Table of Contents
Introduction
Tirzepatide is a medicine used to help manage type 2 diabetes and support weight loss. It works by copying the actions of two natural hormones in the body, GIP and GLP-1, which help control blood sugar levels and reduce appetite. Tirzepatide is part of a group of medicines called incretin mimetics. It has shown strong results in helping people lower their blood sugar and lose a significant amount of weight, especially when used along with healthy eating and regular physical activity.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved tirzepatide as an injection under the brand name Mounjaro in 2022. It was first approved for type 2 diabetes, and later, it was also approved for chronic weight management in adults who are overweight or have obesity. The injection is given once a week and has become a popular choice for people who need extra help reaching their health goals when diet, exercise, and other medicines are not enough.
Lately, a new form of tirzepatide has become available: oral drops. These are sometimes called tirzepatide “sublingual drops” or “liquid tirzepatide.” They are not made by the same company that produces the FDA-approved injections. Instead, some pharmacies prepare the drops using compounded versions of the drug. Compounded drugs are made by pharmacies based on a prescription, often to meet a specific need, such as a different dosage form. However, compounded tirzepatide has not gone through the same strict testing or approval process as the injected form. This means that safety, strength, and effectiveness can vary.
Because of the growing interest in weight-loss medications and alternatives to injections, many people are asking if tirzepatide drops work as well as the injections. Some people feel uncomfortable with needles or prefer to avoid injections when possible. Others are looking for less expensive options, especially if insurance does not cover the brand-name version. As a result, the question of how well the drops compare to the injections is becoming more important.
To answer this question, several key areas must be explored. It is necessary to look at how tirzepatide works in the body, and why injections are the standard form. Then, it is important to examine what is known about the oral or liquid forms, how they are made, and what science says about their effectiveness. A fair comparison also includes looking at safety, side effects, ease of use, and cost. Another important topic is how different forms of the drug are regulated and approved by government agencies like the FDA.
Many people want to know if tirzepatide drops are just as good at lowering blood sugar and promoting weight loss. Others want to understand if the drops are safe, or if there are risks involved. There are also questions about whether insurance pays for either version, and whether taking a drop is really more convenient than a weekly shot. Right now, there is a lot of online discussion about these topics, but not all of the information is accurate or easy to understand. People who are thinking about trying tirzepatide in any form need clear facts based on science, not just opinions or advertisements.
This article takes a close look at the differences between tirzepatide drops and injections. It uses available research and expert guidance to help explain which form may work better for managing blood sugar and supporting weight loss. The goal is to make the information clear and helpful for people who want to understand their options. By the end of the article, readers will have a better understanding of how each form works, what results they may expect, and what to consider when choosing between the two.
What Is Tirzepatide and How Does It Work?
Tirzepatide is a new type of medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and support weight loss. It works in a unique way by acting on two hormones in the body. These hormones are called GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). Both hormones are part of a group called incretins. Incretins are natural chemicals made in the gut that help control blood sugar levels after eating.
Tirzepatide is known as a “dual agonist” because it activates both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors at the same time. This is different from older drugs like semaglutide and liraglutide, which only target GLP-1. By working on two receptors instead of one, tirzepatide helps the body lower blood sugar more effectively and may lead to greater weight loss.
How Tirzepatide Affects Blood Sugar
Tirzepatide helps the pancreas release insulin, but only when blood sugar is high. Insulin is a hormone that helps move sugar out of the blood and into the body’s cells, where it can be used for energy. Tirzepatide also lowers the amount of another hormone called glucagon. Glucagon raises blood sugar levels, especially between meals. By reducing glucagon, tirzepatide helps keep blood sugar from rising too high.
Another important effect of tirzepatide is slowing down how quickly food leaves the stomach. This process is called gastric emptying. When food stays in the stomach longer, sugar from that food enters the blood more slowly. This helps prevent sudden spikes in blood sugar after meals.
How Tirzepatide Helps With Weight Loss
In addition to managing blood sugar, tirzepatide affects parts of the brain that control hunger and fullness. It helps people feel full sooner and stay full longer. This leads to eating less food overall. Some people also report that they feel less desire to eat, especially foods high in sugar or fat. Over time, eating less helps reduce body weight.
Tirzepatide may also improve how the body uses fat for energy. This is especially helpful for people who carry extra weight or have obesity, because their bodies often have trouble burning fat efficiently. Together, these effects support both weight loss and better blood sugar control.
Who Can Use Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is given to adults who need help lowering their blood sugar. The medication is not meant for people with type 1 diabetes or people with diabetic ketoacidosis.
More recently, tirzepatide has also been studied for weight loss in people without diabetes. These studies showed strong results, with many patients losing 15% or more of their body weight. Based on this evidence, tirzepatide is also used for weight management in adults who are overweight or obese, especially if they have other health problems like high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
How Tirzepatide Is Given
Tirzepatide is most commonly given as an injection under the skin once a week. It comes in a prefilled pen that makes it easier to use. The dose is usually started low and then increased over time, depending on how the body responds and whether any side effects occur. This gradual increase helps lower the risk of nausea and other stomach-related symptoms.
There are new forms being developed or sold as drops or oral formulas, but only the injection has been fully studied and approved by the FDA so far. The injectable form delivers tirzepatide directly into the bloodstream, which helps it work more effectively.
Tirzepatide is a powerful new drug that helps control blood sugar and supports weight loss. It works by copying the actions of two natural hormones—GIP and GLP-1. These actions help the pancreas release insulin, reduce hunger, slow digestion, and improve how the body burns fat. Because of its dual action, tirzepatide may offer more benefits than older medications that only affect one hormone.
