Prescription drugs are often efficient and effective ways to treat a condition or a disease. However, almost all of them come with the risk of side effects. Rybelsus is one such prescription medication that is used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.
But in some cases, it might do more harm than good. But with some safe practices and preventive measures, you can enjoy the benefits of using Rybelsus without worrying about side effects.
This article aims to spread awareness of the side effects of Rybelsus medication. Here, you will discover what are the side effects of Rybelsus, do they go away, and what are Rybelsus foods to avoid.
So, if you are on the fence about choosing Rybelsus as your treatment for type 2 diabetes, read on to make sure that you know the potential risks of taking them.
What Are The Side Effects Of Rybelsus?
Rybelsus is a semaglutide tablet that can regulate the level of blood sugar in individuals who are older than 18. As with many other prescription drugs, Rybelsus also comes with the risks of some potential side effects. According to the official website of Rybelsus, the most common side effects may include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Reduced appetite
- Constipation
It is important to note that your body may take some time to start tolerating the medication. So, side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are most common in people who are taking the medication for the first time or in people who are increasing their dosage. However, these symptoms may fade over time.
Serious side effects of rybelsus
In addition to the above-mentioned common side effects of taking Rybelsus medication, it also poses the threat of some serious side effects as well. Though they are pretty rare, it is worth noting. The serious side effects include:
- Pancreatitis
Symptoms may include severe pain in the abdomen area. - Changes in vision
Symptoms may include blurred vision or unexplained changes in eyesight. - Low blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
Symptoms may include dizziness or lightheadedness, blurred vision, anxiety, irritability or mood changes, sweating, slurred speech, hunger, confusion or drowsiness, shakiness, weakness, headache, fast heartbeat, and feeling jittery. - Kidney problems
Symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, loss of appetite, swelling via feet and ankles, dry, itchy skin, shortness of breath, trouble sleeping, and urinating either too much or too little. - Serious allergic reactions
Symptoms may include swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; problems breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fainting or feeling dizzy; or very rapid heartbeat. - Gallbladder problems
Symptoms may include pain in your upper stomach (abdomen), yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), fever, and clay-colored stools.
If you are experiencing any symptoms related to the above side effects, stop the medication and immediately consult a health care provider for further diagnosis and care.
Do rybelsus side effects go away?
Though the list of side effects can make the drug look like a harmful substance to ingest into your body, be assured that most side effects of Rybelus fade away within days or weeks of either continued usage or stopping it entirely.
However, serious side effects such as pancreatitis and kidney problems may take a longer time to get better. The key is to constantly monitor your body, especially when you are beginning the treatment, and get medical help as soon as you experience severe irregularities or ailments in your body. In general, Rybelsus does not cause any long-lasting problems.
Rybelsus foods to avoid
Now that you have a detailed understanding of Rybelsus side effects, let’s explore some foods you should avoid while taking the drug to avoid side effects and mitigate complications:
- Foods and beverages that are high in sugar: High amounts of sugar may negate the effects of the drug on controlling blood sugar levels.
- Fried or greasy foods: A high intake of foods such as fried chicken, french fries, and greasy pizza can also increase the risk of Rybelsus side effects.
- Sodium-dense foods: They can increase blood pressure, which may lead to a heart attack or stroke.
- Red meat and processed meat: These types of meats have high amounts of saturated fat, which can increase the level of LDL (bad) cholesterol.
- Overuse of alcohol: Excessive alcohol intake may exacerbate the side effects of Rybelsus.
Though a moderate intake of the above-mentioned foods might not pose any threat of side effects, it is best to avoid them from your regular diet while you are taking Rybelsus. Talk with your doctor for more detailed information on what foods you should limit in your diet.
Conclusion
Rybelsus is a semaglutide tablet used for treating high blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. As with any other prescription drug, Rybelsus also has some potential side effects. The most common side effects of Rybelsus include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, reduced appetite, and constipation. These symptoms usually fade away with time.
Rybelsus may potentially cause some serious side effects in rare cases, including pancreatitis, changes in vision, hyperglycemia, kidney problems, serious allergic reactions, and gallbladder problems. Though it might take a bit longer to alleviate these conditions, Rybelsus generally does not pose long-term threats.
Avoiding or reducing the intake of certain kinds of foods, such as sugary foods, fried foods, sodium-dense foods, fatty meat, and alcohol, can be more beneficial for both improving the effects of Rybelsus and reducing its risks of side effects.
References
- Bisacodyl rectal. (2016).
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a611051.html - Dambha-Miller H, et al. (2020). Behaviour change, weight loss and remission of type 2 diabetes: A community-based prospective cohort study.
https://doi.org/10.1111/dme.14122
