Rybelsus - doses have now changed

You may have heard that Rybelsus is changing doses or seen our article a few months ago. The time has now come!

Novo Nordisk first announced in September that the new doses of Rybelsus would be filtered into the UK market, marking an end for the familiar 3mg, 7mg and 14mg doses, with 9mg set to replace the highest dose of 14mg. The process started in January and has been implemented alongside the current doses to allow a gradual change.

What is Rybelsus? 

Rybelsus, is the brand name for semaglutide, which belongs to a group of drugs called GLP-1 agonists. It is a tablet version of semaglutide, which is the same active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy. All are manufacturered by Novo Nordisk, who lead the way with their "wonder" diabetes and weight loss medications, starting with Victoza & Saxenda (a daily injection) before progressing to weekly injections (Ozempic/Wegovy) and a daily tablet (Rybelsus).

What is the new dosing / formulation of Rybelsus?

A new generation of Rybelsus has started to be introduced, gradually replacing the current doses. This has taken longer to filter through to private clinics and pharmacies, as the NHS has taken priority. Novo Nordisk has reformulated Rybelsus to the following doses:

• 3mg will be replaced with 1.5mg

• 7mg will be replaced with 4mg

• 14mg will be replaced with 9mg

You will also see changes with the new tablet as well as the box, as both the tablets and the box they come in will be smaller. Good news for those who found Rybelsus a bit large to swallow.

The efficacy of the medication should remain exactly the same, just at a lower dose. These lower doses have a better absorption rate and bioavailability, meaning that the dose can safely be lowered whilst providing the same results as the higher doses.

The OG Rybelsus Doses of 3mg, 7mg and 14mg

How does Rybelsus work? 

Much like its semaglutide injectable cousins, Ozempic & Wegovy, Rybelsus in oral semaglutide. It increases the levels of incretins – hormones – which are naturally produced by the stomach when you eat, causing you to feel fuller quicker and satiate your hunger - taking away a big pain point for when you're trying to lose weight.

It also works by helping your body to produce more insulin when needed. It also reduces the amount of glucose, or sugar, produced by the liver, and slows down how quickly food is digested. This all helps to lower blood sugar levels and HbA1c, improving your glycaemic control as well as having a secondary effect on your weight.

Who can take Rybelsus? 

Adults over the age of 18 years can take Rybelsus. Although licensed for Type 2 Diabetes, Rybelsus has become popular and acknowledged for it's aid in helping people lose weight, much the same way Liraglutide (Victoza/Saxenda) and Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) started their lives - for Type 2 diabetes, with promising results for weight loss, to being re-branded and re-licensed for weight loss.

How to take Rybelsus 

Rybelsus is a tablet you swallow. Take it on an empty stomach, before your first meal or snack, this is usually when you first wake up. After you have taken it, you should wait at least 30 minutes before having your first meal or drink of the day or any other medications that you take by mouth. It should be taken with a small sip of water and swallowed whole.

Always take Rybelsus exactly as your healthcare professional has told you. The Patient Information Leaflet inside the box will tell you how to take it but always check with a healthcare professional if you are not sure - we'd rather you be safe and confident before taking any medication!

The OG highest dose ,14mg, will be retiring

More information and support 

We are always here to offer advice and support. With the changeover approaching, the lower dose of 3mg Rybelsus is now completely unavailable.

We know this may concern those who are on 7mg and 14mg but if you're worried about your supply of Rybelsus, or have questions about the change in dose, please let us know and we will do our best to guide you. We still have access to these doses for the ongoing future. We will of course update you should this change,

Thanks for reading!