Semaglutide is a medication for type 2 diabetes, but due to its significant impact on weight loss, it has become one of the most sought-after drugs worldwide, and not just among diabetics (more: dangerous trend with diabetes injections). available on prescription only. Although the official indications for semaglutide include the treatment of diabetes, it is known that the drug is also prescribed off-label to obese patients. Due to the high demand, pharmacies continue to lack it.
Two medicines containing the active substance semaglutide are available on the market:
- Ozempic—given as an injection once a week,
- Rybelsus – administered in the form of a tablet orally daily.
Even though the active ingredient in both medicines is the same, Ozempic is more popular, and it is mostly this medicine that is not available in pharmacies. Are semglutide tablets less effective? The similarities and differences between the two drugs were examined.
How does semaglutide work?
Ozempic and Rybelsus’ active ingredient, semgalutide, is used to treat diabetes and obesity. It works by mimicking the incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), which the intestines secrete after a meal. Consequently, there is a rise in insulin secretion, which regulates glucose levels. Importantly, these drugs only increase insulin levels when glucose levels are elevated, making their use associated with a low risk of hypoglycemia (i.e., an excessive and dangerous drop in sugar). Consequently, these medications are safe for diabetic patients.
Benefits of using semaglutide:
- lowers blood glucose levels,
- lowers body weight (more: slimming injections: how much can you lose? ),
- reduces appetite,
- has a cardioprotective effect, which means it protects against atherosclerosis and lowers the risk of dying from heart disease or stroke.
- slows down the progression of chronic kidney disease.
The drug can be taken alone or with other anti-diabetes medicines.
Oral semaglutide vs. injection: main differences
Oral Rybelsus semaglutide is the first and only GLP-1 analogue available orally. It functions similarly to an injectable medication and has a cardiovascular safety profile that is comparable. In comparison to Ozempic, its primary disadvantage is that it must be taken daily, as opposed to weekly injections.
Tablets may have a slower rate of drug absorption than injections, which could mean that they have less of a therapeutic effect. Less bioavailability of the tablets may cause less weight loss than expected or less control over blood sugar levels. However, following the directions for semaglutide administration may prevent poor absorption:
- The tablet must be taken on an empty stomach , swallowed whole, and washed down with a small amount of water,
- then wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything.
It’s important to remember that how well semaglutide works, whether it’s taken by mouth or injected, depends on how you live. Therapy should include a proper diet and regular physical activity
Oral semaglutide – side effects
Tablets may have a slower rate of drug absorption than injections, which could mean that they have less of a therapeutic effect. Less bioavailability of the tablets may cause less weight loss than expected or less control over blood sugar levels. However, following the directions for semaglutide administration may prevent poor absorption:
- progression of retinopathy (in people who already have changes in the fundus of the eye),
- inflammation of the pancreas,
- heartburn,
- constipation,
- tiredness,
- loss of appetite or taste disturbances
- allergy,
- cholelithiasis,
- tachycardia.
It should also be remembered that although the drug is unlikely to pose a risk of hypoglycemia, the risk of hypoglycaemia is higher in people who are taking a drug containing a sulfonylurea or insulin at the same time. Therefore, in these cases, low sugar is a potential side effect.
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