A magic pill for weight loss is something everyone looks up to. Hassle-free and easy weight management is not a distant dream either. With many weight loss injections and other medications like Wegovy in the market, the demand for an oral weigth loss drug is on the rise. This is the time when the breakthrough type 2 diabetes medication, Rybelsus makes a statement.
Rybelsus is an oral semaglutide capsule that has also shown benefits in the weight loss area. Is Rybelsus for weight loss? Might be a question that’s lingering in your mind right now. The answer to that question lies in this article. Find out more about the truth and safety of this drug and its effect on weight loss.
What Is Rybelsus?
Rybelsus or oral semaglutide is a prescription medication that helps lower blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients. It comes under the glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) medication intended to treat type 2 diabetes in people. It does not cure type 1 diabetes. Rybelsus’ use as a weight loss drug is in prominence though this is not the primary function of the drug.
GLP-1 agonist drugs like Rybelsus mimic the function of the GLP-1 hormone released by the gastrointestinal tract in response to eating. The drug promotes the body to produce more insulin thus decreasing blood glucose levels. It also signals the brain to stop eating by providing a feeling of fullness.
Rybelsus, Ozempic, and Wegovy, the two injectable weight loss medications contain the same active compound called semaglutide. It has been approved by the FDA making it the only oral semaglutide medication.
Rybelsus dosage and administration
Rybelsus, unlike other GLP-1 medications, comes in capsule form available mainly in three strengths:
- 3 mg
- 7mg
- 14 mg
These are the commonly available dosages. Make sure to take the dosages as suggested by your doctor. The capsule should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach with no more than 4 ounces of water.
Wait at least 30 minutes before eating breakfast as with any supplement. For better results and to lessen the side effects it is advised to start at a low dosage and slowly increase up to your target dose. In case a dose is missed, skip the missed dose and start taking the next dose the following day.
Rybelsus for weight loss
Rybelsus has not been approved by the FDA as a chronic weight management drug. It is prescribed as a medication for type 2 diabetic patients. The main active ingredient semaglutide is widely regarded as a weight loss drug and this has led to the off-label usage of Rybelsus as a weight loss drug.
Since obesity is a common concern among type 2 diabetic patients, the drug has been found effective in aiding in weight loss. Studies are ongoing to test the effectiveness of the drug in this category in a higher dosage. Users have experienced a significant reduction in their weight while taking the drug also followed by a proper workout routine and a healthy diet.
As a GLP-1 agonist drug, the drug functions by mimicking the incretin hormones and signals the pancreas to increase insulin secretion and reduce glucagon production thus managing glucose levels in the blood. The incretin hormones are released by the gut immediately after a meal.
There are two main kinds of incretin hormones called, glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). People with type 2 diabetes have a low production of GLP-1 hormones and insulin resistance. Over time this leads to low production of insulin and thus increases blood glucose levels.
The drug also triggers the brain to slow down food leaving your stomach after eating. This will help you feel fuller faster and longer. This also leads to appetite reduction and thus may aid in weight loss. The low dosage may not be as effective for weight loss as other medications like Wegovy and Ozempic.
The manufacturers are testing higher dosages (25 mg and 50 mg) for effective weight loss and have found a significant increase in weight loss rates. However, the US Food and Drug Administration has yet to approve it.
Rybelsus side effects
Rybelsus is an FDA-approved drug for maintaining blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes patients. The drug is not suitable for patients with type 1 diabetes. The users may experience mild to serious side effects.
Nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, and constipation are the most common side effects of taking the drug. Other serious side effects include pancreatitis, changes in vision, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), gallbladder problems, and serious allergic reactions. Nausea, constipation, and vomiting are the most common side effects people experience while taking Rybelsus.
It is advised to seek medical help if these side effects persist even after 30 days of usage. People with kidney problems should be extremely careful while taking the medications. If they experience side effects such as diarrhea, vomiting, or nausea it may worsen their preexisting kidney issues and lead to kidney failure.
Precautions before taking Rybelsus
People with certain medical conditions and allergies to the ingredients in the drug should be cautious while taking it. If you or your family has a history of a type of thyroid cancer, medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or an endocrine condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) refrain from using the drug in any condition.
In this situation, your healthcare provider will prescribe an alternative for you. The medication is also not suitable for a certain population. This includes pregnant and lactating people or someone who is trying to get pregnant.
Rybelsus is known to cause harm to your unborn baby, so it is advised to stop taking the medication if you are trying to conceive. Be sure to inform your healthcare provider of the list of medications you are taking to avoid problems due to the interactions of the drugs.
Conclusion
Being the first FDA-approved GLP-1 agonist oral drug, Rybelsus has garnered popularity in the weight loss spectrum too. This prescription is of course an off-label one and not yet approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. The company is conducting studies to get approval for higher doses of rybelsus as a weight loss supplement and bring it into the market under a new name.
Till then users with type 2 diabetes may experience a slight reduction in their weight when backed by a proper diet and exercise routine. The mild side effects experienced with the intake of the drug are curable to a certain point. Immediately stop usage if the side effects worsen or lead to other health issues.
Summing up, it is safe to say that Rybelsus is a safe medication that helps support type 2 diabetes patients and their lifestyles. The safety and effects regarding its weight loss claims are a subject yet to be studied and proven. People with type 2 diabetes who often have obesity issues can benefit from the drug and see significant results in both their blood glucose levels and weight management.
FAQs
Yes. Rybelsus is a prescription medication used for type 2 diabetes treatment.
No. Rybelsus is not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for weight loss. If it is prescribed to you for weigth loss, know it is an off-label prescription.
Rybelsus is an oral medication prescribed for type 2 diabetes patients. Wegovy, Ozempic, and Trulicity are some other GLP-1 agonist medications that aid type 2 diabetes patients. They are available as once-a-week injections.
It is advised not to take rybelsus if u have had pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). It may appear as a side effect in some users, so your doctor may prescribe you other medications.
According to studies, people may lose 5 to 8 pounds of weight while taking rybelsus over six months. For optimal weight loss, the medication has to be followed by a proper workout and diet plan.
Rybelsus is currently approved to treat type 2 diabetes. Occasionally it is also prescribed for weigth loss. This is an off-label prescription owing to the effects of semaglutide in the weight loss arena.
