GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide are transforming weight management and metabolic health. With more people than ever interested in GLP-1s, the types of GLP-1s are diversifying as well, including oral GLP-1s like liquid drops and transdermal options like patches.
GLP-1 drops and patches work differently, but they have one important thing in common: no needles. But which is actually better? Let’s dive into the specifics.
What are GLP-1 drops?
GLP-1 Liquid Drops are a sublingual (under-the-tongue) form of GLP-1 therapy. Drops are absorbed under the tongue to bypass digestion and enter the bloodstream quickly. They are typically taken daily (instead of weekly like a GLP-1 injection) and are slightly less potent than injectable versions, but are still effective for appetite suppression and glucose regulation.
What are GLP-1 patches?
GLP-1 patches are adhesive patches placed on the skin; ingredients in the patches are absorbed transdermally (through the skin). While they are marketed to deliver GLP-1–like effects, GLP-1 patches don’t actually contain GLP-1 medications like semaglutide or tirzepatide. Instead, they contain herbal blends and vitamins that may support the body’s natural GLP-1 production process—if the body is able to absorb the ingredients through the skin.
Currently, there are no studies that support the safety or effectiveness of GLP-1 patches for weight loss or metabolic health.
Drops vs. patches: Weighing the pros and cons
Some of the benefits of drops and patches overlap, but for the most part, they are very different products with different results.
Let’s start with how they’re similar: Liquid drops and patches are both alternatives to injectable GLP-1s, making them especially attractive to those who aren’t comfortable with needles.
Once you take into account how the two products actually work, the differences become more pronounced.
- Delivery method: Liquid drops are placed under the tongue, while patches are placed on the skin.
- Dose flexibility: Dosing for liquid drops can easily be adjusted under the supervision of your provider, but patches have a fixed amount for each patch.
- Absorption: Absorption of liquid drops is consistent and predictable, but absorption via patches can vary depending on skin type, hydration levels, and how well the patch is adhered.
- Speed: Liquid drops are absorbed more quickly because they enter the bloodstream more directly. The ingredients in GLP-1 patches, on the other hand, take longer to absorb because they must go through the skin first.
- Side effects: Like injectable GLP-1 medications, GLP-1 drops may cause mild nausea or dry mouth, but they are generally well-tolerated. With GLP-1 patches, you will avoid typical GLP-1 side effects because no GLP-1 medication is used, but you may experience skin irritation or have trouble keeping patches on.
- Clinical support: The evidence supporting the effectiveness of GLP-1 liquid drops is growing, but no studies have been conducted on GLP-1 patches.
As you can see, GLP-1 drops and GLP-1 patches aim to provide the same benefits, but have very different results.
Why GLP-1 drops are the better choice
Compared to patches, GLP-1 drops have several unique advantages that make them a more promising option:
- Faster absorption: Because drops are absorbed under the tongue, they bypass digestion and get into the bloodstream more directly and efficiently than when absorbed through the skin.
- More consistent results: Unlike skin-based absorption with patches, which can vary from person to person, sublingual absorption is more consistent across individuals. This predictability helps ensure patients get the intended therapeutic effect.
- Flexible dosing: Liquid drops can easily be adjusted to fine-tune dosage. Instead of being locked into a fixed dose (like with GLP-1 patches), you and your provider have more control over dosing and can adjust according to your needs and goals.
- Convenience: A small bottle of drops is much easier to carry discreetly than a box of patches, and they don’t need to be refrigerated, making them great for travel or even everyday use.
- Scientific backing: Little to no research has been done on the safety or efficacy of GLP-1 patches, but early lab and animal studies have been done on GLP-1 drops. The findings suggest potential for effective sublingual GLP-1 absorption for weight-management benefits.
Shed’s GLP-1 Liquid Drops
At Shed, we don’t chase trends; we follow the science. GLP-1 Liquid Drops can aid in successful weight loss and help you become the healthiest you. Shed offers member-specific prescriptions for GLP-1 Liquid Drops, so your treatment is tailored to you and what you need.* Visit tryshed.com to learn more or to find out if GLP-1 Liquid Drops are right for you.
Science-backed GLP-1 support
As GLP-1 solutions for weight loss continue to expand, it’s important to make sure you’re using science-backed solutions, not the latest trend. GLP-1 patches have caught the viral trend wave, but don’t have the scientific backing to support their safety or efficacy. If you’re looking for an alternative to injectable GLP-1 medication, the evidence points to liquid drops as being the most reliable choice due to its consistent absorption, flexibility in dosing, and growing research support.
Frequently asked questions:
Do GLP-1 patches really work?
GLP-1 patches aim to deliver herbal ingredients (through the skin) that may support the body’s natural GLP-1 production process. However, absorption is inconsistent (and often ineffective), and more research is needed before patches can be considered to be reliable.
How do GLP-1 drops work?
GLP-1 drops are absorbed under the tongue, allowing them to bypass the digestive system and entire the bloodstream more directly.
Which is more effective: GLP-1 liquid drops or patches?
Drops contain GLP-1 medication proven to support weight management and metabolic health, while patches contain herbal ingredients with little to no evidence that they support GLP-1 production in the body. In addition, drops are absorbed more consistently and quickly than through patches. Therefore, GLP-1 drops are much more effective than GLP-1 patches.
Are GLP-1 drops FDA-approved?
Currently, only Wegovy® (semaglutide) is FDA-approved for weight loss, which is an injectable GLP-1. Drops are offered by compounding pharmacies, but are not officially FDA-approved.
Do GLP-1 patches or liquid drops have any side effects?
The GLP-1 medication in liquid drops may cause nausea or dry mouth. GLP-1 patches may cause skin irritation.
Can GLP-1 Liquid Drops help with weight loss?
Yes! Since GLP-1 Liquid Drops contain the same active ingredient as injectable GLP-1s, they can support appetite control, glucose regulation, and weight management when used correctly.†
Who should take GLP-1 Liquid Drops?
Anyone looking for a needle-free GLP-1 option may be a good candidate, as well as those transitioning off an injectable GLP-1. Your doctor will help you decide which GLP-1 option is best for you.
This content is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.
*Medication is prescribed only after consultation with a licensed provider to determine appropriateness.
†Individual results may vary.
