Rybelsus (Semaglutide) Tablets Description
Rybelsus (semaglutide) is a brand-name prescription medication that’s FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes. The drug helps control blood sugar in adults when used with diet and exercise. Semaglutide is a diabetic medication (and not insulin) that diabetics would use to help manage their blood glucose. This type of medication is usually added on to regular diabetic treatments (such as insulin pens, cartridges, vials and use of insulin plants).
Rybelsus should not be the first medication you try to manage type 2 diabetes if diet and exercise don’t work. Currently, Rybelsus isn’t approved for treating diabetes type 1 or diabetic ketoacidosis.
A study has shown that Rybelsus helps lower blood sugar more than a placebo (treatment with no active drug). Researchers used blood tests to measure the level of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), which is a marker of blood sugar control. Target values of 7% are common for HbA1c, but this varies from person to person. Talk with your doctor about the target goal for your treatment. Rybelsus is used similarly to Ozempic (2mg and 4mg) and Trulicity and has become more common for weight-loss enthusiasts.
Ensure you are open with your dialogue with your doctor about medications you are currently on. As semaglutide may not combine well with other medications (such as Jardiance).
Rybelsus significantly reduced the HbA1c levels of adults with type 2 diabetes 1.2% to 1.4% during the 26-week study. In contrast, people taking a placebo experienced a decrease of only 0.3%. Around 69% to 77% of people taking Rybelsus had HbA1c levels less than 7%, compared with 31% of people taking a placebo.
Although, Rybelsus and Ozempic have similar properties, they do have their differences and your doctor would be able to prescribe which one is best for you.
Before Usage
Rybelsus should not be shared.
Learn how to manage diabetes with medication, diet, exercise, and regular medical examinations by attending a diabetes education program.
Understand the symptoms of high and low blood sugar and how to treat low blood sugar. Make sure that you regularly check your blood sugar.
While taking this medication, you may need to have lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney function, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c). You should keep all medical and lab appointments. You should discuss this with your doctor.
Semaglutide is a prescription medication. Before you start taking it and before you refill it, be sure to read the Medication Guide. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also reach out to Insulin Outlet and ask for a pharmacy consultation. We will be happy to arrange an appointment for you.
You should not take semaglutide if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. Inactive ingredients in this product may cause allergic reactions or other problems. Consult your pharmacist for more information.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have a medical history of: diabetic retinopathy, pancreatitis, kidney problems, stomach/intestinal disorders (such as gastroparesis, digestion problems).
In addition, people who are allergic to semaglutide or any of the ingredients of Rybelsus should not take Rybelsus if they have thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome (including family history).
Semaglutide may cause side effects in people with certain medical conditions. Make sure your doctor is aware of any of the following conditions. You may need to be monitored more closely. Tell your doctor if you have:
– Diseases of the pancreas or kidneys
– Trouble seeing
– Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) is frequent.
– Taking insulin or diabetes medications (such as Adlyxin)
– Plans on becoming pregnant, or are pregnant.
Usage
Rybelsus is FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults when used with diet and exercise.
If diet and exercise aren’t helping your type 2 diabetes, Rybelsus shouldn’t be the first medication that you try. The drug isn’t for people who have type 1 diabetes or a complication of diabetes called diabetic ketoacidosis. Also, Rybelsus hasn’t been studied in people who have had a pancreas problem known as pancreatitis.
Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which your blood sugar level becomes too high due to problems with insulin. Insulin is a hormone that your pancreas makes to help control blood sugar. With type 2 diabetes, either your body doesn’t respond well to insulin or doesn’t produce enough insulin.
Diabetes type 2 is the most common form of diabetes. Diabetes type 2 can cause health problems in several body parts if left untreated, such as the heart, eyes, and nerves. Complications include high blood pressure, diabetic retinopathy, and neuropathy (nerve damage).
This medication should be taken with plain water (no more than 4 ounces or 120 milliliters) once a day, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Other beverages should not be consumed with this medication. It should be swallowed whole. Avoid splitting, chewing, or crushing the tablet. If you are taking any other medication by mouth, wait at least 30 minutes after taking semaglutide before eating, drinking, or taking anything else by mouth.
Ideally, you should eat between 30 and 60 minutes after taking semaglutide. This medication should be taken the same way every time.
According to your medical condition and your response to treatment, the dosage will be determined.
This medication may be started at a low dose and gradually increased by your doctor to reduce the risk of side effects. Make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Get the most benefit from this medication by taking it regularly. Make sure you take it at the same time each day to make it easier to remember.
Use this medication as prescribed and do not increase your dose. There will be no improvement in your condition, and your risk of side effects will go up.
You should tell your doctor if you don’t feel better or if you feel worse (high blood sugar or low blood sugar).
Side Effects
Rybelsus can cause mild or severe side effects. Listed below are some of the main side effects of Rybelsus. We have not included all potential side effects.
Rybelsus may cause side effects, so speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Your physician can provide you with tips on how to manage any side effects that are bothersome.
The most common mild side effects of Rybelsus can include:
– Nausea and vomiting
– Belly pain
– Diarrhea
– Decreased appetite
– Constipation
– Weight loss
The majority of these side effects can subside within a few days or weeks. The nausea will usually subside if you continue taking semaglutide. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
It is imperative to remember that your physician prescribed this medication because he or she believes the benefit to you outweighs the risk of side effects. There are typically no severe side effects associated with this medication.
-Hypoglycemia (See Hyploglycemia and Rybelsus tab for more information)
-Pancreatitis
-Diabetic retinopathy
-Kidney problems
If you experience any serious side effects, tell your doctor right away. These include: kidney problems (such as change in urine amount), vision changes (such as decreased/blurred vision).
A very serious (perhaps fatal) disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis) has rarely been caused by semaglutide. If you experience any of these symptoms of pancreatitis, you need medical attention.
For medical advice about side effects in the US, consult your doctor. FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch if you experience side effects.