- Rybelsus is the only available oral form of semaglutide, an active ingredient that helps manage type 2 diabetes and lose weight.
- The oral tablet for weight loss comes in three doses - 3 mg, 7 mg, and 14 mg.
- Clinical studies show people on Rybelsus have lost up to 3.6 kg within six months.
- The oral medicine alone will not help you lose drastic weight. It must be paired with a balanced diet and adequate exercise.
Rybelsus 14 mg, Rybelsus 7 mg, and Rybelsus 3 mg are almost like miracle pills that help obese Indians get rid of obesity and type 2 diabetics in India get their blood glucose spikes under control - all with just one single tablet daily for 12 months. But, does it come with its terms and conditions? Read on to know more.
Tej Mahboobani, a 35-year-old hospitality professional, had to constantly be on his toes for long hours at work. Breaks were small and infrequent. So, whenever Mahboobani managed to find some time to eat, he would grab a fried, processed snack to munch on. The result was disastrous. Mahboobani began to weigh 116 kg. Soon, he was diagnosed with prediabetes. If he didn’t do anything soon, he would end up with diabetes - and things would just go downhill from there on.
Thankfully, he found out about Rybelsus - an oral form of semaglutide. Within months, Mahboobani managed to cut down his weight from 116 kgs to 99 kgs.
In an interview with The Indian Express, Mahboobani says he can now, “walk an hour every day, squeeze in 15 minutes of exercise, snack on salads, have dinner by 7 pm and sleep by 10 pm.” This is the magic Rybelsus brings to life.
But what exactly is Rybelsus? How does an oral tablet help people lose weight and manage their glucose levels? Isn’t this too good to be true? Read on to find your answer.
What is Rybelsus?
Rybelsus is the oral form of semaglutide. It is prescribed for type 2 diabetes management. The FDA approved it in 2019. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation approved Rybelsus in India in 2022 for managing type 2 diabetes. It is currently available in three dosages: 3 mg, 7 mg, and 14 mg.
Even though Rybelsus is approved to manage type 2 diabetes, since it helps people lose weight simultaneously, doctors do sometimes prescribe it ‘off-label’ for weight loss as well.
How does Rybelsus work?
Semaglutide, which is the active ingredient in Rybelsus, is a GLP - 1 receptor agonist. Don’t let the phrase put you off. GLP-1 is a hormone that naturally occurs in our bodies.
This is what it does in our body:
GLP-1 hormone signals the pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar levels rise. This moves sugar into the cells to generate energy.
The hormone slows down the pace of the movement of food through the stomach. This results in feeling fuller for longer after eating.
The hormone decreases sugar production in the liver when it is not required.
GLP-1 also affects the areas of the brain that control appetite. As a result, you end up feeling less hungry.
Semaglutide mimics this hormone in the body, eventually resulting in type 2 diabetes management and weight loss.
Rybelsus works exactly the same way as semaglutide - it makes the pancreas release more insulin, stops the liver from producing too much sugar, signals the brain to eat less, and slows down gastric emptying.
This simple function of the medicine has helped millions of people worldwide and in India become healthier versions of themselves within a year.
Real people. Real results: Rybelsus success story
People are already seeing dramatic changes in weight after taking Rybelsus. One Reddit user from India shared his complete weight loss journey with Rybelsus. In his own words, Rybelsus, which was prescribed to him ‘off-label’, has worked wonders for him.
He shares, “I have not done any exercise yet. I have not completely cut down on sugar either. It [Rybelsus] has really been a life changer for me since I have been struggling with my weight for a very long time. Just so you know, I was not diabetic or prediabetic before.”
Lost 7.5kg (16.5lbs) in one month on Rybelsus 3mg. I am from India.
byu/mearjunsha inSemaglutide
Can Rybelsus help with safe weight loss?
We know, you want to know, how much weight you can really lose safely and effectively with Rybelsus.
It is tough to find out, as Rybelsus isn’t approved for weight loss in India.
But you can surely find out how much weight you will lose with Aktive’s safe and clinically proven weight loss programme. Use our weight loss calculator below to know more.
Our treatment plans have proven to result in 15% weight loss in one year. Curious as to how much you could lose?
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The growing popularity of Rybelsus for weight loss in India
In India, Rybelsus is proving to be a game-changer. The country currently has 7.7 crore type 2 diabetics. The number will only continue to rise.
As such, Rybelsus can turn the tables. The oral tablet can effectively control type 2 diabetes and help obese individuals reduce their weight in a non-invasive, safe, and sustainable manner.
In fact, Indians are already warming up to Rybelsus for better glucose control and weight management.
