Description
About Rybelsus (semaglutide) tablets
Rybelsus is a prescription medicine for adults with type 2 diabetes. It contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, and is taken by mouth once a day.
What Rybelsus is used for
Along with diet and exercise, Rybelsus is used in adults with type 2 diabetes to:
- improve blood sugar control
- lower the risk of heart attack, stroke or death from heart disease in people at high risk of these problems
Rybelsus isn’t approved for type 1 diabetes or for weight loss. Semaglutide for weight management is sold under a different name, Wegovy.
How to take Rybelsus
- Take one tablet in the morning on an empty stomach, with no more than 4 ounces (half a cup) of plain water.
- Swallow it whole. Don’t split, crush or chew it.
- Wait at least 30 minutes before you eat, drink anything else or take other medicines by mouth. Waiting less time means less of the medicine is absorbed.
- Your prescriber usually starts you on 3 mg once a day for 30 days, then raises the dose to 7 mg. The dose may go up to 14 mg once a day if needed.
- If you miss a dose, skip it and take your usual dose the next morning.
Common side effects
The most common side effects are nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting and constipation. They’re most likely when you start Rybelsus or raise the dose.
Important safety information
In studies in rodents, semaglutide caused thyroid tumors. It isn’t known whether it does in people. Don’t use it if you or a family member has had medullary thyroid cancer, or if you have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Tell your doctor about a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing or shortness of breath. Other serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems and kidney problems from dehydration.
Tell your doctor if you have diabetic eye disease (retinopathy) or have had pancreatitis. Low blood sugar is more likely if you also take insulin or a sulfonylurea such as glimepiride. Rybelsus can raise levels of levothyroxine, so your doctor may check your thyroid tests. Stop Rybelsus at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy, and don’t take it while breastfeeding. Before surgery or any procedure with anesthesia or deep sedation, tell the team you take Rybelsus.
Storage
Keep the tablets in their original blister pack until you take one, to protect them from moisture and light.
This page is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to a qualified healthcare professional.
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