Novo Nordisk manufactures Rybelsus, a brand-name medication. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which is a glucagonlike peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor, an agonist. It helps to control blood sugar in adults with Type 2 Diabetes. Rybelsus can be tolerated well, but there are potential side effects. Rybelsus can cause nausea, headaches, and upper respiratory tract infections. Side effects that are less common but can be more severe include low blood sugar and pancreatitis.
What is Rybelsus (semaglutide)?
Rybelsus has been classified as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It is used to control high blood sugar in adults with type2 diabetes. Other medical conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes can also lead to tiredness.
Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Rybelsus. Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor antagonist (GLP-1 medication). It mimics the effects of the hormone glucose, which regulates blood sugar levels. Semaglutide, a synthetic version of the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1), is naturally found in the body. Semaglutide can also be found in another brand-name medication, Ozempic, which treats type II diabetes.
GLP-1 receptor antagonists are a group of diabetes medications that mimic the effects of the hormone glucose. This helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Rybelsus can be purchased in tablet form. It is taken once daily by mouth with or without food. To maintain a steady level of medication in your bloodstream, Rybelsus should be taken daily at the same time every day.
Before you take any medication, Rybelsus included, make sure to check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Rybelsus dosage
Rybelsus comes in three strengths: 7 mg, 14mg, and 21 mg tablets. Rybelsus starts at 7 mg daily. If necessary, your doctor may gradually increase the dose.
Rybelsus should be taken at the same time every day in order to maintain a steady level of medication in your bloodstream. Rybelsus can be taken with or without food. Take the tablet whole.
You should take Rybelsus as soon as possible if you forget to take your dose. You can skip your missed dose if it is near time to take your next dose. You should not take Rybelsus in two doses at once.
Rybelsus is a powerful tool!
Rybelsus has been FDA approved to improve glucose control in adults with type-2 diabetes mellitus. In clinical studies, Rybelsus was shown to lower fasting blood glucose levels, hemoglobin levels (a measure for long-term blood sugar control) and post-meal spikes in blood sugar.
If Rybelsus and exercise are not sufficient to lower your sugar, your doctor may prescribe additional medications in conjunction with Rybelsus such as metformin.
Rybelsus side effects
Side effects can occur while Rybelsus is being taken. Most side effects disappear within days or weeks for most people.
Rybelsus can cause the following side effects:
- Nausea
- Stomach (abdominal) pain
- Diarrhea
- A decreased appetite
- Vomiting
- Constipation
Rybelsus can have more severe side effects, such as:
- Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
- Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas.
- Severe allergic reactions
- Vision blurred/changes in vision
- Failure of the kidneys
Rybelsus should be stopped immediately if you have any of these side effects. Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience any side effects that persist or aren’t going away.
The FDA encourages you to report any side effects from prescription drugs. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Rybelsus drug interactions
Rybelsus may interact with:
- Insulin
- Some diabetes medications (thiazolidinediones, suconylureas)
- Decongestants
- Asthma treatment with drugs
- Blood pressure medication (ACE inhibitors, beta blockers)
- Some antidepressants (SSRIs and SNRIs).
- Treatments for HIV infection with drugs
- drugs to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder
- Weight loss drugs that suppress appetite
- Other oral medications
To ensure that Rybelsus is safe for you, tell your doctor what medications you are currently taking.
Rybelsus Warnings & Precautions
Do not take Rybelsus if you are:
- Rybelsus, or any of its ingredients, is an allergy
- You are pregnant or nursing
- A history of problems with your pancreas has been a problem.
- If you have severe kidney disease or problems,
- A history of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- A history of diabetic ketoacidosis has been a problem.
- You or a family member have ever been diagnosed with medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC).
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2) is your diagnosis.
Discuss with your doctor before you take Rybelsus:
- Are you currently or were you a victim of kidney disease?
- Pancreas problems?
- Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), have you ever had?
- Are you pregnant?
- Have digestive problems
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Have diabetic retinopathy
- You or a family member has Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome type 2 (MEN2), medullary Thyroid carcinoma (MTC), or any other thyroid cancers.
- Maintain a high heart rate
