Rybelsus Tablets (Semaglutide)
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Important Update: Rybelsus Tablet Strengths Are Changing (From January 2026)
From January 2026, Rybelsus will be supplied in new, lower-strength, bioequivalent formulations. Please read before ordering.
We want to inform you of an important update regarding Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) and how this may affect your current or future prescription from January 2026 onwards.
What’s Changing at a Glance (From January 2026)
✔ The medicine stays the same
Rybelsus still contains oral semaglutide
✔ Tablet strengths will look lower
Due to improved absorption
✔ Same clinical effect
New strengths are bioequivalent to previous doses
✔ No dose reduction
Your treatment has not been reduced
✔ New patients start on new formulation
Existing patients will be informed when ordering
Frequently asked questions
Rybelsus, an oral version of semaglutide, was initially designed for type 2 diabetes but has shown promise for weight loss, particularly in clinical trials. While its main purpose was not weight management, participants in studies experienced moderate weight reductions, with higher doses resulting in more significant weight loss. Its use for weight loss and weight management is unlicensed.
In a 26-week study, those on 7 mg and 14 mg doses lost an average of 2.3 kg and 3.7 kg, respectively, compared to 1.4 kg for those on a placebo.
More recently, in the OASIS 1 trial, participants using a 50 mg dose of oral semaglutide saw an impressive 15.1% average weight loss over 68 weeks, with 85% losing at least 5% of their body weight, and 34% losing 20% or more. These results were comparable to those achieved with the injectable form of semaglutide.
If regulatory approval is granted, oral semaglutide could become a standalone treatment for weight loss, offering an effective option similar to other GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy and Mounjaro.
Rybelsus is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. However, it may cause side effects, including gastrointestinal issues, thyroid tumours, or pancreatitis, depending on individual health conditions. Therefore, Rybelsus should always be taken under medical supervision to minimise potential risks.
Once you start taking Rybelsus (semaglutide), weight loss effects can begin within a few weeks, with more noticeable results typically seen within 8-12 weeks. Combining Rybelsus with a balanced diet and regular exercise can further enhance weight loss outcomes.
Rybelsus and Ozempic contain the same active ingredient, i.e. semaglutide. The MHRA has approved both for the treatment of type 2 Diabetes.
These drugs control blood glucose levels in adults along with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Moreover, Rybelsus is an oral tablet that is taken daily on an empty stomach. Ozempic comes in the form of a single-use pen which is administered subcutaneously in your thigh, upper arm, or abdomen area.
The starting dose of Rybelsus is 3 mg, which is increased to 7 mg after 30 days. If still needed, it is increased to 14 mg again after one month.
On the other hand, the starting dose of Ozempic is 0.25 mg once a week and is increased to 0.5 mg once a week after 4 weeks.
To maximise weight loss on semaglutide, adopt a healthy lifestyle: eat a balanced, calorie-controlled diet, engage in regular exercise, ensure sufficient sleep, and limit alcohol intake. Combining semaglutide with these habits can enhance your weight-loss results effectively.
Rybelsus and Ozempic both contain the active ingredient semaglutide, used for treating type 2 diabetes and aiding weight loss (unlicensed for weight loss).
The primary difference between them is the form: Rybelsus is an oral tablet taken once daily, while Ozempic is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection.
The approval of semaglutide tablets for weight loss in the UK is still pending. While clinical trials have shown promising results, Novo Nordisk is working on getting approval, which could take a few years. There's no confirmed date yet for when they will be available for weight loss.