In an article published by the Economic Times in May 2024, Indian pharmaceutical analytics firm Pharmarack reported that Rybelsus sales in India ballooned from INR 47 crore a year in 2022 to INR 147 crore a year in 2023 to INR 363 crore in April 2024. Semaglutide currently holds a 66% share in the Indian anti-obesity market.

This does hold up, as 22% of the male population in the country is overweight, 23% of the female population is overweight, and 11% of children in this country are overweight as well.
Sheetal Sapale, Vice President - Commercial, Pharmarack, notes, “One in four adults falls in the overweight category. Almost 5% of the Indian population of 1.4 billion falls in the morbidly obese category.”
Thus, it comes as no surprise that Indians are now relying on Rybelsus to combat obesity and diabetes.
The question, however, still stands - Is Rybelsus really the anti-obesity and anti-diabetic drug that will work for you?
Who is eligible to take Rybelsus?
Rybelsus can be prescribed to:
- People over 18 years old
- Type 2 diabetics
- Overweight or obese adults with a BMI of:
- 30 kg/m2
- 27 kg/m2 if one or more weight-related complications are present
Are you a non-diabetic who falls within the BMI range mentioned above? Is your obesity stopping you from living a normal, happy life?
Aktive’s clinically proven weight loss treatment plan is just what you need. You will lose up to 10-15% of your body weight in 12 months without any hassle.
Take our 2-minute quiz to see if you qualify for treatment. Please note - we do not share the information collected for the quiz with third parties.
Start quizRybelsus isn't suitable for everyone. You may not be able to take it if you:
- Have type 1 diabetes
- Are allergic to semaglutide or any of the ingredients in Rybelsus
- Have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome Type 2 (MEN 2)
- Have Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC), which is a type of thyroid cancer
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have severe kidney problems or are on dialysis
- Have a history of pancreatitis
- Have severe gastrointestinal (stomach or intestine) problems, including gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying)
- Are under 18 years old
Rybelsus dosage schedule
Rybelsus dosage starts at 3 mg. Your doctor will gradually increase the dosage with time.
Scroll down to understand Rybelsus dosage schedule.
- Once a day for at least 30 days
- Once a day for at least 30 days
Remember to order your 7 mg dosage before the month ends
- Once a day if more weight loss is needed
Your doctor will determine if you need a higher dosage after two months
How to take Rybelsus?
It is important to take Rybelsus correctly. Follow this step-by-step guide to know more:
- Take Rybelsus immediately after waking up.
- Take it on an empty stomach. Wait for at least 30 minutes before eating/drinking anything or taking other oral tablets.
- Take the whole tablet with half cup of water. Do not crush or chew the tablet.
- If you miss a dose, skip it and continue with the regular dosage schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Do you forget to take your medicines on time?
Set an alarm so that never miss taking your next Rybelsus dose.
How to store Rybelsus
Store Rybelsus at room temperature, between 20°C to 25°C.
Keep the medication in its original packaging. Do not expose it to direct sunlight and heat.
Keep out of reach of children and pets.
If you are travelling to a different climate, keep Rybelsus in an insulated medication travel bag to stabilise its temperature.
Rybelsus side effects
Now that you know when and how to take your Rybelsus tablet, it is also important to be aware about Rybelsus side effects.
Common side effects:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Stomach (abdominal) pain
- Constipation
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Decreased appetite
Less common side effects:
- Dizziness
- Gas
- Stomach flu
- Heartburn
- Belching
- Hair loss
Rare but serious side effects:
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Changes in vision
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially if you're also taking other diabetes medications
- Kidney problems
- Allergic reactions
If you experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor right away. Refer to the to know more about Rybelsus side effects.
If the side effects get too severe and you require immediate medical attention, please call 108 to get quick ambulance services and seek medical care without further delay.
Tips to handle nausea while on Rybelsus
Nausea can feel unsettling. But when you are on Rybelsus, there are a few things you can do to reduce nausea or keep it at bay:
- Eat non-spicy, low-fat foods like biscuits, toast, or rice.
- Eat liquid foods, such as soups or natural juices.
- Stay away from deep-fried, greasy foods.
- Do not lie down immediately after eating your meals.
- Take a small outdoor walk. Breathe fresh air.
- Eat small meals. Eat slowly.
- Drink clear water. Add some ice cubes in it if you like it chilled.
