Rybelsus

Rybelsus is the tablet (oral) form of semaglutide, a medicine in the GLP-1 receptor agonist class. It is taken once a day by mouth.

Rybelsus is used, alongside diet and exercise, to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Rybelsus lowers blood sugar (HbA1c) and may also support modest weight reduction, offering GLP-1 treatment in a daily tablet rather than an injection.

Semaglutide mimics the natural hormone GLP-1. It increases insulin release when blood sugar is high, reduces the sugar made by the liver, slows stomach emptying and lowers appetite, which together help control blood sugar.

Rybelsus is a once-daily tablet. Take it on an empty stomach when you first wake, with a small sip of plain water (no more than about half a glass), then wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking or taking other medicines. The dose is started low and increased gradually by your prescriber to reduce stomach side effects (commonly starting at 3 mg daily for a month, then 7 mg, and up to 14 mg if needed).

The most common side effects affect the digestive system, including nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, tummy pain and decreased appetite. They are usually mild and tend to lessen over time.

Like other GLP-1 medicines, this medicine carries a boxed warning about the risk of thyroid C-cell tumours (including medullary thyroid carcinoma, MTC). These tumours were seen in rodent studies; the relevance to humans is not established. Do not use Rybelsus if you or a family member have had medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2, or if you have had a serious allergic reaction to semaglutide. It is not for type 1 diabetes. Seek urgent advice for severe, persistent tummy pain (possible pancreatitis).

Take exactly as instructed, because food, other drinks and too much water reduce how well the tablet is absorbed. Use with caution if you have a history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, diabetic retinopathy or kidney problems. If you also take insulin or a sulfonylurea, your risk of low blood sugar is higher and doses may need adjusting. Discuss pregnancy or breastfeeding with your prescriber.

Keep the tablets in their original blister and container to protect them from moisture, and store as stated in the patient information leaflet (typically below 30°C). Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

If you miss a dose, skip it and take your next dose at the usual time the following day. Do not take two tablets on the same day to make up for a missed one.