Tirzepatide Injections: Clinical Evidence and Efficacy
Tirzepatide is given as a once-weekly injection under the skin. It is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is also used to help with weight loss in people who are overweight or have obesity, even if they do not have diabetes. The injectable form of tirzepatide has been studied in large clinical trials and has shown strong results for both lowering blood sugar and helping people lose weight.
Dosage Forms and How It Is Given
Tirzepatide injections are available in several doses: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg. The medicine is injected once a week into the fatty tissue just under the skin. This is usually done in the stomach area, thigh, or upper arm. It is important to rotate the injection site to avoid irritation.
Most people start with the lowest dose of 2.5 mg once a week. The dose is increased every four weeks to help the body get used to the medicine and to reduce the risk of side effects. The goal is to reach a dose that provides the best effect while keeping side effects low. The highest dose approved is 15 mg once a week.
Key Clinical Trials
Many clinical trials have studied tirzepatide injections. Two of the most important trial programs are called SURPASS and SURMOUNT.
- The SURPASS trials focused on people with type 2 diabetes. These studies compared tirzepatide to other common diabetes treatments like insulin, semaglutide (another GLP-1 drug), and placebo. Results showed that tirzepatide lowered A1c (a measure of average blood sugar over 3 months) more than the other treatments. In some studies, people had their A1c drop by more than 2 percentage points, which is a major improvement.
- The SURMOUNT trials focused on people without diabetes who needed to lose weight. These studies looked at tirzepatide’s effect on weight in people with obesity or who were overweight with weight-related health conditions like high blood pressure or sleep apnea. In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, people taking the 15 mg dose of tirzepatide lost an average of 20.9% of their body weight over 72 weeks. This amount of weight loss is much higher than what is usually seen with most other weight-loss medicines.
These results show that tirzepatide injections are effective at both controlling blood sugar and helping with weight loss. Many experts consider these results among the best seen so far for medicines in this class.
How Tirzepatide Works in the Body When Injected
Tirzepatide is a type of medicine called a GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist. It mimics two natural hormones in the body that help control blood sugar and appetite. When injected under the skin, tirzepatide is slowly absorbed into the bloodstream. It stays in the body for about one week, which is why it only needs to be given once a week.
The injection form allows tirzepatide to bypass the digestive system, where it might be broken down before it can work. By going directly into the fatty tissue and then into the blood, the medicine reaches the right level in the body to have an effect. This is important because tirzepatide is a protein-based drug. Protein drugs are usually not effective when taken by mouth since the stomach and intestines can break them down.
Benefits Shown in Injections
The benefits seen in the injection trials include:
- Lowering blood sugar levels: Most people in the diabetes trials reached target A1c levels below 7%, which is the goal for many patients.
- Weight loss: People lost between 5% and 21% of their body weight, depending on the dose and whether they had diabetes.
- Improved heart and metabolic health: Some studies showed improvements in cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and inflammation.
These benefits were shown across many different groups of people, including those with different ages, weights, and levels of blood sugar control.
Tirzepatide injections are well-studied and supported by strong clinical evidence. They are approved by the FDA and widely used for both type 2 diabetes and weight management. The weekly injection allows for steady drug levels in the body and helps patients achieve better blood sugar control and meaningful weight loss. The studies show that the injectable form is effective and safe when used as prescribed.
Tirzepatide Drops: What Are They and How Are They Formulated?
Tirzepatide is a medication originally designed to be given by injection. It is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in its injectable form to help adults manage type 2 diabetes and lose weight. However, a new version of tirzepatide has started appearing in some clinics and pharmacies—liquid drops that are taken by mouth. These are often called “tirzepatide drops” or “oral tirzepatide,” but they are not the same as the approved injectable version. Understanding what tirzepatide drops are and how they are made is important before choosing this form of treatment.
What Are Tirzepatide Drops?
Tirzepatide drops are liquid versions of the medication that are taken by mouth instead of being injected under the skin. These drops are made by special pharmacies called compounding pharmacies. Compounding is a process where a pharmacist makes a medicine that is not available from a drug company. This can involve mixing ingredients to create a form of the medicine that is easier for a person to use, such as a liquid instead of an injection.
These tirzepatide drops are not approved by the FDA. The official version of tirzepatide—sold under the brand name Mounjaro—is only approved as an injection. This means tirzepatide drops have not gone through the same safety and effectiveness tests required for FDA-approved medications.
How Are Tirzepatide Drops Made?
Compounded tirzepatide drops are made by licensed pharmacists using raw tirzepatide powder. This powder is mixed with other ingredients, such as sterile water, alcohol-based solutions, or other liquid carriers. The final product is a bottle with a dropper or spray that allows patients to place the liquid under the tongue or inside the mouth.
The exact formula for tirzepatide drops can vary between compounding pharmacies. Some versions are sublingual, meaning they are placed under the tongue and absorbed through the tissues in the mouth. Others may be swallowed and absorbed through the digestive system. Because there is no standard recipe, different drops may have different strengths, absorption rates, and effects.
Differences from FDA-Approved Injections
Tirzepatide injections are made using strict manufacturing processes that are tested for safety, strength, and how the drug is absorbed in the body. The injectable form is designed to release the medication slowly over time and maintain steady levels in the bloodstream. It is given once a week using a pre-filled pen.
