Tirzepatide is a powerful diabetes drug now celebrated for weight loss. But must you submit to weekly shots, or can a needle-free sublingual drop work just as well? We explore how tirzepatide works, compare injections versus Daytryp’s new sublingual troches, and help you decide which option fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re needle-phobic or simply seeking convenience, we’ll cover efficacy, dosing, side effects, and patient preference to guide your choice.
What Is Tirzepatide and How Does It Work?
Tirzepatide (brand names Mounjaro, Zepbound) is a dual-action hormone drug. It mimics two natural gut hormones – GLP-1 and GIP – that regulate insulin and appetite. By stimulating insulin release and signaling fullness, tirzepatide helps people eat less and burn more sugar, leading to significant weight loss. In fact, clinical trials show tirzepatide can help people shed around 15–20% of body weight when combined with diet and exercise. That’s often more than older GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide achieve (A major study found ~50% of participants on tirzepatide lost ~15% of their weight).
All GLP-1 drugs share common side effects – mainly nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea – as the body adjusts. These symptoms usually ease with time. Importantly, tirzepatide injections are FDA-approved for Type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro) and as of late 2023 for obesity (Zepbound). In contrast, oral/sublingual forms of tirzepatide are not FDA-approved; they are compounded medications used off-label in weight-loss clinics and by services like Daytryp.
Traditional Tirzepatide Injections
What it is: The standard form of tirzepatide is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection. Patients self-inject into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm using a small pre-filled pen (much like Ozempic/Wegovy). Typical treatment involves starting at a low dose and gradually increasing under medical supervision.
Effectiveness: Injection trials are impressive: high-dose tirzepatide can lead to 15–20% weight loss. In head-to-head trials with semaglutide, tirzepatide users lost about 12 pounds more on average over ~40 weeks. In general, experts agree tirzepatide is among the most effective weight-loss medications available.
Pros:
- Proven results: Backed by large clinical trials showing substantial weight loss.
- Less frequent dosing: Only one shot per week.
- Dosage flexibility: Physicians can titrate dose (often with B12 and glycine) to maximize effect and minimize side effects.
- Insurance options: FDA approval for weight loss (Zepbound) means insurance may cover it.
Cons:
- Needles and injections: Even with thin needles, many patients dislike self-injecting. Some experience injection-site bruising or discomfort.
- Storage/Prep: Requires proper storage (usually refrigeration) and careful handling.
- Visiting clinic if needed: Though Daytryp’s telehealth makes it at-home, very new patients sometimes prefer in-person instruction.
- Side effects: GLP-1 side effects (nausea, etc.) are the same as with oral forms; starting low and going slow helps.
Injection Overview: According to Mayo Clinic, tirzepatide injections are taken once weekly and can greatly support blood sugar control and weight loss. In practical terms, a patient might inject themselves on the same day each week. For those comfortable with injections or who value the once-weekly routine, this is a solid, time-tested option.
Tirzepatide Oral (Sublingual) Drops – A Needle-Free Alternative
What it is: Daytryp’s Tirzepatide Sublingual Drops are a compounded dose of the same drug, delivered as a dissolvable “troche” you place under the tongue. You typically hold it under your tongue for a minute or so, allowing the medication to absorb through oral tissues. The idea is to bypass needles entirely – a major benefit for the needle-averse.
- Daytryp offers these troches in its [Weight Loss category] (see Oral Tirzepatide Sublingual Drops).
- Patients get a prescription after an online consultation, and the drops ship discreetly to their door.
- Troches are taken once daily or as prescribed, meaning daily dosing instead of weekly.
Effectiveness: Oral tirzepatide is unproven in large studies (no FDA-approved oral version exists yet for weight loss). However, in theory it works the same way as injected tirzepatide – it’s just a different delivery method. For example, oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) was shown to cut body weight by ~15% in a trial, roughly matching weekly injections. If sublingual troches deliver similar blood levels of tirzepatide, patients could expect comparable results.
- Note that the FDA has not evaluated compounded tirzepatide drops for safety/effectiveness. Daytryp addresses this by using U.S.-licensed compounding pharmacies with strict quality controls.
- The only FDA-approved oral GLP-1 is semaglutide (Rybelsus) for diabetes. That pill is taken daily, unlike once-weekly injections, and is not approved for weight loss, though doctors sometimes prescribe it off-label.
Pros:
- Needle-free: Ideal if you have needle anxiety or simply dislike injections. Taking a drop under the tongue is quick and painless.
- Convenience: Troches can be taken at home, at work, or on the go. They don’t require refrigeration (check instructions) and come in discreet packaging.
- Daily habit: Some patients prefer a daily oral routine to weekly shots.
- Accessibility: Daytryp’s telehealth model makes it easy to try: after an online consult, licensed U.S. providers can prescribe the troches, then they arrive via mail.
Cons:
- Daily dosing: You have to remember a daily dose, which can be a challenge for some.
- Variable absorption: While sublingual delivery avoids stomach acids, absorption may still vary person-to-person.
