Semaglutide has become a popular treatment for Canadians. It is a drug that goes by three different brand names. Ozempic (injectable form) and Rybelsus (oral form) are authorized for sale by Health Canada to manage type 2 diabetes while its counterpart, Wegovy (injectable form), is indicated for long-term weight management. All of these use the same semaglutide active ingredient and work the same way on the body.
By educating yourself about the potential side effects of Rybelsus, you can better assess the benefits and risks of using this medication. Let’s explore the side effects of Rybelsus that you should know about to make a well-informed decision on whether this medication is a good choice for you.
What Are the Side Effects of Rybelsus?
Rybelsus is an oral medication that works by activating the GLP-1 receptors in the body to help improve blood sugar levels. Rybelsus also slows down stomach emptying, increases fullness and reduces appetite, helping to decrease calorie intake and reduce body weight.
Some of the most common Rybelsus side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Feeling weak or tired
- Acid reflux
Other side effects that may occur include feeling dizzy, burping, gas (flatulence), bloating of the stomach, inflamed stomach, hair loss. In some cases, people may experience low blood sugar levels especially those taking insulin or a sulfonylurea medication.
These side effects should be mild and improve over a few days to weeks — over-the-counter medications can help manage these side effects. If your side effects last longer or become moderate, frequent, or unmanageable, please chat with your healthcare practitioner. If they become severe (e.g., significant or persistent abdominal pain), please seek in-person care as soon as possible with your healthcare practitioner, or visit a walk-in clinic or the emergency department.
Who Should Not Take Rybelsus?
Rybelsus cannot be used in patients who have a personal history of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) or a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
It is also important to note that Rybelsus cannot be used in patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are trying to conceive. If you are trying to conceive, Rybelsus needs to be stopped at least 8 weeks prior. Additionally, it is possible that oral contraceptives may not work as well while taking semaglutide, so you should not rely on them as your only form of birth control.
It’s important to contact your healthcare practitioner in order to choose a treatment option that is best for you.
How Long Do the Side Effects of Rybelsus Last?
The length of time that they last and the severity of the side effects with Rybelsus vary from person to person. Many people experience short-term side effects, like nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea for several days or weeks after starting treatment with Rybelsus. These symptoms should resolve as your body adjusts to the medication. If they do not go away, then you need to talk to your healthcare practitioner to have the symptoms assessed. The side effects may return when the medication dose is increased.
Other side effects, like significant, persistent abdominal pain, fever, etc., require immediate in-person medical attention at your local emergency department or urgent care centre. In some cases, individuals may need to stop taking Rybelsus altogether.
You should speak with a healthcare practitioner if you’re experiencing any side effects while taking Rybelsus, especially if they are moderate or not going away. They can guide you through how to manage your side effects, how long it may last, and can ensure your overall health and well-being.
Does Rybelsus Cause Hair Loss?
Hair loss can have many underlying causes such as:
- Stress
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Hormonal imbalances
- Certain medications
- Significant rapid weight lossÂ
Hair loss can, in rare instances, be related to Rybelsus use. However, other medications or medical conditions might be responsible for changes in your physical appearance and hair loss as well. If you experience an unexplained change in your hair growth pattern or are having hair loss while taking Rybelsus, speaking with a healthcare practitioner to rule out other potential causes is essential.
Can Rybelsus Cause Muscle Pain?
No, muscle pain is not a known side effect of taking Rybelsus. If you experience any significant or new muscle pain while using Rybelsus, your best course of action is to speak with your healthcare practitioner to assess the cause and identify if any further action needs to be taken.
Can Rybelsus Cause Joint Pain?
No, joint pain is not a known side effect or a potential side effect of taking Rybelsus. Joint pain can be characterized as aching, stiffness, or soreness in the joints and can be caused by many things including but not limited to things like inflammation, injury, medical conditions, or medications.
If you experience joint pain while taking Rybelsus, speak to a healthcare practitioner to assess the cause and identify if further action needs to be taken.
Can Rybelsus Cause Constipation?
Yes, constipation is a common side effect of taking Rybelsus. Constipation is generally defined as having fewer than three bowel movements in a week. Constipation can also be caused by many things other than Rybelsus, such as dehydration, physical activity level, dietary food choices, medical conditions, and medications.
Regular physical activity, increased fluid intake, and increased fiber can often be helpful for some people with constipation.
If you are noticing a significant change in your bowel habits, including constipation while taking Rybelsus, speak with a healthcare practitioner to assess the cause and determine if further action needs to be taken.
Does Rybelsus Make You Tired?
Yes, feeling tired can be a side effect of taking Rybelsus. However, fatigue can be caused by various factors depending on the individual and their situation, and can range from mild to severe.
If you are experiencing changes in your energy level or fatigue while taking Rybelsus, it is essential to consult with your healthcare practitioner in order to look into the potential causes and any other symptoms you may be experiencing, since fatigue can be caused by many different medical and non-medical conditions.
Does Rybelsus Cause Depression
There is no known direct link at this point between taking Rybelsus and depression, though some patients may experience mood changes. These changes can range from mild to severe, depending on the individual and their situation. Biological, psychological, and social factors can all cause or be involved in depression.
Rybelsus was not studied in patients with major depressive disorder or with a history of suicide attempts or thoughts of suicide. As a result, if you are experiencing symptoms of depression, it is crucial to speak with your healthcare practitioner as soon as possible, especially if your depression symptoms are new, different, or worsening.
A healthcare practitioner can assess and may identify any potential underlying causes contributing to your symptoms. They can also determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you.
If you feel unsafe, feel like harming yourself or others, or are having any other significant symptoms or changes in your mood or symptoms, call 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency department.
Does Rybelsus Cause Anxiety?
There is no known direct link at this point between taking Rybelsus and anxiety, though some patients may experience mood changes while on the medication.
These changes can range from mild to severe, depending on the individual and their situation. Biological, psychological, and social factors can all cause or be involved in anxiety.
It is essential to speak to a healthcare practitioner if you are experiencing anxiety, especially if you are experiencing new, different or worsening of your anxiety.
If you feel unsafe, feel like harming yourself or others, or are having any other significant symptoms or changes in your mood or symptoms, call 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency department.
If you’d like more information about how to get Rybelsus online in Canada, speak to a Felix healthcare practitioner today.
This information does not replace medical advice. Any questions you have about your treatment are best discussed directly with your healthcare practitioner.
