rybelsus
Pharmaranks rates Rybelsus 3.5/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Rybelsus (Semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist used to treat Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
Semaglutide · by Novo Nordisk Inc
Based on 1 source · Recall-safety score from FDA recall history — this product's own recalls and its manufacturer's record. Not an efficacy or quality rating. methodology →
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Semaglutide
- Drug class
- Glp-1 Receptor Agonist
- Form
- Tablet
- Strength
- Semaglutide 3MG · Semaglutide 7MG
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- May treat
- type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Manufacturer
- Novo Nordisk Inc
- Half-life
- about 1 week (roughly 7 days) (how long it stays in your system)
- FDA application
- NDA213182
- FDA boxed warning
- Yes — see the boxed warning
What is Rybelsus?
From the FDA label:RYBELSUS and OZEMPIC tablets, for oral use, contain semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. The peptide backbone is produced by yeast fermentation. The main protraction mechanism of semaglutide is albumin binding, facilitated by modification of position 26 lysine with a hydrophilic spacer and a C18 fatty di-acid. Furthermore, semaglutide is modified in position 8 to provide stabilization against degradation by the enzyme dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 (DPP-4). A minor modification was made in position 34 to ensure the attachment of only one fatty di-acid. The molecular formula is C 187 H 291 N 45 O 59 and the molecular weight is 4113.58 g/mol. Structural formula: Semaglutide is a white to almost white hygroscopic powder. RYBELSUS tablets contain 3 mg, 7 mg or 14 mg of semaglutide and the following inactive ingredients: magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone and salcaprozate sodium (SNAC). OZEMPIC tablets contain 1.5 mg, 4 mg or 9 mg of semaglutide and the following inactive ingredients: magnesium stearate and SNAC. structural_formula
How to use
RYBELSUS and OZEMPIC tablets are not substitutable on a mg-to-mg basis. • Take RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets orally once daily on an empty stomach in the morning with water (up to 4 ounces of water); do not take with other liquids besides water. ( 2.1 ) • Swallow tablets whole. Do not split, crush, chew or dissolve in any solution. ( 2.1 ) • After taking RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets, wait at least 30 minutes before eating food, drinking beverages or taking other oral medications. ( 2.1 ) • See the Full Prescribing Information for instructions on switching between RYBELSUS and OZEMPIC tablets ( 2.3 ) and from OZEMPIC injections to RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets. ( 2.4 ) Recommended Starting, Escalation and Maintenance Dosage of RYBELSUS and OZEMPIC Tablets ( 2.2 ) RYBELSUS ( 2.2 ) • Day 1 to 30: Recommended starting dosage is 3 mg orally once daily for 30 days (this dosage is not effective for glycemic control) • Days 31 to 60: Increase the dosage to 7 mg orally once daily. • On Day 61 or thereafter, if: ( 2.2 ) o No additional glycemic control is needed, maintain the dosage at 7 mg orally once daily. o Additional glycemic control is needed, increase the dosage to 14 mg orally once daily. OZEMPIC Tablets ( 2.2 ) • Day 1 to 30: Recommended starting dosage is 1.5 mg orally once daily for 30 days (this dosage is not effective for glycemic control). • Days 31 to 60: Increase the dosage…
Side effects
The following serious adverse reactions are described below or elsewhere in the prescribing information: • Risk of Thyroid C-cell Tumors [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] • Acute Pancreatitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] • Diabetic Retinopathy Complications [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] • Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use of Insulin Secretagogues or Insulin [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] • Acute Kidney Injury Due to Volume Depletion [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] • Severe Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] • Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] • Acute Gallbladder Disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] • Pulmonary Aspiration During General Anesthesia or Deep Sedation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5%) are nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting and constipation. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Novo Nordisk Inc., at 1-833-457-7455 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.…
FDA Boxed Warning (the FDA’s most serious warning)
Boxed (black-box) warning — from the FDA label
RISK OF THYROID C-CELL TUMORS • In rodents, semaglutide causes dose-dependent and treatment-duration-dependent thyroid C-cell tumors at clinically relevant exposures. It is unknown whether RYBELSUS and OZEMPIC tablets cause thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans as human relevance of semaglutide-induced rodent thyroid C-cell tumors has not been determined [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 )] . • RYBELSUS and OZEMPIC tablets are contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Counsel patients regarding the potential risk for MTC with the use of RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets and inform them of symptoms of thyroid tumors (e.g., a mass in the neck, dysphagia, dyspnea, persistent hoarseness). Routine monitoring of serum calcitonin or using thyroid ultrasound is of uncertain value for early detection of MTC in patients treated with RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets [see Contraindications ( 4 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. WARNING: RISK OF THYROID C-CELL TUMORS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. • In rodents, semaglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumors. It is unknown whether RYBELSUS and OZEMPIC tablets cause thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans as the human relevance of semaglutide-induced rodent thyroid C-cell tumors has not been determined ( 5.1 , 13.1 ). • RYBELSUS and OZEMPIC tablets are contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Counsel patients regarding the potential risk of MTC and symptoms of thyroid tumors ( 4 , 5.1 ).
