Rybelsus (POM on HOLD)

What is Rybelsus?

Rybelsus is an oral (tablet) prescription medication used to treat and manage Type 2 Diabetes and is prescribed off-label for the treatment of weight loss. Though oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) has not been approved as a form of weight loss medication as of yet. There is a wide body of research to show that it can be safely and effectively used in this way. If you have any concerns or queries – get in touch with us and one of our experts will be happy to help.

Rybelsus is only suitable for adults, and may only be prescribed to patients who have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 27kg/m2 and have at least one weight-related condition, or those who have a body mass index above 30kg/m2. It’s also important to note that Wegovy must be used as part of a healthy weight management plan, which may include dietary changes, an exercise regime, or surgery.

Which should I choose Rybelsus or the weight loss injections?

Multiple clinical studies have shown that patients taking Rybelsus lose up to 10% of their body weight, after around 52 weeks of treatment. Patients also saw significant reductions in waist size and other measurements.

Though the amount of weight loss is larger for the injections, not everyone feels comfortable using an injection so the oral tablets are a suitable alternative for them.

How does the Rybelsus tablet help you lose weight?

Rybelsus contains an active ingredient called semaglutide, which is a synthetic version of the hormone GLP-1. This hormone is naturally released from the gut after eating, and it helps regulate blood sugar levels.

GLP-1 also communicates with the brain to signal fullness, which reduces appetite and prevents cravings and even slows down the emptying of the stomach. By combining regular Rybelsus tablets with a reduced-calorie diet, many patients find that they’re better equipped to shed excess weight and gain control over their appetites.

How long does Rybelsus take to work?

For some patients, weight loss can begin as soon as within the first week as it helps to keep you feeling full so you reduce the amount you eat leading to weight loss. Studies show that the weight loss then continues until about week 26. As the dose is gradually increased greater weight loss is seen at each dose interval.

To make the most of Rybelsus and achieve the best results possible, it’s essential to follow your doctor's instructions and maintain a healthy diet and exercise regime. If you have any concerns about the medication's effectiveness, you should consult your doctor

How effective is the Rybelsus tablet?

The PIONEER 2 study demonstrated that patients were on average able to lose 8.4lb or around 4kg over a 52 week period. This was up to up to 10% of their body weight. They also noticed reduction in waist size too.

Is Rybelsus safe?

If you're considering Rybelsusas a weight management medication, you may be wondering if it's safe to use. While Rybelsus (semaglutide) is a relatively new weight loss drug, it has been fully approved in the US and the UK, by both the FDA (the Food and Drug Administration) and MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency).

However, it's important to understand that the safety of any medication depends on a number of factors, including your medical history, current medications, and prescribed dosage. This is why it’s important to discuss whether Rybelsus is suitable with one of our healthcare professionals beforehand, and always follow the directions of your prescription carefully.

Rybelsus: where to buy

You can buy Rybelsus in the UK from a registered pharmacy provided it has been prescribed by your doctor. Alternatively, purchase yours online today from The Independent Pharmacy after completing a health consultation. Once you’ve been approved for the treatment, we’ll deliver it securely and discreetly as early as the next working day.

Begin your weight loss journey to a healthier and happier you.

Sources

• PIONEER clinical studies
• Rybelsus patient information leaflet

How to take Rybelsus

Rybelsus is an oral tablet it is taken once daily at roughly the same time each day. It is important to take the medication on an empty stomach. You should avoid eating or drinking or taking other oral medications within 30 minutes before or after taking this treatment.

You will commence on a 3mg dose and gradually increase the dose each month until you reach the maintenance dose of 14mg.

Rybelsus Dosages

You may have noticed that there are several different strengths of Rybelsus. This is because the typical treatment course involves starting on a low strength and gradually building up over a few months.

To gain the maximum benefit from Rybelsus you should follow the nutrition program recommended to you by your doctor. As with any weight-control program, overconsumption of fat and calories may reduce any weight-loss effect.

