What is Rybelsus? Uses, warnings & side effects

Medically reviewed by Leslie Greenberg, MD
Board-Certified Family Physician
Updated Jan 2, 2026  •  Published Dec 30, 2020
Datos Verificados

Rybelsus is a prescription brand-name antidiabetic drug that has the same active ingredient as Ozempic and the weight-loss drug Wegovy. Instead of once-weekly Ozempic injections, Rybelsus is taken as a pill once daily. The active ingredient, semaglutide, lowers fasting and post-meal blood sugar by increasing insulin and decreasing glucose production by the body. It also slows stomach emptying and reduces appetite, so people eat less at meals.

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Rybelsus overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Rybelsus

Generic Names:

  • Semaglutide

Uses:

  • Treats Type 2 diabetes

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antidiabetic, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 receptor agonist)

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Rybelsus used for?

Rybelsus treats Type 2 diabetes as part of a program that includes exercise and dietary changes.

Key takeaways

  • Rybelsus is a prescription medication that is used to decrease blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes and for weight loss.

  • It is a daily oral tablet that should be taken on an empty stomach. 

  • Make sure your provider and pharmacist know which other medications and supplements you take to ensure that there are no interactions.

What form(s) does Rybelsus come in?

  • Tablet

    • 3 mg

    • 7 mg

    • 14 mg

What are common Rybelsus dosages?

  • For Type 2 diabetes: 7–14 mg tablets taken by mouth once daily

Rybelsus images - What does Rybelsus look like?

  • Rybelsus
    30 tablets box

  • Rybelsus
    14mg tablet

  • Rybelsus
    3mg tablet

  • Rybelsus
    7mg tablet

How to take Rybelsus

  • Take your medicine as directed. The dose may need to be changed during treatment.

  • Please read the Medication Guide that comes with Rybelsus.

  • Take one dose orally daily.

  • Take the tablet on an empty stomach right after waking up.

  • Swallow the tablet whole with a small amount of water (less than four ounces). Do not crush, break, or chew it.

  • Do not eat, drink, or take other oral medications for at least 30 minutes after a dose.

  • Store Rybelsus tablets at room temperature in a dry place protected from moisture. Keep the container closed unless taking a dose.

What to do if you miss a dose of Rybelsus

  • Skip a missed dose.

  • Take the next dose the following day first thing in the morning.

Rybelsus contraindications - Who shouldn't take Rybelsus?

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. 

  • Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to semaglutide or if you have: 

    • A family history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC)

    • Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)

  • Rybelsus should never be used in people with Type 1 diabetes.

Rybelsus warnings

  • The prescribing doctor will need regular office visits and blood tests to monitor the effectiveness and safety of Rybelsus therapy. Keep all appointments.

  • Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using Rybelsus. 

  • Before starting Rybelsus, tell the prescriber if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:

    • Kidney disease

    • Pancreas problems

    • Eye problems due to diabetes

    • Bariatric surgery

  • Rybelsus can cause serious problems, including:

    • Increased risk of medullary thyroid cancer

    • Swelling of the pancreas

    • Worsening of kidney disease

    • Worsening of diabetic retinopathy

    • Low blood sugar (in people who are also taking drugs that increase insulin production) 

  • Take all doses on an empty stomach, and don’t eat or drink for at least 30 minutes after taking a dose. Rybelsus has decreased effectiveness if these rules aren’t followed.

Rybelsus interactions & what to avoid when taking Rybelsus

  • Rybelsus has no major drug interactions but can cause mild to moderate problems with many types of drugs.

  • Rybelsus can make other oral medications less effective, so tell the prescriber and pharmacist about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you take before starting Rybelsus.

  • Rybelsus can cause low blood sugar in people taking antidiabetic medications called insulin secretagogues (meglitinides and sulfonylureas). Here are complete lists of meglitinides and sulfonylureas.

Rybelsus side effects - How does Rybelsus make you feel?

Serious side effects

Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:

  • Blurred vision or any other change in vision

  • Decrease in how much or how often you urinate, lower back or side pain, blood in your urine

  • Sudden and severe stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever

  • Shaking, trembling, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeat, lightheadedness, hunger, confusion

  • Increased neck size, lump in the throat, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less serious side effects

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhea

  • Decreased appetite

  • Constipation

  • Abdominal pain

  • Headache

  • Fatigue

  • Low blood sugar

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Sources:

Rybelsus News & Research

Does UnitedHealthcare cover Rybelsus?

Rybelsus generic: Availability, cost, and more

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Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover Rybelsus?

6 ways to save money on Rybelsus

6 foods to avoid on Rybelsus

Rybelsus vs. Farxiga: Differences, similarities & side effects

Rybelsus vs. Wegovy: Differences, similarities & side effects

Medically reviewed by Leslie Greenberg, MD
Board-Certified Family Physician

Leslie Greenberg, MD, is a board-certified practicing family physician with more than 25 years of doctoring experience. She was a psychology major at Northwestern University near Chicago, then graduated with an MD from the University of Nevada School of Medicine. She completed her family medicine residency at St. Joseph Hospital in Wichita, Kansas. She has trained more than 350 family medicine resident-physicians, been in private practice, and delivered babies for 22 years.

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