Rybelsus® prescription available online
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Rybelsus®
Chronic CareDiabetesGLP-1SemaglutideRybelsus®

Rybelsus® prescription available online

Rybelsus® is proven to lower A1C in type 2 diabetes patients. Get a new prescription or refill of Rybelsus® today from a board-certified doctor online.*

 
Long-term diabetes managementExclusive type 2 diabetes treatmentGLP-1 agonist medication
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About Rybelsus® (semaglutide) prescription medicine

Rybelsus® is considered a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist, which functions by performing three specific functions that all contribute to improved blood glucose control. The medication helps increase the amount of insulin the pancreas releases and reduces the sugar the liver releases. The drug also works by slowing down the rate at which food leaves the stomach.  Like any glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist, this medication can only be used for type 2 diabetes. It is ineffective against type 1 diabetes because it will not be able to increase the amount of insulin that the patient’s pancreas can produce.

Rybelsus® is known to treat type 2 diabetes. Rybelsus® is available only by prescription. The medication uses the active ingredient semaglutide. It is important to note that Rybelsus® is not available under any generic names or options. It is only possible to find this drug in its brand name.

This medication usually comes in the form of an oral tablet. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage you are prescribed.

If you are prescribed Rybelsus®, be sure to complete the entire course of the anti-diabetic drug unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop.

If you don’t complete your prescription, the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist may not fully treat your type 2 diabetes. This is generally a long-term treatment solution, and there are precise instructions that you need to follow if you want to see improvements in your diabetes management.

Rybelsus® (semaglutide) prescription uses

There is only one FDA-approved use for Rybelsus®. It is important to note that Rybelsus® is generally not used for off-label purposes due to the specific actions that the drug performs. Ask your online doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about why a medication is prescribed.

Type 2 diabetes

The FDA has provided approval for the use of Rybelsus® in patients who have been diagnosed with type 2 . With this said, Rybelsus® is usually not a first-line treatment option for people with this condition. Instead, it may be an excellent alternative to other medications generally considered the first line of defense against type 2 diabetes. If the patient has difficulty controlling their sugar levels with first-line medications such as metformin, a physician may consider adding Rybelsus® as an additional medication to their treatment plan.

Our doctors craft tailored solutions for each patient. While Rybelsus® (semaglutide) stands out as a top-tier choice, we believe in empowering our patients to select the treatment that best aligns with their unique health journey. Our physicians, mindful of availability and individual requirements, may recommend or prescribe a different GLP-1 for type 2 diabetes management. Explore these GLP-1 options below:

  • Mounjaro® (tirzepatide): This unique medication has dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor activity. This innovative approach may resonate with patients looking for a holistic strategy for managing their diabetes.

  • Ozempic® (semaglutide): Ozempic® remains a standout with its once-weekly injectable format, delivering reliability and efficiency in blood sugar management. Its ability to reduce cardiovascular risk adds another layer of appeal.

  • Semaglutide: Due to shortages, compounded semaglutide may be prescribed as an alternative to branded Ozempic® as long as it remains on the FDA drug shortages list. Although compounded semaglutide is not FDA-approved, our pharmacy provider complies with pertinent federal and state laws and FDA regulations.*

  • Trulicity® (dulaglutide): Trulicity® also comes with a pre-filled disposable pen for its once-weekly injection, ideal for those who want ease of use without compromising consistent blood sugar control.

  • Victoza® (liraglutide): This daily injectable provides a trusted solution for diabetes management.

  • Bydureon® (exenatide): Bydureon® has an extended-release formulation, requiring just one weekly injection.

 

For patients with insulin resistance or a semaglutide allergy, your doctor may suggest alternatives to GLP-1 anti-diabetic medications. Individuals with insulin resistance and difficult-to-control sugars may also receive a different medication as part of their treatment plan, such as metformin or NovoLog (insulin aspart). For patients with a semaglutide allergy, medications such as Jardiance (empagliflozin) or Glucotrol (glipizide) may be considered.

*Compounded semaglutide prescriptions are limited to residents in the following states: AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, KS, MA, MD, ME, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, Washington D.C., WY.

What are the pros and cons?

Rybelsus®

Pros

Convenient oral administrationSignificant reduction in blood glucose levelsMany users also experience weight loss

Cons

  • Must be taken on an empty stomach

  • Only for type 2 diabetes

  • May have more gastrointestinal side effects when compared to other GLP-1s

Rybelsus® (semaglutide) prescription side effects

The side effects of Rybelsus® are typically mild. Most Rybelsus® side effects are associated with the digestive tract. Rybelsus® has some common side effects. They may include:

 

It is common for people to experience nausea, as well as constipation, when they first start the medication. These side effects of Rybelsus® will often reemerge when the patient has a change in the dose they take.

