Rybelsus for Type 2 Diabetes User Reviews (Page 3)
Reviews for Rybelsus
- ryb...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- March 20, 2024
"I have been taking Rybelsus for several years now. Before Rybelsus, I was taking Victoza. I have type 2 diabetes and both of these drugs have been complete game changers in my life. My A1c is now below 6 (usually 5.6 or 5.7), my weight is under control, and all my lab results are excellent. But these drugs do cause digestive issues that can be hard to deal with. Intestinal pain (sometimes in the middle of the night), constipation and diarrhea. It's almost like I have IBS and sometimes the side effects are overwhelming for a short amount of time. For me, the positive effects for my health outweigh the side effects."
- Geo...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- December 14, 2023
"I'm 75, 180 lbs. I was diagnosed with T2D 10 years ago. My A1C was 9.2. I was put on Metformin 2000mg, A1C went down to 6.2 and since then I was swinging between 6.2 and 7.2. I eat lots of carbs and my physical activity is a one-hour walk three times a week. I feel hungry most of the day. My endocrinologist recommended Rybelsus, the family doctor said I shouldn't do it. I decided to go and see what happens. First month: 3mg plus Metformin 2000mg. No change in diet and exercise, lots of carbs. Minor nausea, A1C went down 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 250 to 140. Second month: 7mg pills split in half. Terrible constipation for the first week. Stopped taking pills for 3 days, constipation persists with a lesser extent. Switched back to 3mg. Minor nausea, after a week, constipation almost gone. Weight no longer goes down. A1C went up to 5.9. To be continued..."
Frequently asked questions
- Rybelsus vs Ozempic for weight loss: Which to choose?
- What foods should I eat or avoid when taking Rybelsus?
- How much weight can you lose with Rybelsus?
- Can you just stop taking Rybelsus?
- Sar...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- October 17, 2021
"My A1C was slowly creeping up, and at 6.9, the Dr. wanted to start Rybelsus (3 mg). I took it exactly as directed. The side effects were immediate: constipation followed by diarrhea and extreme nausea. As I continued on the medication, nausea was constant and actually turned into stomach pain. If I ate anything, my stomach hurt worse, and I started to have an aversion to food. Any activity or exercise that involved using my core muscles was very painful. Still, I persevered knowing that it can take a few weeks to adjust to a medication. But in week 3, after side effects continued to worsen and I vomited for several days in a row, I stopped the medication. I have been off for 3 weeks now, and my stomach has not returned to normal as I have constant discomfort and it hurts after eating. I lost 10 lbs in 3 weeks, but it came at a high cost. The physical side effects were extreme, and I hope I have not permanently harmed my body. I can still only eat a few bites at any one time. Beware!"
- Anonymous
- Taken for less than 1 month
- April 6, 2020
"I've noticed a significant change in my blood sugar levels, so I am very glad that I can control my diabetes a little more easily without having to make any major lifestyle changes. My appetite has definitely dropped, which I wouldn't expect to be possible, but I'm positive this will help me on my weight loss journey as I'm only eating 2 snacks a day. (Yes, snacks, not full meals) and have a lower carb and calorie intake. However, the nausea is unreal. I'm assuming I'll eventually get used to it and I won't be bothered, but for now, it's been somewhat uncomfortable. As far as weight loss, so far, after 3 weeks, I have lost about 2-5 pounds. My scale also sucks, so that's likely inaccurate, but I'm trusting that I'm steadily losing weight. Just got another 65 pounds to go!"
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- Lyn...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- July 21, 2021
"My A1C inched up to 6.1 from 5.9. I've been on 2,000 mg metformin/day. Started on Rybelsus 3 mg. Days 1-4 were OK. Day 5 I started vomiting profusely and could not hold down any food or liquid. Did not take another one. Today is day 4 that I'm off the pills, and I still vomited this morning. And this set my diarrhea issues with metformin backward. Very upset as I don't think I needed this. I've never had these types of issues, terrible."
- Joe...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 3, 2020
"1st, I did not take Rybelsus to lose weight, only trying to get A1C down. For 10 days on this, I did not vomit, but the feeling is there, sometimes I have to gag myself to get that feeling to go away. Felt tired all the time, trouble sleeping, and my stomach always feels full. I don't have much of an appetite either, and oh boy, diarrhea the first 3 days almost seems like you can't leave the house and almost like uncontrollable, need to stay near the throne. 4-5 days later, the diarrhea seems to be better, but the nausea and vomiting feelings keep me away from this med. Also, if anyone likes to try this med, I suggest getting some ginger chew candy, it does help the nausea feelings. One more thing: if you are a guy, beware of this, your libido will go down :-("
More FAQ
- How long does it take for Rybelsus to start working?