Warnings
Important safety information
Acute Pancreatitis : Has been observed in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, including RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets. Discontinue if pancreatitis is suspected. ( 5.2 ) • Diabetic Retinopathy Complications : Has been reported in a cardiovascular outcomes trial with semaglutide injection. Patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy should be monitored. ( 5.3 ) • Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use of Insulin Secretagogues or Insulin : May increase the risk of hypoglycemia, including severe hypoglycemia. Reducing the dosage of insulin secretagogue or insulin may be necessary. ( 5.4 ) • Acute Kidney Injury Due to Volume Depletion : Monitor renal function in patients reporting adverse reactions that could lead to volume depletion. ( 5.5 ) • Severe Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions : Use of RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets has been associated with gastrointestinal adverse reactions, sometimes severe. RYBELSUS and OZEMPIC tablets are not recommended in patients with severe gastroparesis. ( 5.6 ) • Hypersensitivity Reactions : Serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis and angioedema) have been reported. Discontinue RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets if hypersensitivity reactions occur and monitor until signs and symptoms resolve. ( 5.7 ) • Acute Gallbladder Disease : If cholelithiasis or cholecystitis are suspected, gallbladder studies are indicated. ( 5.8 ) • Pulmonary Aspiration During General Anesthesia or Deep Sedation : Has been reported in patients receiving GLP-1 receptor agonists undergoing elective surgeries or procedures. Instruct patients to inform healthcare providers of any planned surgeries or procedures. ( 5.9 ) 5.1 Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors In mice and rats, semaglutide caused a dose-dependent and treatment-duration-dependent increase in the incidence of thyroid C-cell tumors (adenomas and carcinomas) after lifetime exposure at clinically relevant plasma exposures [see Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 )] . It is unknown whether RYBELSUS and OZEMPIC tablets cause thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans as human relevance of semaglutide-induced rodent thyroid C-cell tumors has not been determined. Cases of MTC in patients treated with liraglutide, another GLP-1 receptor agonist, have been reported in the postmarketing period; the data in these reports are insufficient to establish or exclude a causal relationship between MTC and GLP-1 receptor agonist use in humans. RYBELSUS and OZEMPIC tablets are contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with MEN 2. Counsel patients regarding the potential risk for MTC with the use of RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets and inform them of symptoms of thyroid tumors (e.g., a mass in the neck, dysphagia, dyspnea, persistent hoarseness). Routine monitoring of serum calcitonin or using thyroid ultrasound is of uncertain value for early detection of MTC in patients treated with RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets. Such monitoring may increase the risk of unnecessary procedures, due to the low-test specificity for serum calcitonin and a high background incidence of thyroid disease. Significantly elevated serum calcitonin value may indicate MTC and patients with MTC usually have calcitonin values >50 ng/L. If serum calcitonin is measured and found to be elevated, the patient should be further evaluated. Patients with thyroid nodules noted on physical examination or neck imaging should also be further evaluated. 5.2 Acute Pancreatitis Acute pancreatitis, including fatal and non-fatal hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis, has been observed in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide tablets [see Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] . After initiation of RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets, observe patients carefully for signs and symptoms of acute pancreatitis, which may include persistent or severe abdominal pain (sometimes radiating to the back), and which may or may not be accompanied by nausea or vomiting. If pancreatitis is suspected, discontinue RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets and initiate appropriate management. 