- No FDA approval (off-label use): There are no large studies on oral tirzepatide yet, and insurance is unlikely to cover it. Patients rely on compounding pharmacies (licensed by state boards) to safely prepare each dose.
- Potentially slower effects: Injections release the full dose quickly; sublingual drops might act more gradually.
Comparing Efficacy: Oral vs. Injection

Because both forms use the same active drug, they can be similarly effective in principle. Clinical trials of injectable tirzepatide show dramatic weight loss (on average 15–20% in 68-week trials). Early data on an oral semaglutide show daily dosing can achieve about 15% weight loss (versus 2–3% on placebo), suggesting pill-based GLP-1 therapy can match injections if absorbed properly.
However, no published trials have directly compared sublingual tirzepatide drops to injections. In practice, many experts believe the daily oral route may need a consistently high bioavailability to rival weekly shots. Daytryp’s program addresses this by combining tirzepatide with Vitamin B12 and glycine (which may support metabolism) and carefully managing the dose schedule. In any case, Mayo Clinic confirms that all GLP-1 agonists tend to produce weight loss, and that tirzepatide (and semaglutide) are generally the most potent in trials.
Bottom line: Current evidence favors injections for proven results, but oral troches offer a promising alternative. If the drops deliver adequate drug levels, they should produce similar appetite suppression. Patients considering sublingual treatment should work with a knowledgeable provider to ensure proper dosing and follow-up.
Convenience and Lifestyle: Injection vs. Needle-Free
Your choice may come down to lifestyle and preferences:
- Needle-Phobia/Comfort: If needles make you anxious or you simply can’t tolerate them, oral troches eliminate that hurdle. You can take your dose discreetly anywhere, anytime – no sharps disposal needed.
- Dosing Schedule: Injections are once weekly; troches are daily. Weekly dosing is less frequent but requires tracking one specific day. Daily drops become part of a morning/evening routine.
- Travel and Delivery: A travel-friendly kit of troches can be easily packed. Daytryp ships prescriptions in discreet, unscented packaging directly to your door. They arrive in about 4–5 business days after prescribing.
- Support and Monitoring: Both methods through Daytryp come with virtual support. You’ll have a telehealth consultation with a licensed provider (often board-certified) who guides dosing and tracks your progress. Follow-up is done virtually, with messaging access between visits.
- Side Effects: Both forms carry similar GI side effects (nausea, diarrhea). Injections can also cause injection-site reactions. Some patients find that starting on a lower dose or taking anti-nausea measures helps with either form.
To sum up convenience:
- Injection: Pros – less frequent dosing (once/week), robust study data; Cons – needles, refrigeration/storage, injection site care.
- Oral/Sublingual: Pros – needle-free, portable, discreet, easy to administer; Cons – daily dosing, unproven long-term data, likely out-of-pocket cost.
Daytryp’s Telehealth Advantage
Daytryp makes it easy to try either form. Their model mirrors a full-service weight loss clinic in your pocket. Once you sign up, you get:
- Expert Providers: All consultations and prescriptions come from U.S.-licensed, board-certified physicians or nurse practitioners. They review your health history and tailor the tirzepatide dose for you.
- Compounding Quality: Medications (injection vials or drops) are prepared by state-licensed compounding pharmacies under FDA-quality guidelines. This ensures each dose is potent and sterile.
- Discreet Delivery: If prescribed, your tirzepatide arrives in plain, unmarked packaging, usually within a week. No one will know what’s inside.
- Ongoing Support: You stay connected via secure messaging and follow-ups. If any adjustments are needed (dose changes, side effect management), Daytryp’s team helps you virtually.
- Flexibility: Programs are month-to-month with no long-term contract. You can pause or cancel anytime.
This comprehensive approach gives you peace of mind. As Daytryp puts it, they “arrange a consultation with a qualified healthcare provider,” and if approved, the medication “can be filled at a partner pharmacy” and shipped to you. They also include useful resources (like lifestyle tips) to boost your weight loss success.
Conclusion
Choosing between tirzepatide injections or oral drops comes down to your personal needs and comfort level. Injectable tirzepatide has a track record of exceptional results – but it does mean poking yourself each week. Sublingual drops are a novel, needle-free option that many patients find liberating. Though not FDA-approved specifically for drops, Daytryp’s sublingual troches use the same proven drug in a user-friendly form.
If you dread needles or lead a very busy life, the sublingual route could be a game-changer. On the other hand, if you prefer fewer doses and direct clinical evidence, injections might suit you better. The good news? Daytryp supports either path. Their telehealth program ensures you’ll have access to expert care, whether you opt for a pen or a dropper.Ultimately, both forms aim to help you lose weight and improve health. As you consider your options, remember that consistency and support are key. With Daytryp’s licensed providers, high-quality pharmacy, and patient-centric service, you can be confident that whichever form you choose, you’re in good hands. It’s your journey – and Daytryp is here to make it as easy and effective as possible. Good luck, and remember: feeling great is your right, no matter how you take your medication.