Rybelsus 14mg tablet is composed of semaglutide, an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Novo Nordisk, that is supposed to be taken once daily. Each tablet contains 14mg of this active component.
Semaglutide is known to act with appetite suppression, the prolonging of satiety, and the decreasing of the urges for foods; such effects would result in less food consumption as well as weight loss.
What is Rybelsus 14mg used for?
Rybelsus 14mg is the oral form of semaglutide indicated in adults that help to suppress appetite, create feelings of satiety and diminish thoughts about food, hence, leading food consumption to be less and weight to come off.
TGA has released information stating clinical trials that semaglutide can lower body weight and body fat content via decreasing energy intake due to mechanisms such as:
- Reduced appetite
- Increased satiety
- Reduced hunger
- Better control of eating
- Reduced food cravings
- Reduced preference for high-fat foods
How does Rybelsus 14mg work?
Rybelsus contains semaglutide, which mimics the action of GLP-1, a hormone involved in appetite regulation.
It works through several effects in the body:
- Helps the pancreas release insulin when blood glucose is elevated
- Reduces glucagon secretion
- Slows gastric emptying
- Increases feelings of fullness
- Reduces hunger and food intake
The appetite-related effects can contribute to weight reduction in people who respond to treatment.
How to take Rybelsus 14mg
For Rybelsus 14mg tablets patients are advised to take them once a day on an empty stomach only. Follow these steps:
- After fasting for at least 8 hours (night fasting)
- Do not divide your dose.
- Only a maximum of 120mL plain water is allowed.
- Do not crush, separate or bite the pills.
- Eating, drinking or taking other medicines by mouth should be delayed for 30 minutes.
This period of 30 minutes is essential because eating, drinking, or taking other oral meds too soon might decrease the absorption rate of semaglutide.
Rybelsus 14mg dosage
14mg once daily is the maximum recommended daily dose of Rybelsus.
Treatment is normally started at a lower dose and increased gradually:
- 3mg once daily for the first month
- 7mg once daily after the initial month
- 14mg once daily may be used after at least one month on 7mg when additional treatment effect is needed.
The 14mg tablet can thus be expected to be the least suitable as the starting dose most of the time.
Avoid the combination of two 7mg tablets to reach the 14mg dosage. According to TGA product information, administering this combination has not been assessed and therefore is not advisable.
Can Rybelsus 14mg help with weight loss?
Yes, weight reduction is an established effect of semaglutide, although the approved indication of Rybelsus is important.
TGA information reports that semaglutide reduces body weight and body fat through lower energy intake, increased satiety, reduced hunger and improved control of food cravings.
What if you miss a Rybelsus 14mg dose?
If you forgot to take your Rybelsus pill, then you must forget about the missed one as well. Only take your regular dose that comes after the forgotten one, at the usual time of the day. Don’t try to take the missed dose with your next one as there was one in between, that’s why they’re called “once daily” medicines!
Common side effects of Rybelsus 14mg
The most common side effects of oral semaglutide involve the digestive system.
They may include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Reduced appetite
- Indigestion
- Bloating
Digestive symptoms can become more noticeable when the dose is increased from 7mg to 14mg.
When should you contact a doctor?
Speak with a healthcare professional if you develop severe or persistent:
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Stomach problems
- Symptoms of dehydration
Severe abdominal pain, particularly pain that may extend to the back, can require urgent medical assessment because pancreatitis is a recognised risk with GLP-1 medicines.
Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea can also cause dehydration and may affect kidney function.
Precautions before taking Rybelsus 14mg
Tell your doctor if you have:
- A history of pancreatitis
- Gallstones or gallbladder disease
- Severe gastrointestinal disease
- Gastroparesis or delayed stomach emptying
- Kidney disease
- Diabetic retinopathy
- A history of serious allergic reactions
- A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
People with significant stomach-emptying problems may experience more severe gastrointestinal effects with GLP-1 medicines.
Rybelsus 14mg and pregnancy
Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Semaglutide isn’t recommended during pregnancy. For semaglutide products for use with weight management, Australian product information recommends that treatment be stopped at least 2 months prior to planned pregnancy.
If you get pregnant when you’re using Rybelsus, talk to your healthcare professional.
How to store Rybelsus 14mg
Store Rybelsus 14mg below 30°C.
Keep the tablets:
- In the original blister pack
- Protected from moisture
- Away from excessive heat
- Away from children
- Within the expiry date
Healthdirect Australia lists storage below 30°C for Rybelsus.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Rybelsus 14mg be taken with other diabetes medicines?
Yes, Rybelsus can be prescribed alongside other diabetes medicines when appropriate.
2. Can Rybelsus 14mg cause dehydration?
Indirectly contributes to dehydration, particularly when accompanied by nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea (which may make maintaining adequate fluid intakes challenging).
Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea should also be reported to a health care professional, especially if there are any concerns regarding kidney function.
3. Does Rybelsus 14mg affect how quickly the stomach empties?
Yes. Semaglutide delays gastric emptying, particularly after meals. This contributes to some of its effects on fullness and appetite, but it can also affect the absorption of some oral medicines.
4. Can Rybelsus 14mg cause gallbladder problems?
Gallbladder problems, including gallstones and inflammation of the gallbladder, can occur with semaglutide treatment. Seek medical advice if you develop persistent or severe upper abdominal pain, particularly if it occurs with fever, vomiting or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
5. Should mood changes be reported while taking Rybelsus 14mg?
Yes, the TGA aligned warnings across the GLP-1 receptor agonist class regarding reports of suicidal thoughts or behaviours and advises monitoring for new or worsening depression or unusual changes in mood or behaviour.
References
- TGA – Rybelsus 14mg ARTG 346200 (Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA))
- Healthdirect Australia – Rybelsus (Healthdirect)
- TGA – Counterfeit Rybelsus safety advisory (Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA))
Medical disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Always follow the prescription, current product information and instructions provided by your healthcare professional.
