Rybelsus and Constipation: What Users Say

• Ann...
• December 28, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "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."

• Con...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 26, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "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."

• Dor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 21, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started taking Rybelsus 3mg. I was nauseous at first and constipated. I was also belching a lot. After 2 weeks, that seemed to stop. I've been on the 7mg for 17 days and the nausea, indigestion, stomach pain, and now diarrhea have been almost unbearable and are getting worse. I've also started feeling panicky and anxious in the middle of the night with rapid heartbeat. I'm stopping the 7mg tomorrow and calling my doctor. I can't feel like this at Christmas. Going to see if she will put me back on 3mg. My A1C was 9.0. I have no idea what it is now. I've also lost 18 lbs because I can barely eat anything. This isn't worth it."

• Won...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 9, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "Was placed on this medication to help with PCOS-caused insulin resistance and obesity. The first two months were a bit uncomfortable - I was nauseated a lot and had bouts of constipation and diarrhea. Fortunately, immediately starting it, my sugar cravings disappeared. I think I had a rough couple of months because of my old eating habits since this medicine slows how fast your stomach empties. As I developed better eating habits, this has gone away completely. I’ve been on this for almost a year now and have lost almost 60 lbs. I’m about 5 lbs away from being a normal weight and I’m barely making any effort at this point; the weight is just coming off. I feel the healthiest I’ve felt in over a decade and have been seeing my PCOS symptoms reduce as the weight comes off. This medicine was a miracle for me. I’ve struggled for a decade trying to get my weight under control. Once the insulin resistance was resolved, it literally fell off."

• Isa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 24, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "My endocrinologist prescribed 3 mg to start because the B12 depletion from metformin (I have B12 anemia) was not good and constant yeast infections from Forxiga were very annoying. At first, I noticed a major appetite decline. There was a bit of nausea for the first 2 weeks. I started the 7 mg after a month and while I've been experiencing constipation, I am so happy about the weight loss. I've been on Rybelsus for 10 weeks and have lost 10 lbs. My latest random glucose test had me at 5.7, down from 6.3 - 7 over the previous few months. I am happy about fewer carb cravings and will stay on Rybelsus as long as I can. I am lucky my health plan covers it because it's quite expensive."

• Jer...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 20, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "It was a disaster for me. My A1C used to stay between 7.5 and 8.5, and morning fasting readings were high, like 130 to 160. Increasing Glimepiride from 4 mg up to 8 mg didn't work. My doctor started me on 3 mg/day of Rybelsus. It caused constipation, upset stomach, and a lot of burping. But morning fasting readings came down to around 100, so I was tempted to try it out. After finishing the 3 mg dose for 30 days, I started taking 7 mg/day. My symptoms worsened: constipation, loss of appetite, noisy stomach, lots of burping, GERD, and weight loss from 152 lbs to 139 lbs in just about a couple of months. I could not afford to lose any more weight. I also saw some foamy urine indicating it was affecting my kidney function too. I stopped taking Rybelsus under my doctor's advice, and since then, the constipation is gone, the burping is gone, the appetite is good, and life seems back to normal. I still need to check on my kidneys for any issues since foamy urine is still there. The last A1C was 7.9."

• Cla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 12, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I just got my A1C after 3.5 months on Rybelsus (one month at 3 mg and 2.5 at 7 mg), and I’m very excited that it’s dropped from 7.8 to 6.5! I have had some side effects - mainly stomach pain, gas, and occasional constipation - but the results are worth it. I haven’t had any significant weight loss, but my BMI was under 27 to start with, and because we had Thanksgiving recently, I normally would have gained a couple of pounds. If you have just started and are having side effects, try to hang in there. The first month was the worst for me."

• Rit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 17, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "For the first three weeks on this drug, I had oscillating constipation and diarrhea. I felt very nauseous and did not want to eat much. After upping the dosage, the digestive problems have decreased, but I still feel nauseous and don't have much of an appetite. I have been on it since November and have lost 16 lbs. with Metformin, diet, and exercise."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 28, 2025

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started in 3 mg, now in 7 mg. My blood sugars have come down enormously, I have lost about a stone in weight after being on it for 4 months. You must take it first thing with just a dash of water, don’t eat or drink for half an hour. The side effects are a bit brutal but do die down, bit of constipation and food suppression. Feel better than I have in a long while on this tablet."

• TN ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 5, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been taking Rybelsus, along with metformin and Farxiga, for over 3 months. I had some minor diarrhea/constipation with the 3 mg that worked itself out quickly, but I lost over 5 lbs and A1C went down over 1 pt (8.3 to 7.2). Just started the 7 mg dose 5 days ago. So far, the diarrhea is a lot worse, and I'm having a lot of dizziness/nausea/fatigue/headaches, but I'm hoping it'll stop soon. I seem to start feeling worse about 5-6 hrs after taking the pill, so I'm sick in bed for hours in the afternoon and evening lately. Not good, as I'm a disabled housewife with two special needs adult children who depend on me. Not sure how someone who works a 9 to 5 job would be able to handle this transition period. If it doesn't sort itself out within a couple of weeks, I'll call my doctor. One tip: keep some saltine crackers and eat a few every hour or so. I know, against diabetic diet, but that and plenty of water help the nausea."

• CMa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 11, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "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."

• Sar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 17, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "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!"

• AJa...
• July 4, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "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."

