Rybelsus

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Jan 09, 2025

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.