Rybelsus

The active ingredient in Rybelsus is semaglutide. Semaglutide belongs to a drug class known as GLP-1 receptor agonists (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists). It uses a multi-pronged approach to control blood sugar levels. First, it lowers your blood sugar levels by causing your pancreas to release more insulin, a hormone that helps regulate glucose in the blood. Additionally, it suppresses the secretion of glucagon, a hormone that increases blood sugar levels.

The drug also slows down gastric emptying after meals. That means that the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream is delayed, preventing any sudden increase in blood sugar levels.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Rybelsus. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Rybelsus:

Rybelsus should be taken orally, preferably in the morning, on an empty stomach 30 minutes before any food, beverage, or oral medications. The tablets should be swallowed whole, without crushing or chewing, with a small amount of plain water.

If you happen to miss a dose, skip the missed dose and then take the next dose the following day at its usual time. If you take too much Rybelsus, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

The most common side effects of Rybelsus seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Burping
• Diarrhea

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Rybelsus. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Signs of low blood pressure include:
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Weakness
• Slurred speech
• Anxiety, irritability, or mood changes
• Sweating
• Shakiness
• Hunger
• Confusion or drowsiness
• Headache
• Feeling jittery
• Fast heartbeat
• Kidney problems and kidney injury
• Notify your healthcare provider if you have a decrease in the amount of urine or swelling of your ankles, hands, or feet.
• Gallbladder problems
• Tell your medical care professional right away if you get symptoms of gallbladder problems:
• Yellowing of skin or eyes
• Pain in your upper stomach (abdomen)
• Clay-colored stools
• Fever
• Thyroid tumor
• Speak to your doctor immediately if you experience any signs of developing a thyroid tumor. Symptoms could include:
• Hoarseness
• Swelling or lump in your neck
• Issues swallowing
• Trouble breathing
• Pancreatitis
• It is essential to consult the healthcare provider immediately if you have symptoms of pancreatitis, including:
• Severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back
• Nausea with or without vomiting
• Fast heart rate
• Allergic reaction
• Get medical help immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat
• Severe rash or itching
• Problems breathing or swallowing
• Very rapid heartbeat
• Fainting or feeling dizzy

These are not all of the possible side effects of Rybelsus. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Rybelsus, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Stomach or intestinal problems
• This may all require adjustments in the Rybelsus dosage. Speak to your doctor about any conditions you may have and what would be best for you.
• Gallbladder disease
• This may all require adjustments in the Rybelsus dosage. Speak to your doctor about any conditions you may have and what would be best for you.
• Pancreatitis
• This may all require adjustments in the Rybelsus dosage. Speak to your doctor about any conditions you may have and what would be best for you.
• Diabetic retinopathy
• This may all require adjustments in the Rybelsus dosage. Speak to your doctor about any conditions you may have and what would be best for you.
• Kidney disease
• This may all require adjustments in the Rybelsus dosage. Speak to your doctor about any conditions you may have and what would be best for you.
• Pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• See the section on pregnancy.
• Ever had an allergic reaction to semaglutide or any of the inactive ingredients within Rybelsus.

Boxed Warning

Rybelsus carries a boxed warning regarding thyroid C cell tumors, a type of thyroid cancer. In rodent studies, semaglutide caused thyroid C-cell tumors. It is not known whether it will affect humans the same.

Although it's unclear if these effects would occur in humans, Rybelsus is contraindicated in individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.

• Known personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.
• Known serious hypersensitivity reaction to semaglutide or any of the ingredients in Rybelsus.

As a diabetes medication, Rybelsus typically begins to lower blood sugar levels within the first week of starting treatment, though full effects may take several weeks. As with most diabetes treatments, individual responses vary, and improvements depend on adherence to the prescribed dose, diet, and exercise. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is essential to evaluate how well the medication is working for you.

When Rybelsus is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking, including:

• Sulfonylurea
• Sulfonylurea used with Rybelsus may change your body’s blood sugar levels.
• The risk of hypoglycemia has been shown to increase with concomitant use of sulfonylurea and Rybelsus.
• Insulin
• Insulin used with Rybelsus may change your body’s blood sugar levels.
• There is a risk of hypoglycemia with concomitant use of insulin and Rybelsus.
• Oral medications
• Rybelsus changes the rate at which you have “gastric emptying” which will therefore change your body’s ability to absorb the medication.

Rybelsus is an oral medication that is available in tablet form and is typically taken once daily. The dosage you will take will start low and will gradually increase over time. The starting dose is 3 mg per day. After 30 days, your healthcare provider will increase it to a 7 mg dose per day. If additional glycemic control is required, the dosage may be further increased to 14 mg per day. It's crucial that you follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully to ensure optimal results.

Rybelsus should be stored in its original package at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. It should be kept out of reach of children and pets.

Rybelsus is manufactured by Novo Nordisk.

Currently, there is no generic available for the brand name Rybelsus in the United States. Related medications include Glucophage (metformin), Ozempic (semaglutide), and Victoza (liraglutide).

To stop taking Rybelsus, consult your healthcare provider first, as they may need to adjust your treatment plan or prescribe an alternative. Abruptly discontinuing the medication without guidance could lead to a rise in blood sugar levels or other complications. Your doctor will provide a tapering plan or recommendations based on your specific health needs.

Rybelsus has not been studied enough in pregnant women to know if it is safe to take. However, animal studies have shown that there are risks to the unborn baby if exposed to Rybelsus during pregnancy. Speak to your doctor about any plans for pregnancy; it is recommended that women stop taking Rybelsus for up to two months before they become pregnant.

It is also unknown whether Rybelsus passes through breast milk. Again, however, animal studies in rats showed that the medication was present in lactating rats. Breastfeeding is not recommended because serious side effects could occur for the baby. If you're breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, talk to your provider about alternative medications or treatments for your condition.