- Can you take Rybelsus if you are not diabetic?
- Can you take Rybelsus at night?
- What's the easiest way to open a Rybelsus bottle?
- CMa...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 11, 2021
"I began taking this drug in late August 2020. It was prescribed to me by an endocrinologist to address significant weight gain over the prior two years (partially thanks to anxiety medication). The weight gain had pushed me into prediabetes, which was scary. After four and a half months, I've lost 20 lbs through reduced appetite (no real exercise). I have also seen my blood sugar levels drop. There have been occasional side effects: constipation, stomach pain, nausea. However, I have consulted my doctor, and her suggestions to manage these issues have generally helped."
- 47...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 8, 2021
"On this medication, Rybelsus, only one day. I took the 3 mg at 7 a.m., and all started out good. It controlled my appetite, and I felt fine. Then, around 3 p.m., I started feeling chest pains, not severe, just steady pinches for about 12 hours until 3 a.m. I got extreme anxiety (which I never get) and was unable to sleep until around 8 a.m. the next day. Still, I did not feel hungry the whole next day, and then the diarrhea came and lasted around 6 hours. The only meds I take regularly are heartburn and a low-dose blood pressure med. I was absolutely miserable on this medication, and I seriously considered checking into the hospital."
- Luc...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- January 6, 2021
"Been on this medication for over a year. Have had several painful UTIs, nausea, bloating, low libido, sometimes increase in readings - it is not worth it. I’ve given it over a year — I’m getting off of this medication. Also, thyroid cancer possibility is a major concern."
- don...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 15, 2021
"I started this drug 2 weeks ago. First week okay, then the trouble began! Horrible abdominal pains, diarrhea, chills, hands became very cold, felt like I had a fever, nausea, just felt horrible. In my case, the cure was worse than the disease! Called my doctor, quite obviously, I am off this medication. May you have better luck than me!"
- Anonymous
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- November 21, 2023
"I have been on this medication and don't really like how it upsets my digestion cycle. It definitely keeps you full all the time. At the same time, this is very uncomfortable. It is not a good full feeling. You are nauseous all the time. The food doesn't digest easily. It does the job as they say, but basically your food doesn't move through the pipes. You are constipated all the time because all your intestines are on slow mode. It makes you feel unhappy about the bowel movement. I am a 42-year-old with type 2 diabetes for the past 7 years. I weigh 190 lbs and trying to lose 15 lbs. Haven't lost too much weight but feeling miserable with Rybelsus 7mg."
- KCa...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- February 4, 2021
"I have been on Rybelsus for 4 months, all on the 3 mg level. It's helped my blood sugar levels (8 to a 6.8), but it has caused nausea and other GI issues. My doctor kept me on the initial dosage for several extra months due to the side effects and the fact that I was achieving results with the 3. Over time, the side effects tapered, and we are now trying the 7 mg. I am hoping I won't go through the same nausea issue I went through when I first started the 3 mg. I was told that the 3 mg is not available for prescription, so it's either go up to the 7 mg or try something else."
- KGa...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 11, 2021
"I’ve been trying to get my A1C down for the last few years. I’ve tried everything along with Synjardy, including the injectables. I’ve been on Rybelsus for about 3 weeks. I’ve noticed extreme fatigue and bouts of sadness, it usually kicks in a few hours after I take the pill and lasts pretty much all day. I did not see these side effects on the Rybelsus website, but this is the only thing that has changed is adding this pill. Otherwise, I’m tolerating it well. My daily numbers look good, I have my A1C checked next month. I use a manufacturer coupon to keep costs down because it’s not covered under my insurance."
- Tim...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- September 28, 2021
"I am on my second month on Rybelsus. My A1C was 11.1 when I went to the doctor 3 months ago, and I weighed 201 at 5’4. I felt like I was going to have a stroke, in spite of being on metformin. The doctor put me on Glimepiride to quickly lower my sugar. That helped me to manage cravings, feel better, eat better, and start walking. My blood sugar would drop too low, though, and I would have to eat to bring it up. The doctor took me off that and put me on Rybelsus in addition to Metformin. I have not had any side effects other than decreased appetite, especially now that I’m on 7 mg. It's been almost 2 months on Rybelsus, and I now weigh 189 lb. I also got a Libre Freestyle 2 so I can check my sugar as much as I want with my phone and see how my body reacts to various foods. Combined together, total game changer! Highly recommend! It tells me my blood sugar average is now 118, and it keeps trending down. I am hopeful for the first time in a long time."
