Semaglutide (By mouth)
Semaglutide (sem-a-GLOO-tide)
Treats type 2 diabetes.
Brand Name(s):
Rybelsus
There may be other brand names for this medicine.When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to semaglutide, or if you have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) or if you or anyone in your family has had medullary thyroid cancer.How to Use This Medicine:
Tablet
- Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
- Take this medicine at least 30 minutes before the first food, drink, or other oral medicines of the day with a sip of plain water only (no more than 4 ounces).
- Swallow the tablet whole. Do not split, crush, or chew it.
- This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
- Missed dose: Skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time.
- Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store the tablet in its original blister card.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Some medicines can affect how semaglutide works. Tell your doctor if you are using levothyroxine or other diabetes medicine (including glimepiride, glipizide, glyburide, or insulin).
Warnings While Using This Medicine:
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Do not use this medicine for at least 2 months before you plan to become pregnant.
- Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine.
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, pancreas problems, or a history of diabetic retinopathy.
- This medicine may cause the following problems:
- Increased risk of thyroid tumor
- Pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas)
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), when used with other diabetes medicine
- Kidney problems
- Gallbladder problems, including cholelithiasis, cholecystitis
- Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
- 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
- Shaking, trembling, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeat, lightheadedness, hunger, confusion
- Sudden and severe stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, yellow eyes or skin
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
Last Updated: 9/6/2024
