Rybelsus Drug Details
Therapeutic Class:
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists
Forms:
Oral tablet
Administration:
By mouth
Therapeutic Uses:
To improve glycemic control and lower blood glucose levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Controlled Status:
Not a controlled substance
Rybelsus Drug Class
Rybelsus (rai-bel-sus) belongs to a group of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.
Rybelsus Age Range
Rybelsus (semaglutide) is approved for use in adults. The safety and effectiveness of Rybelsus have not been established in pediatric patients younger than 18 years of age.
Rybelsus Uses
Rybelsus Uses
Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) is used, along with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise, to control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Rybelsus is not used to treat type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
The generic drug semaglutide, which is the active ingredient in Rybelsus, is also available as a once-weekly injectable medicine for people with diabetes under the brand name Ozempic.
Semaglutide has also been FDA-approved for chronic weight management in overweight and obese adults. The semaglutide injection is sold under the trade name Wegovy for weight management.
There may be other uses of Rybelsus—your healthcare professional or pharmacists can give you further Rybelsus drug information.
Rybelsus Mechanism of Action
Rybelsus helps to improve blood sugar by causing the pancreas to release more insulin hormone and the liver to decrease glucagon secretion. These hormones play a key role in controlling blood sugar levels in the body. Rybelsus (semaglutide) also slows the movement of food through the stomach and can increase feelings of fullness, leading to decreased appetite and weight loss.
Rybelsus Doses
Rybelsus comes as 3 mg, 7 mg, and 14 mg tablets. Other dosage forms of semaglutide include Ozempic weekly semaglutide injection for type 2 diabetes and Wegovy weekly semaglutide injection for weight management.
The usual starting dose of Rybelsus (semaglutide oral) is 3 mg once daily for 30 days. The 3-mg dose does not help with glycemic control (blood sugar control) and is for treatment initiation only (to give your body time to adjust to the medicine). After 30 days, the dose of Rybelsus is increased to 7 mg once daily. After another 30 days, the Rybelsus dose can be increased to 14 mg once daily, if needed.
Rybelsus Directions
How To Use Rybelsus
Rybelsus comes as an oral tablet to take by mouth. You should take it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything or taking other oral medicines. Take a Rybelsus (semaglutide) tablet with no more than 4 ounces (120 mL) of plain water. Taking medications or eating or drinking within 30 minutes can affect Rybelsus by reducing its absorption and making it less effective.
Eat something 30 minutes after taking your Rybelsus (semaglutide) dose. Waiting more than 30 minutes to eat or drink after taking Rybelsus can lead to increased absorption of Rybelsus. Too much Rybelsus in your body can put you at risk of low blood sugar.
Do not cut, chew, or crush Rybelsus (semaglutide) tablets. If you are on the 14-mg dose of Rybelsus, do not take two of the 7-mg tablets to make a 14-mg dose.
Read the prescription label carefully and take Rybelsus exactly as prescribed. Do not change the dose or dosing frequency without consulting your healthcare provider.
Your doctor will start you on a low dose of Rybelsus and increase the dose every 4 weeks until you are on a maintenance dose that controls your blood sugar levels.
You should know that Rybelsus works alongside a calorie-restricted diet and increased physical activity to help control type 2 diabetes. This medication is not a cure for diabetes. Continue taking Rybelsus even if you feel well and your blood sugar levels are well controlled. Do not stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor.
Missed dose: If you miss a dose of Rybelsus, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose or extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Storage: Store Rybelsus (semaglutide) at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in its original container, tightly closed. Do not store medications in the bathroom where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.
Unused medicine: Unused Rybelsus should be disposed of in a way that other people, children, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw Rybelsus in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to dispose of expired or unneeded Rybelsus is through a drug take-back program or your local waste disposal company. Learn more about proper medication disposal.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary and may not contain all possible Rybelsus drug information. It is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you have questions about Rybelsus, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to ensure you receive proper medical care.
