Understanding Rybelsus Side Effects

Rybelsus, with its active ingredient semaglutide, is an approved medication that belongs to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class. Introduced in 2017, this oral tablet is designed to help adults with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. It is typically prescribed alongside a balanced diet and regular exercise and is often part of a long-term treatment plan. While some individuals may also use Rybelsus for weight loss, its primary purpose remains glycemic control.

As with any medication, Rybelsus can cause side effects that range from mild to severe. Understanding these potential reactions is crucial for managing them effectively. Collaborating with a healthcare provider is vital, as some adverse effects can be serious and require immediate medical attention.

Common Side Effects of Rybelsus

• Nausea and Vomiting

These are the most frequently reported side effects, often linked to the medication’s ability to slow stomach emptying. While these symptoms typically subside as the body adjusts, they can signal more serious issues like pancreatitis if accompanied by severe stomach pain.

What you can do

If you have nausea and vomiting with Rybelsus, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated. If you have nausea, you may find it helpful to take frequent sips of ice-cold drinks. If you have vomiting, it’s helpful to drink sports drinks, such as Gatorade, or eat soups or broths. These items replace electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, that you can lose through vomiting. Here are a few other tips for reducing nausea with Rybelsus:

• Avoid eating large main meals and try eating smaller amounts more often instead.
• Avoid greasy, spicy, or overly sweet foods.
• Avoid lying down after eating.
• Get plenty of fresh air.
  If you have nausea or vomiting that’s severe, doesn’t lessen, or occurs with abdominal pain, talk with your doctor right away. They may recommend switching from Rybelsus to a different medication.

• Weight Loss

You may lose weight while taking Rybelsus. This drug is prescribed to adults with type 2 diabetes to help lower blood sugar levels. But it can also cause weight loss, which is an added benefit for some people. In clinical trials, most people with type 2 diabetes who took Rybelsus experienced some weight loss. People who took higher doses of Rybelsus tended to lose more weight than people who took lower doses. Although losing weight is common with Rybelsus, it’s important to note that this weight loss may not be healthy for everyone. Rapid weight loss can cause several health problems, including gallbladder disease, dehydration, and malnutrition. Also, people with eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia, should not use Rybelsus. If you have concerns about weight loss while taking this drug, talk with your doctor.

Recommendations:

• Consult your doctor to ensure a balanced nutrient intake.
• Avoid relying on vomiting or diarrhea-induced weight loss, as these can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

• Constipation

Constipation is another frequent yet manageable side effect. If untreated, it can lead to further complications like hemorrhoids or bowel obstruction.

What you can do

If you have constipation with Rybelsus, it may help to:

• drink more water
• eat more high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• exercise regularly
  Sticking with these lifestyle changes can also help prevent constipation from happening again. If these measures don’t ease your constipation, ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable over-the-counter laxative. Examples include:
• stool softeners, such as docusate sodium
• stimulant laxatives, such as senna
• bulk-forming laxatives, such as methylcellulose
  If you have constipation that’s severe, bothersome, or doesn’t get better, talk with your doctor. They may prescribe a different laxative. Or they may recommend switching from Rybelsus to a different medication.

Mild Side Effects

These typically resolve within days or weeks as the body adjusts to the medication.

Common Mild Side Effects Include:

• Indigestion, acid reflux, and abdominal pain.
• Gas, bloating, and reduced appetite.
• Mild allergic reactions, such as rashes or itchiness.

If mild symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare provide.

Severe Side Effects

• Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas, although rare, is a serious concern.

• Symptoms: Persistent, stabbing abdominal pain that radiates to the back, nausea, and vomiting.
• Action: Contact your doctor immediately if these symptoms occur.

• Hypoglycemia

Rybelsus may lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels, especially when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas.

• Symptoms: Shaking, sweating, irritability, dizziness, and trouble concentrating.
• Prevention: Monitor blood sugar regularly and discuss dosage adjustments with your doctor.

• Kidney Complications

Dehydration from nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea can worsen kidney problems.

• Signs of Kidney Issues: Swollen extremities, reduced urination, and dark-colored urine.
• Management: Regular kidney function monitoring is vital for patients with preexisting conditions.

• Gallbladder Problems

Rybelsus may increase the risk of gallstones or gallbladder inflammation.

• Symptoms: Severe pain under the right ribs, jaundice, fever, and pale stools.
• Action: Seek immediate medical care if these occur.

• Thyroid Tumors

Though no human cases have been documented, animal studies suggest a potential link between Rybelsus and thyroid cancer.

• Warning Signs: Swelling in the neck, difficulty swallowing, or persistent hoarseness.
• Precaution: Patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2 syndrome should avoid Rybelsus.

Rare Side Effects of Rybelsus

Allergic Reactions
Though rare, some people taking Rybelsus may experience allergic reactions. These can range from mild to severe. Symptoms may include hives (itchy, raised bumps on the skin), skin rashes (red, irritated skin), and swelling, especially around the face, lips, tongue, or throat. In severe cases, swelling in the throat can make breathing difficult and can be life-threatening.