Tirzepatide drops, on the other hand, do not go through the same testing. Because they are not approved by the FDA, there is no official data to show how well the body absorbs tirzepatide from a drop compared to an injection. Peptide drugs like tirzepatide usually break down in the stomach, which is why they are given as injections. The body’s enzymes and stomach acid can damage the drug before it gets absorbed into the blood when taken by mouth.
To try to avoid this breakdown, some tirzepatide drops are placed under the tongue. The idea is to have the drug enter the blood through the tiny blood vessels in the mouth. However, there is little research showing how well this method works with tirzepatide.
How Are They Used by Patients?
People using tirzepatide drops are often told to take the medication once a day. This is different from the injectable form, which is taken once a week. Some instructions say to place a specific number of drops under the tongue and hold them there for 30 to 60 seconds before swallowing. Others may direct users to mix the drops with water or place them directly into the mouth.
Because there is no official dosing guide for tirzepatide drops, the strength and instructions can change depending on the pharmacy or healthcare provider. This can lead to confusion or mistakes in how the medication is used.
Why Are People Interested in Tirzepatide Drops?
Many people are uncomfortable with needles and may want to avoid injections. Others may believe that taking a medication by mouth is easier or more natural. Tirzepatide drops may seem like a good option for those reasons. Some clinics offer the drops as a more convenient or less expensive choice compared to the injectable version. However, convenience should not replace safety or effectiveness.
Tirzepatide drops are a compounded, non-FDA-approved version of a medication that is officially only available by injection. They are made by mixing tirzepatide with a liquid so it can be taken by mouth. There are no standard formulas or dosing schedules, and there is limited research to prove how well they work compared to injections. While some people may prefer drops over injections, more scientific evidence is needed to understand their true effectiveness and safety.
Are Tirzepatide Drops as Effective as Injections?
Tirzepatide injections are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. They are also widely prescribed for weight loss under the brand name Mounjaro. In contrast, tirzepatide drops are not approved by the FDA. These drops are usually made by compounding pharmacies. They are often marketed as oral or sublingual (under-the-tongue) versions. Many people wonder whether these drops work as well as the original injectable form. To understand the difference in effectiveness, it is important to look at how tirzepatide works in the body and how it is absorbed.
How Tirzepatide Works in the Body
Tirzepatide is a peptide. Peptides are small proteins made from amino acids. Like other peptide-based drugs, tirzepatide does not survive well in the stomach. The stomach has strong acids and enzymes that break down proteins. This is why peptide medications are usually given by injection. Injecting tirzepatide allows the medicine to go straight into the bloodstream. This means the body can use it properly and the full dose reaches the target tissues, like the pancreas and brain.
The Problem with Oral or Sublingual Delivery
Tirzepatide drops are usually placed under the tongue. This is called sublingual administration. Some of the drug may be absorbed through tiny blood vessels under the tongue. However, it is difficult to know how much of the drug actually enters the bloodstream. Even if some of it is absorbed under the tongue, the rest may be swallowed. When tirzepatide is swallowed, it is likely to be broken down by stomach acid before it can have any effect.
This leads to a major concern: bioavailability. Bioavailability means how much of the drug reaches the bloodstream and stays active. Tirzepatide injections have high bioavailability, because the drug is delivered directly into the body. Sublingual drops have very low and unpredictable bioavailability. This makes it hard to ensure that the right dose is being delivered.
Lack of Scientific Evidence
There are no large clinical trials that show tirzepatide drops are as effective as injections. Most of the research on tirzepatide comes from studies on the injectable form. These studies showed strong results for lowering blood sugar and supporting weight loss. For example, in the SURPASS and SURMOUNT trials, people using injectable tirzepatide saw major improvements in HbA1c (a measure of blood sugar control) and lost significant amounts of body weight.
So far, tirzepatide drops have not been studied in this way. Without well-designed trials, it is impossible to compare the effectiveness of drops to injections. This means patients and doctors are left guessing when it comes to how well the drops work.
Differences in Drug Stability and Consistency
Tirzepatide injections are made under strict quality controls. Each dose is carefully measured and tested. The injections are also formulated to keep the drug stable, so it stays effective over time. In contrast, tirzepatide drops are made by compounding pharmacies. These pharmacies mix small batches of medicine for individual patients. While some compounding pharmacies follow high standards, others may not. The final product may be inconsistent in strength and stability. This means the amount of drug in each dose may vary, even from bottle to bottle.
Therapeutic Levels May Not Be Reached
To be effective, tirzepatide needs to reach and maintain a certain level in the blood. With injections, this is easy to measure and control. The drug is designed to stay in the body for a full week. This allows for once-weekly dosing. Tirzepatide drops may not achieve or maintain these therapeutic levels. Even with daily use, there is a high chance that the drug levels will not reach what is needed to lower blood sugar or promote weight loss.
Expert Opinion and Pharmacology Support Injections
Experts in pharmacology and endocrinology generally agree that injections remain the gold standard for tirzepatide. The drug’s structure and sensitivity to stomach acid make it unsuitable for oral use, unless it is specially coated or modified in ways that are still under development. Until such a product is tested and approved, injectable tirzepatide is the only proven way to deliver the drug effectively.
Tirzepatide injections are proven to be effective through clinical trials. Tirzepatide drops, however, lack strong evidence. The way the body absorbs peptides makes it unlikely that drops can deliver the drug in a reliable way. Without proper studies and approval, tirzepatide drops cannot be considered as effective as injections.
What Does the Research Say? Clinical Studies and Data Comparison
Tirzepatide injections have been studied in large clinical trials with thousands of patients. These studies show strong evidence that the drug helps lower blood sugar and support weight loss. However, the same level of research is not available for tirzepatide drops. Most of what is known about tirzepatide comes from injectable forms. The data for tirzepatide drops is very limited, and there are no large clinical trials that prove they work as well.