• Rybelsus may affect the way some other medicines work. For example, Rybelsus slows stomach emptying, so it can alter the effect of medications that need to pass through the stomach quickly. Your prescriber can provide advice regarding this
• Rybelsus is not a quick fix for treating obesity. Rybelsus is meant to be taken long-term. Once you stop the medication, you may gain back much of the weight you lost while taking it.
• The use of Rybelsus may be associated with pancreatitis. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience: severe pain in the upper part of your abdomen that may radiate to your back, nausea and vomiting, fever and fast heartbeat.
• Very rarely, a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis can occur. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience: raised red, itchy rash (hives), severe dizziness, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, and tongue and collapse.

Rybelsus Side Effects

As with any kind of medication, Wegovy can cause side effects in some patients.

Common side effects of Wegovy include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• lower stomach pain
• headache
• tiredness
• upset stomach
• dizziness
• feeling bloated
• belching and gas
• Heartburn

Rarer and more serious side effects include:

• Pancreatitis
• Gallbladder problems
• Increased risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in patients with type 2 diabetes
• Kidney problems and kidney failure
• Increased heart rate
• Allergic reactions
• Depression
• Thyroid tumours and cancer — Wegovy is not suitable for patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)

If you notice any of the side effects listed above, speak to your GP and seek further advice. For a full list of possible side effects and warnings, please refer to the Rybelsus patient information leaflet.

Rybelsus Ingredients

Each Rybelsus tablet contains: Semaglutide (3mg, 7mg and 14mg)

The inactive ingredients contained in each tablet are: Salcaprozate sodium, Povidone K90, Cellulose, microcrystalline, Magnesium stearate

Rybelsus Alternatives

The healthiest, safest and most effective way to lose weight is to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, such as following a calorie-controlled diet and increasing the amount of exercise you do. However, people with a weight-related medical condition may need to consider weight loss treatments such as Wegovy or an alternative.

There are several other weight loss medications available on the market, and some of the popular Wegovy alternatives include:

• Mysimba — a combination weight loss treatment containing naltrexone and bupropion that is used to treat obesity. Naltrexone works to reduce the pleasure that you get from food, while bupropion works to reduce appetite.
• Saxenda — another weight loss injection treatment that works by mimicking the hormone GLP-1 to reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness. It is approved for use in adults with obesity or who are overweight with at least one weight-related condition.
• Orlistat — taken in pill form, this type of weight loss medicine works by blocking the absorption of dietary fat in the gut. You can buy Orlistat here. You should steer clear of unlicensed diet pills and ensure you buy them from a registered pharmacy.
• Xenical — the prescription version of Orlistat and is used in combination with a low-calorie diet to aid weight loss. Xenical is designed to be taken by individuals who are clinically obese, or those who are overweight and have at least one weight-related condition. You can order Xenical here.

If you’re looking for non-medical tips for losing weight safely, check out our guide to 7 Easy Ways You Can Help Yourself Lose Weight At Home.

Rybelsus FAQs

Can I buy Rybelsus in the UK?

Yes, Rybelsus tablets are available for sale in the UK. Though they are not licenced for treating weight loss. It is well recongied that they cause this as an effect. As injections are not for everyone they might be an option for you after a review with our medical team. The weight loss medication can be purchased online from The Independent Pharmacy — you’ll just need to complete a short health consultation so we can ensure Wegovy is suitable for you.

Is Rybelsus addictive?

No. The active ingredient in Rybelsus is semaglutide — this ingredient helps to regulate appetite and blood sugar levels and is not known to cause addiction or dependence.

Can I drink alcohol while using Rybelsus?

There are no known interactions between Rybelsus and alcohol. However, alcohol consumption can affect blood sugar levels and is a significant source of calories.

We recommend that you consult with your healthcare provider before consuming alcohol while using Rybelsus to reduce your body weight.

Do I need a prescription for Rybelsus?

Yes — if you’re considering using Rybelsus to lose weight, you’ll need to complete a free consultation with one of our healthcare experts. They’ll determine whether Wegovy is suitable for you.

Is Rybelsus available in generic form?

No, there is currently no generic version of Rybelsus available.