Rybelsus (Semaglutide)

Rybelsus

What is Rybelsus (Generic semaglutide)

Rybelsus is an effective medication used for the management of diabetes and weight loss.

The injectable version called Ozempic.

Rybelsus belongs to the class of drugs called Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Agonists. The main ingredient of this drug is semaglutide. It is available in the form of 7 mg and 14 mg tablets that are used along with diet and exercise to improve blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. 

When is Rybelsus prescribed?

Rybelsus is prescribed as an adjunct therapy to diet and exercise for improving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

How to use Rybelsus?

The usual starting dose of Rybelsus for the treatment of diabetes is 3 mg once a day for 30 days. This dose is intended only for the treatment initiation and may not be effective for achieving glycemic control. After 30 days, the dose can be increased to 7 mg once a day. The dosage may be increased gradually to 14 mg once a day if additional glycemic control is needed.

Patients are advised to contact a physician to learn more about the dosage recommendations.

What are the side effects of Rybelsus?

Rybelsus may cause a few side effects including:

• Shortness of breath
• Pain in the stomach that radiates to the back
• A lump on the front of the neck
• Sudden vision loss
• Neck pain
• Cough
• Hoarseness off voice
• Fast heartbeats
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Fever

Key highlights of Rybelsus

• Rybelsus is not indicated for the treatment of type 1 diabetes.
• Rybelsus is not recommended as the first line of treatment for patients having inadequate glycemic control with diet and exercise.
• Rybelsus has not been extensively studied in patients having a history of pancreatitis. Hence, the use of this drug may not be suitable for these patients.

Note

The effect of Rybelsus on the risk of developing thyroid C-cell tumors, such as medullary thyroid carcinoma, is not known. Hence, this drug may not be suitable for patients with thyroid dysfunctions.

What are the drug interactions of Rybelsus?

Beta-blockers like metoprolol and propranolol and eye drops used for the treatment of glaucoma such as timolol might prevent the fast and pounding heartbeats that occur when the blood sugar level falls to a very low level causing hypoglycemia. Some other symptoms of hypoglycemia such as dizziness, sweating, and increased hunger are not affected when these drugs are used with Rybelsus.

Some drugs can affect the patient's blood sugar level, making it more difficult to achieve glycemic control. Hence, it is advisable to monitor blood sugar levels regularly when any new medication is added to the treatment plan for the management of diabetes or any other condition.

Storage

Store Rybelsus tablets in a cool and dry place. The tablets should be kept in a tightly closed container away from heat and moisture.