It’s important to know that Semaglutide isn’t a type of insulin, but instead it mimics a hormone that’s produced by your gut once you’ve eaten. Semaglutide helps many people to feel fuller and more satisfied for longer after eating smaller portions, ultimately resulting in eating less food and consuming fewer calories. In turn, this leads to weight loss when used alongside a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Semaglutide in a tablet form, Rybelsus, is administered once per day, following the prescribed dosing and instruction as informed by one of our specialist nurses. Consume the medication with a small amount  of water. It is important to ingest Rybelsus 30 minutes before your meals, beverages, or any other daily medications. Consuming food or drinks within the 30-minute window after taking Rybelsus may diminish the drug's effectiveness.

If you receive a prescription for semaglutide, the key component in Rybelsus and Ozempic, to address weight loss, it falls under the category of 'off-label' prescribing. In such cases, the medication is recommended for a purpose diverging from its officially licensed use. This occurs when experts recognise the benefits of the medication for an alternative purpose, although the manufacturer has not yet updated the license. Semaglutide, the active ingredient, is already prescribed for weight loss under various brand names and formulations.

Our healthcare professionals will only prescribe an off-label medication if they deem it safe and effective for your specific situation.

Common side effects of semaglutide include:
Nausea,
Stomach pain,
Diarrhoea,
Vomiting,
Constipation,
Headache,
Tiredness,
Belching,
Dizziness,
Bloating,
Gas,
Upset stomach,
Heartburn

These effects typically subside as your body acclimates to the medication and dosage. If you encounter challenges with the side effects, our healthcare professionals are available to offer support and guidance.

Rare or uncommon side effects of semaglutide include:
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas),
Gallstones,
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in patients with type 2 diabetes,
Anaphylactic/ allergic reaction,
Diabetic retinopathy (an eye condition) complications in patients with type 2 diabetes,
Palpitations or feelings of a racing heartbeat while at rest

If you experience any of the serious side effects listed above, seek medical attention immediately.

Semaglutide, under the brand name Ozempic, was sanctioned for type 2 diabetes treatment in 2017. It is  administered through injection into the stomach, leg, or arm fatty tissue. Rybelsus later introduced an alternative delivery method of Semaglutide as an oral tablet. Rybelsus received approval for treating type 2 diabetes in 2019, but its active ingredient, semaglutide, obtained approval earlier, in the injectable form of Ozempic.

Despite Rybelsus and Ozempic not being licensed for weight loss, they share the same active ingredient, semaglutide, that is contained in Wegovy. While all medications carry potential side effects, for most individuals, they are mild and manageable. And, at Dr Frank's, our dedicated and experienced team are able to be contacted to provide the support and guidance that is required when needed.

Unlike other GLP-1 therapies, Rybelsus does not require refrigeration. It should be stored at room temperature between 20-25°C. Ensure it is stored in a dry place away from moisture.

As humans, we’re all different, so the amount of time that it takes to work can vary fromperson to person. However, most people do start seeing results in terms of weight losswithin the first few weeks of taking the injections – even before reaching the therapeuticdose of 1mg or above.As a general guide, most people taking Semaglutide for weight loss are expected tolose at least 5% of their body weight within 12 weeks of starting treatment. Generallyspeaking, if Semaglutide doesn’t help you to lose 5% of your starting weight after 12weeks of using it, then our specialist nurses can arrange a referral to our specialist dietitians and nutritionists to look at alternative options/support routes.

If you are prescribed the semaglutide tablets which are taken daily, this comes in a pack of 30 and will last 30 days.

As healthcare providers, we exclusively prescribe medications that have undergone rigorous clinical trials, establishing their safety and efficacy. Our clinicians collaborate with you to determine the optimal duration for maintaining the prescribed medication, tailored to your individual circumstances.

Following comprehensive clinical trials affirming the safety and effectiveness of GLP-1 medications for diabetes, the FDA granted approval for the long-term treatment of obesity with semaglutide. These trials also revealed a reduced risk of adverse cardiovascular events, including heart attacks or strokes.