Rybelsus (semaglutide) prescription pickup for type 2 diabetes

Rybelsus is a prescription drug used to treat type 2 diabetes. Rybelsus is the brand name for semaglutide, which belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It decreases your body’s blood glucose levels and increases its response to the hormone insulin to get your type 2 diabetes under control. Not only does semaglutide help manage blood sugar levels, but it can also help patients with type 2 diabetes reduce their risk of heart attack, stroke, and death.

Rybelsus is prescribed in conjunction with other treatment measures such as exercise and dietary changes to help patients lose weight and prevent serious complications caused by diabetes. Rybelsus is prescribed in the form of a tablet to be taken orally. Other brand names for semaglutide include Wegovy and Ozempic, which are prescribed in the form of a subcutaneous injection (an injection under the skin).

Rybelsus is prescribed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body does not produce insulin, a hormone that controls the amount of sugar in the blood and helps cells to absorb glucose (the sugar that our bodies use for energy). Without normal insulin levels, blood sugar levels can either become too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia). Diabetes can lead to heart disease, kidney disease, eye damage, nerve damage, and skin conditions, among other complications.

Type 2 diabetes can be caused by obesity, poor diet, and lack of exercise, and occurs when the pancreas produces insulin, but the body becomes resistant to its effects. About 90% of people who have diabetes have type 2 diabetes. While both type 1 and type 2 diabetes may begin during childhood, type 2 diabetes is more common among adults, especially in obese individuals.

Rybelsus cannot treat type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune condition that occurs when your body attacks your pancreas with antibodies (causing the organ to stop producing insulin). It commonly appears during childhood and has no cure – although genetics and environment are thought to play a role in its development.

Rybelsus is also used to treat obesity, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and those who are overweight with comorbidity.

Rybelsus has been shown to cause some mild side effects. If these adverse effects do not go away within a few days, talk to your healthcare provider. Common side effects include:

• Nausea
  
• Vomiting
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Abdominal pain
  
• Constipation
  
• Decreased appetite
  
• Heartburn
  
• Burping
  
  

This is not a complete list of possible adverse effects.

If you experience an unexplained rash, swelling, stomach pain, difficulty breathing, decreased urination, changes in vision, or itchy skin while taking Rybelsus, seek medical attention immediately. These are early signs of a potentially serious adverse reaction to the medication reaction.

Talk to your healthcare provider about any medication you are currently taking, or any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with before starting treatment with Rybelsus.

Rybelsus comes in the form of an oral tablet which is typically taken once a day on an empty stomach with a sip of water. You should take the tablet 30 minutes before you eat, drink, or take any other medications. However, you should take the medication exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not discontinue or increase your Rybelsus dosage without consulting your provider first. If you begin to experience adverse side effects while taking this medication, like those listed above, inform your provider right away.

You should store your medication in a closed container at room temperature, away from extreme heat, extreme cold, moisture, and direct light, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Good news! Providers on Sesame can write a prescription for Rybelsus to be picked up near you – often within the same day. Don’t wait to get your prescription filled. Talk to a provider on Sesame and get your prescription ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Rybelsus (semaglutide) costs usually costs between $800-$1000 without insurance. If you have insurance, book a video weight loss consult with a licensed health care provider to have your prescription covered by your healthcare plan.

Rybelsus is currently only available via prescription. This means a licensed healthcare provider must authorize the use of this drug.

Looking for a prescription? Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you or order the medication to be delivered to your door. Book an online consultation with a licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not Rybelsus is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

No, there are currently no generic alternatives to Rybelsus (semaglutide). Although there are other semaglutide medications (Wegovy, Ozempic) on the market, all GLP-1 agonist drugs are available only as brand-name products.

If you need assistance with navigating your options and determining the best GLP-1 agonist for your weight loss or type 2 diabetes management, schedule an appointment with a Sesame provider to discuss what's best for you.