Introduction
You’ve finally decided to use semaglutide. You may be considering using Ozempic, given its popularity.
Studies and trials confirm semaglutide’s efficacy, making it popular among patients. Celebrities like Sharon Osbourne praise Ozempic for its weight loss effects.
Did you know that aside from Ozempic, semaglutide has other brands as well? You’ve got Wegovy and Rybelsus, too.
Novo Nordisk, which manufactures Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, has invested $4.1 billion to increase production, reflecting high demand. Understanding each brand’s differences can help patients choose the right fit for weight loss.
While all three brands are made with semaglutide, they treat certain types of patients, and have different dosages and formats, too.
So, which semaglutide is the best for weight loss? In this article, we describe each of these brands and share considerations so you can make a sound decision.
What is semaglutide?
We’ve mentioned that Ozempic shares the same active ingredient, semaglutide, as its sister brands Wegovy and Rybelsus. And that personalities credit Ozempic for their slimmer figures. But what is semaglutide exactly? As many will probably deem it the decade’s “wonder drug”, how does it work and promote weight loss? Knowing more about it is essential in determining the best brand for you.
Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, mimics GLP-1 hormone actions, promoting insulin release when blood sugar rises. It also delays gastric emptying, reducing appetite. Thus, users often experience fewer cravings and less preference for high-calorie foods, leading to weight loss.
Subcutaneous and oral semaglutide
Now that we know how semaglutide works, we understand why it’s so effective in causing people to shed pounds. Essentially, Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus have similar therapeutic benefits but differ in usage. Ozempic and Rybelsus treat type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy targets weight loss specifically.
You inject Ozempic and Wegovy, while you take Rybelsus orally. Knowing these differences might just give you more things to consider about which brand you prefer.
Safety and efficacy of semaglutide
It’s only natural that as consumers, we want to be sure that the medicine we’re taking is safe and effective. You’ll be glad to know that semaglutide went through several clinical trials before it was approved by the US FDA. The following are some key findings from these studies on Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus.
In a type 2 diabetes study, Ozempic reduced blood sugar and body weight.
Wegovy, meanwhile, was successful in helping adult participants without diabetes lose an average of 12.4 percent of their initial body weight versus those on placebo. In another trial involving adults with type 2 diabetes, Wegovy helped them lose an average of 6.2 percent of their starting body weight than those in the placebo group. In addition, Wegovy helped adults without diabetes lose an average of 12.4% of their initial weight. On the other hand, they helped pediatric patients reduce their BMI by 16.1%.
Rybelsus also showed significant reductions in blood sugar levels. Ozempic reduces heart disease risk as well.
Apart from treating type 2 diabetes, Ozempic helps reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular problems like heart attack or stroke.
Side effects
As with any medication, semaglutide comes with its potential adverse reactions. Note, though, that its common side effects are mild and manageable, while the more serious ones are rare. The following is an overview of the risks of taking semaglutide.
Common side effects
Gastrointestinal reactions account for 10% or more of semaglutide’s side effects. These include:
- nausea (up to 44% of cases),
- diarrhea (up to 30%),
- vomiting (up to 24%),
- constipation (up to 24%),
- abdominal pain (up to 20%),
Other common side effects of semaglutide which occur in 1 to 10% of cases include indigestion, belching, gassiness, gastroenteritis (short-term infection and inflammation of the digestive system), or gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining).
Serious side effects
The more serious side effects of semaglutide injections include allergic reactions, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), pancreatitis, kidney problems, and thyroid C-cell tumors.
Note that these are rare.
Who should avoid semaglutide?
If any of the following apply to you, it would not be wise to continue taking semaglutide, due to the various health risks it may pose. Remember to fully disclose your medical history as well as any vitamins, supplements, or other medication you may be taking to your healthcare provider.
