Rybelsus (semaglutide) is a prescription-only oral medication for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. As the first glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist available in tablet form, it offers an alternative to injectable treatments. Rybelsus tablets come in three distinct strengths, each with unique identifying features: 3 mg tablets are light pink, 7 mg tablets are light yellow, and 14 mg tablets are white. All are oval-shaped with clear embossing. Recognising what Rybelsus looks like is essential for ensuring you take the correct medication and dosage as prescribed, and for identifying genuine tablets from registered UK pharmacies.

What Does Rybelsus Look Like?

Rybelsus (semaglutide) is a prescription-only oral medication used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. It is the first glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist available in tablet form, offering an alternative to injectable diabetes treatments. Understanding what Rybelsus tablets look like is important for ensuring you are taking the correct medication and dosage as prescribed by your healthcare professional.

Rybelsus tablets are oval-shaped and come in three distinct strengths, each with unique identifying features:

• 3 mg tablets: Light pink with '3' embossed on one side and 'novo' on the other

• 7 mg tablets: Light yellow with '7' embossed on one side and 'novo' on the other

• 14 mg tablets: White with '14' embossed on one side and 'novo' on the other

The physical appearance of Rybelsus is described in the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) and Patient Information Leaflet (PIL). The tablets are supplied in blister packs rather than bottles, with each blister clearly labelled with the strength and other essential information.

It is essential to familiarise yourself with the appearance of your prescribed Rybelsus tablets, particularly if you are starting treatment or if your dose has been adjusted. If you receive tablets that look different from what you expect, or if the packaging appears tampered with or unusual, contact your pharmacist immediately before taking the medication. Only obtain Rybelsus from NHS prescriptions dispensed by registered UK pharmacies. Never take tablets that you cannot positively identify, as this could lead to serious health consequences.

How to Identify Genuine Rybelsus Tablets

Identifying genuine Rybelsus tablets is crucial for your safety and treatment efficacy. Counterfeit medications pose significant health risks and may contain incorrect ingredients, wrong dosages, or harmful substances. Fortunately, Rybelsus tablets have several distinctive features that help verify their authenticity.

Key identifying features by strength:

• 3 mg tablets: Light pink, oval-shaped tablets with '3' embossed on one side and 'novo' on the other

• 7 mg tablets: Light yellow, oval-shaped tablets with '7' embossed on one side and 'novo' on the other

• 14 mg tablets: White, oval-shaped tablets with '14' embossed on one side and 'novo' on the other

All genuine Rybelsus tablets should have clear, crisp embossing that is easy to read. The tablets should be uniform in colour and free from chips, cracks, or discolouration. The blister packaging should display the manufacturer's name, product details, batch number, expiry date, and strength clearly printed on each blister strip.

Additional verification steps include:

• Check the outer carton matches the Patient Information Leaflet inside

• Verify the pharmacy label matches your prescription

• Ensure the packaging has not been opened or tampered with

• Confirm the tablets match the description in the Patient Information Leaflet

Only obtain Rybelsus from registered UK pharmacies or through the NHS with a valid prescription. If purchasing from an online pharmacy, verify it is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) by checking their online register. Be extremely cautious of online suppliers offering Rybelsus without a valid prescription, as these sources may supply counterfeit products. If you have any concerns about the authenticity of your medication or experience unexpected side effects, contact your pharmacist or GP immediately. You can report suspected counterfeit medicines or side effects to the MHRA through their Yellow Card scheme.

Storing and Handling Rybelsus Safely

Proper storage and handling of Rybelsus tablets is essential to maintain their effectiveness and ensure your safety. Unlike some diabetes medications that require refrigeration, Rybelsus has specific storage requirements that patients must follow carefully to preserve the medication's stability and therapeutic properties.

Storage requirements:

Rybelsus should be stored in its original blister packaging to protect it from moisture, which can degrade the medication. Keep the tablets at room temperature, below 30°C, and away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Do not transfer tablets to pill organisers or other containers, as exposure to air and moisture will compromise the medication. The blister pack is specifically designed with a moisture barrier to protect the tablets until the moment you take them.

Store Rybelsus in a secure location out of sight and reach of children and pets. A locked cupboard or high shelf in a cool, dry area of your home is ideal. Avoid storing the medication in bathrooms or kitchens where humidity levels fluctuate, as moisture is particularly damaging to these tablets.

Handling instructions:

Only remove a Rybelsus tablet from the blister pack immediately before taking it. Push the tablet through the foil backing rather than peeling the foil off, as this maintains protection for the remaining tablets. Handle tablets with dry hands, and never cut, crush, or chew them, as this will affect how the medication is absorbed and may reduce its effectiveness. Try to take your tablet at approximately the same time each morning for consistency.

Disposal and expiry:

Check the expiry date on the packaging regularly and never use Rybelsus beyond this date. Dispose of expired or unwanted tablets by returning them to your local pharmacy, which operates a safe disposal scheme. Do not throw medications in household waste or flush them down the toilet, as this can harm the environment.

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction (such as difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat) or severe, persistent abdominal pain, which could indicate pancreatitis, a rare but serious side effect.

Rybelsus Dosage Strengths and Appearance

Rybelsus is available in three dosage strengths, each with a distinct appearance to facilitate accurate identification and reduce the risk of dosing errors. Understanding the differences between these strengths is important for patients and carers, particularly during dose titration or if multiple household members are taking different strengths of the medication.

The three available strengths:

The 3 mg strength serves as the starting dose for most patients beginning Rybelsus treatment. These light pink, oval tablets are embossed with the number '3' on one side and 'novo' on the reverse. This initial dose allows your body to adjust to the medication and helps minimise gastrointestinal side effects, which are common when starting GLP-1 receptor agonists. Patients typically remain on this dose for 30 days before titration.

The 7 mg strength is usually the next step in dose escalation. These tablets are light yellow and oval-shaped, marked with '7' on one side and 'novo' on the other. Many patients achieve adequate glycaemic control with this intermediate dose, while others may require further titration. Your healthcare team will assess your HbA1c levels and tolerability before deciding whether to increase your dose.

The 14 mg strength represents the maximum recommended dose of Rybelsus. These white, oval tablets are embossed with '14' on one side and 'novo' on the other. This higher strength is prescribed when additional glucose-lowering effect is needed and the 7 mg dose has been well tolerated for at least 30 days. Not all patients will require this maximum dose, and the decision to escalate should be made collaboratively with your diabetes specialist or GP.

Important dosing considerations:

Each strength of Rybelsus must be taken according to specific instructions to ensure optimal absorption. Take one tablet daily on an empty stomach, with no more than 120 ml of plain water only, at least 30 minutes before your first food, drink, or other oral medications of the day. Other beverages can reduce absorption. This unique administration requirement applies to all three strengths and is critical for the medication to work effectively. If you miss a dose, skip it and take your next dose the following day—never take two tablets to make up for a missed dose. If you are unsure which strength you should be taking or notice your tablets look different from usual, contact your GP or pharmacist before taking them.

Frequently Asked Questions