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(oral semaglutide) tablet
Daily oral tablet
Helps you feel full faster, longer
Improves the way your body responds to sugars
Rybelsus® is not Health Canada approved for weight loss, but may be prescribed off-label if a provider deems it appropriate
Rybelsus contains an active ingredient called semaglutide, a medication classified as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. This group of drugs is commonly referred to simply as "GLP-1s."
Several forms of semaglutide are available on the market. While most are prescribed as injectable medications, Rybelsus is taken by mouth. Rybelsus is usually taken on an empty stomach once a day.
Rybelsus functions by decelerating the digestive process, thereby prolonging feelings of fullness. As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, it mimics a naturally occurring hormone in your body that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, Rybelsus may aid in weight loss by supporting these metabolic processes.
We will work with you to determine if your insurance provider provides coverage for your GLP-1 medication, which is paid for separately from our weight loss program. If your insurance provider provides coverage, our Insurance Concierge Team will work with you and your insurance provider to provide the necessary documentation. If coverage is denied, we'll help you understand your options, including paying cash.
Selecting a GLP-1 that’s right for you depends on a few factors, including your health history and insurance coverage (if you’re using insurance).
If you qualify for our weight loss program, our team will help determine which GLP-1 is the best fit for you.
Rybelsus normally isn’t absorbed very well. That’s why it’s co-formulated in a specific way with an absorption enhancer called salcaprozate sodium. It’s not known if splitting, crushing, or chewing Rybelsus tablets interferes with this formulation. So it’s recommended to swallow Rybelsus tablets whole.
If you have difficulty swallowing Rybelsus tablets, talk to your Medical Weight Loss Team about an alternative. Ozempic may be a pill-free option to consider.
Your Medical Weight Loss team will walk you through the side effects patients report most often:
Nausea
Vomiting
Upset stomach
Stomach pains
Constipation
Diarrhea
Learn more about other safety information, including serious warnings here: Rybelsus
We combine medication with lab tests, nutrition and checkins for long-term results.
Getting Started
Step 01
Step 02
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Step 04
ongoing CLINICIAN coaching sessions
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6-Week
Medical Weight Loss Program
Medical & Lifestyle Assessment
Initial Comprehensive Lab Work
Dr. Hershberg's 3-Phase Nutrition Plan
Supply of Protein Bars, Shakes or Soups
Online Prescriptions for Medications (if deemed suitable) or Medication-Free Programs Available
Weekly Check-In Appointments with a Dedicated Clinician
Dedicated Weight Loss Team
Unlimited Full Body Composition Scans
Unlimited Access to Our Patient Care Chat
12-Week
Medical Weight Loss Program
Medical & Lifestyle Assessment
Initial Comprehensive Lab Work
Dr. Hershberg's 3-Phase Nutrition Plan
Supply of Protein Bars, Shakes or Soups
Online Prescriptions for Medications (if deemed suitable) or Medication-Free Programs Available
Weekly Check-In Appointments with a Dedicated Clinician
Dedicated Weight Loss Team
Unlimited Full Body Composition Scans
Unlimited Access to Our Patient Care Chat
Meet our expert
Best-Selling Author and Weight Loss Expert
Dr. Melissa Hershberg, MD, is a board-certified physician, best-selling author and weight loss expert. Through her books, weight loss programs, articles and speaking, she has helped thousands of people make positive lifestyle changes.
Important Safety Information
Rybelsus treats type 2 diabetes but may be prescribed for weight loss, if appropriate. Rybelsus may have serious side effects, including possible thyroid tumors. Do not use if you or your family have a history of a type of thyroid cancer called MTC or MEN 2.
What is Rybelsus?
Rybelsus contains an active ingredient called semaglutide that acts like GLP-1 in the body. Semaglutide can help lower blood sugar levels, regulating type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide can also help people reach and maintain a healthy weight because of how it works in the body.
Several forms of semaglutide are available on the market. While most are prescribed as injectable medications, Rybelsus is taken by mouth. Rybelsus is usually taken on an empty stomach once a day.
How Does Rybelsus Work?
Rybelsus functions by decelerating the digestive process, thereby prolonging feelings of fullness. As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, it mimics a naturally occurring hormone in your body that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, Rybelsus may aid in weight loss by supporting these metabolic processes.
Can Rybelsus Be Prescribed for Weight Loss?
Rybelsus is not approved by Health Canada to be prescribed for weight loss. That said, some doctors may prescribe Rybelsus off-label for weight loss purposes. Your health care team can help you figure out if Rybelsus is a safe and helpful choice for you. If not, there are many other lifestyle changes, treatments, and medications that can promote a healthy weight.
Does Rybelsus Help You Lose Weight?
Rybelsus can decrease a person’s appetite, which may, in turn, result in weight loss. Some research suggests that patients with type 2 diabetes have lost weight while taking the drug.
If you’re interested in taking Rybelsus for weight loss, speak to our Medical Weight Loss Team. Our healthcare professionals can help you determine the best method for managing your weight.
Side Effects
RYBELSUS® may cause serious side effects, including:
Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer. Tell your healthcare provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. In studies with rodents, RYBELSUS® and medicines that work like RYBELSUS® caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if RYBELSUS® will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
Do not use RYBELSUS® if you or any of your family have ever had MTC, or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) or if you have had a serious allergic reaction to semaglutide or any of the ingredients in RYBELSUS®.
The following side effects may improve over time as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen, inform your healthcare provider immediately. Common side effects include nausea (11-20%), stomach pain (10-11%), diarrhea (9-10%), lower appetite (6-9%), vomiting (6-8%), and constipation (5-6%). Other possible side effects are bloating, indigestion, burping, gas, acid reflux, stomach inflammation, low blood sugar, gallstones, and fast heart rate.
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects: signs of thyroid cancer, such as a mass in the neck, trouble breathing or swallowing, or hoarseness; symptoms of pancreatitis, such as persistent stomach or back pain and vomiting; indications of low blood sugar, including shaking, sweating, dizziness, confusion, or blurred vision; symptoms of kidney damage, such as tiredness, dry and itchy skin, increased urination, bloody or foamy urine, swelling in the feet or ankles, or muscle cramping; signs of gallbladder problems, such as upper stomach pain, fever, yellowing of the whites of the eyes, or clay-colored stool; or serious allergic reactions, such as trouble breathing, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.4o
It's not recommended to take Rybelsus (semaglutide) with food, beverages, or other medications. Rybelsus works best when taken on an empty stomach first thing in the morning with no more than half a cup of water (4 fl oz). You should wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking any other medications. This spacing is important because Rybelsus can affect how your body absorbs other medications, which can impact their effectiveness.
While Rybelsus (semaglutide) is not currently approved for weight loss and is only Health Canda-approved to treat type 2 diabetes, it can aid in weight loss. Studies are ongoing, and recent research found that people taking Rybelsus experienced a 15% drop in body weight compared to those taking a placebo (sugar pill).
No, both medications contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, and are used along with a healthy diet and regular exercise to treat type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is an injectable medication given once per week under the skin of your stomach, thighs, or upper arm. Rybelsus comes in a tablet that you swallow once per day. Both can cause serious side effects, including thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, vision changes, low blood sugar, serious allergic reactions, and kidney problems. If needed, your provider can switch you from Ozempic to Rybelsus or vice versa.
Yes, metformin is typically the first-choice medication for treating type 2 diabetes, and Rybelsus can be added if you need further blood sugar control. Since they work differently, they can complement each other in managing your blood sugar. However, remember to take Rybelsus 30 minutes before any other medication to ensure proper absorption.