Oral weight loss medications: Rybelsus and beyond
Comparing oral GLP-1 tablets with injectable options for patients with kidney disease.
Written by Professor Mohammed Mahdi Althaf
Overview
Injectables like Wegovy and Mounjaro are the most common, but oral options like Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) also exist. Currently, oral semaglutide is primarily licensed for Type 2 Diabetes.
Oral vs. Injectable
Oral medications require strict fasting (30 minutes before any food/water) to be absorbed. For many CKD patients, the injectable version is preferred due to higher efficacy in weight loss and simplified dosing.
This article is general information and is not individual medical advice. Treatment decisions are made at a face-to-face consultation.