• CRK...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 16, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "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."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 7, 2023

"I started this medication on Dec 20th, 2022, 3 mg when my doctor told me I was diabetic. I weighed 206 lbs. A1C 6.5. The first month on this, I was nauseous and felt sick. At 30 days, I told him what I felt. He said, 'I am putting you on 7 mg now. Your body will get used to it.' Here I am now, 3 months later, and I am so sick. I get nauseous still, have constipation, diarrhea, and loss of appetite, and the smell of food at times is so nasty. I am constantly feeling sick, dizziness, and I feel lightheaded, always exhausted, no energy, which scares me. My A1C is lower now, 6.1. I have pretty much stopped having sweets, carbs, or anything bad. Weight loss is out of control. My current weight is 157 lbs today when I went to the doctor. I have lost 49 lbs in 4 months. I told him I can’t take this anymore. He changed me to metformin 500 mg, let’s see how this one works. This medication hurt me more than it helped me."

• cat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 23, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "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."

• ric...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 28, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on Rybelsus for a little over a month for PCOS and have had an overall positive experience - just started the 7 mg dose. My doctor recommended it since I am at risk for type 2 diabetes (>30 BMI, borderline high fasting glucose with a normal A1C, and signs of insulin resistance from PCOS). I get some pretty extreme nausea whenever I eat junk food (fatty and/or sugary), but otherwise feel good. I'm hoping that the nausea I do get helps instill better long-term eating habits. I've also experienced appetite suppression, which has helped me prioritize proteins and vegetables. I did get alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea when starting this medicine and am expecting that I'll experience the same with the dose increase. I have felt far more energy, and my cravings for junk food have drastically reduced. So far, I've lost slightly more than 10 lbs and am shooting for another 50 to help get my PCOS under control."

• Lyn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 18, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I took 3 mg for 2 months and then started the 7 mg. The 3 mg I had heartburn, nausea, some diarrhea. Was uncomfortable but doable. But once on 7 mg, I had the same symptoms plus vomiting, constipation to the point of hemorrhoids, and severe heartburn to the point I almost went to the ER. I got out the label on this medicine, Rybelsus, and relooked up side effects symptoms on the computer. I immediately stopped on my own, messaging my doctor. Within 2 days, I felt so much better. This medicine is costly too, luckily I had insurance because I will not use this and it had to be disposed of. $ wasted."

• Mik...
• July 10, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "Well, I am on month 2 of Rybelsus and on the 2nd week of 7 mg. I posted my experience last month as well. I am 20 lbs overweight and pre-diabetic for many years. Diabetes runs in my family. I am 60 years old, active, and healthy otherwise. Unfortunately, I do not experience much of anything toward my goal of weight loss. I am slightly nauseous at times. I am constipated. I am not on any other diabetic medication. I weigh 1 lb less, but this could be attributed to a margin of error. I am planning to continue using this medication and see what happens once I am on 14 mg. Considering all the potential serious side effects (thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, and more), this needs to give anyone better results. I believe that people respond differently to everything, so great for those who do well on Rybelsus. See you next time with better news. Stay safe."

• DLy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "Have been taking the low dosage for 2 weeks now. I have no appetite and have dropped about 7 lbs during that time. The problem is constant GI pain. No nausea, just never-ending constipation and gut pain. I am taking myself off this until I can find an alternative. The weight loss is nice, but the pain just isn’t worth it."

• Hop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2022

"I've been on Rybelsus for about 6 weeks now and am up to the 7 mg dose. I was placed on it to help lose PCOS-induced weight gain. It took about a month to get used to (minor vomiting, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea during the adjustment). I've lost almost 15 lbs, my anxiety levels have plummeted, and my skin is the clearest it's been in ages. I no longer have sugar or processed carb cravings, which I think is helping all of this. I'm lucky that my insurance is fully covering the medication since it is pricey."

• Ryb...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 11, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was fine on 3 and 7 mg, but the 14 has made me feel ill for the last 3 days. Today I am throwing up and so sick. Can't keep my sugar up. It is going down, and I am too sick to eat. Have had to eat molasses, drink Pepsi to keep it up to 70. Very constipated with it and have the hiccups all the time. Blood pressure has been low too. Won't be taking any more 14 mg, but I will try to go back to 7."

• Ryb...
• May 20, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "Ok, this stuff works... maybe too well. I felt like my stomach was full all the time. Eating could bring on nausea (i.e., dry heaves, yuck). There was a surprise with 'Mild depression.' I just don't want to do much of anything. I didn't recognize this for a long while but after I saw a discussion of this on a newscast, bingo, that's me. Constipation... yeah... pretty severe at first but thank God for laxatives."

• Dav...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 23, 2024

"I started using Rybelsus in October of 2023. My starting dosage was 3 mg, and then raised to 7 mg about 4 months later. I have encountered redness, hives, and itching on my calves, scaly skin, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, cramping, and dizziness. Most of those symptoms have gone away. I take it each morning alone and do not take anything else for at least 30 minutes. When I get to work, an hour later, I take my heart and blood pressure medicine (for Afib). I gained a lot of weight for multiple reasons. The main reason was because of depression and chronic back disease. I just had lower back fusion, which has stopped my back pain. This means I can exercise now without severe pain. The good news: since I have been taking Rybelsus, I have lost 70 pounds. I now weigh 330, and by January 1, 2025, I want to be 299. It works, but does have side effects. The key is using it as directed and learning to eat smaller, healthier food portions."

• Tra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 25, 2025

For Type 2 Diabetes "Rybelsus has worked wonders for me. I started with the 3 mg for 1st month, then 7 mg for 3 mos. Still on my 3rd bottle, almost done. I'm 50 yrs old and weighed 271 lbs and now am at 249 lbs and lost 22 lbs; my A1C went from 8.4 to 5.3. I'm completely satisfied with my results. It really does suppress your appetite. I've had a few bouts of constipation, diarrhea, and nausea when I 1st started it. It wasn't right away either. However, there are no more side effects. I'm good over here!! Make sure you use the discount from the manufacturer online. $10/mo"