From the Guidelines
The recommended dosage of Rybelsus (semaglutide) for weight loss is not applicable as it is not FDA-approved for this indication, but injectable semaglutide (Wegovy) is approved for weight management and is dosed at 2.4 mg once weekly, titrated every 4 weeks as tolerated by the patient, with a starting dose of 0.25 mg once weekly, increasing to 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 1.7 mg, and finally 2.4 mg once weekly 1. The medication works by mimicking GLP-1, a hormone that regulates appetite and food intake, which explains its weight loss effects. For weight loss specifically, injectable semaglutide (Wegovy) or other medications like Ozempic or Mounjaro would be more appropriate options as they are specifically approved for weight management and dosed accordingly. Some key points to consider when prescribing semaglutide for weight loss include:
- Contraindications such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2, and pancreatitis
- Common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, fatigue, dyspepsia, dizziness, abdominal distension, eructation, gastroenteritis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Monitoring for potential safety concerns such as pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and suicidal ideation and behavior
- Use caution in patients with a history of pancreatitis or cholelithiasis
- The medication should be discontinued if the patient has not lost at least 5% of their baseline body weight after 12-16 weeks of treatment, depending on the specific medication and dosing regimen 1, 2, 3.
From the FDA Drug Label
5 mg semaglutide The dosage of Rybelsus (semaglutide) for weight loss is 5 mg.
- The provided text does not specify the dosage regimen (e.g., once daily) or other details. 4
From the Research
Dosage of Rybelsus (Semaglutide) for Weight Loss
- The dosage of Rybelsus (semaglutide) for weight loss is not explicitly stated in the provided studies as a specific dosage for weight loss, but rather as a treatment for type 2 diabetes with a secondary effect of weight loss.
- According to 5, Rybelsus is available in three doses (3, 7, and 14 mg) to be gradually increased.
- However, for weight loss, semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly has been shown to produce significant weight loss, with an average of 15% weight loss at 1 year, as stated in 6.
- It is essential to note that the dosage and administration of Rybelsus should be determined by a healthcare professional, taking into account individual patient needs and medical history.
- The studies suggest that semaglutide, including Rybelsus, can be an effective treatment for weight loss, particularly when used in conjunction with lifestyle modifications, as mentioned in 7, 5, 6, 8.