One of the most important aspects of dealing with diabetes type 2 is a radical change of lifestyle. No more good foods, no more sweets, no more late suppers and much more. Unless these things are taking care of, the currently available medication cannot do much except sometimes when insulin is properly administrated. Recently, medication was introduced that provides better glucose control even if the strict diet and exercise rules are not entirely observed. One of them is Rybelsus which lowers the A1C and weight at the same time.
Below you can find some usueful information about how people feel while taking this medication.
George, 75, 180 lbs
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about 10 years ago. At that time my A1C was 9.2. I was put on Metformin 2000 mg per day and began a strict rabbit food diet for the next couple of months. My A1C went down to 6.2 and since then I was swinging between 6.2 and 6.8. I eat a lot of carbs and my only physical activity is a one hour walk three times a week. I feel hungry most of the day.
My doctor recommended a 3mg Rybelsus for the first month and a follow up with the 7mg for the next couple of months. The first month went on with no adverse effects except a minor nausea during the day. I followed the Rybelsus specific requests to take the pills with no more than 4 ounces (oz) of water about 30 minutes before the first food, beverages, or other oral medications.
After one month of taking 3mg Rybelsus every day, I lost 10 pounds and my A1C went down from 6.8 to 5.7. All along, I did not change my diet and exercise. In other words, lots of carbs and almost no exercise.
According to my doctor’s recommendation I was supposed to switch to a 7mg routine after the first month. Given the great results with the 3mg I decided to split in half the 7mg pills and take only half pill every day. After two or three days I ended up with a terrible constipation besides the nausea I already had. No stool for two days in a row. I used a glycerin suppositorium with minor results.
Finnaly I switched back to the 3mg. The constipation started to improve after about a week but not entirely.
To be continued...
George summary
First month: 3mg plus Metformin 2000mg. Take the pills with no more than 4 ounces (oz) of water about 30 minutes before the first food, beverages, or other oral medications. No change in diet, eat a lot of carbs. Minor nausea, A1C lowered from 6.8 to 5.7, lost 10 lbs., morning sugar down from 135 mg/dl to 105, 2 hour sugar after meals down from 220 to 120.
Second month: 7mg pills split in half plus Metformin 2000. Terrible constipation for the first 7 days. Stopped taking pills for 3 days, and the constipation persists with lesser extent. Switched back to 3mg. The constipation improved after about a week but did not entirely disappear.
The information below was provided by drugs.com (for Rybelsus), drugs.com (for Ozempic)
Daisy... Taken for less than 1 month January 23, 2023
"I wanted to write this early in the process of taking this medication because I know how it feels to be scared to take this tablet. I’m on it for weight loss in the UK cost £139. I read a tip to take it early in the morning, I usually take it between 4 am-6 am. I started taking it 2 days ago. The first day I felt fine with no side effects, the second day I was feeling a bit nauseous but it was manageable. Today my appetite has decreased already and I only want small amounts to eat, the thought of a large meal makes me feel ill. I’m intrigued to know if this will stay or go. If it lasts I will be one of the lucky ones. I weigh about 268 lbs so I will come back in two weeks and let you know. I hope the side effects don’t ramp up each day I take it. We will see."
Jarin Taken for 1 to 6 months August 30, 2020
For Diabetes, Type 2 "This med Rybelsus is awesome. It has helped me bring my A1C down to 5.1 from a high of 9.7. I first started with the 3mg and am now on the 14mg. Been on this med since March and while I did experience some nausea and mild upset stomach it went away after about a week. It has also helped me lose 50lbs as well. I also take with metformin. I should be the poster child for this drug...even though I'm 50."
Anne December 28, 2020
For Diabetes, Type 2 "I started taking Rybelsus at the beginning of August for weight loss. The biggest con for me is that it causes constipation and then usually diarrhea when I finally do go to the restroom. I have only had issues with nausea when I try to eat past the point of being comfortable. It is also important to try to eat something within an hour of taking the medication. When I first started on the medicine, I could only eat a few bites of food and then would feel extremely full and bloated and would have to stop. Now, It is 4 full months later and I am on the 14mg and I can continue to eat beyond a few bites without feeling miserable, but I try to stop as soon as I am full. I have, so far, lost 30 lbs with no exercise and have gone from a size 12/14 to a size 6/8. Diabetes does run in my family, so I am hoping continued use of this drug may help prevent the development of diabetes in the future."
