Recently, the FDA approved the drug Rybelsus to be used by adults with type 2 diabetes. There are currently a few medications on the market for type 2 diabetes, but the approval of Rybelsus is an incredible feat for people with type 2 diabetes.
In today’s feature article, we’ll discuss Rybelsus so that you can make an informed decision if you’re someone in the market for a new diabetes drug. By the end, you’ll understand Rybelsus and how it works for people with type 2 diabetes. Let’s get started.
What is Rybelsus?
Rybelsus is a GLP-1 analog that works in pill form to help adults with type 2 diabetes. This means that the medication will lower the blood sugar of its users, and it will do so in three different ways. First, the drug will increase insulin production from the pancreas, which will happen when the user has high blood sugar.
Next, the medication will make the release of sugars not as high in the body. Finally, the drug will help the user by making the food process, leaving the stomach slower after eating.
All in all, Rybelsus will help users manage their type 2 diabetes, which is beneficial.
FDA Approval
Several clinical trials supported the FDA’s approval of Rybelsus, showing that the drug reduced blood sugar levels and improved diabetes-related complications in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Rybelsus, when compared with liraglutide (such as Victoza and Saxenda), was found to be non-inferior in terms of safety and efficacy.
The FDA has approved Rybelsus as the first oral GLP-1 treatment for type 2 diabetes. Because of its formulation, patients may be more likely to adhere to treatment when Rybelsus is administered orally. Rybelsus can also improve the health of patients with type 2 diabetes by helping them lose weight.
Why is Rybelsus Special?
Rybelsus is unlike any other medication for type 2 diabetes because it is not offered in pen (such as Ozempic). Currently, Rybelsus is the only medication for type 2 diabetes that is provided in pill form. When used alongside diet and exercise, it is known to improve the condition of people with type 2 diabetes without forcing them to inject themselves with anything.
Currently, competing medications usually make users inject themselves with a pen applicator (For example, Wegovy). These medications will force the user to inject different body parts with a needle to release the drug into their blood flow. If you’re opposed to this procedure and would instead take a daily pill, then Rybelsus is a groundbreaking innovation.
For people with type 2 diabetes, the options available to them have greatly improved because of Rybelsus.
What are the Side Effects of Rybelsus?
Like all medications have side effects, there are some adverse effects to Rybelsus that users may experience while on the drug. Although the chances of experiencing these side effects are marginal, it is still possible. So, to be sure that users are informed about the potential risks of the medicine, let’s discuss the side effects of Rybelsus.
The severe side effects include thyroid tumors and cancer. You must inform your healthcare provider if you experience severe side effects like hoarseness, trouble swallowing, a lump or swelling in your neck, shortness of breath, and more. You might be experiencing a severe problem if you experience any of the mentioned symptoms. In different studies with rodent animals, some rats developed thyroid tumors. Although the medication is not necessarily linked to thyroid cancer and tumors, you may create them when using the medicine.
Other moderate side effects include inflammation of the pancreas, changes in vision, hypoglycemia (or low blood sugar), dizziness or lightheadedness, kidney issues, kidney failure, severe allergic reactions, gallbladder issues, and more. Suppose you experience any pains in your stomach, yellowing in your skin or eyes, fever, abnormal stool, itching, rapid heartbeat, or other sensations. In that case, you should contact your healthcare provider to ensure that nothing is happening to you.
Finally, there are some mild side effects that you’re more likely to contract when you’re taking Rybelsus. These side effects include nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, a lowered appetite, vomiting, constipation, and more.
Commonly, you have problems like vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea when you first begin to take the medication, so don’t be alarmed if this happens to you.
If you experience any side effects that you find concerning, be sure to talk to your doctor to get professional advice about whether or not you should continue taking the medication. Furthermore, if you experience side effects that are not on this list, it’s a good idea to contact your doctor because the FDA might need to be notified. Notifying the FDA about new side effects ensures that other patients are informed about the potential side effects of Rybelsus.
When Should I Avoid Rybelsus?
There are a few instances in which you should avoid using Rybelsus. A few of these include having a history of problems with your pancreas or kidneys, being pregnant or planning to get pregnant, having a history of vision problems, or breastfeeding.
You will need to tell your doctor about all the medications you currently take; this includes prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and more. If one of these medications is incompatible with Rybelsus, your doctor might advise you not to take the drug. There are other circumstances in which you should not take Rybelsus, so talk to your doctors about your medication history, family history, lifestyle, and more, before you get on the medication.
Finally, if you have a family history of MTC or another endocrine system condition, you might not be a good candidate for taking Rybelsus. Or, if you’ve had a severe allergic reaction to another kind of diabetes medication, you might want to proceed with caution before taking Rybelsus. You might also have an allergic reaction to this medication because it is similar to other diabetes medications in some forms.
As always, be sure to consult your doctor carefully before taking any this or any medication, so if you haven’t done that yet, it’s not a good idea to abruptly start taking Rybelsus.
How Do I Take the Medication?
When taking medication, always take it strictly as your healthcare provider advises you to take it. So, take your doctor’s advice first.
But usually, you should take Rybelsus before you take any food after you first wake up in the morning. Take the medication with plain water, but be sure that you are not drinking more than four ounces of water when you take the medication. After taking the medication, you have to wait thirty minutes before you can eat or drink or take any other medicines by mouth.
