Rybelsus is a prescription-only-medicine. Our clinicians review each treatment request on an individual basis, and prescriptions are subject to a clinical decision after completing our online consultation. This page is only intended for those who have completed an online consultation and have been prescribed Rybelsus.
We'd like to give you some important information before you start taking Rybelsus. It’s also recommended to read the patient information leaflet to understand how the medication works, what to expect, and potential side effects and how to manage them.
What is Rybelsus and how does it work?
Rybelsus is a medication that is licensed for type 2 diabetes patients. The active ingredient in Rybelsus is called semaglutide. Semaglutide mimics the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is naturally released in your gut after you eat and acts on GLP-1 receptors. Because of this, semaglutide is also known to be a GLP-1 receptor agonist. As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, semaglutide prompts the body to produce more insulin, which in turn reduces blood sugar levels. It also interacts with receptors in the brain, reducing appetite which can lead to weight loss. A prescription for Rybelsus outside of its licensed use is a clinical decision based on the specific needs and factors of each individual patient.
How to take Rybelsus
Rybelsus should be taken on an empty stomach at any time of the day. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a sip of water (up to half a glass of water equivalent to 120 ml). Don’t crush, split or chew the tablet as that might affect the effectiveness of the medication. After taking the tablet, wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking or taking other oral medicinal products.
Your dose of Rybelsus will gradually be increased each month until you reach your maintenance dose.
Your dose of Rybelsus will gradually be increased each month until you reach your maintenance dose. You can find the dosage information on the label of your medication box or within the treatments section of your Numan account page.
If you are unclear on the dose, please speak to a clinician.
If you feel you are not experiencing the weight loss you expected, or are experiencing an increase in appetite, contact our clinical team, who will review your dosage. You can contact our clinical team on [email protected]. Alternatively, you can contact your health coach or clinician via the coaching section in the Numan app.
Don’t take Rybelsus…
If you are allergic to semaglutide or any of the other ingredients in the medication.
If you have diabetes (type 1 or type 2), controlled with medication.
Together with insulin or insulin secretagogue medications (e.g. sulfonylurea), semaglutide lowers blood sugar and can cause hypoglycemia. The risk of hypoglycemia is increased when semaglutide is used in combination with insulin or insulin secretagogue medications.
If you are taking other GLP-1 agonists (semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, eventide or lixisenatide). GLP-1 agonists lower blood sugar and can cause hypoglycemia.
If you develop diabetic ketoacidosis (a complication of diabetes with high blood sugar, breathing difficulty, confusion, excessive thirst, a sweet smell to the breath or a sweet or metallic taste in the mouth).
Together with other prescription, over-the counter, or herbal weight loss products.
If you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
If you have or have previously had acute pancreatitis.
If you have or have had problems with your pancreas.
If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
If you are breastfeeding.
If you have an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.
If you have congestive heart failure.
If you have kidney disease or are on dialysis.
If you have liver problems.
If you have had bariatric surgery.
If you are on any of the following medications, please speak to your GP before starting treatment:
Levothyroxine which is used for thyroid disease. You might need to check your thyroid levels when taking Rybelsus together with levothyroxine.
Warfarin or similar medicines taken by mouth to reduce blood clotting (oral anticoagulants). You may need frequent blood tests to check how quickly your blood clots.
What to do if you forget or miss a dose
If you forget or miss a dose, skip the missed dose for that day. The next day, take your dose as normal. Never double up tablets to account for missed dosages.
If you miss more than one dose, please contact a Numan clinician.
What to do if you take more Rybelsus than you should
If you take more Rybelsus than you should, contact your clinician straight away. You may get side effects such as feeling sick (nausea).
Side-effects of Rybelsus
Like all medicines, Rybelsus can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Most patients find that the side effects resolve with time, once your body is accustomed to the medication. If your side effects are not resolving, please speak to one of our clinicians who can advise you on next steps.
Common or very common side effects
Nausea (feeling sick)
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Low blood sugar in patients with diabetes (especially if mixed with other diabetes medications such as insulin or sulfonylurea) - may present as cold, sweaty pale skin; headache, a fast heartbeat, nausea, vision changes, sleepiness or weakness, confusions and shakes.
Stomach pain
Stomach bloating
Constipation
Flatulence (wind)
Burping
Gastritis (inflamed stomach) - may get feelings of a stomach ache, feeling sick and/or vomiting
Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease - also called GORD, reflux or heartburn
Decreased appetite
Headache
Dizziness
Tiredness
Increase of pancreatic enzymes (such as lipase and amylase) shown in blood tests.
Some of the potential side effects that affect the gastrointestinal system can cause dehydration (loss of fluids). Dehydration can in rare cases affect your kidney function. To avoid this, it is important to drink fluids, especially if you are experiencing extensive gastrointestinal side effects or if you have kidney problems.
Serious side effects
Inflammation of the pancreas (acute pancreatitis) - which can cause a severe stomach pain that will not go away, with or without vomiting. You may feel the pain from your stomach to your back.
Gallbladder problems - semaglutide may cause gallbladder problems including gallstones. Be aware of symptoms such as pain in your upper stomach, fever, yellowing of skin or eyes. (jaundice) and clay-colored stools.
Kidney problems (kidney failure).
Complications of diabetic eye disorder (retinopathy)
Increased heart rate while at rest.
Severe allergic reaction. May present with swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue and throat with difficulty breathing and a fast heart rate.
If you experience any of these serious side effects, contact your doctor or go to a hospital immediately.
Stop using Rybelsus if you notice any of these side effects
Severe allergic reactions
Signs of pancreatitis - severe stomach pain that will not go away, with or without vomiting. You may feel the pain from your stomach to your back.
If you suffer from diabetic eye disorder (retinopathy) and notice changes in your vision during treatment with Rybelsus.
If you develop diabetic ketoacidosis (a complication of diabetes with high blood sugar, breathing difficulty, confusion, excessive thirst, a sweet smell to the breath or a sweet or metallic taste in the mouth).
If you get any of these side effects, seek immediate medical help and alert your health care provider.
How to store Rybelsus
Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
Ensure the medication is within expiry date.
Store in the original blister package in order to protect from light and moisture.
What Rybelsus contains
The active substance in Rybelsus is semaglutide. Each tablet contains 3, 7 or 14mg of semaglutide.
It also contains salcaprozate sodium, povidone K90, cellulose microcrystalline and magnesium stearate.
If you have any questions about taking Rybelsus please get in touch by emailing [email protected]. If you feel unwell and feel you need urgent medical attention please call NHS 111 or attend your nearest accident and emergency department.
This is a non-promotional, safety information page for Rybelsus. If you are interested in weight management treatment, please reach out to our clinical team by contacting [email protected].