GLP-1 Medications: Injections vs. Pills — What You Should Know

GLP-1 medications have become some of the most talked-about treatments for weight loss and type 2 diabetes. Medications such as Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro® and Zepbound® are now widely prescribed, and newer oral GLP-1 medications are giving patients another option besides injections.

At Mega Health Rx Pharmacy in Forest Hills, Queens, we frequently receive questions about GLP-1 medications: How do they work? What are the side effects? Is a GLP-1 pill as effective as an injection?

Here’s what you should know.

What are GLP-1 medications?

GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone naturally released by your body after eating. GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide work by copying some of this hormone’s effects. They can:

• Reduce hunger and cravings
• Help you feel full longer
• Slow stomach emptying
• Improve blood sugar control
• Increase insulin release when blood sugar is elevated

These effects can help people eat less and lose weight while also improving blood sugar levels.

Another popular medication, tirzepatide, sold under the brand names Mounjaro® and Zepbound®, works on both GLP-1 and another hormone called GIP.

GLP-1 side effects

One of the most common questions patients ask our pharmacist is, “What are the side effects of GLP-1 medications?”

Most side effects involve the digestive system and are more common when starting treatment or increasing the dose.

Common Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound side effects may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Bloating or indigestion
• Decreased appetite

For many people, these symptoms improve as their body adjusts to their dose.

Less common, but more serious risks, can include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, dehydration, kidney problems and severe gastrointestinal symptoms.

Semaglutide and tirzepatide products also carry FDA boxed warnings related to thyroid C-cell tumors observed in animal studies. These medications should not be used by people with certain personal or family histories, including Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

Are there long-term side effects of GLP-1 medications?

Researchers continue to study the long-term effects of GLP-1 medications.

One consideration during significant weight loss is the loss of some muscle and lean body mass along with fat. Patients using GLP-1 medications should discuss nutrition, protein intake and appropriate exercise with their healthcare providers.

Another concern is weight regain after stopping a GLP-1 medication. Studies have shown that some patients regain weight after treatment is discontinued.

For this reason, medications such as Wegovy and Zepbound should generally be viewed as part of a long-term weight-management plan rather than a quick weight-loss solution.

GLP-1 injection vs. pill: which works better?

Until recently, the most effective GLP-1 weight-loss treatments were injections.

But that’s changing.

In a major clinical trial, adults taking Wegovy (semaglutide) 2.4 mg injection once weekly lost approximately 15% of their starting body weight over 68 weeks on average.

Zepbound (tirzepatide) has produced even greater average weight loss in some clinical trials, reaching approximately 21% at the highest studied dose over 72 weeks.

Now we also have an oral option.

In a large study of oral semaglutide 25 mg, participants lost approximately 13.6% of their body weight after 64 weeks, compared with about 2.2% for people taking a placebo.

That means the Wegovy pill may offer weight-loss results approaching those seen with injectable Wegovy.

However, these percentages come from separate clinical trials, so they should not be treated as a direct head-to-head comparison.

Wegovy pill vs. Wegovy injection

For patients deciding between an oral GLP-1 and injectable GLP-1, convenience may be just as important as effectiveness.

A weekly GLP-1 injection may be preferable if you:

• Want medication only once per week
• Don’t mind giving yourself an injection
• Have trouble remembering daily medications
• Want access to options such as tirzepatide

A GLP-1 tablet may be preferable if you:

• Don’t like needles
• Prefer taking pills
• Want a non-injectable weight-loss medication
• Are comfortable following daily dosing instructions

There is an important difference. Oral semaglutide must be taken correctly for your body to absorb it. It is taken once daily on an empty stomach with a small amount of water, followed by a waiting period before eating, drinking or taking other oral medications.

So even though a pill eliminates injections, a once-weekly GLP-1 injection may actually be more convenient for some patients.

Which GLP-1 medication is best?

There isn’t one best GLP-1 medication for weight loss for everyone.

Choosing between Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound, oral semaglutide and other weight-loss medications depends on several factors, including:

• Your medical history
• Treatment goals
• Side effects
• Insurance coverage
• Medication availability
• Cost
• Whether you prefer a pill or injection

Your physician and pharmacist can help determine which option is appropriate for you.

Looking for a GLP-1 pharmacy in Forest Hills, Queens?

At Mega Health Rx Pharmacy, we’re an independent pharmacy serving Forest Hills, Queens and the surrounding NYC community.

Our pharmacists can help patients understand their GLP-1 medications, proper administration, potential side effects, storage, insurance coverage and medication availability.

Whether you’ve been prescribed Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Zepbound, semaglutide, tirzepatide or another weight-loss medication, we’re here to answer your questions and help you better understand your treatment.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always speak with your physician, pharmacist or other qualified healthcare professional regarding your medications.