Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Rybelsus, Wegovy, and Ozempic, and it has become increasingly popular for its effects on weight management.
Semaglutide belongs to a group of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. Initially developed for diabetes treatment, doctors noticed patients were also losing weight while taking these medications.
This led to the creation of semaglutide versions specifically for weight loss, with different doses and ways of taking it depending on whether the focus is weight management or type 2 diabetes.
| Feature | Rybelsus | Wegovy |
| Active Ingredient | Semaglutide | Semaglutide |
| Drug Class | GLP-1 receptor agonist (oral) | GLP-1 receptor agonist (injectable) |
| UK Approval Status | Adults with Type 2 Diabetes (Off Label for Weight Loss) | Weight loss and Type 2 Diabetes |
| Eligibility | Type 2 diabetes | BMI ≥35 (+ comorbidities) or BMI ≥30 with weight-related conditions |
| Dosing Schedule | Daily oral tablet | Weekly injection |
| Weight Loss | ~2.1kg-6.9kg after 26 weeks (dose-dependent 2.5-20 mg) | ~6.4kg after 26 weeks (1 mg dose) |
| Starting Dose | 3 mg daily | 0.25 mg weekly |
| Maintenance Dose | Up to 14 mg daily | Up to 2.4 mg weekly |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, diarrhoea, stomach pain | Nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea |
| Manufacturer | Novo Nordisk | Novo Nordisk |
Rybelsus and Wegovy work by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) that your body naturally produces after eating. This hormone helps control blood sugar, slows down food leaving your stomach, and signals to your brain that you’re full.
When you take either medication, they attach to GLP-1 receptors in your body. This slows digestion, making you feel fuller longer. They also help your pancreas release the right amount of insulin when your blood sugar levels are high and reduce the amount of glucose your liver produces.
Wegovy is specifically approved for adults with obesity (BMI of 30 or higher) or overweight (BMI of 27 or higher) and at least one weight-related medical condition like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. It’s designed as a long-term weight management solution alongside diet and exercise.
Rybelsus helps control blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. While patients may experience some weight loss while taking Rybelsus, it’s not officially approved as a weight loss medication. It’s sometimes prescribed ‘off-label’ for chronic weight management as part of a broader treatment plan.
| Month 1 | Month 2 | Month 3 | Month 4 | Month 5+ | |
| Wegovy | 0.25 mg per week | 0.5 mg per week | 1 mg per week | 1.7 mg per week | 2.4 mg per week |
| Rybelsus | 3 mg per day | 7 mg per day | 7 mg per day (14 mg if needed) | 7 mg per day (14 mg if needed) | 7mg per day (14 mg if needed) |
The different delivery methods affect how quickly the medication works and how much of the active ingredient gets into the bloodstream. Many people find the weekly injection more convenient, while some prefer taking a daily tablet.
Wegovy comes as a pre-filled injection pen that you inject under the skin of your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm once a week. The dose typically starts low at 0.25mg and gradually increases until reaching the maintenance dose of 2.4mg weekly.
Rybelsus is an oral medication taken as a tablet once daily. It must be taken first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other oral medications. The tablet comes in three strengths: 3mg, 7mg, and 14mg – most people start with the 3mg tablet for the first month before moving to a higher dose.
Wegovy and Rybelsus can cause similar possible side effects because they contain the same active ingredient. The most common side effects include:
Wegovy may cause more noticeable digestive issues at first because of its higher dosage, which is why it starts with a lower dose that gradually increases over several weeks.
Rybelsus can cause additional side effects related to its tablet form, like abdominal pain and indigestion. Taking it exactly as directed – on an empty stomach with a small sip of water – helps reduce these problems.
Both medications may have rare but serious side effects, including pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney issues, and serious allergic reactions. They can also increase the risk of low blood sugar when used with other diabetes medications.
A study of 632 patients with type 2 diabetes compared different doses of oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) with injectable semaglutide (similar to Wegovy) and a placebo.
For blood sugar control, oral semaglutide reduced blood sugar levels by 0.7–1.9% (depending on the dose), and the injectable version reduced blood sugar by 1.9%.
For body weight, Rybelsus caused an average weight loss of 2.1–6.9 kg, with higher doses being more effective. Injectable semaglutide led to a 6.4 kg loss, similar to the highest oral dose.
Side effects were similar between both forms, with mild-to-moderate stomach issues being the most common – in 63–86% of oral semaglutide users and 81% with injections.
Injectable semaglutide consistently delivers strong results, while Rybelsus can match these results at its highest doses. Both medications can help lower blood sugar and lead to significant weight loss, so your choice might come down to what your healthcare provider recommends and whether you prefer a weekly injection or a daily pill.
At Click2Pharmacy, we provide a safe and convenient way to access your Wegovy or Rybelsus medication. With competitive pricing and fast delivery across the UK, managing your treatment has never been easier.
Our UK-registered pharmacists carefully assess each prescription request before dispensing your medication and deliver all orders in discreet packaging directly to your door.
Trust Click2Pharmacy for reliable, professional service when ordering your Wegovy or Rybelsus – we’re committed to supporting your health journey every step of the way.
