Indications
Rybelsus (Semaglutide) is a prescription medication that is used to help lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. Rybelsus contains an active ingredient called semaglutide. Semaglutide works by helping the pancreas produce more insulin and by making it easier for the body to use insulin and glucose.
Rybelsus (Semaglutide) is a new medication approved by the FDA to help type 2 diabetes patients manage their blood sugar levels. It is the first pill form of GLP-1 (glucagon like peptide 1) receptor agonist, designed to be taken orally once daily. The drug was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2019, making it one of the newest treatments for type 2 diabetes.
Semaglutide medication is an important advancement in diabetes treatment, as it provides a more convenient and frequent dosing option than other existing medications. Compared to other existing medications, Rybelsus is an effective treatment for adults with type 2 diabetes, with significantly greater reductions in A1C and body weight than traditional treatments.
Uses and Dosage
Rybelsus comes in the form of tablet to use by mouth on an empty stomach when you first wake up with a sip of plain water (no more than 4 ounces). The patient can eat, drink, or take other oral medicines after 30 minutes using Rybelsus. If a dose of Rybelsus is missed, it should be skipped, and the regular schedule should be resumed. The tablet should not be split, crushed, or chewed; you should swallow the whole tablet.
Rybelsus should only be taken with a maximum of 4 ounces of plain water. Do not take RYBELSUS with any other beverage aside from water, as this may interfere with its effectiveness. Start taking RYBELSUS with 3 mg once daily for 30 days. The 3 mg dose is intended for treatment initiation and is not effective for glycemic control. After 30 days on the 3 mg dose, increase the dose to 7 mg once daily. If additional glycemic control is needed after at least 30 days on the 7 mg dose, the dose may be increased to 14 mg once daily. It is important to note that taking two 7 mg tablets to achieve a 14 mg dose is not recommended and has not been studied.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Rybelsus Includes:
- Abdominal discomfort
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Serious Side Effects of Rybelsus
- Changes in eyesight
- Kidney problems
- Thyroid cancer
- Inflammation in your pancreas
- Allergic reaction
- Hyperglycemia or high blood sugar
- Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar
- Signs of kidney problems (change in urinary output, dark urine)
- Symptoms of pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, nausea)
- Vision changes
Form and Strength
Rybelsus is available in the following form and strengths:
Rybelsus: Tablet
- 3 mg
- 7 mg
- 14 mg
Caution
- Women who are taking RYBELSUS should talk to their healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of breastfeeding during treatment.
- It is not known if RYBELSUS will harm your unborn baby, so it's important to talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to control your blood sugar if you plan to become pregnant. To ensure the safety of your unborn baby, it is recommended to stop using RYBELSUS 2 months before you plan to become pregnant.
- Before using RYBELSUS, it is important to tell your healthcare provider if you have any other medical conditions, such as problems with your pancreas or kidneys, or a history of vision problems related to your diabetes.
- Rybelsus (semaglutide) is not recommended as a first-line therapy for patients who have inadequate glycemic control on diet and exercise due to the uncertain relevance of C-cell tumors observed in rodent animal studies to humans.
- Taking two 7 mg Rybelsus tablets to achieve a 14 mg dose is not recommended. Patients should be instructed to take Rybelsus at least 30 minutes before a meal and should not take more than one 7 mg tablet per day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How should Rybelsus be taken?
Rybelsus should be taken at least 30 minutes before a meal. Do not split, crush, or chew tablets.
Does Rybelsus interact with any other medicines?
Rybelsus may interact with other medicines. It is important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medication, including over-the-counter drugs or herbal supplements.
Does Rybelsus cause weight gain?
Rybelsus is not associated with weight gain. However, some people may experience a decrease in appetite or unintended weight loss.
Will I need to use Rybelsus long term?
Diabetes is a long-lasting condition, so you may need to take Rybelsus long term. Talk with your doctor about how long you’ll need to take this drug.
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