GLP-1 Medical
Weight Loss
In weight loss, there is no such thing as a “magic pill”. But now, there is a medication that is pretty darn close. Rybelsus (semaglutide) is an oral medication that can help you lose weight quickly, easily, and most important, safely.
What is Medical Weight Loss?
We offer a 6-week medical weight loss program for $150 that includes the initial examination and prescription management; prescriptions are chosen based on medical history and overall diet goals. One B12 combination (lipo-MICC) injection is included weekly for 6 weeks, and we offer a complimentary weekly weigh-in/body composition analysis on our InBody scale.
“Weight loss medications have increased interest lately, especially with new options on the market. Rybelsus is a relatively new medication manufactured by Novo Nordisk.”
Dr. Nao Ishikawa
Visions Medicine, Medical Advisor
Novo Nordisk Rybelsus® (Oral Semaglutide) for Weight Loss
Rybelsus® mimics a gut hormone called GLP-1. GLP-1 slows digestion and helps you feel full.
- GLP-1 agonist
- Without long-term side effects
- International shipping
What is Rybelsus®?
Rybelsus is a prescription drug that’s approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat Type 2 diabetes. Clinicians prescribe it off-label for weight loss because clinical evidence shows it also helps people with excess weight and obesity lose weight.
Rybelsus is a brand-name version of an oral semaglutide manufactured by Novo Nordisk. It is a synthetic version of the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone. There’s no generic version that is approved by the FDA.
Benefits of Rybelsus®
Expected weight loss depends on the dosage of Rybelsus. Research shows that over 26 weeks, people on the 7 mg dosage lost around 5 pounds, and those on the 14 mg dosage lost around 8 pounds. (Safe weight loss is one to two pounds per week.)
How does Rybelsus® work?
Rybelsus is a synthetic GLP-1 receptor agonist (RA). A drug that works as an agonist activates the same cell receptors as the body’s natural hormones. So, Rybelsus works in the body like its natural GLP-1.
Eating triggers the gut to release GLP-1. This hormone helps lower blood glucose (blood sugar) by stimulating insulin secretion and reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver.
Rybelsus slows digestion, which helps curb hunger and signal fullness to the brain. As a result, some people with obesity have lost weight while taking it.
How to use it
Patients typically take Rybelus, a tablet, once daily on an empty stomach in the morning with a sip of water. Wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking after taking Rybelsus. Store Rybelsus in its bottle with the cap on at room temperature away from moisture — don’t store it in the bathroom.
Details
For most patients, Rybelsus dosing begins with 3 mg taken once daily by mouth for 30 days. After 30 days, the dosage is typically increased to 7 mg taken once daily for another 30 days.
Many people experience no side effects. Some of the most common or potential side effects include:
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal Pain
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Dizziness
- Back pain
- Increased Lipase or Amylase
- Altered taste
- Nasopharyngitis (common cold)
- Passing Gas
- Bloating
- Belching
- Gastroenteritis
- Decreased appetite
- Fatigue
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in those with Type 2 diabetes
- Upset stomach
These symptoms often subside as your body adjusts to the medications. Please notify your provider if side effects persist. For a complete list of side effects, review the medication packaging inserts.
Although rare, semaglutide caused thyroid C-cell tumors in animal studies. Rybelsus’ “black box” warns of the risk of these tumors. If you have trouble swallowing, develop hoarseness, or feel swelling or a lump in your neck, contact your health care provider immediately.
Rapid or significant weight loss can lead to too much muscle loss. To protect your muscles while taking Rybelsus it’s important to start a strength training program and exercise regularly.
Use effective contraception while taking this medication. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant, do not take Rybelsus.
The FDA also warns not to take Rybelsus if you have a personal or family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome Type 2, medullary thyroid cancer, insulin-dependent diabetes, or diabetic ketoacidosis. So, if that’s you, Rybelsus isn’t the right fit.
Some drugs can also interact with Rybelsus, including:
- Insulin
- Sulfonylureas (these can cause blood sugar levels to drop dangerously low when combined with Rybelsus)
- Some birth control pills
- Other GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist medications such as liraglutide, dulaglutide, or tirzepatide
You should not drink alcohol while taking this drug because alcohol can lower blood sugar. Combining alcohol with Rybelsus may cause blood sugars to fall too fast, leading to fainting and dizziness.
FAQ
Yes and no. All strengths of Rybelsus can cause the same mild and serious side effects. However, the risk of certain side effects may increase with higher doses.
The manufacturer doesn’t report how often side effects occurred with a dose of 3 milligrams (mg). It does note that digestive side effects tend to be more common when first starting treatment and after dose increases. You’ll start treatment with a 3-mg dose.
In clinical trials, digestive side effects were more common in people taking a 14-mg dose than in those taking a 7-mg dose.
No, Rybelsus isn’t known to cause long-term side effects. And taking Rybelsus for a long period of time is not known to increase your risk of side effects.
Most side effects of Rybelsus are eased quickly, either with continued treatment or after you stop taking the medication.
Rybelsus is recommended to be taken 30 minutes before a meal on an empty stomach in the morning. Unless you are a night eater, you can take Rybelsus directly with 4 ounces of water on an empty stomach. You have to restrict the consumption of food or other drinks, including water, for 30 minutes after taking Rybelsus.
Yes, this ensures the proper absorption of Rybelsus in your gut. It also acts as a gatekeeper. When the food enters the stomach, a required amount of insulin is secreted to control your blood sugar levels.
The effectiveness and action of Rybelsus in the presence of drinks including coffee, juices and alcohol are not known. However, it is best to avoid drinking coffee before taking Rybelsus.
No, you cannot do that. Rybelsus are available in 3 dosage forms 3 mg, 7 mg and 14 mg. The pills are designed in such a way that if you break and consume them, they will not be effective. The drug has the exact concentration, and when hindered, it will not be effective.
No, Rybelsus should not be refrigerated. It should be intact in its blister packaging as you bought it. You might have a habit of storing your medicines in your weekday pillboxes. Rybelsus always needs to stay in the blister at room temperature to maintain its effectiveness.
About Visions Medicine
Visions Medicine was founded in Tokyo, Japan. Our mission is to harness the power of medicine to deliver health and beauty to the world. As medical technology rapidly evolves and new solutions continuously emerge, our goal is to help each customer make informed decisions through targeted and persuasive recommendations.
© 2024 Visions Medicine