Rybelsus (Semaglutide)

Why is Rybelsus prescribed?

Rybelsus is a brand-name medicine used in the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus. It is a medicine used along with diet and exercise to control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes mellitus.

Uses and Benefits of Rybelsus:

Rybelsus is used to control the high blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Semaglutide is similar to your body’s natural hormone incretin. This medicine works by increasing the insulin release in response to the spike in blood sugar levels post meals thereby decreasing the sugar that your liver makes. Keeping your blood sugar levels under control will help prevent kidney damage, nerve troubles, blindness, sexual dysfunctions, and loss of limbs due to gangrene. Regular blood sugar levels will also reduce your risk of developing a heart attack or stroke.

Side effects of Rybelsus:

1. The most common side effects of Rybelsus are nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and other such gastrointestinal symptoms.

2. Although serious side effects are rare, the following symptoms are observed:

• Vision changes like blurred vision, decreased vision
• Renal problems like change in the amount or color of urine, decreased to no urination, pain or difficulty passing urine, swelling of ankles or feet
• Pancreatitis leading to severe pain in your upper abdomen radiating to the back, nausea with or without vomiting, increased heart rate
• Severe abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Low blood sugar levels leading to headache, hunger, confusion, weakness, irritability, dizziness, jittery feeling, increased heart rate, sweating
• Thyroid tumor signs like swelling or a lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, hoarse voice, and shortness of breath.

3. An allergic reaction to semaglutide may result in rashes, itching, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, severe dizziness, increased heart rate, and trouble breathing.

If you suffer from vomiting or diarrhea, profuse sweating more than usual, or dizziness, consult your physician immediately.

Rybelsus Dosage:

The Rybelsus dose depends upon various factors. These can be:

• concurrent health conditions you might experience.
• the seriousness of the condition you’re utilizing Rybelsus to treat.

Characteristically, your healthcare provider would begin you on a low dose. After that, they’ll adjust it gradually to reach the quantity that’s appropriate for you. Your healthcare provider would finally recommend the minimum dose that offers the anticipated effect.

How to use Rybelsus?

• Take Rybelsus with some plain water.
• Take the medicine as advised by your physician.
• Do not change the dose on your own.
• Do not stop taking the medicine on your own.
• Swallow the whole tablet. Do not chew, crush, or split the tablet.
• Avoid taking this medicine with any other beverage.
• It is advised to take Rybelsus 30-60 minutes before meals.
• Take the tablet regularly to keep your blood sugar levels under control.
• Take your medicine at the same time daily so that you do not miss a dose.

Drug Interactions of Rybelsus:

Rybelsus is known to interact with the following drugs -

• Beta-blockers like metoprolol, propranolol
• Glaucoma eye drops like timolol
• Insulin
• Sulfonylurea drugs like glipizide, glimepiride, glyburide
• Amlodipine
• Aspirin
• Atorvastatin
• Bupropion
• Ibuprofen
• Rosuvastatin
• Metformin
• Omeprazole
• Tramadol
• Trazodone

If you are on any of the above medicines, consult your physician before you start taking Rybelsus. Inform your physician about your medical history and if you have any health conditions like renal disease, pancreatitis, diabetic ketoacidosis, or a past history of medullary thyroid cancer.

FDA Approval:

Rybelsus got FDA approval in 2017.

Effectiveness:

A research study showed that Rybelsus assists in reducing blood glucose levels more than a placebo (no active drug). Researchers utilized blood tests to assess the level of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). It is an indicator of blood glucose control. Target values of 7% commonly occur in HbA1c, however, this differs from individual to individual. Discuss with your healthcare provider about the target objective for your treatment.
In a 26-week study of type 2 diabetic patients, people who consumed Rybelsus noticed a reduced HbA1c level of 1.2% to 1.4%. This was compared with a reduction of only 0.3% in individuals who consumed a placebo. At the end of the study, nearly 69% to 77% of individuals who consumed Rybelsus had an HbA1c level of below 7%, compared to 31% of people who consumed a placebo.

Is there a Generic Rybelsus available?

No, the generic equivalent to Rybelsus is not available in the United States.

Can I buy Rybelsus online without prescription?

No, a valid prescription is required to buy Rybelsus online.

Safety and storage:

Store Rybelsus in its original packaging at room temperature (68°F to 77°F or 20°C to 25°C), away from moisture. Keep the medicine away from kids and pets.
Do not flush the drug in the toilet or dispense it into a drain unless guided to do so. It is better to appropriately discard this medication when it is expired or no longer required. Visit your pharmacist for the medication disposal guidelines.

Rybelsus Cost:

The price for Rybelsus oral tablet 3 mg is nearly $949 for a strip of 30 tablets. And, this depends on the pharmacy you visit. Costs are for cash-paying clients only and are not effective with insurance plans. The Rybelsus price in Pennsylvania can vary based on dosage, pharmacy selection, and insurance coverage. The medication comes in the form of a brand-name drug only, a generic version does not yet exist.

How to lower long-term drug Rybelsus cost?

If your doctor prescribes Rybelsus for the long term, you might be capable of reducing its price in the following ways:

Receiving a 3-month supply:

You might be capable of receiving a 90-day supply of Rybelsus. If permitted by your insurance company, receiving a 90-day supply of the medication might decrease the number of trips to the pharmacy and aid in reducing the price. If you’re concerned with this alternative, discuss it with your physician, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Making use of a mail-order pharmacy:

Rybelsus might be obtainable via a mail-order pharmacy. Utilizing this form of service might aid in reducing the medication’s prices and let you obtain your drug without leaving home. A few Medicare plans might aid in covering the prices of mail-order drugs. Moreover, you might be capable of receiving a 90-day supply of the medication via mail order.

If there is no health insurance available, discuss it with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. They might be capable of recommending online pharmacy options that may work for you. Opting to buy Rybelsus online in Florida offers a convenient solution for managing type 2 diabetes.

Financial and Insurance help:

If you require financial help to manage to pay for Rybelsus, or if you require assistance in understanding your insurance coverage, assistance is accessible. For instance: Cost provision from the Rybelsus manufacturer is obtainable.

Important:

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your healthcare professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

Sources:

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/213051s000lbl.pdf