Tirzepatide Injections in Clinical Trials
The main clinical trials for injectable tirzepatide are part of two study groups: the SURPASS trials and the SURMOUNT trials. These were carefully designed and reviewed by experts. They followed thousands of patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity over many months. These trials tested different doses of tirzepatide, ranging from 5 mg to 15 mg, given once per week as a subcutaneous injection (injected under the skin).
In the SURPASS trials, people with type 2 diabetes who used tirzepatide injections had large drops in hemoglobin A1c, a key marker of blood sugar control. In some cases, A1c was lowered by more than 2 percentage points. These trials also showed strong weight loss results. Patients lost between 11% and 22% of their body weight, depending on the dose and duration of treatment.
In the SURMOUNT trials, which focused mostly on people without diabetes but with obesity or overweight, tirzepatide still led to major weight loss. Some patients lost over 20% of their starting weight in less than 18 months. These results were published in trusted medical journals and are considered reliable.
Tirzepatide Drops and Lack of Published Data
Tirzepatide drops are usually made by compounding pharmacies. These pharmacies mix or prepare drugs that are not available in standard forms. While compounding pharmacies are legal and often useful, they are not held to the same testing rules as major drug companies. As a result, tirzepatide drops have not been tested in large, high-quality clinical trials.
There are no peer-reviewed studies that show the effectiveness of tirzepatide drops in lowering blood sugar or helping with weight loss. Most information about drops comes from websites or clinics that sell them. These sources may include claims or early data, but they are not published in scientific journals. Without studies that include control groups, dosing accuracy, and long-term follow-up, the safety and effectiveness of tirzepatide drops remain uncertain.
Bioavailability and Drug Absorption
One reason why injectable tirzepatide works well is because it enters the bloodstream directly through the skin. This method avoids the digestive system, where many protein-based drugs can be broken down. Tirzepatide is a peptide, which means it is made of small protein units. If swallowed, it would likely be destroyed by stomach acids and digestive enzymes before reaching the bloodstream.
Tirzepatide drops are sometimes placed under the tongue (sublingual use) to try to avoid the stomach. However, this route is not proven to deliver enough of the drug into the body. The membranes under the tongue can absorb certain small molecules, but peptides like tirzepatide are much harder to absorb this way. Some drops may be swallowed instead, which makes them even less likely to be effective.
Until well-designed studies test tirzepatide drops for bioavailability (how much of the drug enters the bloodstream), there is no clear way to compare them to injections.
What Experts and Scientists Suggest
Doctors and scientists rely on clinical trials to guide treatment. Without published studies on tirzepatide drops, there is no strong proof that they work the same way as injections. Most healthcare providers recommend using FDA-approved forms of the drug, such as injections, because they have been tested for safety, dosing, and results.
Even though some people may prefer drops due to a fear of needles or ease of use, it is important to remember that medical decisions should be based on evidence. If a drug has not been studied in the same way as another form, it is difficult to trust that it will work the same.
Limitations in Current Evidence
The biggest problem with comparing tirzepatide drops to injections is the lack of data. Without head-to-head studies or at least small clinical trials of the drops, it is impossible to say how effective they are. There is also no data on the long-term safety of using compounded tirzepatide in drop form.
More research is needed to understand how the body absorbs tirzepatide from drops and whether enough of the drug reaches the bloodstream to have an effect. Until that happens, injections remain the only form of tirzepatide that is backed by solid scientific proof.
While tirzepatide injections have been proven to work in large, well-controlled studies, tirzepatide drops have not been studied in the same way. There is currently no strong scientific evidence to support their use as an equal alternative.
How Safe Are Tirzepatide Drops Compared to Injections?
Tirzepatide injections have been studied in many clinical trials. These studies show that the medication is generally safe for most people when used as directed. In contrast, tirzepatide drops, which are usually made by compounding pharmacies, do not have the same level of safety data. Because of this, it is important to understand the differences between the two forms and what that means for safety.
Tirzepatide Injections: Known Safety Profile
The injectable form of tirzepatide, often sold under the brand name Mounjaro, has been tested in thousands of patients. Clinical trials like the SURPASS and SURMOUNT series followed patients over long periods. These trials measured side effects and tracked how many people stopped treatment due to health concerns.
The most common side effects with injections include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
These side effects are usually mild to moderate and often go away after the first few weeks of treatment. In rare cases, more serious problems can occur. These include:
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Gallbladder disease
- Kidney function changes
- Allergic reactions
Because tirzepatide injections are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), their safety is closely monitored. Patients using the injectable form receive a product that has passed strict quality checks. The dose in each pen is accurate, and the medicine is sterile.
Tirzepatide Drops: Compounded and Less Regulated
Tirzepatide drops are not made by the original drug manufacturer. Instead, they are often prepared by compounding pharmacies. These pharmacies mix or change medications based on a prescription. While compounding can be helpful in special situations, the final product does not go through the same testing and approval process as FDA-approved drugs.
One major concern with tirzepatide drops is inconsistent dosing. Because tirzepatide is a large protein, it is not easily absorbed through the mouth. It can break down before entering the bloodstream. Compounded drops may not contain the correct amount of the drug, or the drug may not be delivered in a way that the body can use well. This may lead to underdosing (not enough drug) or overdosing (too much drug), both of which can cause problems.
