Rybelsus

Rybelsus is an oral treatment approved for type 2 diabetes, but is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss. It was approved for treatment in the EU in 2020 and is manufactured by Novo Nordisk. At 121doc, Rybelsus is available as 1.5 mg, 4 mg and 9 mg tablets. It is eligible for patients over 18 after completing a short online consultation.

Rybelsus contains semaglutide, which is the same active ingredient as in Wegovy and Ozempic. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It works by mimicking the natural hormone GLP-1 and binding to the GLP-1 receptors.

This helps to control your blood sugar levels by regulating your insulin and reducing glucagon production (a hormone that releases sugar into the blood). It also slows down digestion, which means you feel fuller for longer. This reduces your appetite and means you eat less food, causing weight loss over time.

Rybelsus is an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes and weight loss. A series of trials called the PIONEER trials was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of Rybelsus compared to other diabetes treatments and a placebo.

Participants saw 5% weight loss on 14 mg of Rybelsus, which was significant compared to other treatments and the placebo.

89-95% of participants on Rybelsus saw reductions in blood sugar levels, compared to 82-88% on active treatments and 51-64% on the placebo.

The trials showed that Rybelsus was significantly more effective for weight loss and lowering blood sugar levels than other diabetes treatments and a placebo.

Rybelsus starts working straight away. Within the first week on Rybelsus, you will start to notice changes in your appetite. It will take several months as you increase the dose to see more significant results in your weight. By 6 months, research suggests you should have lost at least 5% of your body weight.

You can use Rybelsus for weight loss if you have a certain body mass index (BMI). This includes those who have:

• a BMI of 30 or above
• a BMI of 27 or above and have one weight-related health condition

Eligible weight-related health conditions include:

• prediabetes
• type 2 diabetes
• high blood pressure
• heart disease (including high cholesterol, heart attack, stroke, and coronary artery disease) 
• obstructive sleep apnoea
• PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)
• osteoarthritis or gout
• chronic back pain
• fatty liver disease
• gallbladder disease

You may not be able to use Rybelsus tablets if you have a certain medical condition or take certain medicines. It’s important you list all medical conditions you have and any medicine you take during the consultation. This is so our doctors can ensure it’s safe for you to take.

Do not take Rybelsus if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You must use an effective form of contraception while using Rybelsus and for 2 months after stopping treatment.

Rybelsus is available in three doses: 1.5 mg, 4 mg and 9 mg. You start on the lowest dose, 1.5 mg, which you take once daily. After 1 month, you can increase the dose to 4 mg once a day. After 1 month on the 4 mg dose, you can go up to the highest dose, which is 9 mg.

You need to take one Rybelsus tablet once a day. Take each tablet with a glass of water (no more than 120 ml) on an empty stomach. Do not chew or crush tablets.

Take Rybelsus first thing in the morning, at least 8 hours after you last ate. This ensures the medicine is absorbed correctly. Then, wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking or taking other medicines.

If you miss a dose, skip it and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for it.

Rybelsus does not directly interact with alcohol, so it is safe to drink in moderation. However, you should avoid drinking too much alcohol as it is high in calories and sugar, which could harm your weight loss efforts. It can also make the side effects of Rybelsus worse if you experience any.

Rybelsus is safe to take for long-term use. So, you can take Rybelsus tablets up until you reach a healthy weight or BMI.

Like all prescription medicines, Rybelsus may cause side effects. The most common side effects should go away on their own once your body gets used to the medicine.

Common side effects (up to 1 in 10 people):

• burping
• gallstones
• constipation
• diarrhoea
• tiredness
• vomiting
• low blood sugar (if on another diabetes medicine)
• bloating
• headache

For a full list of side effects, please refer to the patient information leaflet (PIL) which comes in the box with your medicine.

Yes, research shows Rybelsus is an effective and safe weight loss treatment. However, our doctors will need to make sure it's safe for you to take it, especially if you have another medical condition or take other medications. They will issue a prescription based on a medical questionnaire during the ordering process.

No, Rybelsus is not available without a prescription. You need a valid prescription from a healthcare professional to purchase it. This ensures the medication is safe and suitable for your needs.

A prescription from a trusted healthcare provider like 121doc ensures:

• safety during treatment
• effective results
• monitoring of side effects

To see if you’re eligible for treatment, all you have to do is complete a short online consultation. If approved by our medical team, your treatment will be delivered directly to your door in discreet packaging.

Rybelsus contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic, which is Semaglutide. However, Ozempic is an injection that you inject into the skin once weekly, whereas Rybelsus is an oral tablet you take daily.

No, Rybelsus and Mounjaro are different weight loss medicines. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, which is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it targets other metabolism hormones. Rybelsus, on the other hand, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist.

No, Rybelsus was not discontinued. Since 2025, the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, has been introducing a new formulation of Rybelsus, which means the doses have changed and the tablets are now smaller.

These doses are biologically equivalent to the old doses.

• If you are on the 3 mg dose, you will now move to 1.5 mg.
• If you are on the 7 mg dose, you will now move to 4 mg.
• If you are on the 14 mg dose, you will now move to 9 mg.

The old doses (3, 7 and 14 mg) have been discontinued and are no longer available in this country.