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Rybelsus is a prescription-only medication approved for type 2 diabetes management. In some cases, it can be prescribed off-label to support weight loss. Learn how to get Rybelsus in person or online.
Rybelsus (semaglutide) is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for type 2 diabetes management. It may sometimes be used to support weight loss in people with overweight or obesity.
It works by mimicking the actions of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone that’s critical for blood sugar regulation. It also slows digestion and reduces hunger, which could lead to weight loss.
Unlike other GLP-1 medications, which are injections, Rybelsus is a daily oral tablet, making it a more accessible option for many.
However, you’ll need a prescription from a licensed medical professional to get Rybelsus. This could be your primary care professional, endocrinologist, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.
This article looks at how to get Rybelsus and who’s eligible for a prescription.
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An expert’s take
Your healthcare professional will consider numerous factors when determining whether Rybelsus is right for you.
However, Janelle Duah, MD, assistant professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine, explained to Healthline that Rybelsus could be a good option if you’re afraid of needles or are unable to safely inject yourself.
According to Duah, “Dexterity and vision can also play a role in a person’s comfort with using a pen, and people with issues in those realms may want to opt to take a pill.”
Alternatively, Duah noted, “If the patient already suffers from GI issues like nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, or constipation, [licensed physicians] would [consider] injected Victoza or Ozempic over oral Rybelsus as the oral formulation has a higher risk of side effects.”
Rybelsus is only available with a prescription. You’ll need to meet with a licensed healthcare professional at a clinic or through a telehealth platform to discuss your health goals and determine if Rybelsus is a good option.
A note on getting Rybelsus
Rybelsus is only FDA-approved for people with type 2 diabetes, though the medication is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss. It’s ultimately up to a qualified healthcare professional to determine whether Rybelsus is right for you.
Due to occasional supply chain issues, Rybelsus may be difficult to obtain.
At the doctor’s office
The safest way to get Rybelsus is through a face-to-face assessment with a licensed healthcare professional.
You’ll benefit from personalized guidance and medical advice as they can thoroughly evaluate your medical history, perform physical exams, and discuss your needs. If Rybelsus is suitable, they’ll provide a prescription for you to fill at a local or online pharmacy.
Telehealth platforms
If you prefer the convenience of buying Rybelsus online, some reliable options have passed our rigorous vetting standards.
Getting a prescription online
Looking for more options? We rounded up the most reputable places you might consider getting Rybelsus online.
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Rybelsus, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that acts like GLP-1 in the body. When you take Rybelsus, it binds to the GLP-1 receptors on the surface of pancreatic beta cells. This triggers the cells to release more insulin into the bloodstream, lowering blood sugar.
It also slows digestion and helps you feel full, which may encourage weight loss.
The
However, if your healthcare professional determines it’s safe and medically appropriate, they may prescribe Rybelsus off-label for weight management. Using
Whether you qualify may depend on your overall health, including your current blood sugar control, medical history, and any existing health conditions.
While Rybelsus is an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes, it’s not suitable for everyone. Having certain health conditions may mean you shouldn’t take Rybelsus.
Rybelsus carries a
Furthermore, Rybelsus may not be right for you if you have:
- diabetic eye problem (diabetic retinopathy)
- risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- kidney issues
- pancreas issues (pancreatitis)
- allergic reactions to Rybelsus or any of its components
Rybelsus hasn’t been studied in pregnant people. So, experts don’t know if it’s harmful to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk with your healthcare professional about managing your blood sugar levels to find your best management options.
Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Rybelsus, lists the price for a 30-tablet supply of Rybelsus as $968.52. This price applies to tablets of all strengths, which includes 3 milligrams (mg), 7 mg, and 14 mg.
However, the price you’ll pay varies based on several factors. Your insurance coverage, location, and choice of filling pharmacy can significantly affect the cost. Likewise, you may be eligible for patient assistance programs, manufacturer discounts, or coupons that could offset costs.
Is Rybelsus covered by insurance?
The extent of insurance coverage for Rybelsus varies depending on your specific health insurance plan. Your out-of-pocket expenses for Rybelsus can vary significantly. Some insurance plans may cover a significant portion of the cost, while others may require higher copayments or deductibles.
Your coverage may also depend on the healthcare professional’s assessment of medical necessity. If your doctor determines that Rybelsus is essential for your type 2 diabetes management, your insurance plan may be more likely to cover it.
For the full picture of your out-of-pocket expenses, it’s best to chat with your insurance provider about Rybelsus coverage.
Are there coupons for Rybelsus?
Novo Nordisk provides a savings card program. Eligible people may pay as little as $10 for a 1-month, 2-month, or 3-month prescription for Rybelsus with insurance.
You may also find discount coupons at certain pharmacies through websites like GoodRx.
Rybelsus is used to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. In some cases, it may also be prescribed off-label for weight loss.
Rybelsus can only be prescribed by licensed medical professionals. The laws and regulations regarding prescription authority can vary by location.
However, primary care physicians, endocrinologists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants are typically authorized to prescribe medications, including Rybelsus.
It’s possible to take Rybelsus even if you don’t have diabetes. But, its intended use is to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, and it’s only been FDA-approved for this purpose.
In some cases, healthcare professionals may consider prescribing it off-label to support weight loss in certain people. Usually, this means people with a BMI of 30 or more or a BMI of 27 or more who also have weight-related health issues like high blood pressure or obstructive sleep apnea.
The decision to prescribe Rybelsus should only be made under their guidance and supervision, following a comprehensive health assessment.
There isn’t an over-the-counter (OTC) version of Rybelsus. However, some OTC supplements may have effects on blood sugar.
Research suggests that berberine has significant blood-sugar-lowering effects. This natural bioactive compound is extracted from various plants and appears to increase insulin sensitivity and production and help regulate metabolism.
It may also help with weight management. A 2020 review of 12 studies examined the effect of berberine on obesity parameters, inflammation, and liver function enzymes. It found a significant reduction in body weight, waist circumference, and inflammatory markers. It didn’t affect liver enzymes.
If you’re considering trying berberine, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional first to confirm it’s suitable.
Improved blood sugar regulation and weight management may involve professional guidance, medications, and lifestyle adjustments. Rybelsus may be a valuable addition to this comprehensive approach, offering effective blood sugar regulation and potential weight loss benefits for people with type 2 diabetes.
While there are several reputable online providers, the best way to learn if Rybelsus is right for you is by making an in-person appointment with a healthcare professional. In addition to potentially writing you a prescription, they can also help guide you toward additional resources, like a referral to a registered dietitian, for long-term success.