- AJa...
- July 4, 2021
"I have been taking 3 mg Rybelsus since June 4th. I am not experiencing nausea nor diarrhea, however, I am experiencing constipation and loss of appetite. Since I have been taking this medication, I notice I get tired very quickly. Overall, I notice that it has helped my diabetes tremendously, and I have lost 8 lbs with very little exercise. I also take metformin 750 ER. Before starting Rybelsus, my A1C was 8.1, I do expect it to be much lower on my next visit in September."
- rac...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 27, 2021
"Been on Rybelsus for 3 months, along with Metformin and Glyburide. Overall, it has been great, with morning sugar in the 130 range from the 180s before. Haven’t done A1C, but I’m hopeful. Some stomach issues - feel bloated a lot, and one time had dry heaves. But I’ve adapted and found just eating less avoids the issues. A side benefit is lost about ten pounds without any effort, really. Only real issue is cost, Medicare coverage sucks on this drug."
- Has...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- December 7, 2022
"I have been on Rybelsus for almost 7 months, the first 3 months I was on 3 mg, then increased to 7 mg three months ago. I was previously on glimepiride and metformin for blood sugar control, but I was having multiple lows. My doctor replaced the glimepiride with Rybelsus. So far, I have lost 44 lbs and my A1C went from 7.3 to 6.6 after only 3 months. The only side effect I have is decreased appetite, which has helped immensely with the weight loss. I think this is a weight loss drug. With the weight loss and decreased appetite, obviously, your A1C levels are going to be lower. I am happy with the weight loss, I am just concerned as to when it will finally plateau and even out and if my appetite will return at some point. I have also been suffering from some insomnia, but I suffered from that periodically prior to the change of medication. I wish my insurance would cover it at the copay of $10.00 instead of it being on the list of higher-cost medications."
- Anonymous
- March 26, 2022
"Beware. My doctor had me transition to 7 mg after only being on the 3 mg for two weeks. I could not stop vomiting after taking the pills for 5 days. I lost a ton of weight but ended up in the hospital getting my gallbladder removed and not eating for two weeks."
- CRK...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- July 16, 2021
"My doctor gave me a sample box of 3 mg Rybelsus for T2D. I could only tolerate it for 10 days. The first thing I noticed was my appetite was gone. As days went on, I felt like I was in my first trimester of pregnancy, although I didn’t ever feel like vomiting. Continuous nausea, lack of appetite, lethargy, and horrible constipation were my friends during the time I took the drug and for about a week afterward. I ended up in the ER with terrible IBS with very painful cramps. I thought I had a blockage from no BMs for 12 days. After being off the drug for about a week, one day I woke up and the symptoms were gone (about a week after I stopped taking it). I felt like myself again. During that short time period, the pounds just started melting off me, and I only weighed 138 going into this. I dropped down to 130. I really wanted this drug to work for me. My doctor tried to prescribe Trulicity after this. No way. It’s too similar. My A1C is 8. Not sure where to go from here."
- Mik...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- June 9, 2024
"Short story is this drug worked for me! 242 lbs Started 7.4 A1C. 3mg Rybelsus. I was really trying hard. Fast food I cut and was exercising 3 days a week. I have a sweet tooth and my wife is a great baker. She had something ready for me all the time. Sunday doughnut trips. Dairy Queen etc. Cut but not cut all out. 30 days later I did lose some weight. A1C 7.0. The Doc told me the prescribing was 3mg for 30 days then 7mg. I did exercise 4 days a week and cut the sweets some more (that was hard lol). Then the magic happened. In 150 days from start 3mg to 7mg, my A1C 5.1, 195 pounds. 5 more to go. I'm 6 ft tall. I was a fat boy at 242. Now all my old clothes fit with a belt. I know this drug won't work for everyone. However, it worked for me. It will work for you if you try hard. Don't just take the drug. I do get an upset stomach from time to time but worth it!"
