Rybelsus (semaglutide)

Rybelsus (Semaglutide)

Rybelsus contains semaglutide, an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist used to improve blood-glucose control in adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes alongside diet and exercise.

Unlike Ozempic and Wegovy, which are administered by injection, Rybelsus is taken orally as a tablet. It is a prescription-only medicine and should be used according to the instructions of an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

What is Rybelsus?

Rybelsus contains the active ingredient semaglutide. It belongs to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class of medicines.

Rybelsus is authorised for the treatment of adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes as an adjunct to diet and exercise. It may be used alone when metformin is inappropriate because of intolerance or contraindications, or alongside other medicines for diabetes.

How Does Rybelsus Work?

Semaglutide acts on GLP-1 receptors involved in glucose regulation. It helps stimulate insulin secretion when blood glucose is elevated and reduces glucagon secretion when appropriate. It also delays gastric emptying and can influence appetite.

Rybelsus Dose Information

Rybelsus is normally started at a low dose and increased gradually according to the official prescribing information.

Treatment stage	Daily dose
Starting dose	3 mg once daily
After at least 1 month	7 mg once daily
If additional glycaemic control is required	14 mg once daily

The 3 mg dose is intended as an initiation dose and is not a maintenance dose. Dose increases should only be made according to the prescribing information and instructions from your healthcare professional.

How Should Rybelsus Be Taken?

Rybelsus tablets should be taken on an empty stomach after at least 8 hours without food. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a small amount of water, up to approximately half a glass.

After taking Rybelsus, wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking or taking other oral medicines.

Do not crush, split or chew the tablet unless specifically instructed otherwise by your healthcare professional.

Rybelsus and Weight Loss

Semaglutide treatment can be associated with weight reduction. However, Rybelsus is authorised in the UK for type 2 diabetes rather than specifically as a weight-management medicine.

Wegovy is the semaglutide product authorised in the UK specifically for weight management in eligible patients. Visit our Wegovy page for more information.

Important Safety Information

• Rybelsus is a prescription-only medicine.
• Take Rybelsus exactly as prescribed.
• Common adverse effects include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain and constipation.
• Tell your healthcare professional about all medicines you take, especially insulin or sulfonylureas.
• Blood-glucose monitoring may be necessary when Rybelsus is used with other diabetes medicines.
• Seek urgent medical attention if you experience severe and persistent abdominal pain.
• Do not use Rybelsus together with another semaglutide-containing medicine or another GLP-1 receptor agonist unless specifically instructed by your healthcare professional.
• Rybelsus should not be used during pregnancy.

Product Information

• Active ingredient: Semaglutide
• Drug class: GLP-1 receptor agonist
• Dosage form: Oral tablet
• Administration: Oral
• Frequency: Once daily
• Indication: Type 2 diabetes
• UK legal category: Prescription-only medicine

Rybelsus Compared With Ozempic and Wegovy

Rybelsus, Ozempic and Wegovy all contain semaglutide, but they are different pharmaceutical products with different dosage forms and authorised indications.

Product	Active ingredient	Dosage form	UK primary indication
Rybelsus	Semaglutide	Oral tablet	Type 2 diabetes
Ozempic	Semaglutide	Injection	Type 2 diabetes
Wegovy	Semaglutide	Injection	Weight management

Visit our Ozempic page for information about injectable semaglutide for type 2 diabetes.

Related Information

For additional educational information, visit our Diabetes Guide.

You can also explore our Weight Management Guide for information about prescription treatments used in weight management.

Official UK Medicine Information

For the latest official information about Rybelsus, including dosing, contraindications, warnings, interactions and adverse effects, consult the Rybelsus Summary of Product Characteristics and the official Patient Information Leaflet on the UK electronic Medicines Compendium.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rybelsus?

Rybelsus is an oral prescription medicine containing semaglutide. It is authorised in the UK for improving blood-glucose control in adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes.

What is the active ingredient in Rybelsus?

The active ingredient is semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist.

Is Rybelsus a tablet or injection?

Rybelsus is an oral tablet. It is taken once daily.

What is the starting dose of Rybelsus?

The usual starting dose is 3 mg once daily for the initial treatment period, followed by dose escalation according to the prescribing information.

Can Rybelsus be used for weight loss?

Rybelsus may be associated with weight reduction, but its UK authorised indication is type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is the semaglutide product authorised specifically for weight management.

How should I take Rybelsus?

Rybelsus should be taken on an empty stomach with a small amount of water. Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking or taking other oral medicines.

Can I take Rybelsus with Ozempic?

Rybelsus and Ozempic both contain semaglutide and should not be used together unless specifically instructed by an appropriate healthcare professional.

Is Rybelsus prescription only?

Yes. Rybelsus is a prescription-only medicine in the UK.

Where can I find official Rybelsus information?

The UK electronic Medicines Compendium provides the official Rybelsus prescribing information and Patient Information Leaflet.