What is Rybelsus Uses, warnings & interactions
Rybelsus is a medication given to adults along with diet and exercise diet and exercise to lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The active ingredient in Rybelsus is semaglutide, which is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist.
If your healthcare professional has prescribed Rybelsus tablets to you, you may want to know more about what it is and how it works. Here we’ll explain what Rybelsus is used for, how it works, its side effects, and more.
Rybelsus overview
- Rybelsus
- Type 2 diabetes
- Semaglutide
- Injection
- Tablet
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
What is Rybelsus used for?
Rybelsus (semaglutide) is a prescription drug that is manufactured by Novo Nordisk. There is no generic version of Rybelsus available. It is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help manage and improve blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. It is not indicated to treat type 1 diabetes.
How does Rybelsus work?
Rybelsus is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics a hormone that we naturally produce called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake. Wegovy also works in the pancreas to regulate blood sugar.
What are the most commonly prescribed doses of Rybelsus?
- 3 mg tablet
- 7 mg tablet
- 14 mg tablet
How to take Rybelsus
- Take Rybelsus exactly as it is prescribed to you. Please read the full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warnings, and the Medication Guide.
- Rybelsus should be taken at least 30 minutes on an empty stomach before the first food, beverage, or other oral medications of the day with no more than 4 ounces of plain water only.
- Waiting less than 30 minutes, or taking with food, other beverages, or other oral medications will lessen the effect of Rybelsus. Waiting more than 30 minutes to eat may increase absorption.
- Swallow the tablets whole. Do not cut, crush, or chew the tablets. After 30 minutes, you can eat, drink, or take other oral medicines
- https://www.clearscope.io/nice-health-group-ltd/reports/debc1a11028e4fe0/editorThe starting dose of Rybelsus is 3 mg once daily for 30 days. After 30 days on this dose, increase to 7 mg once daily. Your dose may be increased to 14 mg once daily if you need more blood sugar control after at least 30 days on the 7 mg dose.
- If you missed a dose of Rybelsus, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule.
- Store Rybelsus at room temperature from 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) in a dry place away from moisture. Rybelsus tablets should be kept in the original closed bottle until you are ready to take one.
Rybelsus contraindications
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.
- Prior serious allergic reaction to semaglutide or any of its inactive ingredients. Discontinue promptly and seek medical advice if you suspect an allergic reaction.
Rybelsus warnings
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Rybelsus may cause fetal harm. Rybelsus should be discontinued in women at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy due to its long half-life. Breastfeeding is not recommended with Rybelsus.
- Increased risk of thyroid tumors (a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing)
- Pancreatitis has been reported in clinical trials. Discontinue Rybelsus immediately if pancreatitis is suspected. Do not restart it if pancreatitis is confirmed.
- Diabetic retinopathy complications
- Acute kidney problems or injury
- Acute gallbladder disease
Rybelsus drug interactions
- The risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is increased when Rybelsus is used along with insulin secretagogues (sulfonylureas) or insulin.
- Rybelsus delays gastric emptying so it may have an impact on the absorption of oral medications taken along with it.
Rybelsus side effects
The most common side effects of Rybelsus include:
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
- Constipation
Rybelsus can also cause some serious side effects, including:
- Increased risk of thyroid cancer
- Acute pancreatitis
- Acute gallbladder disease
- Hypoglycemia when used with insulin secretagogues or insulin
- Acute kidney injury
- Allergic reactions
- Diabetic retinopathy complications
Rybelsus alternatives
There are many other type 2 diabetes medications that your healthcare provider can prescribe if Rybelsus is not right for you. They will vary by different factors such as side effects and costs. Some FDA-approved alternatives to Rybelsus include:
Is Rybelsus better than Ozempic?
Both Rybelsus and Ozempic contain the active ingredient semaglutide. They are both approved to treat type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is also approved to decrease the risk of major cardiovascular problems such as heart attack in people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. They both cause most of the same side effects. You may also have some injection site reactions with Ozempic.
The major difference is how they are taken. Rybelsus is a tablet you take by mouth once daily. Ozempic is given as a once-daily injection under the skin of your stomach, thigh, or upper arm. No studies directly compare Rybelsus and Ozempic’s effectiveness, but they have both been shown to improve blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Rybelsus FAQs
How long does it take for Rybelsus to start working?
Following oral administration, the maximum concentration of Rybelsus is reached in 1 hour. It can take 4 to 5 weeks before you see the full benefit of this medication.
How long does Rybelsus stay in the system?
Because Rybelsus has an elimination half-life of around 1 week, it is present in your bloodstream for about 5 weeks after your last dose.
How do I store Rybelsus?
Store Rybelsus tablets at room temperature from 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) in a dry place away from moisture. They should be kept in the original closed bottle until you are ready to take one.
Can I take Rybelsus while I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Based on animal reproduction studies, there may be potential risks to the fetus due to Rybelsus. If you become pregnant, discontinue Rybelsus and contact your doctor. If you plan on becoming pregnant, Rybelsus should be stopped at least 2 months before. Breastfeeding is not recommended when taking this medication.
