Semaglutide in Dallas, Frisco/Little Elm, TX
Semaglutide is a weight loss medication that exists in two forms: the oral and the injectable semaglutide. The oral semaglutide is a form of semaglutide administered as an oral pill.
On the other hand, semaglutide injection is the form of liquid and can be injected subcutaneously (i.e. under the skin and into the fatty layer of tissue). Recommended Semaglutide injection sites include the stomach, upper arm, or thighs. You should alternate within these sites each time you’re administering the medication.
While administering oral medication is often a straightforward procedure, there are still many guidelines you’re expected to follow when taking semaglutide orally. However, the semaglutide injection is a much more low-maintenance way to administer the medication.
In addition, the oral form is absorbed differently in the body, which is why many people lean towards semaglutide injection. Those who don’t like needles may prefer oral semaglutide. Both oral and injection semaglutide require patient compliance, as you are responsible for the dose administration of the medication.
Effectiveness of Oral Semaglutide vs. Injection Semaglutide
Oral semaglutide is as effective for weight loss just as much as semaglutide injection is. The significant difference between the two methods of administering semaglutide is how the medication enters your body system. There have been claims that oral semaglutide isn’t so effective.
However, studies have shown that oral semaglutide is not inferior to semaglutide injection. The two forms of semaglutide function more or less the same. Your choice will ultimately depend on individual preference.
If remembering to take your oral semaglutide daily doesn’t seem feasible, then the injection is the best option for you. If you have a strong aversion to needles, then the oral option may be a more suitable option for you.
Once-Daily Oral Semaglutide Versus Injectable GLP-1 RAs in People with Type 2 Diabetes
Once daily oral semaglutide is a perfect option for people with Type 2 diabetes. However, it previously wasn’t an option because most GLP-1 RAs were injectables until recently when oral semaglutide became popular.
This oral medication is the most suitable option for individuals who have a phobia for needles or can’t administer the medication subcutaneously themselves without the help of a caregiver.
Injectable GLP-1 RAs have been the most popular choice of treatment for people with Type 2 diabetes for an extended period administered weekly, unlike the oral Semaglutide that must be taken daily. Semaglutide injection doesn’t pass through the gastrointestinal system and it goes directly into the bloodstream.
Body Weight Reductions With Oral Semaglutide Vs Injection Semaglutide
Oral and injection semaglutide can be used effectively for weight loss in non-diabetic and diabetic patients. Studies have revealed that oral semaglutide is a promising weight loss treatment option.
Loss of body weight with semaglutide in individuals with type 2 diabetes helps with glycemic control but also helps improve physical fitness and minimize the risk of certain cardiovascular diseases. The FDA approves semaglutide injection for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy.
Types of Semaglutide Formulations in Little Elm, TX
There are two major semaglutide formulations. There’s the semaglutide injection, usually in the form of an Ozempic injection, which is approved for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and the Wegovy injection, which is used for individuals over the age of 12 years with obesity or adults that are overweight.
It’s also a good option for people suffering from weight-related medical problems.
Besides the semaglutide injection formulation, there’s also the oral type in the form of Rybelsus tablet, which is approved to lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Pros and Cons Of Oral and Injection Semaglutide
Pros of oral semaglutide
- Oral tablets do not require needles, making them more convenient for individuals who dislike injections.
- They are taken once a day and are effective for weight loss.
- It’s not associated with the typical side effects of injections, such as pain at the injection site.
Cons of oral semaglutide
- Oral semaglutide may cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
- Oral semaglutide must be taken on an empty stomach in the morning and may require some adjustment to one’s routine.
Pros of Semaglutide injection
- It requires low maintenance and is not associated with strict guidelines.
- Semaglutide injections are typically taken once a week, making it more convenient for busy people.
Cons of Semaglutide injection
- Requires the use of needles.
- Associated with side effects at the injection site.
Oral Semaglutide for Weight Loss In Nondiabetics
An oral formulation of semaglutide significantly reduces body weight in non-diabetic patients. The oral semaglutide marketed as Ozempic, a 0.5-mg or 1.0-mg subcutaneous dose of semaglutide, is indicated to control blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes patients and minimize the risk of cardiovascular diseases in diabetic patients and people who suffer from cardiovascular disorders.
Oral semaglutide is marketed as Wegovy, a 2.4-mg subcutaneous dose approved for chronic weight management in overweight or obese adults with or without at least one cardiometabolic disease. According to studies, oral semaglutide offers a significant weight loss effect on non-diabetics up to the point that certain professionals think it will eliminate the need for bariatric surgery in the coming years.
Semaglutide Oral Vs. Injection Dose in Little Elm, TX
Oral semaglutide tablets are to be taken once a day. It’s recommended to be taken immediately when you wake up, at least a half hour before eating or consuming other medications, and with only a tiny amount of water.
If you take other drugs in the morning that require an empty stomach, you should discuss that with your physician.
Semaglutide injections are generally administered once a week on the same day, with doses being increased after four weeks, as your provider recommends.
If you miss a dose of semaglutide injection, you should inject the missed dose as soon as you remember if it’s been less than five days. If it’s more than five days, you should just continue with your regular dosing schedule. Avoid giving yourself an extra dose or double dose for the missed shot.
Transitioning Between Injectable and Oral Semaglutide
You can switch from semaglutide injectable to oral semaglutide with the approval and guidance of your healthcare team.
If you’re administering subcutaneous semaglutide 0.5 mg once weekly and you want to switch to once-daily oral semaglutide, you can start with a 7-mg or 14-mg dose up to 1–7 days after your last injection. It can also be the other way around; you can transition from oral semaglutide to injection.
Why is Subcutaneous or Semaglutide Injection Preferred Over Oral?
Subcutaneous Semaglutide injection is still preferred over oral semaglutide even though they both have similar effectiveness. Oral semaglutide is used as an alternative only for type 2 diabetes patients who are unable to tolerate injections, have needle phobia, and are unable to self-administer without the support of a caregiver.
The preference for the semaglutide injection over oral pills is because it’s convenient and of low maintenance. There is no long list of guidelines to follow, unlike when taking oral semaglutide, where there are a lot of instructions to follow. Also, you don’t need a daily reminder with semaglutide injection as it’s to be administered once a week.
How is the efficacy of oral vs. Injectable semaglutide compared to long-term use?
The efficacy of oral semaglutide in long-term use doesn’t diminish. It progressively helps with weight loss in obese and overweight patients.
The efficacy of the injectable formulation is similar to that of the pill. Opt for the formulation that suits your needs and preferences. Oral semaglutide shouldn’t be seen as less effective than injectable semaglutide.
They are both effective and can be used to maintain a healthy weight long-term.
FAQ
Can you lose weight with semaglutide pills?
Yes, you can lose weight with semaglutide pills. To get the best results with semaglutide pills for weight loss, it should be combined with an exercise and diet program.
Can you switch from oral to injectable semaglutide?
Yes, you can switch from oral to semaglutide injection. But this can only be done after completing your last oral semaglutide dose and should be with the approval and guidance of your doctor.
Which is better: oral or injectable semaglutide?
When comparing oral and injectable semaglutide, one isn’t better than the other per se. Both oral and injectable semaglutide are effective for weight loss. Both forms of semaglutide have advantages and downsides, and by working with a professional, you will be able to determine the best one for you.
What happens if you miss two weeks of semaglutide?
If you miss two weeks of semaglutide injection, it’s highly recommended to contact your physician on how to restart the treatment. It is advised to avoid missing your scheduled dose.
