Rybelsus (semaglutide) is a prescription drug that’s used to manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. Rybelsus comes as a tablet that you’ll swallow with a little water each morning.
Rybelsus is used in adults with type 2 diabetes to manage high blood sugar levels. It belongs to a group of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.
The active ingredient* in Rybelsus is semaglutide.
This article describes the dosages of Rybelsus, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Rybelsus, see this in-depth article.
* An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.
Rybelsus is a tablet that you’ll swallow each morning before breakfast. It comes in several strengths.
Note: This chart highlights the basics of Rybelsus’s dosage. Doses are listed in milligrams (mg).
| Starting dosage (first 30 days) | Maintenance dosage | Maximum dosage |
| 3 mg once daily | 7 mg once daily | 14 mg once daily |
What is Rybelsus’ form?
Rybelsus comes as a tablet that you swallow.
What strengths does Rybelsus come in?
Rybelsus is available in three strengths:
- 3 mg
- 7 mg
- 14 mg
What are the usual dosages of Rybelsus?
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for type 2 diabetes
When you’re first prescribed Rybelsus, you’ll take a starting dose of 3 mg. You’ll take this every morning for the first 30 days. This lower dose allows your body to get used to the drug.
After 30 days, your doctor will increase your dosage to 7 mg taken once per day. This is the usual maintenance dosage.
While taking Rybelsus, you’ll carefully monitor your blood sugar level. Depending on how your blood sugar level responds to the medication, your doctor may keep your dosage at 7 mg per day or increase it to 14 mg per day. Dosage increases are only made after you’ve taken your current dosage for at least 30 days. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The maximum dosage of Rybelsus is 14 mg per day.
Is Rybelsus used long term?
Yes, Rybelsus is usually used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Rybelsus’s dosage.
Is there a 3-mg daily dose of Rybelsus?
Yes, the 3-mg daily dose of Rybelsus is used as a starting dose. You’ll take the 3-mg dose each morning for the first 30 days of your treatment. Starting doses give your body time to get used to a drug and can lower the risk of side effects. But the 3 mg dose is not enough to manage your blood sugar level. After taking 3 mg each morning for 30 days, your doctor will increase your dose.
Can Rybelsus be used for weight loss? If so, what’s the dosage?
No, Rybelsus should not be used for weight loss. Although it’s a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist, it’s used specifically to manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Because Rybelsus isn’t recommended for weight loss, the drug manufacturer doesn’t provide recommended dosages for this use.
On the other hand, Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist that’s specifically made for weight loss. If you want to learn more about Wegovy for weight loss, talk with your doctor.
Your dosage of diabetic medications, including Rybelsus, may need to change if you experience:
- weight gain or loss
- changes in diet
- changes in your level of physical activity or exercise
- increased mental stress
- illness, infection, or fever
- physical injury, trauma, or surgery
- changes in other medications you take
If any of these apply to you, talk with your doctor. They may ask you to check your blood sugar level more often and may decide to adjust your Rybelsus dosage.
Rybelsus is a tablet that’s taken once per day. It should be taken alone, without other medications, in the morning on an empty stomach (before consuming any food or drinks).
Before you eat, it’s important to wait at least 30 minutes after taking Rybelsus. If you wait less than 30 minutes, your body may not absorb enough of the drug. This can make Rybelsus less effective.
Rybelsus should not be chewed, crushed, or split. Take Rybelsus with no more than 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of water. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, talk with your doctor about ways to make taking Rybelsus easier.
For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Rybelsus, see this article.
Accessible drug containers and labels
Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:
- have large print or use braille
- feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.
If you have trouble opening medication bottles, let your pharmacist know. They may be able to supply Rybelsus in an easy-open container. They may also have tips to help make it simpler to open the drug’s container.
If you miss a dose of Rybelsus, you should skip the dose. Then, take your next dose the following morning at the usual time. You should not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Rybelsus on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Do not take more Rybelsus than your doctor prescribes as this can cause harmful effects.
What to do in case you take too much Rybelsus
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Rybelsus. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by the drug manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Rybelsus for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Rybelsus without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Rybelsus exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How will I know if my current dosage of Rybelsus is working?
- If I exercise more, will my dosage of Rybelsus be decreased?
- Should I expect an increase in side effects when I start the maintenance dosage of Rybelsus?
To learn more about Rybelsus, see these articles:
- All About Rybelsus
- Side Effects of Rybelsus: What You Need to Know
- Rybelsus and Cost: What You Need to Know
- Rybelsus vs. Jardiance: What You Should Know
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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.