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Rybelsus Side Effects
Rybelsus Side Effects
Common side effects of Rybelsus are listed below. Tell your doctor if they are severe or do not go away after a few days.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Burping
- Decreased appetite
Rarely, Rybelsus can cause more serious side effects. Call your doctor right away or seek emergency medical care if you develop:
- Signs and symptoms of a serious allergic reaction (skin rash, itching, hives)
- Swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Persistent stomach pain, with or without vomiting (stomach pain is usually in the upper left or middle part of the stomach and may spread to the back)
- Swelling of the lower legs, ankles, or feet
- Decreased urination
- Vision changes
- Lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, weakness, blurred vision, slurred speech, sweating, confusion, shakiness, jitteriness, fast heartbeat, irritability, anxiety, mood changes, or excessive hunger
The above list may not include all the potential side effects of Rybelsus. Call your doctor if you experience any severe or unusual symptoms. You can also report unusual side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Rybelsus Overdose: In case of an overdose, call your doctor, your local poison control center, or the national poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 immediately. Call 911 if a person has trouble breathing, can’t be awakened, has collapsed, or had a seizure.
Source: FDA
Rybelsus Warnings
Rybelsus Risks, Warnings, and Complications
Rybelsus can cause or worsen health problems, especially in certain high-risk patients. Some of the risks of Rybelsus therapy include:
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Precautions Before Starting Rybelsus
Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to semaglutide (Rybelsus, Ozempic, Wegovy), any of the active or inactive ingredients in Rybelsus tablets, other GLP-1 receptor agonists, or any other medications. Your pharmacy can give you a list of ingredients. Examples of other GLP-1 receptor agonists include liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza, in Xultophy), dulaglutide (Trulicity), lixisenatide (Adlyxin, in Soliqua), and exenatide (Bydureon, Byetta).
Give your doctor a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products. This can help avoid serious interactions between Rybelsus and your other medications.
Give your doctor a complete medical history. Rybelsus may not be safe for people with certain medical conditions such as kidney disease, pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, or diabetic retinopathy.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, plan to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. Rybelsus may harm the unborn baby if used by pregnant women. Your healthcare provider will recommend stopping Rybelsus at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy. Also, tell your doctor if you are nursing an infant with breast milk.
Precautions During Use of Rybelsus
Keep all your medical and laboratory appointments while on Rybelsus. Your doctor may want to adjust the dose of your other diabetes medications based on your response to Rybelsus (semaglutide). They may also order certain blood tests to monitor you for adverse effects.
Tell your doctor if you have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or are unable to drink fluids by mouth, which can lead to dehydration. Also, tell your doctor if you have major changes in your diet, exercise routine, body weight, or have a fever, infection, injuries, surgery, or unusual emotional stress - these conditions can affect your blood sugar levels and how much Rybelsus (semaglutide) you need to take.
Talk to your doctor about how to recognize the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and what to do if it happens. The risk is higher if you are also taking other diabetes medications.
Call your doctor if you become pregnant while using Rybelsus.
Rybelsus Drug Interactions
Taking Rybelsus with certain other drugs can affect how the medications work. Interactions between medications can also increase the potential risk of serious side effects. For example, other medicines can affect how the body absorbs Rybelsus. Your physician may choose alternative medications rather than prescribe Rybelsus, change the dose of your other medicines, and/or monitor you closely for side effects if there are known interactions between Rybelsus and your other medications. Rybelsus can interact with the following medications:
- Insulin
- Sulfonylureas (oral diabetes medicines), such as glipizide (Glucotrol), glimepiride (Amaryl, in Duetact), chlorpropamide (Diabinese, Glucamide), tolbutamide, glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase), and tolazamide
- Levothyroxine
This list does not describe all possible Rybelsus interactions. Give your healthcare professionals a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products. Also, tell your healthcare provider if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription drugs.
Rybelsus Pros & Cons
Rybelsus Pros and Cons
- You only need to take Rybelsus once daily.
- Rybelsus (semaglutide oral) is the only GLP-1 receptor agonist that comes in tablet form (all others need to be injected).
- You can switch from Rybelsus (semaglutide oral) once daily to Ozempic (semaglutide injection) once weekly.
- Taking Rybelsus carries a risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially in people who are on other diabetes medications.
- Rybelsus cannot treat type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
- It is available as a brand name only. There is no low-cost generic currently.
- Rybelsus use has been linked to an increased risk of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid cancer.
