Rybelsus (Semaglutide) for Diabetes

Overview

Rybelsus is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an adjunct (add-on) to diet and exercise to improve blood glucose (sugar) control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is not approved for use in people with type 1 diabetes or as a first-line treatment in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or those with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Rybelsus is also known by its drug name, semaglutide.

Rybelsus is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It helps lower blood sugar by increasing insulin release, reducing the amount of sugar made by the liver, and slowing how quickly food leaves the stomach.

How do I take it?

Prescribing information states that Rybelsus is taken orally (by mouth) once daily, on an empty stomach in the morning with no more than 4 ounces of water. You must wait at least 30 minutes after taking the tablet before eating, drinking anything other than water, or taking other medications. Swallow the tablet whole — do not split, crush, or chew it. Dosing schedule depends on which formulation you’ve been prescribed but typically starts with taking a lower dose for the first 30 days, then increasing the dose. Take Rybelsus exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Side effects

Common side effects of Rybelsus include nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, and constipation.

Rare but serious side effects may include acute pancreatitis, complications from diabetic retinopathy (eye disease), severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), acute kidney injury, severe gastrointestinal problems, serious allergic reactions (such as anaphylaxis and angioedema), and gallbladder disease (cholelithiasis or cholecystitis). Pulmonary aspiration (inhaling food or fluid into the lungs) has also been reported in people undergoing surgery under general anesthesia. The drug may also pose a potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). This risk is based on findings in rodents; it is unknown whether Rybelsus causes thyroid tumors in humans.

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Label: Rybelsus — Oral Semaglutide Tablet — DailyMed