What is Rybelsus used for and how does it work?
- Rybelsus may be used to treat type 2 diabetes alongside diet, exercise, and, if needed, other medications.
- Rybelsus works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, a naturally occurring incretin hormone that is usually released following a meal.
- Rybelsus stimulates the secretion of insulin following food, reduces the amount of glucose produced by the liver, and helps to make you feel full after food.
- Rybelsus is taken orally every day, at least 30 minutes before food.
Rybelsus (semaglutide) is an oral medicine that is used to improve blood sugar control in adults over the age of 18 with type 2 diabetes. It may be prescribed as first-line therapy in addition to diet and exercise or in addition to other medications typically used for type 2 diabetes.
Rybelsus is best taken on an empty stomach when you first wake up, at least 30 minutes before food, and with a small amount of water (no more than 4 oz). This ensures Rybelsus is absorbed properly. After 30 minutes of taking the Rybelsus tablet you may eat, drink or take other oral medicines.
Rybelsus is not used to treat type 1 diabetes.
R1 and R2 formulations
There are two formulations of Rybelsus: R1 and R2.
- Both contain semaglutide, but they are not interchangeable because they differ in their inactive ingredients, which influence how the drug is absorbed. They also differ in their strengths.
- Formulation R1: 3 mg, 7 mg, and 14 mg.
- Formulation R2 (new): 1.5 mg, 4 mg, and 9 mg.
Formulation R2 has enhanced drug absorption that allows for lower doses to achieve the same results as the first formulation (R1). You can switch between formulations but medical guidance is needed to ensure a smooth transition.
Related questions
- Ozempic Side Effects to Watch For
- Wegovy vs Ozempic: Which is Right for You?
- Tirzepatide vs semaglutide: How do they compare?
How does Rybelsus work?
Rybelsus belongs to a class of medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists. It may also be called an incretin mimetic.
Rybelsus works by mimicking the functions of natural incretin hormones in the body that help keep blood sugar levels under control, especially immediately following a meal. Incretin hormones are gut peptides that are secreted from the stomach when food is eaten. They also stimulate the secretion of insulin in response to high blood glucose levels. Two incretin hormones are known as GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1).
In people with type 2 diabetes, natural incretin release is diminished or no longer present. However, it can be stimulated with pharmacological agents, such as Rybelsus.
Rybelsus shares 94% of the same structure as human GLP-1 but is man-made. It acts like GLP-1 and binds to GLP-1 receptors, stimulating insulin release from the pancreas, reducing the amount of glucagon secreted by the liver, and makes a person feel full by slowing gastric emptying.
The reason Rybelsus only needs to be taken once a day and not after every meal is that it binds to albumin which decreases how fast it is excreted through the kidneys and also protects it from being metabolized (broken down) by an enzyme naturally present in the blood, called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 or DPP-4.
References
- Rybelsus Prescribing Information. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2025/213051Orig1s020,213051Orig1s021lbl.pdf
Read next
Why am I not losing weight on Ozempic?
Although Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight loss, over 86% of people lose at least 5% of their body weight in trials that have studied semaglutide, the active ingredient of Ozempic. But the same clinical trials also show that just under 14% don’t lose weight, and some may even gain weight. Continue reading
How much does semaglutide cost?
Semaglutide (Wegovy) injection for weight loss treatment costs about $1418 per month if you are paying cash without insurance or manufacturer's copay cards. Semaglutide for treatment of type 2 diabetes costs $1051 per month for either the Ozempic pen injection or 30 oral tablets of Rybelsus. Continue reading
Does Ozempic cause muscle loss and how to prevent it?
Clinical trials have shown GLP-1 agonist drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic) can lead to a 13.9% loss of lean muscle mass (equal to a 6.9 kg or 15 lb) during treatment. Strategies to help prevent muscle loss include regular strength (resistance) training, aerobic exercise and adequate dietary protein, fluid and nutrient intake. Continue reading
See also:
Aimovig
Learn about Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) a once-monthly, injectable medication that can be ...
Botox
Botox is used for cosmetic purposes and to treat overactive bladder symptoms, urinary incontinence ...
Rybelsus
Rybelsus tablets are used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, and may ...
Nurtec ODT
Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is used to treat acute migraines and prevent episodic migraines, by ...
Emgality
Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm) is a CGRP antagonist for the preventive treatment of migraine and for ...
Inderal
Inderal (propranolol) is used to treat angina, high blood pressure and heart rhythm disorders ...
Ajovy
Ajovy (fremanezumab-vfrm) is a preventive migraine treatment. Includes Ajovy side effects ...
Vyepti
Vyepti (eptinezumab-jjmr) is used for the preventive treatment of migraine. Includes Vyepti ...
Botox Cosmetic
Botox Cosmetic is a prescription treatment for fine lines and wrinkles. It temporarily improves the ...
Fremanezumab
Fremanezumab is used for chronic migraine, headache, migraine, migraine prevention
Related medical questions
- How does semaglutide work for weight loss?
- Where and how should Ozempic be injected?
- Ozempic Face: What causes it and how to prevent it?
- What foods should I eat or avoid when taking Rybelsus?
- How does Ozempic affect blood pressure?
- How much weight can you lose with Rybelsus?
- Liraglutide vs Semaglutide: How do they compare?
- Trulicity vs Ozempic: Which is right for you?
- Why does Ozempic cause a dry mouth or taste changes?
- Can you just stop taking Rybelsus?
- How long does it take for Rybelsus to start working?
- Can I drink alcohol on Ozempic?
- Does Wegovy make you pee a lot or urine smell?
- How does Wegovy work for weight loss?
- What is compounded semaglutide and is it safe?
- What is the mechanism of action for Rybelsus?
- Can Wegovy or Ozempic be used for heart failure?
- Semaglutide and liraglutide for alcohol use disorder (AUD)
- Wegovy coupon card: Do I qualify and how much can I save?
- What's the buzz on Ozempic and Wegovy?
- Rybelsus vs Ozempic for weight loss: Which to choose?
- Can you take Rybelsus if you are not diabetic?
- Can you take Rybelsus at night?
- What's the easiest way to open a Rybelsus bottle?
- Rybelsus Copay Card: Do I qualify? Savings explained
Drug information
Related support groups
- Semaglutide (35 questions, 52 members)
- Rybelsus (22 questions, 30 members)
- Diabetes, Type 2 (505 questions, 1,428 members)