Sublingual Semaglutide: Dose, Benefits, and Side Effects

If injections are not your thing, then Sublingual Semaglutide might be the answer you've been looking for. This new and innovative treatment option for type 2 diabetes or weight loss is taken orally, making it a more convenient alternative to traditional injectable treatments.

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What is Sublingual Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is one of the most effective GLP-1 agonists used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and weight loss management. While it traditionally has two administration routes—injections and oral—the sublingual form is relatively new and gaining popularity due to its ease of use.

The new sublingual semaglutide for weight loss management and type 2 diabetes is the semaglutide type used under the tongue, thus bypassing the digestive tract. This makes it more rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, resulting in a faster onset of action and potentially better glycemic control.

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Formulation Significance

Sublingual semaglutide formulations (you can find them in the form of SubSema) were a welcome  addition to the world of GLP-1s. This is because many people struggle with taking injections (fear of needles, painful injections, inconvenience, and so on). The oral (tablet) form often faces the first-pass effect, where drugs are broken down in the liver, which results in a lower bioavailability and, therefore, less effective treatment.

With the sublingual route, the drug is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the rich blood supply under the tongue. This allows for a higher concentration of the drug to reach its target and be more effective in managing diabetes or assisting with weight loss.

Sublingual semaglutide also has a longer beyond-use date (BUD), which means they remain sterile and can be stored for a longer period of time after being first opened. This is because the formulation ensures the drug's stability for a longer period of time due to the lack of exposure to digestive enzymes.

Semaglutide sublingual suspension should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and direct sun rays. When not in use, keep the bottle or blister pack tightly closed to avoid exposure to air.

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Difference from Injectable Semaglutide

The main difference between the sublingual and injectable forms of semaglutide is the route of administration. Injectable semaglutide is administered through a needle into the fatty tissue under the skin, while sublingual semaglutide is absorbed directly into the bloodstream under the tongue.

When the sublingual semaglutide is taken, it directly goes into the bloodstream and starts to work immediately, and it allows more consistent circulating semaglutide levels in the organism.

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Other key differences include:

• Easily adjustable dosage (with injections, dosage is pre-measured and cannot be altered often)
• No freezing is required. You can transport your medication with you without a refrigerator.
• Less side effects because it bypasses the stomach and digestive tract, reducing gastrointestinal distress.
• Longer BUD (beyond-use-date) compared to injectable semaglutide, allowing more flexibility in storage and use.

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Sublingual Semaglutide Advantages

Patients and medical professionals can benefit from the advantages of sublingual tablets of semaglutide, including the main three benefits. The effect of semaglutide sublingual formulations is almost instant.

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Convenience

Compare the ease of administration between a daily injection and a sublingual form. With the compounded sublingual suspension, you just need to place it under your tongue and let it dissolve. It is quick, painless, and requires no special equipment or training, so patients can intake the daily dosage without help.

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Improved Patient Compliance

Patients adhere to the prescribed medication schedule more efficiently, resulting in better therapeutic outcomes. The convenience of sublingual semaglutide formulation can also lead to fewer missed tongue doses or skipped injections, and reliable drug delivery can significantly impact the effectiveness of the treatment.

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Smoother Drug Concentration Curves

Lastly, the drug concentration curve of the novel drug delivery system is more consistent than the injectable form, as the medication starts working immediately after being absorbed into the bloodstream. This is because the sublingual route bypasses the entire digestive system, which can affect the absorption and distribution of medication. This results in a more stable dosage over time, providing consistent therapeutic effects for patients.

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How Sublingual Semaglutide Works

Semaglutide works as soon you put it under your tongue.

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Drug Absorption

The smaglutide ODT (orally disintegrating tablet) is placed under the tongue, where it quickly dissolves and is absorbed into the bloodstream. From there, it travels to the liver and pancreas, mimicking the function of a naturally occurring hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1). GLP-1 helps regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin production and reducing appetite.

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GLP-1 Receptor Interaction

An appropriate dose of SubMagna™ SL HMW base makes the GLP-1 receptors sit up and take notice. This interaction increases the response to blood sugar levels, leading to better glucose control.

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Mucoadhesive Properties

Furthermore, the sublingual semaglutide tablets have mucoadhesive properties, meaning they adhere to the mucous membrane of the mouth. This allows for a slower drug release, providing sustained therapeutic effects.

The mucoadhesive properties also prevent the drug from being swallowed, ensuring efficient absorption through the oral mucosa.

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Semaglutide Sublingual Side Effects

Even though sublingual semaglutide has a quicker onset of action and higher bioavailability, it still carries potential side effects like any other medication. Here's what you should know about the potential adverse effects of the medicine and its adjustable dosages.

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Common Gastrointestinal Symptoms

As with other GLP-1 agonist drugs, sublingual semaglutide can cause common gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and potential issues with your liver. These side effects usually occur within the first few weeks of starting the medication and typically improve over time.

