Thrive Blog

What You Need to Know About Oral Dissolving Tablets for GLP-1s

Written by Thrive Wellness | March 20, 2025

Let’s be real: injections can be terrifying... And with so many GLP-1 options, you may feel overwhelmed. Luckily, there are equally effective alternatives designed to help you reach your weight loss goals while avoiding extra discomfort.

At Thrive, we’re excited to offer oral versions of semaglutide and tirzapetide—but how do they work? And are they effective? Continue reading to find out!

What Are Oral Dissolving Tablets (ODTs), and How Do They Work?

Oral Dissolving Tablets (ODTs) do exactly what their name suggests—they dissolve in your mouth! These tablets are designed to break down quickly once they come in contact with your saliva. As they dissolve, the medication is absorbed through the lining of your mouth, which means it can work faster than regular pills or tablets.

One of the best advantages of ODTs is their speed. Typically, they dissolve in just a few seconds to a minute, making them a quick and efficient way to take your medication. Don’t worry about running to grab a glass of water first. These tablets begin to break down as soon as they come into contact with your saliva, allowing you to take them anytime, anywhere.

What Happens If You Chew or Swallow an ODT?

Chewing or swallowing an ODT whole is not recommended

While the taste might take some getting used to, chewing it won’t make it dissolve any faster. In fact, chewing it can actually make the medicine absorbed more slowly and less effectively since it wasn’t properly broken down. This is due to the fact that ODTs have special coatings or formulations that are meant to dissolve gradually, and chewing may disrupt their intended release.If you swallow an ODT whole, it may completely bypass its intended absorption process, which can also compromise its effectiveness.

For the full benefit of the medication, let the tablet dissolve completely in your mouth. Once it’s fully dissolved, you can take a sip of water and go on with the rest of your day!

Are ODTs As Effective As Injections for GLP-1 Medications?

When you start using GLP-1 medications for weight loss, you want something that works! Luckily, ODTs are considered to be just as effective as injections for both blood sugar control and weight loss. So you can still get the best results without any needles.

Should You Use Oral GLP-1s for Weight Loss?

While that’s a question best answered by your healthcare provider, Thrive’s ODTs may be the perfect fit if you want the benefits of GLP-1 medications without the pain and hassle of regular injections. So, whether you choose to use the injections or orally dissolving tablets, the Thrive team is here to help you find the right combination of medication and lifestyle changes for long-lasting weight loss. 

 

Questions For Reflection
Starting or continuing a GLP-1 journey with orally dissolving tablets (ODTs) can bring exciting changes, but understanding how your body responds can help you make the most of your treatment. Take a moment to reflect with these questions:

  • Is an orally dissolving tablet the right choice for me compared to injections?
  • How will I incorporate this medication into my daily routine for consistency?
  • What adjustments can I make to improve my GLP-1 experience?

Every journey is unique—checking in with yourself along the way ensures you're staying on track, informed, and supported. If you have questions, Thrive’s experts are here to help.

 

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.