Rybelsus guide: Weight loss effectiveness, dosage and how to use

By now, you've probably heard about Ozempic and Mounjaro, but another medication in Canada can help with weight loss, and it's called Rybelsus.

So, what exactly is it? How does Rybelsus work for weight management, and what's the right way to take it? 

We're here to answer these and other questions you may have about Rybelsus and help you figure out if this is the weight loss medication for you.

What is Rybelsus?

Rybelsus is a once-daily prescription medication that contains semaglutide, the same ingredient as Wegovy and Ozempic. Commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes (along with a healthy diet and regular exercise), research has shown that Rybelsus can also help with weight loss.

In a 6-month study performed in the U.S., participants weighing 194-196 pounds were split into 3 groups [1]. One group took 7 mg of Rybelsus, while another was on 14 mg, and the final one took a placebo.

By the end of the study:

• Those on a lower dose of Rybelsus had lost an average of 5 pounds
• Those on a higher dose had lost an average of 9 pounds
• The placebo group had lost about 2 pounds

It's also been suggested that people who start with a higher body weight or struggle with more digestive issues are more likely to lose weight when they start taking Rybelsus.

What are the benefits of taking Rybelsus?

Rybelsus was originally developed as a diabetes medication for adults, so its main advantage is that it can help treat type 2 diabetes. It is often recommended as a first-line medication to control blood sugar levels, and it does so by increasing insulin production and suppressing glucagon secretion.

Another benefit of Rybelsus is that it comes in tablet form, which makes it convenient and easy to take, especially when compared with other weight loss medications, which are often administered subcutaneously.

Clinical trials have also suggested that Rybelsus can help preserve heart health, which is particularly beneficial when we consider that people with type 2 diabetes face a higher risk of heart disease, leading to a possible heart attack. [2].

Finally, and as we mentioned before, taking Rybelsus tablets, paired with a healthy diet and exercise, can support your weight loss journey — but how? Let's dive into the science.

How does Rybelsus help people lose weight?

There is one main reason why Rybelsus can help you lose weight, and that's its active ingredient, semaglutide.

Semaglutide mimics a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1, for short), which your digestive system naturally produces to let your brain know that you're full and it's time to stop eating.

It suppresses your hunger signals and makes you feel fuller for longer, preventing you from overeating and snacking between meals. It also slows down gastric emptying and reduces glucose absorption by the intestines to decrease your blood sugar levels and insulin resistance.

All of this, combined with a balanced diet and increased exercise, can effectively help you lose weight.

How long can you use Rybelsus?

Rybelsus is a long-term treatment, and in most cases, it can be taken for months. As with any other medication, you should speak to your doctor to determine how safe and effective the drug is for you and make decisions accordingly.

If you're thinking about growing your family, it is recommended that you stop taking Rybelsus at least 2 months before you plan on getting pregnant, and only restart after you stop breastfeeding. While it isn't confirmed whether or not Rybelsus can harm your baby, it's best to be on the safe side.

Rybelsus vs Wegovy and Ozempic

Rybelsus, Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same active ingredient but have different delivery methods, with Rybelsus taken orally while Ozempic and Wegovy are injected subcutaneously. 

Semaglutide injections have higher weight loss outcomes than oral semaglutide. In clinical trials, patients on the highest possible dose of Wegovy lost up to 20.7% of their body weight [4], demonstrating how effective it can be when used consistently and with the right support. In clinical trials for Ozempic patients on the highest possible dose lost up to 15%.

Find out more about Rybelsus vs Ozempic here. 

What's the dosage of Rybelsus?

For adults with type 2 diabetes, Rybelsus is prescribed at a starting dose of 3 mg, to be taken by mouth once a day for 30 days. During this initial period, your body has time to get used to the medicine.

After that, the dosage is typically increased to 7 mg, also taken orally and once daily, which should result in lower blood sugar levels.

If, after 30 more days, the results aren't as expected — and assuming your body reacted well to the medication — your doctor may raise your dosage again to 14 mg once daily.

Keep in mind, however, that your recommended dosage will depend on your health status, as well as other medications you may be taking, and you should always stick to the dosage your doctor prescribes to you.

How is Rybelsus taken?

Rybelsus tablets are taken orally, once a day. They should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before your first meal of the day and with no more than 4 ounces of water.

Can Rybelsus be crushed, split or chewed?

