Choosing between oral and injectable semaglutide

If you’re on a weight loss journey that includes semaglutide, you’ve probably noticed that semaglutide isn’t just available as one type of medication anymore. Traditionally, semaglutide came as a weekly injection, like Ozempic® or Wegovy®. Now, with FDA approval of a tablet form of Wegovy, semaglutide is available in both oral and injectable options.

That opens up a lot of choices. And while more choices can be great, it can also feel a little overwhelming. Which one is right for you? How do oral and injectable semaglutide compare? And does one format help more with weight loss than the other?

To help you better understand the wide range of weight loss medications available, we’ll break down the similarities and differences to help you make an informed choice. And if you want to talk through any of it with a provider, our team at QuickMD is here to help with expert, personalized support.

What is semaglutide, and why is it popular?

Semaglutide is a medication that mimics a natural hormone in your body known as GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite and blood sugar. Think of it as a “hormone helper” that slows digestion, keeps you feeling full longer, and helps curb cravings. 

Although GLP-1 medications were originally offered as an FDA-approved treatment for type 2 diabetes, they have also been prescribed off-label for weight loss. Today, there are several semaglutide options that have been FDA-approved for weight loss. 

Available forms of semaglutide today 

Semaglutide comes in two main forms:

1. Injectable medications like Ozempic, which is commonly used for weight loss.
2. Oral tablets, like Rybelsus or the newly-approved Wegovy tablet, are great for those who prefer a pill over an injection.
   

While injections are popular, some people find oral tablets more convenient, making Rybelsus and Wegovy standout options for anyone looking to avoid needles.

What’s the real difference between oral vs injectable semaglutide?

Both oral and injectable semaglutide do the same thing inside your body. They help regulate appetite, slow how quickly food leaves your stomach, and make you feel fuller longer. The difference comes down to how they get into your system and how you take them.

• Oral semaglutide comes as a pill you swallow once each day. Because the digestive system can break down medications before they’re absorbed, oral semaglutide has special instructions. You take it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, with only a small amount of water. Then you wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking more, or taking other medications. This tight timing helps your body absorb the medicine properly.
• Injectable semaglutide is given as a once-weekly shot under your skin. The medicine goes straight into your system and is absorbed more steadily over time. There are no meal‑time rules, and you don’t need to worry about timing with water or food. You’ll give yourself an injection on the same day each week. For many people, that weekly routine feels easier and less fussy.
  

Both forms target the same internal receptors and can help with weight loss. However, the way you take them can make a big difference in how they fit into your everyday life.

Which form of semaglutide works better for weight loss?

Overall, injectable semaglutide (like Wegovy and Ozempic) has shown stronger weight loss results in clinical studies compared with oral semaglutide used at doses approved for diabetes management. This difference comes down to how much medicine your body absorbs and how consistently it works over time. That said, FDA approval of the oral Wegovy tablet marks an important shift, as clinical trials have shown that this new pill format offers comparable weight loss results when taken as recommended. 

Other diabetes medications like Januvia® (sitagliptin) work differently and don’t mimic your body’s GLP-1 hormone in the same way, so their effects on weight tend to be more modest.

Below, we’ve included a chart to help you compare specific medications, their available forms, and effectiveness for weight loss. 

Oral semaglutide options

Not all oral tablets are created equal when it comes to semaglutide. Clinical evidence, dosage, and FDA approval all matter. If you’re looking for an oral option that helps aid weight loss, you’ll want to take a few other factors into account.

Pros of oral semaglutide

• Convenient pill form you take once a day.
• No needles.
• Great option for people who are squeamish about needles.
• Can be easy to build into a morning routine.
  

Cons of oral semaglutide

• Must be taken on an empty stomach, with limited water.
• Requires waiting before eating or drinking anything else.
• Early versions were FDA-approved for diabetes, but not weight loss.
• Absorption can be more variable compared to injections.
  

Now that we’ve looked at the pros and cons, let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular oral GLP-1s currently on the market. 