Other side effects of Rybelsus®, which are less common but might be more severe, can consist of a rapid heartbeat, gallbladder problems, and even a severe allergic reaction. Here we look at the more serious side effects of Rybelsus®:

 

  • Thyroid problems: There is a rare risk of problems developing with the Thyroid gland. This gland plays a vital role in metabolism and several other bodily functions. Some reports of Thyroid tumors have been noted among individuals who take Rybelsus®. The manufacturer has also warned about a risk of cancerous tumors on the Thyroid gland. Due to the risk of thyroid cancer, it is recommended not to take Rybelsus® for patients with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer. 

  • Pancreatitis: Individuals also risk experiencing inflammation in their pancreas while they take Rybelsus®. This condition may lead to severe pain that occurs in the abdomen. The pain will not go away. Some people may vomit while they experience the pain symptoms.  This is a potentially life-threatening side effect. If you have symptoms of pancreatitis, it is recommended to seek medical help immediately and go to the nearest emergency room for medical care.

  • Hypoglycemia: Due to the reduction in blood glucose and the increase in insulin, some patients may also experience low blood sugar when they use Rybelsus® with other medicines that can also cause low blood sugars, such as insulin or sulfonylureas. In this case, the patient is at risk of severe side effects if there is a significant drop in blood sugar levels. Some signs include dizziness, changes in mood, irritability, weakness, and a headache. Severe weakness, a very fast heartbeat, and anxiety can also happen. It is possible to experience vision problems related to low blood sugar, too. These vision problems related to hypoglycemia usually present themselves as blurred vision.

  • Kidney failure: There is also a slight risk of kidney failure when using Rybelsus® daily. The risk of kidney failure is much higher among individuals who already have existing problems with their kidneys. These complications may cause dehydration, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. 

  • Gallbladder side effects: There are also some rare cases where Rybelsus® causes problems with the gallbladder. Upper abdomen pain, stool that has a clay color, a fever, and signs of jaundice can signal the presence of gallbladder issues. 

  • Allergic reaction: There is also a risk of an allergic reaction when a patient uses Rybelsus®. A severe allergic reaction can sometimes be fatal if the patient does not receive treatment promptly. Swelling in the mouth, such as the tongue, lips, and face, are signs of allergic reactions. An allergic reaction can also make breathing difficult, cause a rapid heartbeat, and make the person feel dizzy. Skin rashes are also common when an allergic reaction occurs. Individuals should be aware of allergic reaction symptoms when using these prescription drugs. Severe allergic reactions should be reported to the emergency department.



You should call your doctor if you notice any of these side effects or develop other new or concerning symptoms. Use of Rybelsus® in young children under age 18 is not advised as it is not FDA-approved or studied in pediatric populations.

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How to take Rybelsus® (semaglutide) prescription medicine

Your pharmacist will provide instructions on how to take your Rybelsus® prescription.

Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.

Rybelsus® can come in different forms and doses, so follow the specific instructions on your prescription. It is typically prescribed once a day.

The usage instructions for Rybelsus® are precise. It is crucial for the patient to carefully follow these instructions to ensure the medication works effectively and as expected. Taking the medication with only a small amount of water is usually advised.

General instructions may include taking the medication early in the morning to ensure the medication works throughout the day. The patient should also wait a certain amount of time before they consume breakfast after they use the drug - but it is essential not to skip breakfast. If you have trouble swallowing the prescription medicine, talk to your doctor about these oral medicines. Crushing or chewing the prescription medication is not advised if you have difficulty swallowing it.

What to avoid while taking Rybelsus® (semaglutide)

Rybelsus® can lead to specific drug interactions. Don’t change what you take without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.

It is essential to be careful with beta-blocker drugs when taking Rybelsus®. Combining Rybelsus® with certain beta-blockers may make it harder to identify a sudden fall in your blood glucose levels.

This is because the beta-blockers may prevent some of the symptoms, such as a fast heartbeat, that happens when you have hypoglycemia. Failure to recognize the early signs can lead to a more severe drop in blood sugar levels. Be on the lookout for sweating, excessive hunger, and dizziness in these cases. These are also signs of low blood sugar. 

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is acceptable to consume alcohol while taking Rybelsus®.

