute window before eating or injectable semaglutide, a weekly reminder on the phone or calendar will assure you do not miss a dose.

2. Meal Planning

Plan your meals with the timing of medications for no break in this plan, especially for the oral variant since it requires one to fast both before and after taking the pill.

3. Hydrate

Rarely, do patients experience gastrointestinal side effects from semaglutide. Hydration can alleviate symptoms of constipation or nausea.

4. Monitor Progress

Monitor your weight loss, blood sugar reduction, and side effects. These numbers may be reviewed at follow-up visits with your provider to determine whether a switch between oral and injectable preparations may be warranted.

5. Exercise Frequently

Often, semaglutide should be used together with exercise. For further weight loss as well as improvements in general health, this could be at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise, with a balance between aerobic and strength training activities.

Final Thoughts: Which Is Better, Semaglutide Tablets or Injections?

• Injectable semaglutide is generally more effective for weight loss and controlling blood sugar, especially for non-diabetic individuals aiming for significant weight reduction. It requires less frequent administration, making it a good option for those who prefer not to take a daily pill.
• Oral semaglutide offers convenience for those who prefer not to use injections but requires more discipline due to its daily dosing and fasting requirements. It is also a good option for individuals with mild to moderate weight loss goals or for those who are hesitant about injections.
  

Oral Semaglutide for Weight Loss in Non-Diabetics

Although to be sure, semaglutide is a relatively very common drug for type 2 diabetes, growing use in non-diabetic patients requiring weight loss has become increasingly more common and even prevalent given the efficacy of its body weight-reducing ability. The oral form, known as Rybelsus, and the injectable form known as Wegovy are both FDA-approved for their use in nondiabetic patients requiring or planning on losing weight.

However, studies have indicated that the subcutaneously administered version is more potent for obese non-diabetic patients than the other, most probably due to the higher dose and sustained release of the drug. However, some may take oral semaglutide owing to the ease of administration route and acceptability, although less effective in terms of weight reduction.

Switch from Semaglutide Injectables to Tablets

A frequent question is, “Is a changeover from injectable to oral semaglutide possible?” Yes, possible, and needs proper medical attention. Patients can change their preferences for tablets over injections, or vice versa, depending on their preferences, lifestyle, or tolerance for side effects.

If change is made,

• Switching from injections to tablets would require the initial oral dose to start at a lower level and subsequently titrate to achieve tolerability.
• Transitions from tablets are typically begun at a low injection dose of 0.25 mg/week and that will rise on their own.

Be sure to discuss with your physician before switching to ensure proper dosing and watch for any side effects.

FAQs About Semaglutide Tablets vs. Injections

1. Is Oral or Injectable Semaglutide Better?

Injectable semaglutide (Wegovy or Ozempic) tends to be more effective for weight loss compared to the oral version (Rybelsus), especially for non-diabetics. However, oral semaglutide is more convenient for individuals who prefer a non-invasive option.

2. Which Semaglutide Is Most Effective?

For weight loss, Wegovy (injectable) is considered the most effective form of semaglutide. It is administered weekly and can lead to greater weight loss compared to oral semaglutide.

3. How Much Do Semaglutide Tablets Cost Compared to Injections?

Semaglutide tablets (Rybelsus) typically cost between $800 and $900 per month without insurance, while injectable semaglutide (Wegovy or Ozempic) can cost between $1,200 and $1,500 per month.

4. Can You Switch from Injectable to Oral Semaglutide?

Yes, it is possible to switch between injectable and oral semaglutide, but it should be done under medical supervision. The dosage may need to be adjusted to ensure the medication’s effectiveness and tolerability.

Conclusion

Semaglutide tablets vs. injections are to be compared when it is concerned with weight loss. The injectable semaglutide is efficient for weight loss, most with non-diabetic patients. It has to be administered once a week. Oral semaglutide, on the other hand, is for people who would prefer an everyday tablet over an injection. Thus, oral semaglutide comes as a bit less potent in comparison with the injectable version.

Both types of semaglutide have their advantages, and it depends on personal preferences, lifestyle, as well as the doctor’s recommendation, so it is best to consult a doctor if you will be taking this drug for a weight loss program or diabetes management.

References

1. Meier, J. J. (2021). Efficacy of Semaglutide in a Subcutaneous and an Oral Formulation. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2021.645617
2. Chubb, B., Gupta, P., Gupta, J., Nuhoho, S., Kallenbach, K., & Orme, M. (2021). Once-Daily Oral Semaglutide Versus Injectable GLP-1 RAs in People with Type 2 Diabetes Inadequately Controlled on Basal Insulin: Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis. Diabetes Therapy, 12(5), 1325–1339. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13300-021-01034-w
3. Hughes, S., & Neumiller, J. J. (2020). Oral Semaglutide. Clinical Diabetes, 38(1), 109–111. https://doi.org/10.2337/cd19-0079

Post by:

 Dr.Marcella Jiovanni

Health and Beauty Expert

“Marcella Jiovanni actively promotes the importance of maintaining healthy skin, she envisions the future of dermatology as moving away from pure medical, pharmacological dermatology and flowing more toward a holistic approach to wellness and skincare.”