Semaglutide comes in two ways: Semaglutide Pills Vs Injection. They both contain the same medicine; the difference is how they are administered to the human body. The shot is injected with a pen, and the pill is taken orally. Both are beneficial in reducing body weight and blood glucose in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Your doctor will consider your preferences and insurance to determine which is most effective for you. If pills are difficult to swallow, then the shot might be easier. Shots may also be better for some stomach problems. Alternatively, some patients have a problem with needles, and shots are all a nuisance to them. They may choose this because it is convenient to take a pill every day.
What Is Semaglutide And What Does It Do?
Semaglutide is a medication that acts like a natural body messenger called GLP-1. This messenger helps control sugar levels in your blood and weight. Your intestines make GLP-1 after you eat. It does three things: it tells your brain you’re full, helps your body release insulin for sugar control, and slows down how fast your body absorbs food.
Semaglutide works the same way but lasts much longer in your body than GLP-1. Normally, medications like Semaglutide would need a shot because they wouldn’t survive going through your stomach. But scientists have made a special pill called Semaglutide that can reach your body and work properly.
Does the Semaglutide Pill Work as Well as the Injectable Version?
Both the shot and pill forms of Semaglutide seem to help with weight loss, but there haven’t been studies directly comparing them. Here’s a look at what different studies found about each kind:
Semaglutide Shot (Ozempic):
Studies called SUSTAIN showed weekly low-dose Semaglutide shots (0.5-1.0 mg) helped people lose more weight than pretend medicine and other diabetes medications. More people lose a good amount of weight (over 5%), which is helpful for your heart.
Semaglutide Pill (Rybelsus):
Studies called PIONEER showed taking a daily Semaglutide pill (14 mg) helped people lose weight about the same as another diabetes medicine (empagliflozin) but better than older GLP-1 drugs and other diabetes medications used in the study.
High-Dose Semaglutide Shot (Wegovy):
Studies called STEP looked at high-dose Semaglutide shots (2.4 mg) for people who had trouble losing weight, with or without diabetes. People who got the shot lost much more weight than those who got pretend medicine.
Latest on Semaglutide Pill:
A study called OASIS (May 2023) showed that taking a daily Semaglutide pill (50 mg) helped people lose 15.1% of their weight, which was more than pretend medicine and was similar to the Semaglutide shot.
What Dose is Right and What’s Easier to Take: Semaglutide Pills Vs Injection?
The amount of Semaglutide you need depends on whether you get the shot or the pill. The shot usually starts with a low dose (0.5-1.0 mg) once a week, and the doctor can slowly increase it if needed. This might be a better option if you have trouble swallowing pills or have stomach problems. The pill comes in a daily dose (14mg or 50mg, depending on the type) and is easier to take for people who don’t like needles or shots.
What Are The Main Differences Between Semaglutide Pills Vs Injection
Dosing and Administration:
The shot usually starts with a low amount (half to one milligram) given once a week. The doctor can slowly increase this amount over time if needed. You use a pen to give yourself the shot under the skin, usually in your belly, thigh, or upper arm. The pill comes in a daily dose (either 14 milligrams or 50 milligrams, depending on the type). You swallow the pill whole with water on an empty stomach, typically first thing in the morning. Don’t eat or drink anything other than water for at least 30 minutes after taking the pill.
Absorption and Onset of Action:
The shot puts the Semaglutide right into your bloodstream and starts working quickly. You might feel the effects on your blood sugar and appetite within hours of getting the shot. However, the pill needs to travel through your digestive system first before it gets into your bloodstream, which takes longer, so it may take a few days or even weeks to feel the full effects of the medication.
Convenience and Needle Discomfort:
Some people don’t like needles or find shots inconvenient. The pill is easier to use because you swallow it with water. There’s no need for shots or needles. However, shots allow for more precise dosing compared to pills, which can be helpful for some people.
Side Effects:
Both the shot and pill can cause side effects, but the most common ones are stomach problems. These may include nausea, throwing up, diarrhea, belly pain, constipation, and feeling bloated. In most cases, these side effects are mild and go away over time as your body gets used to the medication. Studies suggest that the pill might cause more frequent stomach problems compared to the shot. This is because the pill needs to pass through your digestive system, which can irritate the stomach and intestines in some people.
Suitability for Certain Conditions:
The shot might be better if you have specific stomach problems that affect how your body absorbs medications. Since the shot bypasses the digestive system, the medication goes straight into your bloodstream. The pill may not be suitable for people with swallowing difficulties. Additionally, some health conditions may affect how well your body absorbs medication from the digestive tract, making the shot a more reliable option.
Insurance Coverage and Cost:
Insurance coverage for Semaglutide can vary depending on your specific plan. Check with your insurance company for details on the coverage of the shot and pill. The cost of Semaglutide can also vary depending on the dosage, the pharmacy you use, and your insurance coverage. The shot and pill can be expensive, so comparing costs and insurance coverage is essential before starting treatment.
Conclusion
Both Semglutide Pills And Injection help adults with type 2 diabetes control blood sugar and lose weight. While they have the same medicine, they differ in how you take them. The shot works faster because it enters the bloodstream directly. The pill is easier to use as you swallow it with water. However, the pill might cause more tummy troubles than the shot. To decide which semaglutide is best for you, talk to your doctor about your needs and preferences.
