Generally used in combination with exercise and diet regimens, Semaglutide, also known as Rybelsus, helps to regulate blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. Although there are many medications that can help manage diabetes, Rybelsus assists the pancreas in releasing the right amount of insulin. This is particularly useful when blood sugar levels are high, and it’s important to note that the drug isn’t effective for type 1 diabetes.

Common Uses

Rybelsus can offer more benefits than just supporting the release of insulin. It also helps to slow down the movement of food through the stomach. Active use of the medication may help ward off many illnesses and diseases related to type 2 diabetes. Some of these include kidney problems, nerve damage, and heart disease.

Therapy with the use of Rybelsus can help type 2 diabetics manage their disease while improving their health in the long run. The drug is generally administered orally and is taken once a day before food.

Dosage and Direction

Rybelsus is known to be most effective when a meal is consumed at least 30 to 60 minutes after taking the medication. For Rybelsus to work properly on a consistent basis, the dosage and administration requirements should be followed without fail.

The dosage will vary for each patient based on the physician's recommendation. In general, Rybelsus is available in 7mg or 14mg tablets and is taken once per day.

Precautions

Before diving into a prescription for Rybelsus, there are quite a few precautions you want to consider and discuss with your doctor. The first step you’ll want to take is to disclose any related medical allergies you might have.

Make sure to disclose the following information as well:

• Prescription or non-prescription medications
• Vitamins
• Herbal products
• Supplements

If you have a history of diabetic retinopathy, kidney disease, pancreatitis, or gallbladder disease, this will be vital information your doctor will want to know. For patients that are expecting an upcoming surgery, the use of Rybelsus should be disclosed as it could cause complications.

Bodily changes such as weight, infections, fever, illnesses, and injuries can cause adverse effects on the effectiveness of Rybelsus. There are many lifestyle choices that can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels and may require a change in the dosage of the medication. Aside from precautions, it's vital to understand the full scope of potential health risks when taking Rybelsus.

Contradictions

There are a few circumstances where you should avoid taking Rybelsus. If you have a history of gallbladder disease, medullary thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, Rybelsus shouldn’t be administered.

Possible Side Effects

Considering this medication can cause changes in blood sugar levels, a few risks can stem from these changes. It should be noted that these risks aren't a guarantee but have been experienced by some patients in the past. Some side effects when taking Rybelsus include a decrease in appetite, vomiting, consistent burping, constipation, and abdominal pain.

There’s a possibility you may encounter more severe side effects as well. Some of these can include changes in vision quality, rash, ongoing abdominal or back pain, a decrease in urination, difficulty breathing, swelling of feet, ankles, or legs, and swelling of different areas of the face.

Regardless of the severity of certain side effects, you should always inform your doctor if you notice them or feel concerned. It may require an adjustment of your dosage, or your doctor may decide to take you off the medication entirely.

Drug Interactions

When prescribed Rybelsus, you want to ensure that you don’t take any other medication with it unless stated otherwise by your doctor. Most drug interactions you should avoid include non-prescription medications.

Some examples include:

• Aspirin and other pain medications
• Medicines for sinus problems
• Albuterol
• Medicines for appetite control
• Medicines for colds

Missed Dosage

When it comes to accidentally missing a dosage in your schedule, this isn’t too big of a deal. However, it’s important to simply skip the dosage for that day and then return to your normal schedule the next day. Above all else, make sure not to double dose by any means.

Overdose

The intake schedule for Rybelsus is relatively simple, but there’s still the possibility of overdose, and this topic shouldn’t be taken lightly. In the event an overdose occurs, getting a hold of the poison control helpline is vital. For a faster response, don’t hesitate to call 911. It would also be wise to have someone with you when first starting the medication in case of any unexpected adverse reactions.

Storage

As a rule of thumb, Rybelsus should be kept in its original safety lock container and stored at room temperature. You'll also want to keep it in a secure place if you have any pets or children. If you need to dispose of the medication, don't merely throw it in the trash or flush it down the toilet. For proper disposal, you can start by asking your doctor how to handle the situation.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.