Rybelsus

Generic name: Semaglutide
Drug class: Incretin mimetics

Usage of Rybelsus

Rybelsus tablets (semaglutide) are used for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus to control blood sugar levels. Rybelsus has also been shown in studies to help weight loss, but it is not an FDA-approved weight loss medicine. Rybelsus tablets are a once-a-day tablet that is used along with diet and exercise.

Rybelsus tablets work to lower blood sugar (glucose) levels by increasing how much insulin is released and decreasing glucagon secretion. This medicine also may slow gastric emptying after eating. Rybelsus is from the class of medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist).

Rybelsus tablets contain the same active ingredient as Wegovy injection and Ozempic injection. Wegovy is approved for weight management, and Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes.

Rybelsus is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Rybelsus side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Rybelsus: hives, itching; dizziness, fast heartbeats; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

vision changes;

unusual mood changes, thoughts about hurting yourself;

pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

signs of a thyroid tumor - swelling or a lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, a hoarse voice, feeling short of breath;

symptoms of pancreatitis - severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea with or without vomiting, fast heart rate;

gallbladder problems - upper stomach pain, fever, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

low blood sugar - headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, or feeling jittery;

kidney problems - swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath; or

stomach flu symptoms - stomach cramps, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea (may be watery or bloody).

Common Rybelsus side effects may include:

low blood sugar (in people with type 2 diabetes);

upset stomach, heartburn, burping, gas, bloating;

nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite;

diarrhea, constipation;

runny nose or sore throat;

stomach flu symptoms; or

headache, dizziness, tiredness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Rybelsus

You should not use Rybelsus if you are allergic to semaglutide, or if you have:

multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (tumors in your glands); or

a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer).

To make sure Rybelsus is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

a stomach or intestinal disorder;

gallbladder disease;

pancreatitis;

eye problems caused by diabetes (retinopathy); or

kidney disease.

In animal studies, semaglutide caused thyroid tumors or thyroid cancer. It is not known whether these effects would occur in people. Ask your doctor about your risk.

Rybelsus is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Stop using Rybelsus at least 2 months before you plan to get pregnant. Ask your doctor for a safer medicine to use during this time. Controlling diabetes is very important during pregnancy, as is gaining the right amount of weight. Even if you are overweight, losing weight during pregnancy could harm the unborn baby.

You should not breastfeed while using Rybelsus.

Relate drugs

How to use Rybelsus

Usual Adult Dose for Diabetes Type 2: Initial dose: 3 mg taken orally once a day for 30 days, then increase to 7 mg taken orally once a day. Titration: If additional glycemic control is needed after receiving 7 mg/day for at least 30 days, the dose may increase to 14 mg orally once a day. Maintenance dose: 7 to 14 mg orally once a day. Maximum dose: 14 mg/day (taking two 7 mg tablets to achieve a 14 mg dose is not recommended).

Warnings

You should not use Rybelsus if you have multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (tumors in your glands), a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer, insulin-dependent diabetes, or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Call your doctor at once if you have signs of a thyroid tumor, such as swelling or a lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, a hoarse voice, or shortness of breath.

What other drugs will affect Rybelsus

Rybelsus can slow your digestion, and it may take longer for your body to absorb any medicines you take by mouth.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially insulin or other diabetes medicine, such as dulaglutide, exenatide, liraglutide, Byetta, Trulicity, Victoza, and others.

Other drugs may interact with semaglutide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Disclaimer

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