What are Semaglutide Oral Drops?

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Semaglutide is now available in the form of oral drops (also called an oral suspension).

These drops are placed under the tongue and absorbed through the salivary glands.

While injections are typically considered the most effective delivery system, Semaglutide oral drops can be helpful for patients who wish to avoid self-injecting or have other issues with injectable Semaglutide.

Dosing for Semaglutide Oral Drops

Like injectable Semaglutide, the oral drops have to be titrated, or started at a lower dose and increased over time.

A typical titration schedule would be:

Start with 0.25mL of the suspension placed under the tongue daily for 30 days.
After that, increase to 0.5mL of the suspension placed under the tongue daily for 30 days.
Then increase to 0.75mL placed under the tongue daily as the final dosage level.

The maximum dosage for Semaglutide oral drops is 0.75mL.

There is a dropper in the bottle that measures up to one mL for simple administration.

Are Semaglutide Oral Drops Right for Me?

Whether this medication is suitable for you depends on a number of factors.

Comfort with Injections

If you are uncomfortable with weekly injections or have a fear of needles, this may be a helpful alternative for you.

Because these oral drops are placed under the tongue, there is no need to inject the Semaglutide.

Availability

Injectable Semaglutide is a popular and in-demand medication. it’s used for a variety of conditions, from diabetes and blood sugar management to obesity.

Sometimes the injectable medication is not available, which makes oral drops a good alternative option.

State Regulations

Since injectable Semaglutide is a relatively new medication, state regulations differ on prescribing and shipping it. In those cases, Semaglutide oral drops may be available when other Semaglutide options are not.

Poor Response to Injections

Some patients who try Semaglutide have adverse reactions, like injection site pain or more severe side effects. If you’re sensitive to injectable Semaglutide, the oral drops may work better for you.

Because it’s a different delivery system, patients may experience less nausea and fewer adverse effects.

Other Forms of Semaglutide

Semaglutide is also available as an injection and in the form of sublingual tablets.

Semaglutide Injections

Injections are the most common and widely used form of Semaglutide.

Injectable Semaglutide is delivered via subcutaneous injections into the fatty layer of the skin. This method of injection is less painful than intramuscular injections, and many patients find they can confidently inject Semaglutide.

As with other forms, injectable Semaglutide is titrated, or started at a lower dose and increased over time. This helps the body adjust to the medication and minimize side effects.

The maximum dose for injectable Semaglutide is typically 2mg.

A typical titration schedule may look like:

Start with a 0.25mg subcutaneous injection weekly for 4 weeks.
After that, increase to a 0.5mg subcutaneous injection weekly.
Patients may continue to increase to 1mg weekly for at least 4 weeks, and then may increase to 2mg weekly for at least 4 weeks.

Semaglutide injections are delivered with a small insulin needle. Learn more how to read an insulin syringe.

Semaglutide Sublingual Tablets

These tablets are grape flavored and placed under the tongue. From there, the medication absorbs into the bloodstream via the salivary gland.

Semaglutide sublingual tablets are similar to the oral drops, but may be preferable for some patients based on personal comfort.

The maximum dose for these tablets is 1,000mcg. Like other forms of Semaglutide, these tablets must be titrated, or started at a lower dose and increased over time.

A typical titration schedule for Semaglutide sublingual tablets may be:

Start with 250mcg daily for 30 days.
After that, increase to 500mcg daily for 30 days.
Then increase to 1,000mcg daily as the final dosage level.

Other GLP-1 Agonists Medications

Semaglutide is in a class of medications called GLP-1 agonists. This means the medications mimic the effects of Glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1.

GLP-1 is responsible for:

Stimulating insulin production, which pulls sugar from the blood and carries it to the cells to be used as energy
Regulating the appetite and hunger signals
Decreasing the release of glucagon to lower blood sugar
Controlling the rate at which the stomach empties after eating

Medications like Semaglutide perform the same functions as GLP-1 . These methods of action make them useful for blood sugar regulation, weight loss, and more.

In addition to Semaglutide, there are other GLP-1 agonists that work in a similar way.

Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide combines two hormone actions, GLP-1 and GIP, to help regulate blood sugar and support weight management.

In addition to being a GLP-1 agonist, Tirzepatide also mimics the effects of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). This hormone is responsible for secreting insulin, as well, usually in response to consuming fats and carbohydrates.

This dual-action approach makes Tirzepatide effective for improving blood sugar control and supporting weight reduction.

Like Semaglutide, Tirzepatide is available as a weekly subcutaneous injection.

Learn more about Tirzepatide.

Liraglutide

Like Tirzepatide and Semaglutide, Liraglutide is a GLP-1 agonist that triggers the release of insulin. It also helps to reduce appetite and curb hunger cravings.

Unlike similar medications, Liraglutide is a daily injection rather than weekly one.

This may be inconvenient for some patients. However, daily injections do offer more control over Liraglutide’s effects, and it can be a successful short-term weight loss option.

Learn more about Liraglutide.

Semaglutide Oral Drops with Defy Medical

Through Defy Medical’s weight loss program, you can access Semaglutide oral drops and other similar medications (as appropriate for the patient).

Defy Medical provides personalized, provider-guided weight loss and management plans designed to help you achieve your goals. We inspire our patients to prioritize overall wellness, transforming body composition and embracing a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.

Ready to learn more?

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What are Semaglutide Oral Drops?

Semaglutide is now available in the form of oral drops (also called an oral suspension).

Dosing for Semaglutide Oral Drops