Avoid semaglutide if you:
- are pregnant or are planning to get pregnant,
- are breastfeeding,
- drink alcohol,
- are taking other medication,
- will be undergoing a surgery or procedure that requires an empty stomach for anesthesia,
- have a history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC),
- have a history of gallbladder disease,
- have a history of diabetic retinopathy,
- have acute kidney injury and a history of chronic renal failure
Dosage and administration of semaglutide
Semaglutide can either be administered subcutaneously or orally. You may be squeamish when it comes to injections or tend to forget to take your medicine when its doses are scheduled daily.
Although Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus are all made of semaglutide and have the same weight loss effect, knowing the details of semaglutide’s dosages and how you administer it may help you and your healthcare provider determine what brand is best for you.
Dosages
To help you adjust to semaglutide, your healthcare provider will typically start you off on a low dose until you reach a maintenance dose.
Ozempic is in an injectable pen format and comes in 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg doses and is only available for purchase with a prescription.
Wegovy, on the other hand, also comes in injectable pen format, but in five various dose strengths, from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg. The different doses come in different colored pens.
Patients typically take Rybelsus at 3 mg once per day during the first 30 days of use. After this initial month, your doctor will increase your dose to 7 mg per day. After another 30 days on 7 mg, he/she might increase the dosage to 14 mg per day.
Administration
To administer Ozempic and Wegovy (subcutaneous semaglutide), inject it once weekly on the same day with or without meals.
Meanwhile, with Rybelsus, take it once daily on an empty stomach the first time you wake up. Take care not to inject subcutaneous semaglutide into a muscle or vein. In the case of Rybelsus, on the other hand, take it the same way every time.
Remember that for semaglutide to work at its best, you should have a nutritious diet and ample physical activity.
The best semaglutide for weight loss
As with any drug, not everyone will react to it the same way. Some people don’t lose weight immediately on semaglutide, while others experience severe side effects with it. Factors like individual metabolism, lifestyle, and medical history may influence how well a drug works and how much you can tolerate it.
There is no single best semaglutide brand for everyone. In the same vein, there is no one semaglutide brand that is best for weight loss. This is because Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus are essentially the same and offer the same therapeutic benefits. This is why many doctors prescribe Ozempic and Rybelsus off-label for weight loss when they’re marketed as anti-diabetic drugs.
It is also possible to switch between Ozempic and Rybelsus, although this is not commonly recommended. Your doctor may advise you to switch from Ozempic to Rybelsus, for example, if you prefer to take tablets versus self-administering injections.
As a general rule, it might be more advisable to take the semaglutide brand for which it was designed. In this case, Wegovy for weight loss. However, factors like your eligibility, medical history, and medications may impact your response to semaglutide. Also, you might also be more comfortable taking Rybelsus than having to inject yourself with Ozempic or Wegovy once weekly.
It’s best if you discuss with your healthcare provider which is the best semaglutide brand for you.
Conclusion
Ozempic has become massively popular as the preferred weight loss drug of many people, from Hollywood celebrities to business tycoons.
Apart from Ozempic, it shares the same active ingredient, semaglutide, as its sister brands, Wegovy and Rybelsus.
There is no definitive answer to which is the perfect semaglutide brand for weight loss. This is because not everyone will react to the same medication the same way. Factors such as your individual medical history, current medications, and lifestyle can impact how well your body responds to semaglutide.
Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus are all safe and effective in lowering blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss. However, their dosages and formats vary. You may be more comfortable drinking Rybelsus once daily versus injecting yourself with Ozempic or Wegovy once weekly.
Also consider if you are eligible to take semaglutide, as it requires certain diagnostic criteria. You will need to avoid it should you have certain health conditions.
To arrive at a sound decision, have a conversation with your healthcare provider.
Glossary of terms:
- GLP-1: Glucagon-like peptide-1 is a gut-based hormone involved in the secretion of insulin to lower blood sugar levels typically elevated after meals.
- GLP-1 Ra: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists mimic GLP-1 in the production of insulin to control blood sugar levels.
