Rybelsus (semaglutide) is a brand-name prescription medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to manage blood sugar levels in certain adults with type 2 diabetes. It’s used in combination with healthy diet and exercise.
The active ingredient in Rybelsus is semaglutide. It belongs to a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Rybelsus comes as oral tablets that you’ll swallow.
For information about the dosage of Rybelsus, including its strengths and how to take it, keep reading. For a comprehensive look at Rybelsus, see this article.
his article describes typical dosages for Rybelsus provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Rybelsus, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
The information below provides typical dosages of Rybelsus. Always follow your doctor’s instructions for the dosage prescribed to you.
Rybelsus form
Rybelsus comes as oral tablets that you’ll swallow.
Rybelsus strengths
Rybelsus is available in three strengths:
- 3 milligrams (mg)
- 7 mg
- 14 mg
Typical dosages
Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for type 2 diabetes
Typically, your doctor will have you start Rybelsus treatment with 3 mg once daily. After you’ve taken the 3-mg daily dose for 30 days, they’ll increase your dosage to 7 mg once daily.
They’ll monitor how your body responds to the drug. If necessary, your doctor may increase your dosage to 14 mg once daily after you’ve taken the 7-mg daily dose for at least 30 days. Your doctor may adjust your dosage if needed to better manage your condition.
Long-term treatment
Rybelsus is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Rybelsus is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
Below is information on commonly asked questions about Rybelsus.
Can Rybelsus be used for weight loss? If so, what is the dosage for weight loss?
Rybelsus is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a weight loss medication. However, studies have shown that semaglutide can cause weight loss when used with diet and exercise changes. Semaglutide is the active drug in Rybelsus.
Certain factors, such as changes in your diet and exercise regimen, may cause weight loss during Rybelsus treatment. Keep in mind that Rybelsus is prescribed in combination with healthy diet and exercise to manage blood sugar levels in certain adults with type 2 diabetes.
Weight loss may also happen due to side effects of the drug, such as:
- nausea
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- diarrhea
If your doctor prescribes Rybelsus for weight loss, it will be an off-label use of the drug. (Off-label use means a drug is used for a purpose other than those it’s approved for.) In this case, your doctor will discuss a dosage of Rybelsus for weight loss with you.
Note: A prescription medication called Wegovy is approved for long-term weight management. It contains the same active drug as Rybelsus: semaglutide. If you’re interested in learning more about Wegovy, ask your doctor.
Does Rybelsus have recommended dosing instructions?
Yes, your doctor will likely provide a dosing guide when they prescribe Rybelsus.
Typically, you’ll start with a low dose of Rybelsus and take it for the first 30 days. Then your doctor may increase your dose. After at least another 30 days, they may increase your dose again. This depends on how your body responds to the treatment.
Your doctor and pharmacist will also provide dosing instructions on how to take the drug. It’s important to take Rybelsus at least 30 minutes before your first food or drink of the day. You should take the drug with a small amount (4 ounces) of water. This ensures that Rybelsus works the way it’s supposed to in your body.
See the “How to take Rybelsus” section below for more dosing instructions. You can also refer to the drug’s prescribing information.
If I have renal (kidney) problems, will I need a renal dosing adjustment for Rybelsus?
No, Rybelsus doses typically don’t require adjustments in people with kidney disease. In clinical trials of the drug in people with kidney disease, there were no differences in how Rybelsus worked in the body. These trials included people with end stage renal disease.
Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems before you begin treatment with Rybelsus. Your doctor will monitor your kidney function while you’re taking the medication. This is because the drug can cause new or worsening kidney problems. For more information on side effects of Rybelsus, see this article.
If you miss a daily dose of Rybelsus, skip the missed dose and continue with your usual dosing schedule the next day. Don’t take two doses of Rybelsus at one time to make up for the missed dose.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
The Rybelsus dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:
- the severity of your condition
- other medications you may be taking
Rybelsus comes as oral tablets that you’ll swallow. You’ll take it once per day. You should take the drug with a small amount (4 ounces) of water.
It’s important to take Rybelsus 30 minutes before you eat, drink, or take any other medications for the day.
Eating or drinking less than 30 minutes after taking Rybelsus can lower the effectiveness of the drug. This is because food or other types of liquid can affect how Rybelsus works in your body.
Waiting longer than 30 minutes after taking Rybelsus to eat or drink anything can increase the effect of Rybelsus in your body. This could increase your risk of low blood sugar.
Do not chew, cut, or split Rybelsus tablets. Instead, swallow the tablets whole. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERSSome pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.
If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Rybelsus in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.
If you take more Rybelsus than your doctor prescribes, you may develop serious side effects. It’s important that you don’t take more Rybelsus than your doctor advises.
If you take more than the recommended amount of Rybelsus
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Rybelsus. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Rybelsus for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.
As with any drug, never change your dosage of Rybelsus without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Rybelsus that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.
Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Rybelsus. These additional articles might be helpful:
- More about Rybelsus. For information about other aspects of Rybelsus, refer to this article.
- Side effects. To learn about side effects of Rybelsus, see this article. You can also look at the Rybelsus prescribing information.
- Drug comparison. To find out how Rybelsus compares with Ozempic, read this article.
- Details about type 2 diabetes. For details about type 2 diabetes, see our diabetes hub.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
