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Rybelsus - Uses - Dosages - Side Effects - Precautions

Rybelsus: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Rybelsus?

Rybelsus is the brand name of the oral drug semaglutide. It is used along with diet and exercise to treat adults who have type 2 diabetes. Rybelsus is a gastrointestinal hormone mimicker in a pill form that regulates the insulin level in your body. Rybelsus is the world’s first oral pill against type 2 diabetes. The FDA approved  Rybelsus as an effective, minimally invasive treatment, and Novo Nordisk launched it in 2019.

What are the uses of Rybelsus?

Rybelsus is a drug that is useful for treating type 2 diabetes. Patients with type 2 diabetes are resistant to natural gastrointestinal hormones that control blood sugar levels. Rybelsus mimics the role of these hormones and acts as an insulin stimulator. It helps eliminate excess sugar from your body. Rybelsus also slows down digestion and absorption so that you can feel fuller for a longer time with no urge to eat more.

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What are the side effects of Rybelsus?

Rybelsus acts as a natural hormone once it enters the body; hence, other gastrointestinal hormones that are already present try to eliminate this new hormone “Rybelsus”. This only happens in some cases and results in common side effects such as:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Diarrhoea
  • Stomach pain
  • Constipation
  • Weight loss
  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
  • Pancreatitis (swelling or irritation in the pancreas)
  • Diabetic retinopathy (eye damage due to diabetes). 

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Rybelsus

1. Do you have to wait 30 minutes after taking Rybelsus?

Yes, your doctor will recommend you to take Rybelsus 30 minutes before a meal on an empty stomach in the morning. This ensures the proper absorption of Rybelsus in your gut. It also acts as a gatekeeper. When the food enters the stomach, a required amount of insulin is secreted to control your blood sugar levels.

2. Can you drink coffee before taking Rybelsus?

The effectiveness and action of Rybelsus in the presence of drinks including coffee, juices and alcohol are not known. However, your doctor will recommend you to take Rybelsus on an empty stomach with a few sips of water. You should not consume food or liquid for 30 minutes after consuming the medication. Therefore, it is best to avoid drinking coffee before taking Rybelsus.

3. Can you take Rybelsus and metformin together?

Rybelsus and metformin both are diabetic medications for type 2 diabetes. Usually, doctors will recommend Rybelsus alone, as it is enough to control your blood sugar levels and regulate insulin. Taking metformin and Rybelsus together is not advised; however, it is your doctor’s call. Please do not take it without a prescription.

4. Can Rybelsus make you tired?

Reported side effects after taking Rybelsus are nausea, headache, dizziness, vomiting and stomach pain. These side effects can make you tired. Otherwise, tiredness is not directly associated with taking Rybelsus. Take precautions, follow proper dosage and treatment along with a good diet and exercise for best results. Consult your doctor immediately if the side effects are severe.

5. Is Rybelsus good for diabetes?

Rybelsus is an oral drug (semaglutide), which is used along with diet and exercise to treat adults who have type 2 diabetes. It is a prescribed medication to lower blood sugar levels and should be strictly followed as recommended by your doctor. Rybelsus is not recommended for patients with type 1 diabetes.

6. Does Rybelsus need to be refrigerated?

No, Rybelsus should not be refrigerated. It should be intact in its blister packaging as you bought it. You might have a habit of storing your medicines in your weekday pillboxes. Rybelsus always needs to stay in the blister at room temperature to maintain its effectiveness.

7. Can Rybelsus cause thyroid problems?

It is not known whether Rybelsus can cause thyroid problems. But it is advised to consult a doctor about all the medications you are taking. If you are a patient with thyroid, your dosage timings may clash with those of Rybelsus. In that case, the doctor would give an alternative suggestion.

8. Can I cut Rybelsus in half?

No, you cannot do that. Rybelsus are available in 3 dosage forms 3 mg, 7 mg and 14 mg. The pills are designed in such a way that if you break and consume them, they will not be effective. The drug has the exact concentration, and when hindered, it will not be effective.

9. Does Rybelsus cause indigestion?

Diarrhoea, stomach pain, constipation, vomiting and nausea are the common side effects in patients after taking Rybelsus. Hence, indigestion can occur after taking this drug. Take the drug as per the prescription. Consult your doctor immediately if the side effects are severe or last for more than 2 days.

10. What is the best time of day to take Rybelsus?

Rybelsus is recommended to be taken 30 minutes before a meal on an empty stomach in the morning. Unless you are a night eater, you can take Rybelsus directly with 4 ounces of water on an empty stomach. You have to restrict the consumption of food or other drinks, including water, for 30 minutes after taking Rybelsus.

 

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Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.