Rybelsus, an oral semaglutide drug, is one of many treatments used to target type 2 diabetes. Rybelsus is like other GLP-1 receptor agonists. The drug works to control blood sugar levels. It is most effective with good eating habits and regular exercise. Although it is not FDA-approved for weight loss, it has major weight loss effects. Recently, GLP-1 drugs have become very popular for weight loss. In particular, they are popular among overweight people seeking alternatives to bariatric surgery. But are there any side effects linked with using Rybelsus for weight loss? Keep reading to find out.
6 Side Effects of Rybelsus
Stomach Issues
Some of the most common side effects of Rybelsus include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Pain in the stomach
- Changes in appetite.
These are all very common when people take the tablet or increase their dosage. When you start semaglutide, you may experience these symptoms. Don’t panic.
In some rare cases, Rybelsus may cause acid reflux or heartburn. Although it was seldom reported in clinical trials, it’s not ruled out. Acid reflux can cause great discomfort, and if it persists, you should consult your doctor.
Rybelsus can also cause pancreatitis in extreme cases. Contact your doctor should symptoms persist. Seek immediate medical attention if the pain becomes severe.
You can help to control and avoid these side effects. You must keep hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Stick to a simple, healthy diet, avoiding any fatty or greasy foods, and keep meals small. Don’t lie down right after meals. Eat easy-to-digest foods, such as rice, toast, and bananas. They may help soothe your stomach.
Discomfort when first starting the drug is normal. Symptoms should subside if you follow this advice.
Problems with Digestive System
Rybelsus users may experience problems with bowel movements, such as:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
These symptoms are also quite common, but you should track them.
Diarrhea mixed with other symptoms like nausea and vomiting may be a sign of kidney damage. Be aware of the pattern of your bowel movements. If you feel the symptoms are prolonging, then you should consult your doctor.
Drink plenty of fluids when experiencing either of these side effects of Rybelsus. If you have diarrhea, eat plain, bland foods. Avoid spicy food, excessive dairy products, and alcohol. If you have constipation, eat high-fiber foods. Most fruits and vegetables are very fibrous. Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet and regular movement of your body will also help.
There is a chance you will have a bad reaction to the oral semaglutide, Rybelsus. You can explore other semaglutide injection options, such as Wegovy or Ozempic. These may be a better option for you. Always research your medication to ensure that it is safe for your weight loss.
Low Blood Sugar Levels
Hypoglycemia is another common side effect of Rybelsus. This happens when your blood sugar levels are very low. Hypoglycemia usually happens to type 2 diabetic patients. These individuals are generally taking other medications, like insulin, to control their diabetes. Both drugs taken simultaneously can cause these low blood sugar levels.
A drop in your blood sugar levels may leave you feeling:
- Agitated
- Weak
- Sweaty
- Disorientated
- Hungry
You may also experience:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Quick heartbeat.
If you are a type 2 diabetic, check your blood sugar levels daily. If you experience a drop, you should immediately try to eat easy-to-digest carbohydrates. These will help bring your levels back up.
Allergic Reactions
Some people may experience an allergic reaction when taking Rybelsus. Visible signs of an allergic reaction to the medication may include:
- Inflammation of the face
- Swelling of the throat or mouth
- Breakout of an itchy rash
People may experience:
- Difficulty when breathing
- Disorientation or lightheadedness
- Rise in body temperature
- Extreme nausea
- Rapid heartbeat
If you experience any of these side effects, seek immediate emergency medical attention. Stop taking the semaglutide. You could be allergic to it.
Some semaglutide medications are not suited to everyone. If you experience an allergic reaction like this, don’t give up on your weight loss journey. You can always consider different non-bariatric options.
Complications with Gallbladder
Some Rybelsus users have experienced issues with their gallbladders. Symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Jaundice
- Spike in temperature
- Gray-colored stool
Don’t hesitate to contact your doctor if you notice any of these issues. Problems with your gallbladder can result in gallstones. This is a very painful condition and may need surgery. Avoid prolonging the wait to fix the issue.
Kidney Damage or Failure
Rybelsus can cause kidney damage. Side effects like excessive nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can cause dehydration. You lose too many liquids in your body. Indicators of kidney damage include:
- Less frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Chest Pain
Kidney damage can have serious long-term effects on a person. In extreme cases, kidney failure happens, which can be fatal.
If you think that you are experiencing kidney damage, immediately contact your doctor. If it is caught early, you can present the risk of your kidneys going into failure.
To prevent this damage from happening, you can:
- Drink more fluids to prevent dehydration
- Stay active
- Keep your blood sugar levels under control
It is important to be able to recognize the early signs of dehydration. Symptoms like dark-colored urine, dry mouth, headache, and dizziness will show dehydration.
How to Avoid Rybelsus Side Effects
Provide Your Doctor with a Full Medical History
Inform your doctor or prescriber and keep them up to date with your medical history. Inform them about previous concerns with your stomach, kidneys, gallbladder, diabetes, and allergies. You should also provide them with any family medical history that may be a cause for concern. They should also be aware of any current prescriptions that you are on.
For example, inform your doctor if you are taking insulin or anti-depressants. These can increase the chances of serious side effects when taken with Rybelsus. If this is your case, you might want to consider some safer weight loss solutions.
Ensure Correct Dosage and Administration of the Drug
There are three typical doses, 3mg, 7mg, and 14mg, of Rybelsus that patients take. Always follow the guideline dosages given by your doctor. Ensure that the medication is taken correctly.
Take Rybelsus only in the mornings, before food, and swallow it only with water. Do not take Rybelsus with any other prescription.
If you miss a day, do not take twice the dosage the next day. This will increase the risk of side effects and could make you very ill.
If, for any reason, you feel that you have taken too much Rybelsus in one go, you should seek emergency medical care.
Maintain a Healthy, Balanced Lifestyle
You cannot depend on weight loss medication to solve all your problems. Focus on improving your eating habits and incorporating exercise into your life. This will increase the likelihood of weight loss and improve your quality of life. It will also help to avoid all the side effects that we have listed above. Cut the risk of stomach or gallbladder issues by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Frequently-Asked Questions
What are the Most Common Side Effects of Rybelsus?
The most common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or Constipation
- Appetite Loss
- Abdominal Pain
Do the Side Effects of Rybelsus Vary by Strength: 3 mg, 7 mg, and 14 mg?
It is difficult to say if side effects will increase as the strength rises. Gastrointestinal side effects are most common. They are usually reported when people begin taking the drug and any time they have an increase in dosage. Thus, it would be hard to differentiate between the side effects of a 3mg dose or the initial side effects of a 7mg dose.
In clinical trials, it was reported that 14mg doses had more side effects on patients than 7mg doses.
Are there any Long-Term Side Effects of Rybelsus Treatment?
The most serious side effects of Rybelsus can include:
- Kidney Disease
- Pancreatitis
- Gallstones
- Hypoglycemia
Yet, they are not likely to have long-term side effects as they are all treatable.
Where can I Find Reviews from people who have had Side Effects with Rybelsus?
You can read side effect reviews of Rybelsus on the manufacturer’s website. But don’t let other people’s opinions or stories convince you to try the drug if you are not sure yet. These reviews are sometimes biased.
Having doubts about semaglutide drugs and their side effects is normal. You may feel uncomfortable putting this medication into your body. You should research other available options.
There are other non-surgical options available, such as the Spatz Gastric Balloon. This is a non-permanent, non-invasive procedure that can bring you even better weight loss results. With an 84% success rate, compared to other gastric balloons in the US, Spatz can help you succeed in achieving your weight loss goals.