For mild allergic reactions, over-the-counter antihistamines can help reduce symptoms. However, if the reaction is severe, such as difficulty breathing, it’s important to seek emergency medical help right away. If you notice any allergic symptoms while taking Rybelsus, stop using the medication and contact your doctor immediately.

Serious Side Effects of Rybelsus

Rybelsus can lead to serious side effects, though not all possible side effects are listed here. For a complete list of potential risks, refer to the prescribing information for Rybelsus.

If you experience any serious side effects while taking Rybelsus, contact your doctor immediately. In the event that the symptoms appear life-threatening or if you believe you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency services right away.

Some serious side effects that have been reported, along with their symptoms, include:

• Kidney issues (including kidney failure): Symptoms may involve:
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Reduced urination or inability to urinate
  • Swelling in the feet, ankles, or hands
  • Confusion
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas): Symptoms include:
  • Severe, persistent abdominal pain that may radiate to the back
  • Nausea and vomiting
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially when used with insulin or certain medications like glipizide (Glucotrol XL): Symptoms may include:
  • Dizziness
  • Sweating
  • Shaking
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Confusion
  • Headache
• Gallbladder problems, such as gallstones or inflammation: Symptoms may include:
  • Severe pain in the upper-right abdomen
  • Pale stools
  • Fever
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Increased risk of thyroid cancer 
• Severe allergic reactions (see the “Side effect specifics” section for more details)

For further details on these serious side effects, refer to the “Side effect specifics” section below.

Considerations for Diabetic Patients

If you have diabetes and are considering Rybelsus, it’s important to talk to your doctor first. Rybelsus can help manage blood sugar, but your doctor needs to make sure it’s right for you, especially if you’re taking other medications. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider, as Rybelsus has not been proven safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Your doctor can recommend the best treatment for you.

Interactions with Other Medications

Rybelsus can interact with certain medications, such as beta-blockers, which are used for heart conditions. When combined with Rybelsus, beta-blockers can hide the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), making it harder to recognize when blood sugar levels get too low. This is especially important for diabetic patients who need to carefully monitor their blood sugar. To avoid potential issues, always tell your doctor about all the medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Your doctor will adjust your treatment as needed.

Dietary Considerations

While there are no strict dietary rules when taking Rybelsus, eating a healthy, balanced diet can help improve how well the medication works. Eating regular meals with a variety of nutritious foods and limiting sugary foods will help keep your blood sugar levels stable. If needed, you can work with a healthcare provider or dietitian to create a personalized eating plan that supports your diabetes management.

FAQs about the side effects of Rybelsus

Do Rybelsus Side Effects Vary with Different Doses (3 mg, 7 mg, 14 mg)?

Yes and no. Rybelsus can cause the same side effects at any dose, but the risk of some side effects may be higher with higher doses. The manufacturer hasn’t reported specific side effect rates for the 3 mg dose, but digestive issues are more common when starting treatment or after increasing the dose. Clinical trials show that digestive side effects are more common with the 14 mg dose compared to the 7 mg dose. If you’re concerned about side effects, talk to your doctor about the best dose for you.

Is Hair Loss a Side Effect of Rybelsus?

No, hair loss is not a known side effect of Rybelsus. It was not reported in clinical trials, nor has it been noted since the drug’s approval. Hair loss can be caused by various factors, including stress, certain medications, and diabetes. If you experience hair loss while taking Rybelsus, talk to your doctor to figure out the cause and explore possible solutions.

Are There Any Long-Term Side Effects of Rybelsus?

Rybelsus is not known to cause long-term side effects. Taking it over time does not increase the risk of side effects, and most side effects are temporary. Some serious side effects, like pancreatitis or kidney problems, may take longer to improve after stopping the medication, but they typically don’t cause lasting issues. If you’re worried about long-term effects, consult your doctor.

Alcohol and Rybelsus

There is no known interaction between alcohol and Rybelsus. However, drinking alcohol while taking this medication can increase the chances of digestive side effects like nausea and diarrhea. If you drink alcohol, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about how much is safe while using Rybelsus.

Rybelsus During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

It is not clear whether Rybelsus is safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend other treatments to help manage your blood sugar during pregnancy. Uncontrolled blood sugar can be harmful to both the pregnant person and their baby.

It is also not known if Rybelsus passes into breast milk. Because of this, breastfeeding while taking Rybelsus is not recommended. Talk to your doctor about alternative ways to feed your baby if you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.

When to Talk to Your Doctor

Rybelsus can cause mild digestive side effects, especially when starting the medication or after increasing the dose. These side effects usually go away quickly and are easy to manage. While rare, serious side effects can occur.

If you have any questions or concerns about Rybelsus, it’s important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can provide more details and help with any issues you may face.

Additional Resources

• For more information about Rybelsus, see this article.
• Find out how Rybelsus compares with other medications like Ozempic and metformin.
• Learn about the cost of Rybelsus here.
• For details on type 2 diabetes, check out our diabetes hub.

Important Note: This article is meant for informational purposes only and should not replace advice from a licensed healthcare professional. Always consult your doctor before taking any medication.