- cat...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- June 23, 2023
"I have been taking Rybelsus for about 3 months. I have had nausea and weight loss. My blood glucose level is much better. It's even sometimes low. I now wear a continuous glucose monitor. I have random nausea after taking the medication in the mornings and can experience nausea during the day if I eat too much or greasy food. I think this is what causes some of the weight loss. You just don't want to eat if you have nausea. I do occasionally get a headache and constipation if I don't drink lots of water. The drug makes me not want to eat, but it also makes me not want to drink, so I have to force myself to drink water, or I get dehydrated and constipated. This drug makes me forget to eat or drink. It's strange. The good side effect is weight loss. Bad is nausea. My insurance does cover it."
- FLG...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 10, 2022
"I started taking the 3 mg Rybelsus pill on April 12th at 208 lbs. It is currently May 9th, and I am down to 194 lbs. My ideal weight is 165, which is probably a little low for me. I increase my dose in a few days to 7 mg per direction. I have a decreased appetite and only eat one healthy meal and drink a lot of fluids. I was nauseated during the first week of taking it, but I just took it as prescribed in the AM and waited 30 minutes before eating or drinking. I have a coffee every day in the AM. I eat my main sensible meal in the AM or at lunch. I can’t eat anything else, and to be honest, food is not my go-to any longer. I am no longer eating the white foods, but I am eating well. I walk 2-3 times a week, and I feel great. I have not had a test of my A1C, but I will at my next doctor appointment. I got a coupon from Rybelsus, and my cost went from $24 to $10. I am very pleased with this medication and not sure I need the 7 mg because I may not even want food. I also have high blood pressure, which has decreased significantly."
- NP2...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- July 24, 2021
"28 days in! Started on 7 mg and will continue with 7 mg. I am also on Metformin 500 mg daily and have been for years. To be fair, my A1c was never above 6.3, and my weight was 179 lbs and height is 5-6. I have a strong family history of insulin-dependent diabetics, and I don’t want to go there! I’ve been losing weight like crazy with no exercise, which is why I came to read some of these reviews to see if this is common. Current weight is 164. Lost 15 lbs in 28 days! Mild nausea and dry mouth after taking the med in the morning. Pill is also bitter and not overly large, but a little hard to swallow. Nausea disappears with ginger ale or fruit. Appetite is gone! I have to force myself to eat at times. I suggest a vitamin supplement. Mild stomach ache and loose stool later in the day, but have solid soft stool in the morning. Want to continue to reach the weight goal of 155 lbs and A1c below 5.8. Then maybe go to a reduced dose if necessary. I definitely recommend this drug."
- Mic...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- July 5, 2022
"My first 30 days at 3 mg weren't bad. I enjoyed not feeling hungry and only experienced mild diarrhea after eating occasionally, though it wasn't triggered by specific foods, so I always needed a bathroom plan. In my last week of Month 1 on the 7 mg, I had watery diarrhea with nausea for 24-hour periods, 3 times in 10 days. I vomited one of those days. I haven't had my bloodwork checked, and I know I lost weight, but I also lost more than 3 days of my life sitting on a toilet. I ate nothing that would have triggered these episodes. Rybelsus has done one good thing - inspired my butt to get serious about my health without drugs."
See also:
Trulicity
Trulicity is an injectable diabetes medicine that is used together with diet and exercise to ...
Lantus
Lantus is a long acting form of insulin used to treat type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Learn about side ...
Ozempic
Learn about Ozempic (semaglutide) for type 2 diabetes treatment, weight management, cardiovascular ...
Tresiba
Tresiba (insulin degludec) is used to treat diabetes mellitus. Includes Tresiba side effects ...
Victoza
Victoza helps control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of serious heart problems in people ...
Levemir
Levemir (insulin detemir) is a long acting insulin used to treat diabetes in adults and children ...
Basaglar
Basaglar (insulin glargine) is a long-acting insulin that is used to improve blood sugar control in ...
Novolog
NovoLog is a fast-acting insulin used to treat diabetes to control blood sugar levels in adults and ...
Toujeo SoloStar
Toujeo (insulin glargine) is an injection used to treat type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Includes Toujeo ...
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Your review helps others make informed decisions.Learn more about Type 2 Diabetes
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"I have been on Rybelsus for 1.5 months. Can’t eat, and what I do eat makes me so nauseous that it all comes back up. I have lost 10 lbs, which is great, but if this upset stomach and throwing up do not go away, then it is not worth it. I’ll give it another week, but I think I will tell the doctor I am done. My sugar levels were high, and that is why he prescribed it to take along with Synjardy. Feeling sick all the time is not worth it."