Rybelsus (semaglutide) is a prescription drug that helps manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The effectiveness of this drug may vary based on your medical history and diagnosis.
The way a drug works is known medically as its mechanism of action. The mechanism of action for Rybelsus may vary depending on the condition it’s being used to treat.
For type 2 diabetes
With type 2 diabetes, your blood sugar level is higher than usual. This is because the insulin level (a hormone that manages blood sugar) in your body is too low, or your body can’t use it properly.
Rybelsus is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It works to decrease blood sugar levels by raising the level of insulin and lowering the level of a hormone called glucagon. Rybelsus also increases the time food stays in your stomach before moving through the rest of your digestive system. This may also help decrease blood sugar levels.
It typically takes about 1 month for Rybelsus to work.
You’ll usually start taking 3 mg of Rybelsus per day, which helps your body get used to the medication. Keep in mind that this isn’t the recommended dose used to treat type 2 diabetes.
After 1 month, your doctor will typically change your dose to 7 mg per day. This will start adjusting your blood sugar levels to reach the goal you and your doctor set. It’s possible you may need a higher dose of Rybelsus.
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