Wegovy pill 25mg (new – Dec 2025 FDA approval)

The new Wegovy tablet offers an FDA-approved weight loss option in pill form. It contains the same active ingredient and targets the same GLP-1 receptors as injectable Wegovy, but in a format for people who prefer pills. Because it’s specifically studied and approved for weight management, it offers a strong, evidence-backed choice. 

Rybelsus (oral tablet)

Rybelsus is an oral semaglutide tablet that is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, but not weight management. Many people taking Rybelsus do experience weight changes when prescribed off-label. It’s taken once daily with strict timing instructions to ensure your body absorbs it properly.

Sublingual drops (advanced option)

Some products marketed as semaglutide sublingual drops can be found online. These are generally not FDA-regulated because they’re specially compounded as drops that can be taken under the tongue.

With sublingual drops, absorption can vary widely. They may seem appealing because of convenience or marketing language, but they lack strong clinical backing. If you are considering sublingual drops as an option, be sure to talk to your provider first to be sure they’re safe and appropriate for you.

Injectable semaglutide

Injectable semaglutide remains the most widely used semaglutide format for weight management. It delivers medication under the skin once each week.

Pros of injectable semaglutide

• Once-weekly dosing can be a lower-maintenance option for some.
• More predictable absorption.
• Strong clinical evidence for weight loss.
• No meal or timing requirements.
  

Cons of injectable semaglutide

• Requires self‑injection (which some people dislike).
• Weekly routine may take getting used to.
  

If you’re leaning towards an injectable form of semaglutide, there are several popular options to choose from. 

Ozempic

Ozempic is an injectable semaglutide medication traditionally used for type 2 diabetes, but it is often prescribed off-label for weight loss. It comes in a once-weekly pen and doesn’t require daily timing with meals.

Injectable Wegovy

Wegovy also has an injectable semaglutide version that has been FDA- approved for chronic weight management. It works once weekly and has strong clinical trial backing for weight loss results. Many people find the weekly routine easy to stick with.

How to choose the right semaglutide form

Choosing between a pill and an injection comes down to your goals, lifestyle, and comfort.

Here’s a simple framework to help you think through your options: 

1. What are your goals? Are you focused primarily on weight loss, blood sugar control, or both? Some options have stronger evidence for weight loss.
2. How do you feel about needles? If you’re iffy about injections, the oral route may feel easier. If you don’t mind weekly shots, injections may offer stronger results.
3. What fits your routine?  Daily pills require timing around meals and water. Weekly injections require just one dose on a day of the week you choose. 
4. Talk to your provider. A healthcare provider can help you decide which option best balances effectiveness, lifestyle preferences, and safety based on your personal health history.
   

Your weight loss journey is uniquely yours, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Having a knowledgeable provider in your corner can give you added support to create a plan tailored to your needs. Your provider can help you explore available options and make an informed choice that feels right for you.

Can you really get semaglutide tablets online?

Yes, you can get semaglutide tablets online, but it’s important to do it the right way to ensure your medications are safe. Working with a trusted telemedicine provider like QuickMD can help you make sure you’re getting a genuine prescription. 

Here’s how it works:

1. Consult one of our licensed providers: Book a visit online, and you’ll receive a consultation with a QuickMD licensed provider from the comfort and convenience of home. They’ll listen to your needs and take your personal medical history into account to create a customized plan that fits your needs. Our self-pay option means you don’t need insurance.
2. Get a prescription: If appropriate, your QuickMD provider will prescribe medication and send it directly to a pharmacy of your choice. This can help you get the best price possible for your medication. 
3. Pick up your medication or have it delivered: Most pharmacies offer delivery, making it easy and hassle-free to receive your prescription. 
   

This process keeps safety first and avoids risky shortcuts like unverified websites or products sold without prescriptions.

Weight loss support with oral semaglutide from QuickMD

If you’re a current QuickMD patient and thinking about making the switch to an oral semaglutide option, you have more choices than ever. And if you’re new here, looking at your options, we’re here to help. Oral semaglutide tablets require a prescription and careful medical review. During your consult, we can help you talk through your options and take the next step on your weight loss journey.