Safety advice to follow when taking Rybelsus
When taking Rybelsus, it's important to follow certain safety guidelines. This ensures the medication works effectively and side effects are minimised. Here's some key safety advice:
Category | Safety | Advice |
---|---|---|
Alcohol | Use with caution | Alcohol doesn't interact with Rybelsus. But, it may make your blood sugar levels fluctuate. Drink alcohol in moderate amounts and keep an eye on your blood sugar levels. |
Pregnancy | Consult doctor | Rybelsus is not safe for pregnant women. If you're pregnant or planning to conceive, discuss alternative treatments with your doctor. |
Breastfeeding | Consult doctor | It's not known if Rybelsus mixes with breast milk. Discuss the risks and benefits of taking Rybelsus during breastfeeding with your doctor in this case. |
Driving | Use with caution | Rybelsus doesn't usually make patients drowsy. But if you feel dizzy or notice low blood sugar levels, avoid driving until you feel better. |
Hydration | Important | Stay well-hydrated while taking Rybelsus, especially if you are going through diarrhoea or feel like vomiting. This will help prevent dehydration. |
Lifestyle changes to make while taking Rybelsus
When you are on Rybelsus, some activities will increase the effectiveness of the oral tablet. These activities will keep you in good shape and prevent Rybelsus side effects from magnifying. See the infographic below:
Lifestyle tips for people on Rybelsus
Eat a well-balanced diet. Eat foods that have lean protein, vitamins, and calcium. Try to eat as little processed foods, sugary drinks, and carbohydrates as possible.
Try to exercise for at least two and a half hours every week. Take a small, brisk walk, jog around the park near your house, go for a swim, or take the bicycle out for a spin—do whatever you enjoy.
Drink a lot of water throughout the day. Hydration is essential to tackle Rybelsus' side effects.
If you are a type 2 diabetic, track your blood sugar levels on a regular basis while taking Rybelsus.
Get at least 8 hours of sleep every night to stay fit and keep Rybelsus' side effects at bay.
Stress is not good for the body. To reduce stress, try yoga, meditation, or relaxation techniques.
Foods to eat while taking Rybelsus
Eating a balanced diet is easier said than done. But it is crucial to eat healthy when you are on Rybelsus, as a good diet will help you lose weight and retain your muscle mass.
Here are some Indian foods you can eat while on Rybelsus.
Lean proteins:
- Different types of dals
- Paneer-based dishes
- Egg-based dishes
- Lentils such as rajma and chana
Non-starchy vegetables:
- Green leafy vegetables like palak (spinach), lauki (bottle gourd), gobi (cauliflower), etc.
Whole grains:
- Brown rice
- Millets such as jowar, bajra, nachni
- Chapatis/rotis made from multigrain atta
Drug interactions
Rybelsus may interact with other medicines you are currently taking. Before you start taking Rybelsus, let your doctor know if you are taking one or more of the medicines mentioned below:
- Rybelsus may increase the risk of low blood sugar when taken with insulin or sulfonylureas, such as glipizide or glyburide.
- Rybelsus affects how quickly your body absorbs other oral medications. To avoid this, take Rybelsus at least 30 minutes before other oral medications.
- The oral tablet may increase the blood-thinning effects of blood thinners like Warfarin.
- The medicine may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
- Rybelsus may affect thyroid hormone levels. So, you might need to adjust the dose of thyroid medications.
Is Rybelsus available in India?
Yes, Rybelsus is available in India. However, it is only approved for type 2 diabetes management.
If you are looking for an effective weight loss treatment plan, look no further than Aktive. You can choose from the daily tablet plan and the 2-daily tablet plan to meet your weight loss goals quickly and safely.
Alternatives to Rybelsus
While Rybelsus is quite effective when it comes to type 2 diabetes management and weight loss, there are other alternatives to the oral tablet as well. Read the comparison table below to know more:
Feature | Rybelsus | Ozempic | Wegovy |
---|---|---|---|
Type | Tablet | Injection | Injection |
How to take | Orally | Under-the-skin injection | Under-the-skin injection |
How often to take | Once daily | Once a week | Once a week |
Primary use | Manages type 2 diabetes, aids weight loss |
Manages type 2 diabetes, aids weight loss |
Primarily for weight loss |
Common side effects | Nausea, headache, vomiting, fatigue, constipation, decreased appetite |
Nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, injection site reactions |
Nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, gallbladder issues |
Conclusion
Rybelsus is a revolutionary anti-diabetic pill that helps people lose weight as well. Just one tablet a day shows drastic results in under a year - giving hope to type 2 diabetics and obese individuals that it still isn’t too late to take a step towards a healthy future.
FAQs
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How soon can I expect Rybelsus to start working?
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How is Rybelsus different from Ozempic?
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Why can’t Rybelsus be used for type 1 diabetes?
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Does Rybelsus work differently for people of different ethnic backgrounds?
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What should I do if I don’t see results after starting Rybelsus?
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Can I stop taking Rybelsus once my blood sugar is controlled or I’ve lost enough weight?
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Can I take a generic version of Rybelsus instead?
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Is Rybelsus available without a prescription?
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Can I buy Rybelsus online?
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How can I ensure I’m getting genuine Rybelsus from my pharmacy?