Rybelsus® for Weight Loss: Uses, Side Effects, & Safety
Key takeaways:
Rybelsus® is an oral tablet licensed in the U.K. for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss.
The semaglutide medicine helps regulate blood sugar and reduce cravings, so Rybelsus® weight loss can happen.
Rybelsus® must be taken on an empty stomach with a small amount of water at least half an hour before any food or drink.
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, and stomach upset.
Rybelsus® is often described as the “tablet form of semaglutide” because it contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic® and Wegovy®. Unlike those medications, which are weekly injections, Rybelsus® comes as a once-daily pill.
Rybelsus® is currently only licensed in the United Kingdom for type 2 diabetes treatment. Some clinicians may prescribe it off-license for weight loss, particularly for people with obesity who prefer tablets over injections.
How effective is Rybelsus®? What’s the correct way to take it? How does it compare to other weight loss medications available in the U.K.? Keep reading for answers.
What Is Rybelsus®?
Rybelsus® is an oral version of semaglutide, a drug developed by Novo Nordisk. It was the first glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist available in tablet form.
GLP-1 medicines work by:
Stimulating the pancreas to release insulin when glucose is high
Reducing glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar)
Slowing digestion so food leaves the stomach more slowly, making you feel fuller
Acting on the brain’s appetite centres to reduce cravings
This is why GLP-1s are used to regulate blood sugar and for weight management.
Rybelsus® Weight Loss
In the U.K., Rybelsus® is only licensed for adults with type 2 diabetes to help with blood sugar control. Rybelsus® isn’t licensed for weight loss.
However, clinical trials sponsored by Novo Nordisk show that oral semaglutide may promote weight loss. People with overweight or obesity lost up to 17.4 percent of their initial body weight in 68 weeks.
Study participants took a 50-milligram (mg) dose of oral semaglutide while making healthy lifestyle changes, like exercising and eating healthier. It’s important to note that 50-mg Rybelsus® is a very high dose that’s not currently available in the U.K.
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How to Take Rybelsus®
The way you take Rybelsus® is just as critical as the dose itself. Why? Absorption of the medicine is very sensitive to timing.
Follow these steps for best results:
Take Rybelsus® first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, after fasting overnight (at least six to eight hours without food).
Swallow the tablet whole with a small amount of plain water (around one-tenth of a litre).
Wait at least 30 minutes before eating breakfast, drinking anything other than water, or taking other oral medications or supplements.
After 30 minutes, you can eat, have tea, and take other medicines if needed.
Don’t split, chew, or crush the tablet. If you don’t follow these rules, your body may absorb less of the medicine, making Rybelsus® less effective.
Rybelsus® Dose for Weight Loss (and Diabetes)
There isn’t a specific Rybelsus® dose for weight loss because the medication isn’t licensed for that use.
Rybelsus® dosing follows the licensed diabetes schedule:
Step 1. Start with 3 mg once daily for the first 30 days.
Step 2. Increase to 7 mg once daily for at least another 30 days.
Step 3. If needed, increase to 14 mg once daily (the maximum licensed dose).
In clinical trials, much higher doses (20 to 50 mg) showed more substantial weight loss effects. But these doses aren’t available in the U.K. — not yet, anyway.
Your healthcare provider will determine the right treatment plan. They can also adjust your dose depending on your response to the medicine, blood sugar control, and any side effects you experience.
Common Side Effects of Rybelsus®
Like all medications, Rybelsus® can cause side effects. Most side effects are digestive and improve over time.
Common side effects include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Constipation
Stomach pain
Heartburn or bloating (indigestion)
Loss of appetite
These side effects typically show up when starting treatment or increasing the dose.
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Serious Side Effects of Rybelsus®
Some side effects of semaglutide are more serious but rare.
Possible adverse effects and risks of taking Rybelsus® include:
Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). This involves severe abdominal pain that may radiate to your back, with or without vomiting.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). Dangerously low blood sugar is more likely if semaglutide is combined with another diabetes medication, like insulin or sulfonylurea.
Kidney problems. This includes sudden worsening kidney function.
Serious allergic reactions. You might notice a rash, have difficulty breathing, or experience swelling on your face, lips, or tongue.
Worsening diabetic retinopathy. In people with diabetes, this eye disease can happen when blood sugar improves quickly.