Gumbo Taken for 1 to 6 months February 28, 2020
For Diabetes, Type 2 "I’ve been on rybelsus since 1 December at a dose of 3 mg. January 1 started 7mg. I don’t like taking medication and was scared of this medication due to other reviews I have read. I am very pleased with the outcome. I lost 5 lbs with very little exercise. My side effects were nausea and lost of appetite. Nausea only occurred when I ate junk food and sweets. A1c down from 7 > 6.2. Plus I do not take any other meds for diabetes. Hope my review will help others. February 28."
Koobs May 1, 2021
For Diabetes, Type 2 "I have been taking rybelsus for 6 months. At first I was nauseous and had bad sulfur burps. But, it went away. My a1c is the best it's been in 9 years. I have had a hard go at treating my diabetes, as most other oral medications and daily infections, just made life harder. Now, my numbers are 6.7 and I have lost a significant amount of weight. 335lb to 285lb, with minimal effort. It definitely suppresses my appetite. I've read you can only lose a few pounds, but, I feel like a lucky one."
joe... November 20, 2020
For Diabetes, Type 2 "I first took the 3mg dose for 30 days, I had no side effects and it is really controlling my appetite. Now I am on 7mg so far my weight was 242, I have been on Rybelsus for about 4 months weight now is 215 hoping to lose more. No side effects feel better, light food craving. I hope to stay on this for 4 more months. Thanks Ryblesus. joe .c ."
Jeny November 29, 2020
For Diabetes, Type 2 "My Dr put me on Rybelsus in March/April 2020. I will admit the nausea was pretty bad for about the first month but I stuck to it because it was really working well on my blood sugar. Since I started I have lost 42 lbs!! I have not been dieting but I do have some outdoor projects that required physical labor, like shoveling dirt, clearing brush, moving stones, etc. The nausea only comes back when my sugar is low and I really need to eat. I don’t even get a growling stomach anymore. I would recommend Rybelsus to anyone looking to manage your blood sugar and lose some weight."
Amie Taken for less than 1 month February 13, 2022
For Diabetes, Type 2 "I was very frightened after reading the reviews. I am 52 and had gained from 130 pounds to 158 the most I have every weighed in my life. Stated the 3mg 3 weeks ago and have lost 10 pounds and no side effects other than occasional slight nausea. My appetite has decreased but for the better. I am walking 3 miles a day and eating very healthy. Stopped drinking soda now only flavored water. I consider this a miracle. Never lost weight this quickly. Happy as heck. Will continue the 3 mg and recheck A1C. So far this rocks. If it enables me to get in control of my eating and lose to a healthy weight to better my overall health then I call it a huge success. Love love love it!!!!!!!"
Cando Taken for 1 to 6 months November 29, 2020
For Diabetes, Type 2 "When I first started the 3mg of Rybelsus, the nausea for the first 3 weeks was nearly unbearable. However, like magic, around day 21, it stopped. I don’t feel as full as I did at the beginning now that I’m starting my second month of 7mg. However, I continue to lose weight with diet and exercise. If you’re struggling at the beginning - hold on for 30 days - it might pass like it did for me!"
Alli Taken for 6 months to 1 year August 23, 2020
"I was put on this medication by my Internist at the beginning of 2020 for weight loss. I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, which causes insulin resistance, despite the fact that I'm not diabetic. It makes it extremely hard to lose weight. My doctor thought I would be a good candidate for Rybelsus and had seen success with others. I lost almost 30 pounds in two months while taking Rybelsus and going to the gym 3 times a week. However, I had to stop going to the gym during the pandemic and continued the medication. I started having severe gastrointestinal issues about a month ago. I had to have an EGD, HIDA scan, and ultrasound done to discover I have gallstones. My gallbladder is functioning perfectly though, and my cholesterol is always good, so all signs point to the fact that Rybelsus gave me gallstones. Gallstones are an "infrequent, yet severe side effect" listed by the drug manufacturer. BEWARE! I never had these issues until I started taking Rybelsus!"