Another issue is sterility and contamination risk. Injectable medications must be sterile to prevent infections. Even though tirzepatide drops are taken by mouth or under the tongue, they can still become contaminated during preparation. If they are not handled properly, bacteria or other harmful substances can enter the product.
Some compounded drugs may use different ingredients or preservatives than the original medication. These added substances can cause unexpected side effects or allergic reactions. Without strong oversight, it is hard to know exactly what is in each bottle of tirzepatide drops.
Systemic Side Effects Still Apply
Both injections and drops act on the same receptors in the body: GLP-1 and GIP receptors. This means they can cause similar side effects if the drug reaches the bloodstream. These include nausea, vomiting, and changes in appetite. However, since the effectiveness of absorption is unclear in drop form, it is harder to predict how the body will respond.
Quality Control and Consistency
Each batch of FDA-approved tirzepatide injection must meet the same standard. The drug is produced in sterile facilities under carefully controlled conditions. Tirzepatide drops, on the other hand, vary from one pharmacy to another. Different methods, storage conditions, and mixing procedures can lead to major differences in quality and strength.
Even small changes in the amount of drug delivered can affect blood sugar levels and weight loss results. If the dose is too low, the patient may see no benefit. If it is too high, the risk of serious side effects increases.
Tirzepatide injections have a well-studied safety profile and are made under strict quality rules. Side effects are known, and doctors can manage them based on clear data. Tirzepatide drops are made by compounding pharmacies and are not approved by the FDA. They may have issues with dosing, safety, and quality control. Because of these unknowns, the safety of tirzepatide drops is much harder to judge, and the risk may be higher compared to injections.
What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Each Form?
Tirzepatide is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and to support weight loss. Like many medications, tirzepatide can cause side effects. These side effects can happen with both injections and compounded drop forms, but the risks may be different depending on how the drug is taken. Understanding these differences helps patients and healthcare providers make informed decisions about treatment.
Side Effects of Tirzepatide Injections
Tirzepatide injections have been studied in large clinical trials, such as the SURPASS and SURMOUNT studies. These studies involved thousands of people and provided a clear picture of common side effects.
The most common side effects of tirzepatide injections are related to the stomach and digestive system. These include:
- Nausea: Many people feel queasy or sick to their stomach, especially during the first few weeks of treatment. Nausea tends to improve over time.
- Vomiting: Some people may throw up, usually in the early stages of starting the medicine or when the dose is increased.
- Diarrhea: Loose stools can occur and may last a few days or longer. Staying hydrated helps reduce discomfort.
- Constipation: Some people may have trouble passing stool or experience fewer bowel movements.
- Stomach pain or discomfort: This can happen with changes in digestion caused by the medication.
Other possible side effects include:
- Decreased appetite: Tirzepatide often reduces hunger. While this can help with weight loss, it may also lead to eating too little if not managed properly.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired or low in energy can happen, especially when the body adjusts to lower food intake.
- Injection site reactions: Mild redness, itching, or swelling can appear where the injection is given, though this is usually temporary.
Most of these side effects are mild to moderate and get better over time. Doctors usually start patients on a low dose and increase it slowly to reduce these problems.
Side Effects of Tirzepatide Drops
Tirzepatide drops are not FDA-approved and are usually made by compounding pharmacies. Because these drops have not gone through large clinical trials, their side effects are not as well understood or documented as those of the injections.
However, tirzepatide in any form still acts on the same parts of the body: the gut, pancreas, and brain. Because of this, it is expected that the drops may cause many of the same side effects, such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Stomach discomfort
- Decreased appetite
The actual frequency or severity of these side effects with drops is unknown. The biggest concern is whether enough of the drug is absorbed into the body when taken as a drop, especially under the tongue or by swallowing. Peptides like tirzepatide break down easily in the stomach, so there is a risk that the medicine may not work as intended or could work too weakly. If the dose is not consistent, side effects may come and go in an unpredictable way.
There is also a potential for other risks that come from using compounded drugs, such as:
- Dosing errors: Compounded drops may not always have the same amount of medication in each dose. This can lead to too much or too little medicine being absorbed, affecting both safety and effectiveness.
- Unpredictable side effects: Without strong studies, it is hard to know how people will respond. Some may experience different or stronger side effects than expected.
- Allergic reactions: Compounded formulas may contain other ingredients or preservatives that could cause allergic reactions or irritation.
Systemic Side Effects Are Likely Similar
Because tirzepatide acts on the whole body—especially the hormones that control blood sugar and hunger—many of the side effects will likely be the same whether it is taken by injection or by drop, if the drop is absorbed properly. These are called systemic side effects. They happen when the drug enters the bloodstream and affects different organs.
This means that side effects like low appetite, nausea, or fatigue would still happen with both forms, if the drug reaches active levels in the blood. However, with drops, it is not always clear whether the drug reaches the same levels as injections. If it doesn’t, the medication might not work well and may cause fewer side effects—not because it is safer, but because it is less effective.
Importance of Consistent Dosing
The injectable form of tirzepatide is given in a pre-filled pen with an exact dose. This helps ensure that the body gets a steady, predictable amount of the drug. Predictable dosing helps prevent sudden side effects and gives the medication the best chance to work properly.
In contrast, drops may vary in how much drug they deliver. Even small changes in how drops are made or taken—such as swallowing instead of holding under the tongue—can change how the drug is absorbed. This may lead to side effects that are more unpredictable or harder to manage.
