Description
What is Rybelsus?
Rybelsus is a prescription-only medicine that contains the active substance semaglutide, which is designed to lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.
How does Rybelsus work?
Rybelsus belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medications mimic a natural hormone in your body that regulates blood sugar and appetite and:
- Helps your body produce more insulin when your blood sugar is high. Insulin is the hormone responsible for moving sugar from your bloodstream into your cells, where it can be used for energy.
- Reduces the amount of sugar your liver releases into your bloodstream, which helps prevent blood sugar spikes.
- Slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach, which means sugar enters your bloodstream more gradually after meals. This slower digestion also helps you feel fuller for longer, which is why many people experience reduced appetite and weight loss while taking Rybelsus.
Who can take Rybelsus?
Rybelsus is designed for adults (18 years and older) with type 2 diabetes who need additional help managing their glucose levels when diet and exercise alone aren’t enough.
You may be prescribed Rybelsus in these situations:
- On its own, when you’re unable to use metformin (a common first-line diabetes medication).
- Together with other diabetes medications, when your current treatment isn’t providing adequate blood sugar control.
- As part of a treatment plan that may include other oral diabetes medications or injectable treatments like insulin.
Who can’t take Rybelsus?
Your doctor will need to know about all your medical conditions and medications before deciding if Rybelsus is right for you.
Rybelsus is not suitable for everyone, and you shouldn’t take it if:
- You have type 1 diabetes
- You develop diabetic ketoacidosis (a serious complication with symptoms including high blood sugar, breathing difficulty, confusion, excessive thirst, and a sweet smell to the breath)
- You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
- You have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer
- You are allergic to semaglutide or any other ingredients in Rybelsus
If you’re scheduled for surgery requiring anaesthesia, make sure to inform your doctor that you’re taking Rybelsus.
Rybelsus Ingredients
Active Ingredients: Semaglutide (mg depending on strength)
Inactive Ingredients: Salcaprozate sodium, Povidone K90, Microcrystalline cellulose, Magnesium stearate
Each tablet contains 23 mg of sodium, which is equivalent to about 1% of the recommended maximum daily dietary intake of sodium for an adult.
Rybelsus Dosage Options
Rybelsus is available in different strengths. Your doctor will start you on a lower dose and gradually increase it based on how your body responds.
- Starting Dose: 1.5 mg
- Maintenance Dose: 4 mg
- Maintenance Dose: 9 mg
Dosing Schedule
Month 1: You’ll start on the lowest dose (1.5 mg) once daily. This helps your body adjust and reduces digestive side effects.
Month 2+: If tolerated well, your doctor will typically increase to the middle dose (4 mg). Many patients stay at this level with good blood sugar control.
If needed: After at least one month, your doctor may increase to the maximum dose (9 mg) for additional blood sugar control.
Important Safety Information
- Never adjust your dose without consulting your doctor or pharmacist
- Check your packaging to make sure you’re taking the correct strength for your formulation
- If you take too much, contact your doctor immediately
- Taking more than prescribed won’t improve results but could increase side effects
How to Take Rybelsus
Take Rybelsus once daily, preferably first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Swallow the tablet whole with a small sip of water (no more than 120 ml) and wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything else, or taking any other oral medications.
Do not split, crush, or chew the tablet as this may reduce how well the medication works. The special formulation is designed to help your body absorb the medication properly.
If you miss a dose, simply skip it and take your next dose as usual the following day. Don’t take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
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