5.3 Diabetic Retinopathy Complications In a pooled analysis of glycemic control trials, patients reported diabetic retinopathy related adverse reactions during the trial (4.2% with semaglutide tablets and 3.8% with comparator) [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . In a 2-year CV outcomes trial with semaglutide injection involving patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and high CV risk, diabetic retinopathy complications (which was a 4-component adjudicated endpoint) occurred in patients treated with semaglutide injection (3%) compared to placebo (1.8%). The absolute risk increase for diabetic retinopathy complications was larger among patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy at baseline (semaglutide injection 8.2%, placebo 5.2%) than among patients without a known history of diabetic retinopathy (semaglutide injection 0.7%, placebo 0.4%). Rapid improvement in glucose control has been associated with a temporary worsening of diabetic retinopathy. The effect of long-term glycemic control with RYBELSUS and OZEMPIC tablets on diabetic retinopathy complications has not been studied. Patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy should be monitored for progression of diabetic retinopathy. 5.4 Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use of Insulin Secretagogues or Insulin Patients receiving RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets in combination with an insulin secretagogue (e.g., sulfonylurea) or insulin may have an increased risk of hypoglycemia, including severe hypoglycemia [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 ), Drug Interactions ( 7 )] . The risk of hypoglycemia may be lowered by a reduction in the dosage of sulfonylurea (or other concomitantly administered insulin secretagogue) or insulin. Inform patients using these concomitant medications of the risk of hypoglycemia and educate them on the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia. 5.5 Acute Kidney Injury Due to Volume Depletion There have been postmarketing reports of acute kidney injury in some cases requiring hemodialysis, in patients treated with semaglutide. The majority of the reported events occurred in patients who experienced gastrointestinal reactions leading to dehydration such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea [see Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] . Monitor renal function in patients reporting adverse reactions to RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets that could lead to volume depletion, especially during dosage initiation and escalation of RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets. 5.6 Severe Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions Use of semaglutide tablets has been associated with gastrointestinal adverse reactions, sometimes severe [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . In clinical trials, severe gastrointestinal adverse reactions were reported more frequently among patients who received semaglutide tablets (7 mg 0.6%, 14 mg 2%) than placebo (0.3%). Severe gastrointestinal adverse reactions have also been reported postmarketing with GLP-1 receptor agonists. RYBELSUS and OZEMPIC tablets are not recommended in patients with severe gastroparesis. 5.7 Hypersensitivity Reactions Serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema) have been reported in patients treated with semaglutide tablets. If hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue use of RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets; treat promptly per standard of care and monitor until signs and symptoms resolve. RYBELSUS and OZEMPIC tablets are contraindicated in patients with a prior serious hypersensitivity reaction to semaglutide or to any of the excipients in RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] . Anaphylaxis and angioedema have been reported with GLP-1 receptor agonists. Use caution in a patient with a history of angioedema or anaphylaxis with another GLP-1 receptor agonist because it is unknown whether such patients will be predisposed to anaphylaxis with RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets. 5.8 Acute Gallbladder Disease Acute events of gallbladder…
Who should not take Rybelsus
RYBELSUS and OZEMPIC tablets are contraindicated in patients with: • A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . • A prior serious hypersensitivity reaction to semaglutide or to any of the excipients in RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets. Serious hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis and angioedema have been reported with semaglutide tablets [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] . • Personal or family history of MTC or in patients with MEN 2 syndrome type 2 ( 4 ) • Prior serious hypersensitivity reaction to semaglutide or any of the excipients in OZEMPIC ( 4 )
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
In the event of overdose, appropriate supportive treatment should be initiated according to the patient’s clinical signs and symptoms. Consider contacting the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) or a medical toxicologist for additional overdosage management recommendations. A prolonged period of observation and treatment for these symptoms may be necessary, taking into account the long half-life of semaglutide of approximately 1 week.
