Frequently asked questions
How do I choose between Ozempic and Rybelsus?
Both contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide. Ozempic is a weekly injection with
typically faster onset; Rybelsus is a daily oral tablet, ideal if you prefer to avoid injections. Our
doctor will suggest the form that best fits your goals, schedule, and medical history during your free
consultation.
Are Ozempic and Wegovy the same?
Both contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, made by Novo Nordisk. Ozempic is
approved for type 2 diabetes; Wegovy is approved for obesity (approved in Japan in February 2024). The
molecule is identical; Wegovy uses higher doses. Mimipo prescribes Ozempic; if you need Wegovy, please ask
your doctor during the consultation.
Why does Rybelsus start at 3 mg?
3 mg is an introductory dose used for the first 4 weeks to help your body adapt. It's not intended
for long-term weight loss on its own. Most patients escalate to 7 mg after 4 weeks,
and to 14 mg if further effect is needed. Your doctor adjusts based on response and
tolerability.
Are there side effects?
The most common are gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, diarrhea, constipation, reduced appetite). They
usually appear early in treatment and subside over time. Talk to your doctor; dose adjustment is
available.
Does the Ozempic injection hurt?
The needle is about 1/4 the thickness of a standard blood-draw needle. It's a one-touch pen — just
press a button. Most patients describe it as a tiny pinch or nothing at all.
How do I take Rybelsus correctly?
Swallow one tablet with a small sip of water (up to 120 mL), on an empty stomach, first thing in the
morning. Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other medications. Absorption
drops significantly if taken with food.
Will I regain the weight after stopping?
During treatment, many patients build the habit of feeling satisfied with smaller portions, which often
carries over. To minimise rebound, we recommend tapering gradually and maintaining a balanced routine; our
doctor can guide you through that process.
When will my order arrive?
Orders paid before 6 pm ship the same day and arrive within 1–2 days.
Is this covered by insurance?
No — this is self-pay care (not covered by Japan's public health insurance). We accept credit cards
and bank transfer.
Can I cancel my subscription?
Yes, any time, free of charge. Just message us on LINE.
About the use of unapproved medications
The medications below are all approved by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) for type 2
diabetes. However, their use for obesity treatment is not approved in Japan.
Ozempic
Rybelsus
Mounjaro
Forxiga
Canaglu
Metformin
Kampo
Ozempic (semaglutide) — GLP-1 receptor agonist injection
Approval in JapanApproved for type 2 diabetes. Use for obesity is not approved.
Same ingredientWegovy (same active ingredient, semaglutide) was approved in Japan in February 2024 for obesity
treatment.
Overseas approvalFDA-approved for type 2 diabetes.
SourceImported individually by partner-clinic physicians.
Side effectsGI symptoms, hypoglycemia, loss of appetite, injection-site reactions, gallstones (rare).
Relief SystemUse for obesity is not covered.
Rybelsus (semaglutide) — Oral GLP-1 receptor agonist
Approval in JapanApproved for type 2 diabetes. Use for obesity is not approved.
Same ingredientWegovy (injectable) shares the same active ingredient and is approved in Japan for obesity. The oral
form is not approved for obesity.
Overseas approvalFDA-approved for type 2 diabetes.
Side effectsGI symptoms, GI disorders, hypoglycemia, loss of appetite, headache.
Relief SystemUse for obesity is not covered.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist injection
Approval in JapanApproved for type 2 diabetes. Use for obesity is not approved.
Same ingredientZepbound, which contains the same active ingredient (tirzepatide), was approved in Japan in December
2024 for obesity treatment.
Overseas approvalFDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. Approved for obesity under the brand name Zepbound in 2023.
SourceImported individually by partner-clinic physicians, in accordance with MHLW's official procedure.
Side effectsGI symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain), hypoglycemia, indigestion,
headache/dizziness, injection-site reactions.
Relief SystemUse for obesity is not covered by Japan's Adverse Drug Reaction Relief System.
Forxiga (dapagliflozin) — SGLT2 inhibitor
Approval in JapanApproved for diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure.
Use for obesity is not approved.
Same ingredientNo same-ingredient obesity-indication drug is approved in Japan.
Overseas approvalFDA-approved for type 2 diabetes.
Side effectsUrinary-tract infection, genital infection, dehydration, hypoglycemia, renal function changes, GI
symptoms.
Relief SystemUse for obesity is not covered.
Canaglu (canagliflozin) — SGLT2 inhibitor
Approval in JapanApproved for type 2 diabetes. Use for obesity is not approved.
Same ingredientNo same-ingredient obesity-indication drug is approved in Japan.
Overseas approvalFDA-approved for type 2 diabetes.
Side effectsUrinary-tract infection, genital infection, dehydration, hypoglycemia, GI symptoms.
Relief SystemUse for obesity is not covered.
Metformin — Biguanide class glucose-lowering drug
Approval in JapanApproved for type 2 diabetes. Use for obesity is not approved.
Same ingredientNo same-ingredient obesity-indication drug is approved in Japan.
Overseas approvalFDA-approved for type 2 diabetes.
Side effectsGI symptoms, vitamin B12 deficiency, lactic acidosis (rare), headache, taste disturbance,
hypoglycemia.
Relief SystemUse for obesity is not covered.
Kampo (Bofu-tsusho-san / Boi-ogi-to)
Approval in JapanBoth are approved. Insurance coverage is available for obesity.
NoteAt our clinic these may be provided on a self-pay basis.
Side effectsGI symptoms, liver-function impairment (rare), interstitial pneumonia (rare).
Relief SystemCovered (these are approved medications).
Unapproved medications are obtained through personal importation by partner-clinic physicians, in accordance
with MHLW's official procedure. For details, please refer to the
MHLW website.
*Based on publicly available information as of March 2025.
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