This page has been reviewed by
Dr. Nicolette Lammers.
Possible side effects of Rybelsus
Proper use and dosing of Rybelsus are important. Always take this medicine exactly as agreed with your doctor. On this page you will find information on possible Rybelsus side effects from the package leaflet, along with guidance on what to do if warning signs occur. This information does not replace individualized medical advice. If you experience acute, severe symptoms, seek medical help immediately. If you notice any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.Serious side effects
Rare (affects 1 to 10 in 10,000 people)
- Severe allergic reactions (anaphylactic reactions). You should seek medical help immediately and inform your doctor right away if you develop symptoms such as breathing difficulties, swelling of the face and throat, wheezing, rapid heartbeat, pale and cold skin, dizziness, or weakness.
Other side effects
Very common (affects more than 1 in 10 people)
- Nausea: usually goes away over time
- Diarrhea: usually goes away over time
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when this medicine is used together with other diabetes medicines
Common (affects 1 to 10 in 100 people)
- Vomiting
- Upset stomach or indigestion
- Inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis): signs include stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
- Reflux or heartburn, also referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Stomach pain
- Bloated abdomen
- Constipation
- Tiredness
- Decreased appetite
- Gas (flatulence)
- Increases in pancreatic enzymes (such as lipase and amylase), detected in tests
- Worsening of diabetic eye disease
- Dizziness
Uncommon (affects 1 to 10 in 1,000 people)
- Weight loss
- Gallstones
- Belching
- Rapid pulse
- Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, or hives
- Inflammation of the gallbladder
- Changes in taste
- Delayed gastric emptying
Rare (affects 1 to 10 in 10,000 people)
- Inflamed pancreas (acute pancreatitis), which can cause severe pain in the stomach and back that does not go away. If such symptoms occur, you must see your doctor immediately.
Here you will find common questions about Rybelsus side effects, warning signs, and how to take it. The answers are based on the package leaflet. If symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsening, seek medical advice.
What is Rybelsus and what is it used for?
Rybelsus contains the active ingredient semaglutide. It helps lower blood sugar when it is too high. Rybelsus is used to treat type 2 diabetes as prescribed by a doctor, either alone or together with other medicines.
How do I take Rybelsus correctly?
Rybelsus should be taken on an empty stomach (fasting). Swallow the whole tablet with up to half a glass of water (up to 120 mL). After taking it, wait at least 30 minutes before having your first meal or first drink of the day or taking any other medicines.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
If you forget to take a dose, simply take one tablet the next morning.
Which side effects are very common?
Very common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when used together with other diabetes medicines.
Which side effects are common?
Common side effects include vomiting, upset stomach or indigestion, gastritis, reflux or heartburn, stomach pain, bloated abdomen, constipation, tiredness, decreased appetite, gas (flatulence), increases in pancreatic enzymes (such as lipase and amylase) in tests, worsening of diabetic eye disease, and dizziness.
Which side effects are uncommon or rare?
Uncommon side effects include weight loss, gallstones, belching, rapid pulse, allergic reactions such as rash, itching, or hives, inflammation of the gallbladder, changes in taste, and delayed gastric emptying. Rare side effects include severe allergic reactions and acute pancreatitis.
Which symptoms may indicate a severe allergic reaction?
Symptoms listed include breathing difficulties, swelling of the face and throat, wheezing, rapid heartbeat, pale and cold skin, dizziness, or weakness. In this case, seek medical help immediately and inform your doctor right away.
Which symptoms may indicate acute pancreatitis?
Symptoms listed include severe pain in the stomach and back that does not go away. If such symptoms occur, you must see your doctor immediately.
Which warning signs of low blood sugar are listed?
Cold sweat, cool pale skin, headache, rapid heartbeat, nausea or intense hunger, vision changes, tiredness or weakness, nervousness, anxiety or confusion, difficulty concentrating, and shaking.
When is the risk of low blood sugar higher?
Low blood sugar is more likely to occur if you also take a sulfonylurea or use insulin. Your doctor may reduce the dose of these medicines before starting treatment with Rybelsus.
Can I drive or operate machines?
Some patients may feel dizzy while taking Rybelsus. If you feel dizzy, be particularly careful when driving or operating machines. If Rybelsus is used in combination with a sulfonylurea or insulin, low blood sugar may occur and can impair concentration. Avoid driving or operating machines if you notice signs of low blood sugar.
Sources
- European Medicines Agency (EMA). Rybelsus: EPAR overview page. Page.
- European Medicines Agency (EMA). Rybelsus (INN: semaglutide): EPAR product information (SmPC and package leaflet, DE, PDF). Document.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Rybelsus (semaglutide) tablets: prescribing information (label, PDF). Document.