Rybelsus is a prescription drug used to treat type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Rybelsus, 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 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 (semaglutide) is used to treat type 2 diabetes.

In people with diabetes, the body either does not produce enough of the hormone insulin or uses it inefficiently. Insulin is needed to help your body absorb glucose when you eat, so when the body isn’t producing enough insulin, blood glucose levels can become too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia).

Rybelsus is not used to treat type 1 diabetes – an autoimmune condition in which your body attacks your pancreas with antibodies causing the organ to stop producing insulin. If you have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, your health care provider will prescribe a different form of medication and therapy for you.

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.

Semaglutide is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

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

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.

Sesame does not guarantee insurance coverage for medication. If you are uninsured, please be aware that GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus can be expensive, typically ranging between $950 to $1,600 per month. If you are insured, your provider can assist with insurance pre-authorization paperwork to cover the cost of your medication.

No, there are currently no generic alternatives to Rybelsus (semaglutide), although there are other semaglutide medications (Wegovy, Ozempic) on the market.

If you need assistance with navigating your options, you can schedule a video consult with a provider through Sesame’s weight loss program to discuss the best medication for your needs.

The Success by Sesame subscription starts at just $99 per month and includes telehealth visits, unlimited messaging, and ongoing clinical care from a provider of your choice. The $99 subscription fee does not include the cost of medication.

It's important to note that brand-name GLP-1 medications like Wegovy, Zepbound or Saxenda can be expensive without insurance coverage, typically ranging between $950 to $1,600 per month out-of-pocket. If you are insured, your provider can assist with insurance pre-authorization paperwork to help reduce the cost of your medication.

Note that providers on Sesame set their own prices, which means that some providers may offer the service at a higher price.

Certain GLP-1 therapies such as semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy), liraglutide (the active ingredient in Saxenda and Victoza), and tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound) may increase the likelihood of developing thyroid gland tumors, including MTC, a type of thyroid cancer. This conclusion is based on studies where laboratory animals given semaglutide, liraglutide, tirzepatide and other GLP-1 medications developed tumors. However, it is not yet confirmed if these medications pose the same risk to humans. You can find additional information about the risks of FDA-approved medications that contain semaglutide here.

It’s important to inform your doctor if you or any family member has ever had MTC or MEN. If this is the case, your doctor will likely advise against taking GLP-1 medications.

If you are prescribed a GLP-1 medication and exhibit any of the following symptoms, you should contact your provider immediately:

• A lump or swelling in the neck
  
• Hoarseness
  
• Difficulty swallowing
  
• Shortness of breath
  
• Severe abdominal pain
  
  

Before taking GLP-1 medications, you should also discuss the following with your provider:

Allergies: Inform your doctor and pharmacist of any allergies you have to semaglutide (including under brand names Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy) or similar medications such as tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), dulaglutide (Trulicity), exenatide (Bydureon BCise, Byetta), liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza, or in Xultophy) and lixisenatide (Adlyxin, or in Soliqua).

Personal and family medical history: Be sure to disclose if you have a history of medical conditions like pancreatitis, diabetic retinopathy, gallbladder disease or kidney disease. Inform your doctor about recent episodes of diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or any inability to consume liquids, which could lead to dehydration.

Current medications and supplements: Provide a comprehensive list of all medicines and supplements you are currently taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products. This is crucial as GLP-1 medications can alter how your body absorbs oral medications.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant soon.

Surgical procedures: In the event of surgery, including dental procedures, inform the medical or dental professional that you are on GLP-1 medication.

It's essential to thoroughly discuss these risks with your healthcare provider and consider your personal and family medical history when deciding whether to use these medications. Your doctor can provide guidance on the best course of action based on your specific health situation.