Tirzepatide injections have well-known side effects, mostly related to digestion. These are expected and usually mild. Tirzepatide drops are less studied, so their side effects are harder to predict. The same drug is being used in both forms, so similar effects are expected—but only if the body absorbs the drug properly. Because drops are compounded and not approved by the FDA, they may carry more risk of side effects that are harder to control or study. Proper dosing and careful use are essential for safety with any form of tirzepatide.
Patient Preference and Adherence: Do Drops Improve Compliance?
Tirzepatide injections have shown strong results in clinical studies, especially for people with type 2 diabetes and those who are trying to lose weight. However, many people do not like using injections. The idea of giving a shot—even once a week—can make some feel nervous, uncomfortable, or scared. Because of this, some look for other options, such as tirzepatide in drop form. These drops are usually taken by mouth or placed under the tongue (sublingually). People often think drops might be easier to take, and this could affect how well they stick to their treatment plan.
Common Reasons Why Patients Avoid Injections
Many people have a fear of needles. Even though tirzepatide is only injected once a week, some still feel stress or discomfort at the thought of giving themselves a shot. This fear can lead to missed doses or stopping the medicine completely.
Others may find injections hard to use because of physical challenges. For example, someone with arthritis or vision problems might have trouble handling a syringe or injection pen. There are also cases where people travel a lot or have busy schedules, making it harder to remember or find time for their weekly injection.
Some patients dislike injections because of side effects at the injection site. These can include redness, swelling, itching, or pain. Even though these problems are usually mild, they can still be unpleasant and may cause some to stop using the treatment.
The Appeal of Tirzepatide Drops
Tirzepatide drops are sometimes seen as a more convenient or less scary option. The drops do not require needles, so there is no injection pain or needle anxiety. Drops also seem quicker and easier to use, especially for people who want to avoid the process of preparing and giving a shot.
Some patients believe that taking a daily drop or a few drops per week is a small change that fits better into their routine. For example, they may take the drops at the same time as brushing their teeth or having breakfast. This can help with remembering to take the medication.
Drops also remove the need to store injection supplies like needles or sharps containers. This might feel more private or discreet, especially for those who do not want others to know they are taking medication for weight loss or diabetes.
Challenges With Drops and Treatment Adherence
Even though drops may feel easier to use, they also come with risks. Tirzepatide is a peptide, which is a type of protein. Proteins are broken down by the stomach, so they do not work well when swallowed. That is why tirzepatide is approved as an injection and not a pill or drop. When taken by mouth or under the tongue, tirzepatide may not reach the bloodstream in the right amount. This could lead to weaker effects or no effect at all.
If the drops do not work as expected, patients may stop using them altogether. This can be dangerous for people who are managing a chronic condition like type 2 diabetes, where regular treatment is important to prevent long-term health problems. Also, because compounded tirzepatide drops are not approved by the FDA, there is no standard way to make them. This means the dose may not be consistent, which can also lead to missed results and poor adherence.
Some patients who switch from injections to drops may feel disappointed if they do not see the same weight loss or blood sugar improvements. If they lose trust in the medication, they may stop all treatment, even if other proven options are available.
Real-World Use of Injections
Despite the fear of needles, many people adjust to weekly injections over time. Injectable tirzepatide is designed to be easy to use. It comes in a pre-filled pen and only needs to be used once per week. Healthcare providers often teach patients how to use the pen safely and comfortably. Studies have shown that people who stay on weekly tirzepatide injections are more likely to reach their health goals.
Healthcare teams can also help with reminders, training, and follow-ups to support people in staying on track. These services are not always available with compounded drop versions, which are often sold online or through less-regulated providers.
While drops may seem easier to take, especially for those who dislike needles, they may not give the same results as injections. This can affect how well people stick with their treatment and whether they reach their health goals. The injectable form of tirzepatide has been tested in large studies and is backed by strong clinical data. For most people, learning to use the injection and having support from healthcare professionals can lead to better long-term success.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations: Are Drops FDA Approved?
Tirzepatide injections, sold under the brand name Mounjaro, are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are approved for adults with type 2 diabetes and are being studied for weight loss in people with or without diabetes. These injections go through strict safety and quality checks before reaching patients. The FDA approval means the medication has been tested in large studies, proven to work, and is made under controlled conditions.
Tirzepatide drops, often called sublingual or oral drops, are different. These are not approved by the FDA. Most tirzepatide drops are made by compounding pharmacies. Compounded drugs are made by pharmacists based on a doctor’s prescription. Compounding is allowed when there is a medical reason, such as when a patient cannot use the FDA-approved form. However, the rules around compounding are stricter when it involves a copy of a drug already on the market.
Compounded tirzepatide drops are not reviewed or tested by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality. This means patients using these drops may not be getting the exact same medication that was tested in research studies. The strength of each dose, how the drug is absorbed, and how long it lasts in the body may be very different from the FDA-approved injectable version.
There are concerns about how well these drops work. Tirzepatide is a peptide drug. Peptides are broken down by enzymes in the stomach and intestines. This is why injectable forms are used—so the medication can go directly into the bloodstream. When tirzepatide is taken by mouth or placed under the tongue as a drop, the body may destroy much of the drug before it has a chance to work. The FDA has not approved any oral version of tirzepatide for this reason.
The FDA has also warned against pharmacies or companies that sell compounded versions of drugs like tirzepatide without meeting safety standards. In 2023, the FDA issued statements about the risks of using compounded versions of GLP-1 drugs (like tirzepatide and semaglutide) when there is already an FDA-approved product available. The FDA only allows compounding of these medications under specific conditions, such as during a drug shortage. Even then, the compounded product must meet certain standards and be prepared by a licensed pharmacy.