Thyroid cancer. This has only been seen in studies involving mice, so it’s unclear if the same risk is true for humans.
There isn’t enough research on whether Rybelsus® semaglutide tablets are safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding. It’s generally best to avoid Rybelsus® if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive. Your GP can advise you on an alternative treatment for blood sugar control or weight management.
Your provider will discuss the risk of side effects and whether Rybelsus® is suitable for you.
Who Shouldn’t Take Rybelsus®?
Rybelsus® isn’t suitable for everyone. It may be more risky for some people, particularly those with certain health conditions.
You shouldn’t take Rybelsus® if:
You have type 1 diabetes (it’s only for type 2)
You’re currently pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding
You’ve had a serious allergic reaction to semaglutide or any ingredient in the tablet
You have a history of pancreatitis or kidney disease
You’ve had thyroid cancer or have a family history of thyroid cancer
Use Rybelsus® with caution if you have severe kidney problems, a history of diabetic eye disease, or other eye problems.
Before prescribing Rybelsus®, your provider will ask about your health conditions, current medications, and family medical history. Provide all the information as honestly and thoroughly as you can. This will help them figure out which medication is the best fit for you.
Rybelsus® Alternatives in the U.K.
If Rybelsus® isn’t right for you — or if your main goal is weight loss rather than diabetes management — other options may be more suitable.
You can consider injectable weight loss medications, such as:
Wegovy® (semaglutide). Wegovy® is licensed in the U.K. for weight management in adults and some adolescents with obesity or overweight, plus a related health condition.
Mounjaro® (tirzepatide). This dual GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptor agonist is licensed for both type 2 diabetes and weight management.
Saxenda® (liraglutide). Saxenda® is another GLP-1 injection licensed for weight loss in the U.K. Liraglutide is taken daily.
There are also oral weight loss medications, including:
Orlistat. This over-the-counter weight loss tablet works by reducing fat absorption.
Other off-license oral options. Sometimes, naltrexone-bupropion or older diabetes medications (like metformin) are used as part of weight management programmes.
Your treatment plan will depend on your body mass index (BMI), existing medical conditions, and whether you access care through the National Health Service (NHS) or a private provider like Hers U.K.
Whatever medication you choose, you’ll need to pair it with healthy lifestyle habits, including eating a balanced diet (see the NHS Eatwell Guide) and exercising regularly. Good sleep, stress management, and hydration can make it easier to sustain results.
In Summary: Rybelsus® for Weight Loss
Rybelsus® is a once-daily tablet that contains semaglutide — the same active ingredient in Wegovy® and Ozempic®. Here’s what to know about Rybelsus® for weight loss:
Rybelsus® is licensed for treating type 2 diabetes. In the U.K., it isn’t licensed for weight management — at least, not yet.
Clinical trials suggest the medication can be effective for supporting weight loss at higher doses.
Rybelsus® has some side effects — some mild, and some more serious. The more serious side effects are generally quite rare.
If you’re considering Rybelsus®, speak with a healthcare provider. They can review your eligibility, explain potential side effects, and help you decide whether tablets, injections, or other weight loss treatments best fit your treatment plan.
If you’re keen to start your weight loss journey, we can help. Start with a quick online questionnaire, and one of our experts will be in touch about a treatment plan.
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FAQs
See answers to common questions about Rybelsus® weight loss medicine.
Can you get Rybelsus® for weight loss in the U.K.?
Rybelsus® is licensed in the U.K. for type 2 diabetes treatment, not weight loss. Some clinicians might prescribe it off-license for people with overweight or obesity for those who can’t do injectable medicines. But the NHS generally advises against prescribing diabetes medicines for weight loss to prevent medication shortages for diabetes patients.
Are Rybelsus® side effects the same as injectable semaglutide?
The most common side effects of Rybelsus® are similar to those of injectable versions of semaglutide, like Ozempic® and Wegovy®. These include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting, appetite loss, and stomach upset.
How do you take Rybelsus®?
Rybelsus® is a once-daily oral tablet. You take the pill in the morning on an empty stomach, ideally right after you wake up. You can have a small amount of water with it, but wait at least 30 minutes before eating anything, having anything else to drink, or taking any other medicines or supplements.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your GP about the risks and benefits of any treatment.