Semaglutide
Semaglutide, sold as Rybelsus, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist tablet used for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, in 3 mg, 7 mg and 14 mg strengths.
Key points
- Acute pancreatitis has been reported with GLP-1 receptor agonists, including necrotising cases and fatal outcomes.
- The symptom to watch for is persistent, severe abdominal pain.
- Semaglutide has not been studied in people with a history of pancreatitis and should be used with caution in those cases.
How does semaglutide work?
Semaglutide mimics GLP-1, a hormone your gut releases after eating. It increases insulin release when blood sugar is high, reduces the sugar your liver sends into the bloodstream, and slows how quickly the stomach empties. Together these effects lower blood sugar after meals and between them, which is why it sits in the Diabetes Management category.