Some research shows that regular alcohol consumption may cause changes in blood glucose levels. When the liver needs to metabolize alcohol, it may not work fast enough to process sugar. This can lead to a poor release of glucose into the blood, which can cause a drop in blood glucose levels. Thus, if you do not want to give up drinking, then make sure you limit your consumption of alcohol while you are taking Rybelsus®.

You must also check any supplements you use when prescribed a daily dose of Rybelsus®. Some herbal and dietary supplements may cause a reduction in blood glucose levels.

Combined with Rybelsus®, this can significantly increase the risk of experiencing hypoglycemia. This also accounts for over-the-counter medicines. Some over-the-counter medications may interact with the drug or affect your blood sugar levels. This may increase the risk of low blood sugar or other related complications.

If you have problems with your thyroid C cell function or previously had thyroid cancer, tell your doctor before you take Rybelsus®. This is due to the risk of thyroid cancer associated with this medication. The doctor may monitor closely for thyroid tumors or choose to use a different medicine to manage your blood sugar.

Talk to your doctor about other prescription drugs that you use. When your doctor understands the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, it is easier for them to check for drug interactions.

Rybelsus® prescription FAQs

How much does Rybelsus® cost?

When a healthcare provider prescribes Rybelsus®, it is essential to note that there are different strengths that they can decide on. Most patients start with a 3 mg dose, then go up to a 7 mg dose after one month.

In some cases, the patient requires a more potent dose after this adjustment. Each quantity has its associated price. In addition to dosage, you also have to focus on where you get your prescription. Only some pharmacies may offer the medication at the same price. Online prescription services may also differ in terms of cost for Rybelsus®.

How can I refill my Rybelsus® prescription?

Rybelsus® is a long-term treatment solution that you will consume over an extended period. This means that you will need to get a refill for your prescription regularly. After the first month of use, you may need to revisit your healthcare provider to check progress. They now give you a prescription for a more potent dose. Another check-up may be required in the next month for further evaluation. After these checkups, you usually get a repeat prescription to pick up a refill for the Rybelsus® once a month.

What happens if you take Rybelsus® after eating?

The ingredients you add to your prepared meals are unlikely to interact with Rybelsus®. With this said, taking Rybelsus® only a short distance from a meal is generally advised. This is because food may reduce the amount of the active chemicals your body absorbs. In turn, this can adversely affect the efficacy of the drug. Instead, wait at least 30 minutes after you consume Rybelsus® before you have a meal. This can help to improve the effectiveness that the medication provides.

What time of day should Rybelsus® be taken?

Rybelsus® is a pill that you take once per day. In most cases, your healthcare provider will advise you to take the medication when you get up in the morning. This reduces the risk of missing a dose as it becomes part of your daily routine.

How long does it take to get used to Rybelsus®?

You will start with a 3 mg dose of Rybelsus®. When your doctor begins to prescribe the 7 mg dose, it takes around 30 days for your body to get used to this dose. By this time, your body should already have gotten used to including Rybelsus® in your day-to-day lifestyle. You should notice that the drug improves blood sugar in the first month.

Who should not take Rybelsus®?

It is essential to avoid using Rybelsus® if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or a genetic condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2. Tell your doctor if you have a personal or family history of these conditions. It is also not recommended to take Rybelsus® if you have a history of suicidal behaviors or ideations.  Your doctor can assess if the individual or family history may affect you in such a way that you should not use these prescription drugs. You should also carefully assess the ingredients that are used to produce Rybelsus®. If you have experienced allergic reactions to any of these ingredients, then it is also best to avoid this medication.

What happens if I miss a dose of Rybelsus®?

If you miss a dose, could you be sure to take it when you remember it? With this said, ensure you do not take Rybelsus® too close to a meal, as it can reduce efficacy. You should also only take medicine if it is still on the same day that you had the missed dose. It would be best if you avoid taking two tablets to make up for the previously missed dose. This might cause low blood sugar or other potential side effects.

What happens if I take too much Rybelsus®?

If you digest too much of these pills, then the Rybelsus® can cause a significant drop in your blood glucose levels. This can lead to severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels), which could cause you to pass out and lose consciousness. Other side effects that might occur include nausea, vomiting, constipation, and pancreatitis. If you accidentally take too much of this medication, please contact a medical professional right away or call your local poison control center.

3 simple steps to request your Rybelsus® prescription today

Rybelsus® prescription pricing details

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Rybelsus® prescription resources

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