Rybelsus Pharmacist Tips
Rybelsus Tips from Pharmacists
Take Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) on an empty stomach first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything or taking other oral medicines. Eat something 30 minutes after your Rybelsus dose. Take the medicine with no more than 4 ounces of plain water.
You should know that Rybelsus (semaglutide) works in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise program.
If you are prescribed 14 mg of Rybelsus daily, take the 14-mg tablet. Do not use two 7-mg tablets instead.
Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common side effects of Rybelsus treatment. Tell your doctor if these side effects are severe or continue after your body has had a chance to adjust to the medicine.
Rybelsus Rx Savings Tips
Rybelsus Rx Savings Tips
Rybelsus is not currently available in a generic version. The list price of brand name Rybelsus is almost $1,050 per package, although commercially insured patients typically pay less. A BuzzRx Rybelsus coupon can result in big savings on this brand-name drug. With a BuzzRx discount card, savings card, or discount coupons the medication could cost you a fraction of retail prices. Brand name Rybelsus may be under $445.50 for 14 tablets of the 7 mg dose at Walmart, Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS Pharmacy, and other participating pharmacies with a BuzzRx discount card or free coupon. For the biggest discounts, give the checkout clerk your free Rybelsus discount coupon when you drop off your prescriptions.
Lowest Price for Rybelsus | |
| Brand $445.22 | Generic N/A |
VIEW DISCOUNTS Pricing based on most commonly-filled versions. Select the strength and quantity of your medication for the most accurate pricing. | |
Rybelsus Common Questions
Common Questions about Rybelsus
How much does Rybelsus cost without insurance?The cost of Rybelsus without insurance can vary depending on the pharmacy and dosage. On average, patients may pay around $700 to $900 for a 30-day supply, but you can reduce this cost significantly by using the BuzzRx Prescription Discount Card or available Rybelsus coupons. |
Is there a manufacturer coupon for Rybelsus?Yes, a Rybelsus manufacturer coupon may be available, offering discounts on the cost of the medication. Patients can also explore savings options on the BuzzRx site to find other coupons and deals that can be applied at major pharmacies. |
How much does Rybelsus cost at Walmart or CVS?At Walmart, the cost of Rybelsus can vary by dosage, with prices starting at around $800 for the 3 mg dosage. CVS typically has similar pricing, but using a Rybelsus coupon from BuzzRx can help lower the cost at both retailers. |
Can I use a Rybelsus coupon with insurance or Medicare?Yes, patients with insurance or Medicare can often still use BuzzRx coupons to lower their copays or out-of-pocket costs. It’s a great way to ensure you’re getting the best price possible, even if you already have coverage. |
Is Rybelsus insulin?No, Rybelsus is not insulin. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps the pancreas release more insulin. |
Is Rybelsus a good weight loss pill?Rybelsus is not approved for weight loss. However, Wegovy, which contains the same active ingredient as Rybelsus (semaglutide) is FDA-approved for chronic weight management. Wegovy (semaglutide injection) is taken once a week. |
How much weight will I lose on Rybelsus?Rybelsus is not FDA-approved for weight loss. However, it slows gastric emptying and can lead to decreased appetite, and therefore may cause you to lose weight when used in conjunction with diet and exercise. Placebo-controlled trials have shown that people who took oral semaglutide lost about 15% of their starting body weight. However, the dose of Rybelsus (semaglutide oral) used was significantly higher (50 mg daily) compared to the maintenance doses used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (7 mg or 14 mg daily). |
Why is Rybelsus so expensive?Rybelsus is so expensive because it is brand name only and there is no currently no lower cost generic available. A free Rybelsus coupon from BuzzRx can help you save money on your Rybelsus prescription. |
Can I take Rybelsus at night?Rybelsus works best if you take it on an empty stomach first thing in the morning, 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything or taking other medicines by mouth. You should take the Rybelsus tablet with no more than 4 ounces or 120 mL of plain water. Eat something 30 minutes after taking your dose. |
What is the price of Rybelsus without insurance?Without insurance, Rybelsus can be as high as $491.86, but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $445.42 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price, and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescription drugs—whether you have insurance or not. |
What is the price of Rybelsus with insurance?Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on Rybelsus—Copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins. You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for Rybelsus. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medicine, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not. |
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