All about oral GLP-1 medication for weight loss

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

They can be a lower-stress option

Interested in using a GLP-1 as part of your weight management plan 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 involved in appetite regulation and digestion. The first FDA-approved oral GLP-1 medication as part of weight management care 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 delivery method allows medication to go directly into the body, rather than through the digestive system. 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 medication. Some oral medications have specific administration requirements related to timing of food.

They also follow a titration schedule

Use of both injectable and oral GLP-1 medications typically begins at a lower dose to help the body adjust. The dose is adjusted over time under medical supervision. This schedule is designed to help minimize 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 specific 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)

• Oral semaglutide has specific administration requirements related to timing, food and other medications. The details may vary and should be reviewed with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Foundayo (orforglipron)

• Orforglipron is taken once daily. Administration instructions, including what to do if a dose is missed, should be followed exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.