There are also legal risks for doctors who prescribe non-FDA-approved forms of a medication when an approved version exists. Medical boards may review such cases, especially if a patient is harmed. Insurance companies are unlikely to cover compounded drops, and this puts the full cost on the patient. Using an unapproved version of a medication can also make it harder to get legal protection if something goes wrong with treatment.
Labeling is another issue. FDA-approved drugs have clear labels showing the exact dose, ingredients, warnings, and instructions. Compounded drops often do not follow the same labeling standards. Patients may not be sure what dose they are taking, how often to take it, or what side effects to watch for.
Quality control is also different. FDA-approved drug manufacturers must follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), which ensure every dose is made the same way and is free from harmful contaminants. Compounding pharmacies are not held to the same strict standards. Mistakes can happen in mixing or measuring the drug, which can affect how well it works or how safe it is.
Tirzepatide injections are approved and regulated by the FDA. They have been proven to be safe and effective through clinical trials. Tirzepatide drops are compounded and not FDA-approved. Their safety, effectiveness, and quality are not guaranteed. Healthcare professionals, patients, and pharmacists must understand these differences when considering treatment options. Regulatory approval matters because it protects public health and ensures the medicine works the way it should.
Cost and Availability: Which Form Is More Accessible?
When choosing between tirzepatide injections and tirzepatide drops, cost and availability are important factors. Many people want to know which version is easier to get and more affordable. While injections are FDA-approved and widely available, drops are usually made by compounding pharmacies and may not be covered by insurance. Both options come with different price ranges, and access can depend on where someone lives, insurance coverage, and pharmacy supply.
Tirzepatide Injections: Coverage and Cost
Tirzepatide injections, such as the brand-name drug Mounjaro, are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for type 2 diabetes. Doctors also prescribe them off-label for weight loss. Because they are approved and standardized, these injections are often covered by health insurance when prescribed for diabetes.
The actual cost of Mounjaro without insurance can be high. Retail prices may range from $900 to over $1,200 per month depending on the dose. However, for people with commercial insurance, manufacturer savings cards can lower the cost significantly. Some patients may pay as little as $25 per month with these programs, although certain restrictions apply.
Medicare and Medicaid coverage can vary. These programs may cover Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes but not for weight loss unless specific rules are met. Some insurance plans also require prior authorization, meaning the doctor must explain why the patient needs this medication.
Despite the cost, many pharmacies across the country regularly stock Mounjaro or can order it quickly. Supply shortages have happened in the past due to high demand, but most chain pharmacies can fill prescriptions when the product is available.
Tirzepatide Drops: Pricing and Insurance Issues
Tirzepatide drops are not made by the original drug company and are not FDA-approved. They are prepared by compounding pharmacies, which mix ingredients to create custom versions of medications. These pharmacies often advertise sublingual or oral tirzepatide as a more comfortable or needle-free option, especially for weight loss.
Since compounded tirzepatide is not an approved drug, insurance companies do not cover it. Patients must pay the full cost out of pocket. Prices can vary widely depending on the pharmacy, dosage, and duration of treatment. The average monthly price may range from $300 to $600 or more, although some places may charge less or more based on demand and formulation.
Another issue is that compounded tirzepatide is not available everywhere. Not all compounding pharmacies are licensed to prepare it, and some states have more rules about which drugs can be made this way. Patients may need to order the drops online or have them shipped from out of state, which can take extra time.
Comparing Access and Affordability
Even though tirzepatide drops seem cheaper at first glance, the cost must be considered along with effectiveness. If the drops do not work as well as the injections, patients may end up spending more money over time with less benefit. There is also the risk of wasting money on a treatment that has not been fully tested in clinical trials.
For people with insurance that covers Mounjaro, injections are often the most affordable and reliable option. The cost can be low with savings programs and coverage for diabetes treatment. However, those without insurance may find the upfront price of injections too high. In this case, compounded drops may seem more affordable, but they come with trade-offs in safety, regulation, and evidence of effectiveness.
Access also depends on supply. Injections have faced shortages, especially during times of increased demand. Pharmacies may run out temporarily. Drops, being custom-made, can also be delayed due to pharmacy workload, ingredient supply, or shipping times. There is no guarantee that compounded versions will always be available or meet consistent quality standards.
Tirzepatide injections are FDA-approved, widely available in pharmacies, and often covered by insurance for type 2 diabetes. They may also be used off-label for weight loss, sometimes with cost-saving programs. Tirzepatide drops, made by compounding pharmacies, are not covered by insurance, are not FDA-approved, and may cost several hundred dollars out of pocket. While both forms have pros and cons, injections offer stronger support in terms of regulation, insurance coverage, and reliable access.
Conclusion
Tirzepatide is a medication that has shown strong results for people with type 2 diabetes and for those trying to lose weight. The injectable form of tirzepatide has been tested in large clinical trials. These trials show that it helps lower blood sugar levels and supports significant weight loss. Because of this, tirzepatide injections are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Doctors use them to treat diabetes, and many also prescribe them to help with obesity.
Recently, some pharmacies have started selling tirzepatide in a drop form. These are usually sublingual drops, meaning the liquid is placed under the tongue. This form is not approved by the FDA. It is made by compounding pharmacies, which mix medications based on a doctor’s prescription. While this may sound convenient, there is little to no research showing that these drops work the same way as the injections.
The main difference between tirzepatide injections and tirzepatide drops is how the body absorbs them. Injections go directly under the skin, allowing the medication to slowly enter the bloodstream over time. This helps keep the drug level steady and effective throughout the week. The body is able to use it properly, which is why injections have been proven to work well in clinical trials.