Rybelsus tablets shouldn't be crushed, split or chewed, because this can impact the way your body absorbs the medicine (though this hasn't been confirmed).

Instead, you should swallow the pill whole. If you have trouble doing so, be sure to speak to your doctor for advice.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you forgot to take Rybelsus, you should skip the missed dose, take your next one the following day, and from there, go back to your regular schedule.

Do not take 2 tablets at once to make up for the one you missed.

How is Rybelsus different from Metformin?

Similar to Rybelsus, Metformin is a prescription drug used to treat type 2 diabetes. There are, however, a few key differences between the two.

For one, Rybelsus can only be taken by adults, while Metformin is approved for both adults and children who meet certain criteria.

The medications are prescribed at different dosages, and although they're both taken by mouth, Rybelsus is only available in tablets, while Metformin is available in tablets and extended-release oral tablets (meaning they last longer in the body).

Finally, side effects differ between the drugs. Metformin can lower your vitamin B12 levels, while Rybelsus can cause constipation and a decreased appetite — but we'll dive into that in a bit.

Taking Rybelsus with other drugs

Rybelsus is known to interact with several medications, including [3]:

• Oestrogens
• Antipsychotics, like clozapine and olanzapine
• Hepatitis C antivirals
• Testosterone
• Other diabetes medicines, including insulin
• Progestins
• HIV protease inhibitors
• Diuretics
• Sulfonamide antibiotics

For this reason, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist about any medications you're already on, including over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbal products. This way, they can check for potential drug interactions that you may want to avoid.

What are the possible side effects of Rybelsus?

Some people may experience mild side effects while on Rybelsus, particularly when they first start their treatment or after a dosage increase. These include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Bloating/gas
• Heartburn

These symptoms should be temporary and, for the most part, easy to manage. If they haven't subsided after a while of being on Rybelsus, you should speak to your doctor.

In much rarer cases, Rybelsus can lead to more serious side effects, including:

• Allergic reactions
• Kidney failure
• Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar
• Risk of thyroid tumours (which is why doctors don't recommend Rybelsus for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, a type of thyroid cancer)

If you experience symptoms that point to any of the conditions listed above, stop taking Rybelsus and reach out to your doctor as soon as you can.

What foods to avoid when taking Rybelsus

Whether you're taking Rybelsus for weight loss, blood sugar control or another reason, for the best results, there are certain foods that you should avoid while on Rybelsus.

Fatty foods

Eating foods that are high in fats can enhance side effects like vomiting and nausea, and it can also impact the glucose-lowering properties of Rybelsus.

This is not to say that you shouldn't have fats at all — it's just a matter of making healthy choices. Opt for olive oil instead of butter, chicken instead of high-fat meats, and low-fat dairy products instead of higher-fat alternatives.

Sugary foods and drinks

Foods and beverages that are high in sugar can cause your blood sugar levels to spike and dip, which can end up making Rybelsus less effective.

Plus, we all know that sugary drinks, candy, cookies, and cake aren't the best foods to have when you're on a weight loss journey. 

Try swapping your usual sweet snacks for options that curb cravings without spiking your blood sugar, such as fruit, dark chocolate, almonds or Greek yogurt.

And if you’re craving your usual afternoon soft drink, a no-sugar alternative like Coke Zero can be a helpful stand-in.

Alcoholic drinks

Although there is no known interaction between Rybelsus and alcohol, drinking can increase your chances of hypoglycemia (which, if you remember, is already a potential side effect of the medication).

Spicy foods

Eating spicy foods can enhance some uncomfortable symptoms that may come with taking Rybelsus, like nausea, indigestion, and belly pain.

How to approach weight loss holistically

A holistic approach to weight loss can also be hugely beneficial. 

At Juniper, we combine weight loss medications with dietitian-led health coaching and tracking, so you can lose weight and reach your goals for good. 

Kickstart your weight loss journey with Mounjaro, Ozempic, Wegovy or Zepbound. These groundbreaking weight loss medications mimic the GLP-1 and GIP hormones, respectively, to help control cravings, delay stomach emptying, and keep you feeling fuller for longer. 

Plus, we have a team of expert dietitians and health coaches you can consult with to help you work through any challenges you're experiencing during your weight management journey. This approach sets you up for sustained weight loss, rather than a quick-fix solution.

This means you can continue to enjoy the things you love in moderation without ever feeling deprived.

Ready to see if Juniper is right for you? You can check your eligibility here. 

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