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
Other Oral Drugs : RYBELSUS and OZEMPIC tablets delay gastric emptying. Consider increased clinical or laboratory monitoring when co-administered with other oral medications that have a narrow therapeutic index or that require clinical monitoring. ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Concomitant Use with an Insulin Secretagogue (e.g., Sulfonylurea) or with Insulin Semaglutide stimulates insulin release in the presence of elevated blood glucose concentrations. Patients receiving RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets in combination with an insulin secretagogue (e.g., sulfonylurea) or insulin may have an increased risk of hypoglycemia, including severe hypoglycemia. When initiating RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets, consider reducing the dosage of concomitantly administered insulin secretagogue (such as sulfonylureas) or insulin to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . 7.2 Other Oral Drugs Semaglutide cause a delay of gastric emptying and thereby has the potential to impact the absorption of other oral drugs. Levothyroxine exposure was increased 33% (90% CI: 1.25 to 1.42) when administered with semaglutide tablets in a drug interaction study [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . When using RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets concomitantly with other oral drugs that have a narrow therapeutic index or that require clinical monitoring, consider increased clinical or laboratory monitoring [see Dosage and Administration ( 2 )] .
How long does Semaglutide stay in your body?
The elimination half-life of semaglutide is about 1 week (roughly 7 days) — the time it takes the body to clear about half of it. As a rule of thumb, a medicine is mostly gone after roughly 4 to 5 half-lives, though this varies from person to person with age and kidney or liver function. This is the elimination half-life of semaglutide itself (the injectable, Ozempic/Wegovy); because it is so long, the drug stays in the body for about 5 weeks after the last dose. No active metabolite with a longer half-life is described.
This is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t tell you when a drug test would read negative (tests detect substances for different, often longer, windows) or when it’s safe to take another dose — ask your pharmacist or prescriber. Source: OZEMPIC- semaglutide injection, solution (FDA prescribing information, DailyMed), Section 12.3 Elimination.
Rybelsus vs other GLP-1 options
Wondering how Rybelsus stacks up against the other GLP-1 drugs — same molecule or different, and which is dosed for weight loss? Here are the head-to-head comparisons.
Drug class
How this class works, per Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
See how Rybelsus ranks — best-rated GLP-1 receptor agonist for:
Dosage forms
Tablet
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
Ask for the generic
Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →
Request a 90-day supply
Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.
Use copay cards
Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.
Compare alternatives
A same-class option may cost less. See alternatives →
Frequently asked questions
- What does Rybelsus treat?
- Rybelsus (Semaglutide) may be used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- How does Rybelsus work?
- Rybelsus is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic the gut hormone GLP-1: they prompt the pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar is high, curb the release of glucagon, and slow stomach emptying, which lowers blood sugar and reduces appetite.
- How is Rybelsus rated?
- pharmaranks gives Rybelsus a composite score of 3.5 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Rybelsus?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Rybelsus. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Rybelsus?
- Rybelsus is marketed by Novo Nordisk Inc. You can see Novo Nordisk Inc's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Rybelsus a brand-name or generic drug?
- Rybelsus is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Semaglutide.
- Is Rybelsus available over the counter?
- No. Rybelsus is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Rybelsus come in?
- Rybelsus is currently marketed as tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Rybelsus?
- Rybelsus is classified as glp-1 receptor agonist, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Rybelsus FDA-registered?
- Rybelsus is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA213182. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Has Rybelsus been recalled by the FDA?
- Rybelsus has no FDA recalls recorded under its own application in the openFDA enforcement database. Its recall-safety score reflects its manufacturer's overall recall record. This is general reference, not medical advice — check the FDA recall database for the latest alerts.
- Is Rybelsus safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Rybelsus a recall-safety score of 70/100, based on its FDA recall history (no recalls under its own FDA application) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Rybelsus?
- Rybelsus's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following serious adverse reactions are described below or elsewhere in the prescribing information: • Risk of Thyroid C-cell Tumors [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] • Acute Pancreatitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] • Diabetic Retinopathy Complications [see Warnings and Precautio… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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