How Oral Tirzepatide Beats Other GLP-1 Agonists

Discover how oral tirzepatide differs from GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Rybelsus. Learn about its dual-action benefits, weight loss power, and access via ClickSlim.

Jul 2, 2025 - 16:52
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How Oral Tirzepatide Beats Other GLP-1 Agonists

GLP-1 receptor agonists have become a cornerstone of modern treatment for type 2 diabetes and obesity. Medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus—all based on semaglutide—have helped millions manage blood sugar and lose weight. But a newer medication, oral tirzepatide, is making waves for its dual-action mechanism and remarkable results.

In this guide, we’ll explore how oral tirzepatide differs from other GLP-1 drugs, especially semaglutide. We’ll also highlight the growing availability of tirzepatide oral drops and how platforms like ClickSlim are making them accessible to more patients.

What Are GLP-1 Receptor Agonists?

GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications that mimic the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone. This hormone helps regulate blood sugar, suppress appetite, and slow gastric emptying. In type 2 diabetes and obesity management, GLP-1 agonists offer multiple benefits:

  • Lower blood glucose (especially postprandial)

  • Stimulate insulin release

  • Suppress glucagon

  • Reduce hunger and food intake

  • Promote weight loss

Popular GLP-1 medications include:

  • Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus)

  • Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda)

  • Dulaglutide (Trulicity)

  • Exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon)

Introducing Tirzepatide: A Dual-Incretin Breakthrough

Tirzepatide belongs to a newer class of drugs known as twincretins or dual-incretin agonists. It activates both:

  • GLP-1 receptors

  • GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors

By mimicking both GLP-1 and GIP, tirzepatide oral drops provide a broader range of metabolic benefits than GLP-1-only medications like semaglutide.

Key Differences Between Tirzepatide and Other GLP-1 Agonists

1. Dual Mechanism of Action

  • Tirzepatide: Acts on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors.

  • Semaglutide & others: Target only GLP-1.

Why it matters: GIP enhances insulin secretion and sensitivity and may offer additional appetite regulation. The dual-action of tirzepatide has shown superior clinical outcomes in glucose control and weight loss.

2. Clinical Effectiveness

Tirzepatide has demonstrated greater reductions in A1c and more weight loss than semaglutide in head-to-head studies like the SURPASS trials.

Feature Tirzepatide Oral Drops Semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus)
HbA1c Reduction Up to 2.5% Up to 1.9%
Average Weight Loss Up to 22.5% Up to 15%
Blood Sugar Impact Stronger Strong

The results suggest tirzepatide oral drops may be the better choice for patients who haven't achieved success with GLP-1 agonists alone.

3. Form Availability and Delivery

  • Tirzepatide: Available as injectables (Mounjaro) and compounded tirzepatide oral drops.

  • Semaglutide: Available as injectables (Ozempic, Wegovy) and a branded oral tablet (Rybelsus).

Oral tirzepatide drops are sublingual, meaning they are absorbed under the tongue for better bioavailability than swallowed pills like Rybelsus.

4. Weight Loss Efficiency

One of tirzepatide’s most significant advantages is its unmatched weight loss performance. While semaglutide is highly effective, tirzepatide has raised the bar:

  • Tirzepatide: Weight loss of 15–22.5% in trials

  • Semaglutide: Weight loss of 10–15% in trials

This difference is especially important for patients managing both type 2 diabetes and obesity.

5. Appetite and Craving Control

Thanks to its dual hormonal action, oral tirzepatide may better suppress appetite and food cravings, resulting in:

  • Lower caloric intake

  • More control over emotional or binge eating

  • Better long-term adherence to dietary plans

6. Injection vs. Oral Convenience

Patients who dislike injections now have a needle-free option in tirzepatide oral drops, which offer:

  • Daily dosing under the tongue

  • No injection site reactions

  • Easier travel and storage (no pens or refrigeration)

  • Higher treatment adherence

Semaglutide is available as a pill (Rybelsus), but it must be swallowed on an empty stomach and has lower absorption than sublingual drops.

7. Access and Cost

Tirzepatide oral drops are compounded medications and not currently available in retail pharmacies. However, providers like ClickSlim offer:

  • Licensed telehealth consultations

  • Compounded tirzepatide in oral drop form

  • Prescription fulfillment and direct delivery

  • Transparent pricing

Semaglutide is covered by many insurance plans but may require prior authorization, especially for weight loss use (Wegovy). It’s also more expensive in cash-pay markets.

Why Tirzepatide Oral Drops Are a Game-Changer

Here’s why tirzepatide oral drops are generating excitement among patients and providers alike:

Superior Efficacy

Better outcomes in A1c and weight loss compared to other GLP-1s.

Daily Oral Convenience

No needles, no weekly scheduling, and faster routine integration.

Dual-Hormone Action

Unique metabolic targeting for advanced results.

Available via Telehealth

Providers like ClickSlim make the process seamless, discreet, and supportive.

How to Take Oral Tirzepatide Drops

Here’s what you need to know about proper administration:

  • Dosage: Starts at 2.5 mg/day, titrated up to 15 mg/day

  • Route: Sublingual (under the tongue)

  • Instructions:

    • Hold under the tongue for 60–90 seconds

    • Avoid eating or drinking for 10–15 minutes afterward

    • Take daily at the same time for best results

Always follow your provider’s titration schedule and check for side effects.

Common Side Effects of Oral Tirzepatide

Like other GLP-1 medications, tirzepatide oral drops may cause temporary GI symptoms:

  • Nausea

  • Diarrhea or constipation

  • Loss of appetite

  • Fatigue

  • Headache

These symptoms often resolve within the first few weeks. Rare but serious side effects include pancreatitis and thyroid tumors (in rodent studies). Inform your provider of any pre-existing conditions before starting treatment.

How ClickSlim Makes Oral Tirzepatide Accessible

ClickSlim is a leading provider of personalized metabolic and weight loss care through telehealth. With ClickSlim, you can:

  1. Complete a medical questionnaire online

  2. Have a virtual consultation with a licensed provider

  3. Receive your prescription and have tirzepatide oral drops delivered

  4. Get ongoing support for refills and dosage adjustments

ClickSlim is committed to patient safety, pharmacy compliance, and transformative care without the wait times or cost barriers of traditional systems.

Who Should Consider Tirzepatide Oral Drops?

This treatment is ideal for:

  • Adults with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes

  • Individuals with obesity or BMI ≥ 27 with comorbidities

  • People who haven’t responded well to semaglutide or other GLP-1s

  • Patients who prefer oral delivery over injectables

Final Thoughts

Tirzepatide has redefined what’s possible for treating diabetes and obesity—and tirzepatide oral drops are taking it a step further by removing the barriers of injections and expanding access to powerful metabolic care.

Compared to traditional GLP-1 agonists, oral tirzepatide offers better results, greater convenience, and a brighter future for patients ready to take control of their health.