On the other hand, tirzepatide is a large peptide molecule. The body often breaks down these kinds of drugs in the stomach and intestines before they can work. That is why medicines like tirzepatide usually need to be injected. When taken as drops under the tongue or swallowed, the medication may not reach the bloodstream in the right amount to be helpful. Some drops might not work at all because the body digests them too quickly. This makes it unclear if tirzepatide drops can help lower blood sugar or support weight loss as well as injections.
Another concern is the lack of strong clinical studies on tirzepatide drops. Unlike the injections, which have been tested in thousands of patients, there is little published research on the safety or effectiveness of the drops. Without this information, it is hard to know if they work the way they are supposed to. There may also be risks that are not yet known.
Safety is an important part of choosing a treatment. Injectable tirzepatide has known side effects. These include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes injection site reactions. These side effects have been studied, and doctors know how to manage them. For the drops, there is less information. There may be similar side effects, or there may be different ones. Since the drops are not made by the company that developed tirzepatide, the quality can vary from pharmacy to pharmacy. This raises questions about how much active drug is in each dose and whether it is consistent.
Some people may prefer drops because they do not like needles. However, injections are only needed once a week, and many people find them easy to use after the first few times. Using an unapproved form of medication just to avoid injections can lead to poor treatment outcomes. The drops may not provide the same blood sugar control or weight loss, which can delay progress or cause complications.
There are also legal and regulatory concerns. Tirzepatide injections, like the brand name Mounjaro, are approved and regulated by the FDA. This means they must meet strict quality and safety rules. Tirzepatide drops from compounding pharmacies do not go through the same checks. This makes it harder to know what a person is really getting when they take the drops.
Cost can be a factor too. Compounded tirzepatide drops may be cheaper upfront. However, if they do not work as well, the long-term cost could be higher. Poor control of diabetes or obesity can lead to serious health problems, more doctor visits, and more expensive treatments later.
To make the best health decision, it is important to look at both science and safety. Tirzepatide injections have been studied carefully and have helped many people. Tirzepatide drops are still experimental, with no clear proof that they work the same way. Until there is solid evidence from clinical trials, the injections remain the most effective and safest choice for managing weight and type 2 diabetes with tirzepatide. Anyone considering tirzepatide should talk to a qualified healthcare provider and choose a treatment based on facts, not trends or convenience.
Research Citations
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Jastreboff, A. M., Aronne, L. J., Ahmad, N. N., Wharton, S., Connery, L., Alves, B., Kiyosue, A., Zhang, S., Liu, B., Bunck, M. C., & Stefanski, A. (2022). Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity. The New England Journal of Medicine, 387(3), 205–216. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
Frías, J. P., Davies, M. J., Rosenstock, J., Pérez Manghi, F. C., Fernández Landó, L., Bergman, B. K., Liu, B., Cui, X., & Brown, K. (2021). Tirzepatide versus semaglutide once weekly in patients with type 2 diabetes. The New England Journal of Medicine, 385(6), 503–515. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2107519
Liu, L., Shi, H., Xie, M., Sun, Y., & Nahata, M. C. (2024). Efficacy and safety of tirzepatide versus placebo in overweight or obese adults without diabetes: A systematic review and meta‑analysis of randomized controlled trials. International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy, 46(6), 1268–1280. doi:10.1007/s11096-024-01779-x
Heise, T., Mari, A., DeVries, J. H., Urva, S., Li, J., Pratt, E. J., Coskun, T., Thomas, M. K., Mather, K. J., Haupt, A., & Milicevic, Z. (2022). Effects of subcutaneous tirzepatide versus placebo or semaglutide on pancreatic islet function and insulin sensitivity in adults with type 2 diabetes: A multicentre, randomised, double‑blind, parallel‑arm, phase 1 clinical trial. Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 10(6), 418–429. doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(22)00085-7
Ludvik, B., Giorgino, F., Jódar, E., Frías, J. P., Fernández Landó, L., Brown, K., Bray, R., & Rodríguez, Á. (2021). Once‑weekly tirzepatide versus once‑daily insulin degludec as add‑on to metformin with or without SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes (SURPASS‑3): A randomised, open‑label, parallel‑group, phase 3 trial. The Lancet, 398(10300), 583–598. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(21)01443-4
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Questions and Answers: Are Tirzepatide Drops as Effective as Injections
As of now, tirzepatide is only approved and available in injectable form. Oral or drop formulations are not commercially available.
Since tirzepatide is not currently available in drop form, there is no clinical data to support that drops are as effective as injections.
Tirzepatide is a peptide drug that is not well absorbed through the digestive system, which is why it requires subcutaneous injection to be effective.
There is ongoing research into oral formulations of similar GLP-1 receptor agonists, but specific trials for tirzepatide drops have not been publicly reported.
It’s theoretically possible, but peptide drugs like tirzepatide face major challenges in absorption through mucosal membranes without degradation.
Yes. Injectables ensure that the full, active drug reaches systemic circulation without being broken down by enzymes in the stomach or mouth.
Yes. Administration route directly impacts the drug’s bioavailability. Injections provide reliable and consistent absorption.
No GLP-1 receptor agonists or GIP/GLP-1 co-agonists have been successfully developed as drop formulations for clinical use.
Significant advances in drug delivery technology would be needed to protect the peptide from degradation and ensure efficient absorption.
No. These are likely unregulated or counterfeit products. Only FDA-approved tirzepatide injections (e.g., Mounjaro or Zepbound) are safe and effective.
