Uses
What is Rybelsus used for?
Rybelsus is commonly used to help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Rybelsus may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Rybelsus work (mechanism of action)?
Rybelsus works to improve blood sugar in three different ways. Rybelsus works to stimulate your pancreas to release more insulin after you eat, prevents your liver from releasing stored sugars, and slows down the movement of food through your body.
Learn more about How Rybelsus Helps Control Type 2 Diabetes.
How is Rybelsus supplied (dosage forms)?
Rybelsus is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 3 mg oral tablets
- 7 mg oral tablets
- 14 mg oral tablets
How should I store Rybelsus?
Rybelsus should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Store in the original bottle.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Rybelsus?
The most common side effects of Rybelsus are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting
- Constipation
There may be other side effects of Rybelsus that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Rybelsus?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Rybelsus are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Rybelsus can cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Rybelsus and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Thyroid Tumors. Rybelsus may cause thyroid tumors, including a type of cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Stop taking Rybelsus and call your healthcare provider right away if you have symptoms of medullary thyroid carcinoma including a swelling or a lump in the neck, trouble swallowing, shortness of breath, or hoarseness.
Vision Changes. Rybelsus may cause your vision to worsen when you start taking the medicine or start a higher dose. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop new vision problems. If you have a condition called diabetic retinopathy, your vision may temporarily worsen when you start Rybelsus or a higher dose. Make sure that you keep all appointments to have your vision checked.
Inflammation of the Pancreas (Pancreatitis). Rybelsus may cause inflammation of the pancreas, which is called pancreatitis. Stop taking Rybelsus and call your healthcare provider right away if you have symptoms of pancreatitis including vomiting or severe pain in the upper part of your belly that travels to your back.
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia). Rybelsus may cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), usually when taken with a sulfonylurea (glimepiride, glyburide, glipizide) or insulin, which can be serious and may lead to death. You may need to check your blood sugar more often if you have changes to your diet, exercise regimen, or medicines for diabetes. Do not take Rybelsus and call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of hypoglycemia.
- Headache
- Crankiness or anxiety
- Hunger
- Dizziness, or confusion, or drowsiness
- Blurry vision
- Slurred speech
- Sweating
- Feeling jittery or shakiness
- Fast heartbeat
Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when taking Rybelsus, especially if you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Try to drink water to avoid dehydration. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.
- Reduced need to pee
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Seizures
Gallbladder Problems. Taking Rybelsus can cause gallbladder problems, including cholecystitis and cholelithiasis, which is also known as gallstones. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Fever
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
- Pain in your upper stomach area
- Stool (poop) that is clay-colored
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Rybelsus?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Rybelsus.
- Rybelsus
- Semaglutide
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Rybelsus.
Thyroid Cancer or Endocrine Condition. Rybelsus should not be used if you or someone in your family has had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have a condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Talk to your healthcare provider about your current and past health conditions and your family medical history.
What should I know about Rybelsus before using it?
Do not take Rybelsus unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share Rybelsus with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Rybelsus out of the reach of children.
When you first wake up, take Rybelsus by mouth on an empty stomach, with no more than 4 ounces of plain water. See the Interactions section for more details.
If you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, drink plenty of water, so that you do not get dehydrated.
Do not split, crush, or chew Rybelsus.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Rybelsus?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Rybelsus is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Inflammation of the Pancreas (Pancreatitis). Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had pancreatitis. Your healthcare provider may choose another medicine to treat your type 2 diabetes.
Vision Problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have diabetic retinopathy or have had vision problems related to your diabetes. Your healthcare provider may check your vision while taking Rybelsus.
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia). Talk to your healthcare provider about low blood sugar and how to manage it. Tell your healthcare provider about any medicines you are taking for diabetes.
Kidney Problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney problems, including chronic kidney failure, as this may worsen while taking Rybelsus.
Other Medicines and Supplements. Rybelsus may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Rybelsus, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. Rybelsus may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. You must stop using Rybelsus at least 2 months before you plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will discuss the best way to control your blood sugar if you plan to become pregnant or are pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Rybelsus passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Rybelsus while breastfeeding.
How can I get more information about Rybelsus?
For more information about Rybelsus, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at https://www.rybelsus.com or call them at 833-GLP-PILL.
Interactions
Does Rybelsus interact with foods or drinks?
Taking Rybelsus with or within 30 minutes of food or drinks (other than plain water) can lessen the effect of Rybelsus. Eat at least 30 minutes after taking Rybelsus with a sip (no more than 4 ounces) of water. Waiting longer than 30 minutes can increase the effect of Rybelsus.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Rybelsus, but alcohol may affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. This may interfere with the effect of Rybelsus. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
Does Rybelsus interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using insulin or taking another type of medicine for diabetes called a sulfonylurea (glimepiride, glyburide, glipizide). These medicines may increase your risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Taking Rybelsus within 30 minutes of taking other medicines by mouth will make Rybelsus not work as well, because it will not be as well absorbed. Take Rybelsus at least 30 minutes before the first oral medicines you take during the day.
Rybelsus works by slowing down the movement of food through your body. Because of this, Rybelsus may affect the absorption of some other medicines that you take by mouth. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Rybelsus?
If you or someone else has used too much Rybelsus, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Rybelsus?
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and make sure you take your next dose the following day. Do not take double or extra doses.