Oral semaglutide exists. It's not as effective as the injectable version, but for the right patient it's the right tool.
Who chooses it
Patients with genuine needle phobia, frequent business travellers who'd rather not pack pens, or those starting low and titrating cautiously before considering injection.
How it's taken
Daily, on a completely empty stomach, with no more than 120 ml of water, and you wait 30 minutes before any food or coffee. Miss this protocol and absorption drops dramatically.
Weight loss expectation
About 5–8% over 6 months — meaningful but lower than injectable (10–14%) at equivalent doses. Glucose control is comparable.
The honest trade-off
Convenience of an injection once a week vs the discipline of a fasted tablet every morning. Most patients on Rybelsus for more than 6 months eventually switch to injectable.