If, for some reason, you miss a dose of your medication, you must skip the dosage that you miss and then proceed to take the medication in alignment with your scheduled dosages.
Talk to your doctor or healthcare team if you have any questions about this medication.
We also have pharmacists on staff who can provide you with a pharmacy consultation if you wish. Under no circumstances should you share your Rybelsus with anyone else.
Is Rybelsus for Weight Loss?
Many medications for type 2 diabetes are known to cause users to lose weight. Rybelsus is similar because the drug can help you to lose weight. However, the medication is not for weight loss. This means that if your sole goal is to lose weight, you should not take Rybelsus because the FDA has not approved the medication for weight loss.
A prime reason why people lose weight while taking Rybelsus is that the medication is prescribed alongside proper diet and exercise. This means that the users of the medication will often change their lifestyle to be healthier, which will cause weight loss, in turn. Also, because the drug helps you feel full and regulates your blood sugar, this will cause weight loss.
A positive side effect of Rybelsus might be weight loss, but that doesn’t mean that the medication is safe for weight loss. It is only safe for people trying to treat their type 2 diabetes. So, if you’re interested in losing weight, but you don’t have type 2 diabetes, then you might want to contact your doctor to figure out an alternate medication for you.
Will Rybelsus Affect My Heart?
If you’re starting Rybelsus, you might be concerned that the medication will affect the functioning of your heart. The good news is that the drug is not known to correlate with cardiovascular-related problems. So, Rybelsus should not increase your likelihood of having a heart attack, stroke, or dying.
Of course, if you have any questions about the side effects of the medication or about the likelihood of you having a cardiovascular episode because of Rybelsus, you should ask your doctor. Your doctor can inform you about the research related to Rybelsus and heart issues.
How Much Will It Cost to Purchase Rybelsus?
Many Americans are concerned with the price of medications because, in a country with inadequate healthcare and expensive drug prices, receiving the medication you need can be challenging. Especially if you’re someone who is low income, it can be hard to get access to medication.
However, if you’re eligible or insured, you can pay as little as ten dollars, which will cover a three-month supply of Rybelsus. In other words, certain Rybelsus users will be qualified to pay around 10 dollars for three months’ worth of the medication. This is incredibly affordable, especially for people struggling to make ends meet.
It shouldn’t be astronomically expensive to pay for your medication, so if you’re concerned about paying for your Rybelsus, it’s a good idea to ask your doctor or healthcare provider how to mitigate the cost of Rybelsus. There are ways for you to access your medication if you cannot afford it. One of these ways is buying Rybelsus from Canada through prescription fillers such as Insulin Outlet.
What are Ways to Save on Rybelsus?
As we mentioned before, some users prequalify to get the medication at a significantly reduced price. However, often, these users are people who already have health insurance, and only some have access to health insurance. If you don’t qualify for the medication at a reduced price, or if you don’t have insurance, you might be eligible for a savings card or a care card. Either way, this will allow you to get the medication for a reduced price.
Also, the drug manufacturer has a phone line and a chat feature that will connect you with people who can help you figure out how to get the medication for a more affordable price. With the help of the drug manufacturer, your doctor, and your insurance provider (for those insured), you should be able to find a way to get the medication.
You must take the medication if your doctor prescribes it to you. So, be sure to reach out to as many avenues as possible to figure out how to get the medicine for an affordable price.
You can also purchase your Rybelsus online from Canada through Insulin Outlet.
Rybelsus (Semaglutide) Tablets
$299.79How Can I Figure Out How Much Rybelsus Will Cost Me?
Starting a new medication can be stressful because you might not know how much you will be expected to pay. Especially if you’re switching medications, you don’t want to be caught off guard when it comes time to pay for your prescription.
The drug manufacturer has options for people to see how much the medication will cost them, and all you have to do is go to the manufacturer’s website. After you do that, you’ll be prompted to put in some information, and then you’ll be able to see how much the drug will cost.
To learn more about your co-pay or how much the medication will cost, it’s a good idea to talk to your pharmacist, doctor, or insurance company. Aside from the drug manufacturer, these resources will give you the most accurate information.
Will the Drug Manufacturer Give Me Nutrition and Diet Services?
As most diabetics know, it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle by proper dieting and exercising. This can be hard, though, especially if you have a lifestyle that is detrimental to your health. The good news is that the drug manufacturer provides the users of Rybelsus with free health coaches.
If you go to the drug manufacturer’s website, you can sign up for health coaching. This is an excellent supplement to your medication because Rybelsus is always prescribed alongside proper diet and exercise. The health coach can help you achieve a good diet and exercise regimen.
You can find relative information on dieting with Semaglutide in our article: Foods to Avoid with Ozempic.
Final Thoughts
If you’re someone with type 2 diabetes, you must find the proper medication. If your doctor advises that Rybelsus might be right for you, then you’re making an excellent choice to investigate the drug, its side effects, and its cost.
It is exciting that there is a new medication for type 2 diabetes on the market. If you have any questions about Rybelsus, you should reach out to your healthcare provider about it because they can advise you in the most personalized way possible.
Good luck as you try out Rybelsus!
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