Rybelsus (Semaglutide)
Semaglutide is one of the most researched and already authorized medications available in both the U.S. and European markets. There are well-established guidelines for when it can be prescribed. Primarily, it is approved for managing type 2 diabetes. For several years, semaglutide has been effectively used in these patients.
Its mechanism works by stimulating the pancreas to release insulin, a hormone that helps the body process glucose. As a result, high blood sugar levels are reduced. A key benefit is that it typically does not cause hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar), which is a significant advantage.
Rybelsus is a hypoglycemic drug that is an analog of the natural hormone glucagon-like peptide-1, the drug provides the opportunity to carry out insulin-free therapy for patients with type II diabetes, effectively and safely reducing blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
The drug Rybelsus slows down the digestion process, does not allow the liver to synthesize large amounts of sugar, and helps the pancreas produce more insulin when required.
The drug Rybelsus can be used for monotherapy of patients, as well as used in combination with other methods of treating diabetes.
Why does weight loss occur?
The answer lies in how the drug works. Semaglutide is part of a class of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists. GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1 or enteroglucagon) is a hormone produced in the intestines that regulates insulin secretion. Agonists are substances that enhance the response of receptors.
Additionally, semaglutide influences the brain’s satiety center, making you feel full more quickly and reducing hunger. It also slows down stomach emptying. Together, these effects result in reduced food intake, as the body's need for food decreases, leading to weight loss.
Rybelsus: instructions, special instructions
The proven effectiveness of Rybelsus is confirmed by the results of many studies, the drug is part of standard treatment protocols for patients with type II diabetes in Ukraine and other countries.
Rybelsus contains a physiological hormone that regulates the concentration of glucose in the blood, normalizes the work of the cardiovascular system, appetite, and promotes weight loss.
Rybelsus should be used under the strict supervision of a physician with sufficient experience in the treatment of patients with type II diabetes. Rybelsus causes a persistent response of the body, improves the condition of patients.
Semaglutide reduces body weight and adipose tissue mass, reducing energy consumption, including generally reducing appetite. In addition, semaglutide reduces the preference for high-fat foods.
How to use
It is taken orally once a day 30 minutes before the first meal, without chewing the tablet, with a small amount of clean water. The dosage of the drug and the duration of administration are determined by the doctor depending on the individual characteristics of the patient and the level of glycemia.
Side effects of Rybelsus
When using the drug Rybelsus, which can be bought in Kyiv, the following side effects are possible:
- anaphylactic reactions;
- decreased appetite;
- dizziness, headache;
- gastrointestinal disorders;
- complications of diabetic retinopathy;
- increased activity of lipase, amylase, weight loss.
The use of the drug Rybelsus, according to the instruction, is sometimes associated with the development of side effects that disappear after the start of appropriate treatment or the cessation of the drug Rybelsus.
Who should not take Rybelsus?
There is a category of patients for whom Rybelsus is generally contraindicated, namely:
- predisposition to thyroid cancer;
- hereditary predisposition to endocrine neoplasia (conditions when tumors appear on the adrenal glands, pancreas, thyroid gland, pituitary gland);
- renal and liver failure;
- pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas);
- pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Why Rybelsus is popular
One of the reasons for the popularity of Rybelsus for weight loss is that after losing weight (provided that the drug was used correctly and under the supervision of a doctor), the lost kilograms do not return for five years. But it is not only about the drug but also about the fact that a person follows a diet and is physically active.
That is, Rybelsus helps the patient change his lifestyle and get used to small portions of food, as well as new work of the saturation center in the brain. This can be achieved in six months of complex treatment. That is, without a diet and exercise, you are unlikely to lose weight with Rybelsus.
Drug interactions
Delayed gastric emptying when using semaglutide may affect the absorption of concomitant oral medications. Semaglutide should be used with caution in patients receiving oral medications that require rapid absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
Substances added to the drug may cause degradation of semaglutide. Do not mix with other drugs, including infusion solutions.
The drug does not affect or slightly affects the ability to drive vehicles or operate machinery. Patients should be warned that they should take precautions to avoid hypoglycemia when driving vehicles and operating machinery, especially in combination with a sulfonylurea derivative or insulin.
Before you start using Rybelsus, be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and dietary supplements. Below are some medications that may interact with Rybelsus:
- Protease inhibitors (such as ritonavir and indinavir) may increase the effects of semaglutide and increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose);
- Medicines that affect gastrointestinal motility (such as anticholinergics) may slow the absorption time of Rybelsus;
- Medicines that increase acidity in the stomach (such as aspirin) may slow the absorption time of semaglutide;
- Substances that affect kidney function may increase or decrease the effects of the tablets.
- Concomitant use of Rybelsus with other drugs containing semaglutide or DPP-4 inhibitors is not recommended as this may increase the risk of hypoglycemia.