Rybelsus

Rybelsus is a new pill-form drug for treating Type 2 diabetes containing semaglutide – the same substance as in Ozempic.  Rybelsus is an oral tablet version of semaglutide taken daily. Ozempic is an injectable form of the same medication taken once each week.  Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. GLP-1 is a hormone produced in the gut. It is released in response to food, prompting the release of insulin and a reduction in appetite.  In the case of people with Type 2 diabetes, semaglutide works to slow down digestion. This stimulates the increased production of natural insulin. Rybelsus doesn’t work like other treatments of diabetes, that boost insulin levels from external sources (injection or oral insulin).  If you have been diagnosed as clinically obese, your doctor may prescribe Rybelsus as a weight-loss treatment along with appropriate diet controls and exercise. The primary effect of Rybelsus in this mode is as an appetite suppressant.

When starting treatment, the most common side effects of Rybelsus may include nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, or constipation. These should gradually decrease over the first few weeks. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if symptoms do not go away or get worse.

Rybelsus may also cause serious side effects, including:

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). If you have severe pain in your stomach area that does not go away, with or without vomiting. You may feel the pain radiating from your abdomen into your back
• Changes in vision
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels). The risk of hypoglycemia may increase if you use Rybelsus along with other medicines that can cause blood sugar levels to drop, such as sulfonylurea or insulin. Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia may include: dizziness or lightheadedness, blurred vision, anxiety, irritability or mood changes, sweating, slurred speech, hunger, confusion or drowsiness, shakiness, weakness, headache, fast heartbeat, and feeling jittery
• Kidney failure. In people with kidney problems, side effects of Rybelsus, like diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting, can result in dehydration, which may cause kidney problems to get worse. You need to drink fluids to help reduce the chance of dehydration
• Severe allergic reactions like swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; problems breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fainting or feeling dizzy; or very rapid heartbeat
• Gallbladder problems like pain in the upper abdomen, yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), fever, and clay-colored stools.

Stop using Rybelsus and get medical help right away, if you have any of these symptoms.

Rybelsus has also been reported as causing thyroid tumors, including cancer, in animal studies. Tell your healthcare provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer.

It is unknown whether Rybelsus will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people. However, do not use Rybelsus if you or any of your family have ever had MTC, or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome Type 2 (MEN 2).

For pregnant women, there is a potential risk to a fetus. Advise your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. If you are already on Rybelsus, discontinue treatment at least two months before a planned pregnancy due to the long washout period for semaglutide.

Mothers should not breastfeed during treatment with Rybelsus.