This reactions are caused by the stimulation of GLP-1 receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, which can slow down digestion and increase feelings of fullness.

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Managing Adverse Reactions

In some cases, taking the medication with food can help reduce gastrointestinal symptoms. Your doctor may also recommend starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing it as your body adjusts to the medication.

You must speak with your doctor if these side effects persist or become too severe. They may suggest alternative treatment options or prescribe medication to help manage the symptoms. 

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Importance of Monitoring

Sublingual semaglutide does not pose a significant risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) as it does not directly stimulate insulin production. However, when taken in combination with certain diabetes medications like sulfonylureas or insulin, there is a higher risk of experiencing hypoglycemia.

It's important to regularly monitor your blood sugar levels and report any episodes of hypoglycemia to your doctor. They may need to adjust their medication regimen to prevent future episodes.

And if you use it alongside other oral medications for type 2 diabetes, it is essential to monitor your kidney function regularly. Sublingual semaglutide can cause acute kidney injury, especially in patients with preexisting kidney problems.

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Semaglutide Sublingual Dose

At Try Eden, expert physicians will provide you with a free consultation on the appropriate dose of sublingual semaglutide for your specific condition. They will also guide you on how to take the medication correctly.

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Storage and Preparation

Sublingual semaglutide should be stored at room temperature, away from direct light and moisture, and out of the reach of children.

Before taking your dose, read the patient information leaflet provided by your pharmacist. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist for clarification.

To take sublingual semaglutide, let one tablet under your tongue dissolve completely. Do not chew or swallow the tablet whole.

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Prescription Process

Try Eden to send you the correct dosage or sublingual semaglutide suitable for your condition, along with a valid prescription from our licensed physicians. This way, you can easily refill your medication and have it delivered to your doorstep without any hassles.

Start a free consultation now to have the right sublingual semaglutide dosage prescribed for you.

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Steady-State Drug Concentrations

The maximum recommended initial dose of sublingual semaglutide is 3mg a day for at least four weeks, which helps maintain a steady-state drug concentration in the body.

During this period, monitoring your blood sugar levels and any side effects you may experience is important. Regular check-ups with your doctor are also necessary to ensure that the medication is working effectively for you.

Your physician may increase the dosage to 7mg a day if needed, but it is important to follow their instructions and not exceed the recommended dosage without medical advice.

The steady-state drug concentration of sublingual semaglutide is usually not higher than 14 mg a day.

The liraglutide dosage calculator is available on the Try Eden website. It can help you determine your recommended dosage based on your medical history and current condition.

Injectable Semaglutide vs. Oral Semaglutide vs. Sublingual Semaglutide

A study shows that there are differences in side effects and results depending on which administration route you choose for semaglutide intake.

Injectable semaglutide has been proven to have the highest efficacy in managing blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss. Still, it requires a weekly injection, which can be inconvenient for some patients. Besides, the injected medication can cause injection site reactions such as redness, itching and bruising.

Oral semaglutide, on the other hand, has been shown to have similar effects to injectable semaglutide but with a lower dosage. It also requires daily intake before breakfast and without food for at least 30 minutes. Some of the common side effects of oral semaglutide include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, because the digestive system breaks it down. You can learn more in our guide on the differences between semaglutide tablets vs injection and how semaglutide tablets work.

Sublingual semaglutide, a newer option, has shown promising results in clinical trials. It involves placing a tablet under the tongue and allowing it to dissolve without water. This method bypasses the digestive system and allows for faster absorption into the bloodstream. However, sublingual semaglutide has its own set of side effects, such as headache, dry mouth, and changes in taste sensation.

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Is Sublingual Semaglutide Effective?

Studies show that once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 1.0 mg reduced HbA1c by 1.5–1.8% after 30–56 weeks, which was significantly more than sitagliptin, liraglutide, exenatide extended release, dulaglutide, canagliflozin, or insulin glargine.

(Source: Efficacy of Semaglutide in a Subcutaneous and an Oral Formulation)

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Oral Bioavailability

The oral bioavailability of a drug refers to the fraction of an orally administered dose that reaches the systemic circulation. In other words, it determines how much of the medication is absorbed into the body and available for its intended purpose. For semaglutide, studies have shown that oral bioavailability is approximately 0.8%, which means that only a small amount of the medication is able to reach the bloodstream when taken orally (5% oral bioavailability is minimum, and 95% is considered great).

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Daily Dosing

A daily dosing of 7mg to 14mg of oral semaglutide is recommended because of its low oral bioavailability. This is significantly higher than the recommended weekly dosing of 1mg for subcutaneous semaglutide.

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Therapeutic Efficacy

This receptor agonist medication is effective in treating type 2 diabetes, with both subcutaneous and oral formulations showing significant reduction in HbA1c levels. The molecules in semaglutide bind to and activate GLP-1 receptors, leading to increased insulin secretion and suppression of glucagon release. This results in improved glycemic control and reduced HbA1c levels.