Const... Taken for less than 1 month March 26, 2023
For Diabetes, Type 2 "I took 3 mg of Rybelsus for about two weeks. I noticed right away that I was not able to poop normally. I thought constipation would resolve naturally since I don’t have issues with it normally. Now, I’ve been off of it for a week and I’ve had two ER visits because I can’t poop. I also struggle to pee because the thought is the backed-up poop is pressing on things it shouldn’t. Had to have a catheter drain me out. I did a week of Miralax, two days of Dulcolax, one ER cocktail, and an enema, and none of it has helped. At this point, I’m scared it will take surgery to remove the poop. If you’re taking this medicine please stay in tune with your body and mitigate early if you’re starting to experience any constipation."
joano Taken for 1 to 6 months August 15, 2020
For Diabetes, Type 2 "Dr put me on Rybelsus since I had bad luck with trulicity and feeling sick every time I took the shot. The first month of the dose 3mg I noticed I never ate, I had a complete lack of appetite. I was exhausted, weird dreams and a constant feeling of anxiety. Sometime insomnia. I put up with it. Second round with the 7 mg. The first day I was sicker than heck. I felt like I was on a cliff dangling, my anxiety turned into panic rapid heartbeat and unable to sleep. I stopped after day 4. Called dr left a message and she never got back to me. I am debating trying to take a 7mg every other day maybe or go back to the 3mgs and see if there is a difference now that it is almost out of my system. It is brutal to the body. The warnings say nothing about the anxiety feelings or the insomnia."
Jan March 26, 2021
For Diabetes, Type 2 "I started on Rybelsus and only took 4 doses. I didn’t get terrible stomach upset but my abdomen went completely numb. I’ve been off of the medication for 4 days and am still completely numb. Went to ER and they ran blood work and CAT scan, all was normal. I went to chiropractor and again all was normal. Numbness is listed as rare side effect on drugs.com website which my chiropractor looked up. My endocrinologist isn’t helpful, and I called Rybelsus and they were less than helpful. I’ve now spent hundreds of dollars. I’m very concerned and praying this goes away. I am so numb it hurts to touch my skin. Beware of this medication!"
The information below was provided by verywellhealth.com.
Rybelsus is medication with the active ingredient semaglutide. Semaglutide works by mimicking a natural protein to stimulate insulin secretion. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Rybelsus for controlling blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise. Work is done to approve to lower the risk of serious cardiovascular problems in adults with type 2 diabetes People with and without type 2 diabetes who took Rybelsus experienced significant weight loss.
Dosage form and administration:
Rybelsus is available as a tablet that you swallow. Take Rybelsus with no more than 4 ounces (oz) of water about 30 minutes before your first food, beverages, or other oral medications for the best results. You shouldn’t crush, cut, or chew Rybelsus tablets.
Frequency:
Rybelsus is taken orally once daily
Strengths and dosing schedules:
Rybelsus tablets are available in 3 strengths: 3 milligrams (mg), 7 mg, and 14 mg. The typical starting dosage of Rybelsus is 3 mg once daily.
Once your body adjusts to the medication, your healthcare provider increases your dose slowly, over several months, until you reach the target dose of 7-14 mg once daily. This is the dosage shown to control blood glucose levels.
In clinical trials, Rybelsus (14 mg daily) resulted in decreases in hemoglobin A1C (a measurement reflecting your average blood glucose levels over the past three months) of 1.4% (percentage points).
In addition, Rybelsus (14 mg daily) led to a weight loss of 8.2 lbs. over about 30 weeks, respectively. Note that 14 mg daily is the maximum dose of Rybelsus.
Most side effects for Rybelsus are mild and occur more frequently when you first start treatment or after the dose increases.
However, continuously monitor for emergency side effects if taking Rybelsus.
Common Side Effects
Some of the more common side effects of Rybelsus include:
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
During separate clinical trials, Rybelsus caused decreased appetite in 6% to 9% of participants.
(see verywellhealth.com.)
Rarely, treatment with Rybelsus may result in more severe side effects. Certain medical conditions or other medications can increase the risk of severe side effects.