How to use it
Take Rybelsus as instructed by a qualified health care provider. Patients typically take Rybelus, a tablet, once daily on an empty stomach in the morning with a sip of water. Wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking after taking Rybelsus. Store Rybelsus in its bottle with the cap on at room temperature away from moisture—don’t store it in the bathroom.
Dosing
For most patients, Rybelsus dosing begins with 3 mg taken once daily by mouth for 30 days. After 30 days, the dosage is typically increased to 7 mg taken once daily for another 30 days. If clinically appropriate after at least 30 days on a 7 mg dose, your provider may increase the dosage again to a 14 mg daily pill, the highest prescribed dosage.
Side effects
Rapid or significant weight loss can lead to too much muscle loss. To protect your muscles while taking Rybelsus it’s important to start a strength training program and exercise regularly.
Use effective contraception while taking this medication. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant, do not take Rybelsus.
The FDA also warns not to take Rybelsus if you have a personal or family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome Type 2, medullary thyroid cancer, insulin-dependent diabetes, or diabetic ketoacidosis. So, if that’s you, Rybelsus isn’t the right fit.
Black Box Warning
Although rare, semaglutide caused thyroid C-cell tumors in animal studies. Rybelsus’ “black box” warns of the risk of these tumors. If you have trouble swallowing, develop hoarseness, or feel swelling or a lump in your neck, contact your health care provider immediately.
Precautions
Rapid or significant weight loss can lead to too much muscle loss. To protect your muscles while taking Rybelsus it’s important to start a strength training program and exercise regularly.
Use effective contraception while taking this medication. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant, do not take Rybelsus.
The FDA also warns not to take Rybelsus if you have a personal or family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome Type 2, medullary thyroid cancer, insulin-dependent diabetes, or diabetic ketoacidosis. So, if that’s you, Rybelsus isn’t the right fit.
Interactions
Some drugs can also interact with Rybelsus, including:
- Insulin
- Sulfonylureas (these can cause blood sugar levels to drop dangerously low when combined with Rybelsus)
- Some birth control pills
- Other GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist medications such as liraglutide, dulaglutide, or tirzepatide
You should not drink alcohol while taking this drug because alcohol can lower blood sugar. Combining alcohol with Rybelsus may cause blood sugars to fall too fast, leading to fainting and dizziness.