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Avoiding Digestive Issues

Although oral ingestion of semaglutide appears to be relatively safe, gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea have been reported in clinical trials. Proper food adjustments and possibly controlling your food cravings can minimize these side effects when taking oral semaglutide.

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Dietary Adjustments

To minimize digestive side effects when taking oral semaglutide, taking the medication with a meal or immediately after a meal is recommended. This can help reduce nausea and vomiting and improve the medication's absorption.

Also, note that these dissolvable tablets slow down the emptying of the stomach, so you should try to avoid foods that additionally slow down the digestion process, such as high-fat meals. We recommend you choose light, healthy, and well-balanced meals that will not interfere with the absorption of oral semaglutide.

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Hydration Importance

Drinking plenty of liquids throughout the day is important for overall health, but it can also help with any digestive side effects when taking oral semaglutide. Staying hydrated can also improve the medication's absorption and reduce symptoms such as constipation. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day while taking oral semaglutide is recommended.

Liquids containing caffeine, alcohol, or sugar should be avoided, as they can worsen digestive issues and may also affect the medication's effectiveness. Opting for water, herbal teas, and low-fat milk can help with hydration while minimizing potential side effects.

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Communication with Healthcare Provider

When taking oral semaglutide, communicate closely with your healthcare provider. If any unwanted side effects occur, let them know as soon as possible. They can help you address and manage these side effects effectively and may also adjust your medication dosage or recommend alternative options.

Also, it is important to discuss any dietary changes or concerns that may impact the medication's effectiveness. Your doctor may provide personalized recommendations based on your needs and medical history.

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Customized GLP-1 Treatment Options

Try Eden provides you with specialized semaglutide medication in the oral tablet option, followed by a detailed consultation in which we consider all your individual needs.

The team of certified healthcare professionals at Try Eden will guide you toward a personalized treatment plan that suits your lifestyle and medical requirements. We understand that every individual is unique, and we strive to provide tailored solutions for optimal health outcomes.

Before you order the oral tablet option of semaglutide, contact us for a consultation. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve your health goals and supporting your treatment journey.

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Importance of Monitoring

Monitoring side effects is crucial to guarantee the safety and effectiveness of sublingual semaglutide treatment. Patients should keep track of any changes in their gastrointestinal symptoms and report them to their healthcare provider.

Regular follow-ups with healthcare professionals allow for timely adjustments in treatment plans. This proactive approach enhances the overall management of potential side effects.

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Final Thoughts

In exploring sublingual semaglutide, you've uncovered a groundbreaking method of administering medication with enhanced benefits like improved bioavailability and reduced digestive issues. Understanding how this innovative delivery system works and its potential side effects equips you to make informed decisions about your treatment. Comparing administration methods and considering customized options can further optimize your experience with this medication.

Take charge of your health by discussing sublingual semaglutide with your healthcare provider to explore personalized treatment plans. Stay informed about advancements in drug delivery methods to make the best choices for your well-being.

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Sublinigual Semaglutide FAQs

Is sublingual semaglutide a suitable option for individuals who struggle with digestive issues?

Sublingual semaglutide can be beneficial for those with digestive problems as it bypasses the gastrointestinal tract, reducing the likelihood of digestive side effects commonly associated with oral medications.

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How does sublingual administration enhance the bioavailability of semaglutide?

Sublingual delivery allows the medication to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes under the tongue, leading to higher bioavailability compared to traditional oral administration methods.

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Are there any customizable treatment options available with sublingual semaglutide?

Yes, healthcare providers may tailor the dosage and frequency of sublingual semaglutide based on individual needs and response to treatment, offering personalized care for patients.

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What are the potential side effects associated with sublingual semaglutide?

Common side effects of sublingual semaglutide may include mild irritation under the tongue, taste alterations, or minor discomfort. However, serious side effects are rare but should be reported to a healthcare provider promptly.

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How does sublingual semaglutide compare to other administration methods in terms of effectiveness?

Sublingual semaglutide is often more effective than traditional oral medications due to its direct absorption into the bloodstream, resulting in faster onset of action and improved therapeutic outcomes for patients.

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Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is forgeneral informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute forprofessional advice from a qualified healthcare professional and should not berelied upon as personal health advice. The information contained in this blogis not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Readers areadvised to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any medicalconcerns. Use of this blog's information is at your own risk. The blog owner isnot responsible for any adverse effects, or consequences resulting from the useof any suggestions or information provided in this blog.

‌Disclaimer: The FDA does not approve compounded medicationsfor safety, quality, or manufacturing. Prescriptions and a medical evaluationare required for certain products. The information provided on this blog is forgeneral informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute forprofessional advice from a qualified healthcare professional and should not berelied upon as personal health advice. The information contained in this blogis not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Readers areadvised to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any medicalconcerns, including side effects. Use of this blog's information is at your ownrisk. The blog owner is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequencesresulting from the use of any suggestions or information provided in this blog.

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