Rybelsus®

Rybelsus (semaglutide) is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which act on the body’s natural GLP-1 receptors to help regulate blood sugar levels. Rybelsus works by stimulating insulin production and reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver. This helps keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range and may reduce risk factors for diabetes such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Rybelsus that helps to better regulate blood sugar by stimulating insulin production from beta cells of the pancreas and reducing gluccagon secretion by alpha cells of the pancreas. It also reduces appetite by slowing gastric emptying and increasing the sense of satiety in the brain and decreasing the sense of hunger; this may be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes who are overweight or obese, as losing weight may help to better regulate diabetes.

Rybelsus is a prescription drug, meaning it is available only with a doctor’s prescription. Ryblsus is particularly effective when used in conjunction with a lifestyle plan.

The price of Ryblsus is determined by the pharmacist.

Rybelsus is suitable for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus who need extra help controlling their blood sugar levels, when other diabetes medicines have not been effective enough or are considered inappropriate, as an add-on to diet and exercise. Only a healthcare professional can decide if this treatment option will work best for you based on your individual circumstances.

Rybelsus is available by prescription from a physician only if the client meets the indications described above.

The active ingredient in Rybelsus, semaglutide, increases the amount of insulin released by the pancreas in response to food. This helps regulate blood glucose levels. A side effect of Rybelsus is weight loss, but the drug is primarily intended for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

• The active substance in this medicine is semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA). GLP-1 RAs act on specific receptors found on pancreatic cells that help increase insulin secretion when needed.

Rybelsus is approved by the FDA and the Ministry of Health. Rybelsus has been proven to be safe for most people when taken as prescribed by their healthcare provider. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid using this medication unless otherwise instructed by their healthcare provider. Other conditions in which this drug should not be used include: heart failure, severe liver or kidney function, type 1 diabetes, severe stomach or intestinal disease, people who have undergone stomach-reducing surgery or an age over 75 years.

Rybelsus and Ozempic zare products of the same pharmaceutical company: Novo Nordisk. Rybelsus and Ozempic contain the same active ingredient: semaglutide. Both are used to treat type 2 diabetes.

Administration
Differences in administrating Rybelsus and Ozempic

• Rybelsus tablets must be taken daily.
• Ozempic must be injected weekly.

Rybelsus and Wegovy are products of the same pharmaceutical company: Novo Nordisk. Rybelsus and Wegovy contain the same active ingredient: semaglutide.

Use
Difference in use of Rybelsus and Wegovy.

• Rybelsus is used to treat type 2 diabetes.
• Wegovy is used to treat obesity.

Administration
Difference in administrating Rybelsus and Wegovy.

• Rybelsus tablest must be taken daily.
• Wegovy must be injected weekly.

The drug semaglutide is reimbursed by health insurance companies for a small group of people. If you have type 2 diabetes and a BMI greater than or equal to 30. Reimbursement applies only when your blood glucose levels cannot be adequately regulated with the combination of metformin and sulfonylurea at the maximum tolerated doses. There are also a few other factors that come into play. You can find them on the site of Zorginstituut Nederland.

As with all medications, Rybelsus can cause side effects. The dosage is therefore built up slowly, so that you have the least chance of side effects.
The most common side effects of Rybelsus are:

• headache,
• nausea,
• diarrhea,
• constipation
• and throw up.

These side effects usually disappear after a few days or weeks.

You can download a full list of side effects here and find it in the package leaflet of your Rybelsus. If you have any questions about side effects or if you experience (too many) side effects, contact your doctor, pharmacist or coach. You can also report side effects directly via the Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb, website www.lareb.nl. By reporting side effects, you can help us obtain more information on the safety of this medicine.

Dosing schedule for adult use
The dosage of the Rybelsus is 3 mg, 7 mg or 14 mg.
The adult dosing schedule is shown below. You slowly build up the dose over 12 weeks from 3 mg to the maximum dose of 14 mg.

• • Week 1 to 4 – 3 mg per day
  • Week 5 to 8 – 7 mg per day
  • Week 9 to 12 – 14 mg per day

14 mg per day is the maximum dosage allowed. Always use this medicine as your doctor has told you.

The dosing schedule is designed to minimize the risk of side effects when starting Rybelsus. Because you increase the dosage slowly, your body can adjust to the medication and you are less likely to develop side effects. If you experience side effects, your doctor may adjust the dosing schedule in consultation with you.

• Take the tablet daily with water.
• Take the tablet on an empty stomach.
• After taking it, wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking or taking any other medication.

During use:
Store in original container for protection from light and moisture. There are no special storage conditions for this drug in terms of temperature. Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not use this medicine after the expiration date. It can be found on the blister pack and on the box after ‘EXP’. It says a month and a year there. The last day of that month is the expiration date.

Did you forget to use Rybelsus?
If you forgot to take a dose, skip the forgotten dose and take your usual dose the next day.