All about oral GLP-1 medication for weight loss

When GLP-1 medications were first approved by the FDA for weight loss, they were available only in injectable form. Now, oral GLP-1 medications—ones you take by mouth—are also becoming available for weight loss. Here’s what you need to know about the approved oral GLP-1 pills:

They can be a lower-stress option

Interested in the weight-loss benefits of a GLP-1 but don’t like the idea of self-injection? Oral GLP-1 medications provide a needle-free option. This may feel more doable for people who are intimidated by needles.

The medication is the same

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists are the main ingredients in both GLP-1 injections and oral medications. GLP-1s are a drug class that mimics a natural hormone to improve blood sugar, slow digestion and increase satiety. The first FDA-approved oral GLP-1 medication for weight loss was Wegovy (oral semaglutide), which also has an injectable version. The second FDA-approved oral GLP-1 medication called Foundayo (orforglipron) does not have an injectable version. Pharmaceutical companies are currently exploring both new and existing GLP-1 medications as oral options.

They are absorbed differently

Injected medication is delivered under the skin, with a high percentage of it entering your bloodstream. This is a very reliable way of delivering a consistent dose. When you take an oral medication, it passes through your digestive system before it is absorbed into the bloodstream. A smaller percentage of the oral medication may reach your bloodstream compared with injected. Depending on the medication, there may be strict rules about how and when to take it to improve its effectiveness.

They also follow a titration schedule

Treatment with both injectable and oral GLP-1 medications begin at a lower dose to help the body adjust. The dose is increased at regular intervals. This schedule is designed to help minimize any potential side effects like gastrointestinal problems. The schedules for both injectable and oral medications must be monitored by a healthcare provider.

They don't require refrigeration While injectable products often recommend refrigeration, oral GLP-1s are stable at room temperature. This means that you don’t need to make room for them in your refrigerator, and they’re easy to travel with.

They may not be compatible with a hectic lifestyle

GLP-1 shots are most commonly taken once a week. Currently, GLP-1 pills must be taken daily. They may also have strict requirements when it comes to timing. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether an oral GLP-1 might work for your life.

Oral GLP-1 pills are not all the same. Here are some details specific to the oral GLP-1 medications that have been approved by the FDA:

Wegovy (semaglutide)

• Take one tablet daily, first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach. · Swallow tablet whole with no more than 4 ounces of water. Do not split, crush, chew, or dissolve in any solution.
• Do not take with juice, coffee, or any other beverage besides water.
• Wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything else.
• Wait at least 30 minutes before taking other oral medications.
• Missed a dose? Skip today’s dose and start again tomorrow morning.

Foundayo (orforglipron)

• Take exactly as your healthcare provider tells you.
• Take one tablet each day, with or without food.
• Swallow tablets whole. Do not break, crush or chew.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. Do not take two Foundayo doses in one day.