Rybelsus and Fatigue: What Users Say

• 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."

• KGa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 11, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "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."

• Jac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 24, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I am 70 and was diagnosed with type II diabetes about 7 years ago. I have always been on Metformin and have tried medications like Farxiga and Janumet, both of which give me bad leg pains after a while. I started Rybelsus, 3 mg, about 6 weeks ago, and after 3 weeks felt so bad I stopped taking it. The worst feeling was quite bad lower back pain and a sort of fatigue. It was a generally weird feeling of malaise, not just fatigue. So if an introductory dose of just 3 mg is any indication, a stronger dose would be terrible for me. So now I am on the max dosage of Metformin, and my last A1c was 7.6. 7 years ago it was 6.5. I would add that at most I have been about 15 lbs overweight, and there has never been any incidence of diabetes in my family."

• Jac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 24, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I am 70 and was diagnosed with type II diabetes about 7 years ago. I have always been on Metformin and have tried medications like Farxiga and Janumet, both of which give me bad leg pains after a while. I started Rybelsus, 3 mg, about 6 weeks ago, and after 3 weeks felt so bad I stopped taking it. The worst feeling was quite bad lower back pain and a sort of fatigue. It was a generally weird feeling of malaise, not just fatigue. So if an introductory dose of just 3 mg is any indication, a stronger dose would be terrible for me. So now I am on the max dosage of Metformin, and my last A1c was 7.6. 7 years ago it was 6.5. I would add that at most I have been about 15 lbs overweight, and there has never been any incidence of diabetes in my family."

• kit...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 2, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "Rybelsus made me really sick. I didn't realize it until a couple of days ago. I thought I had a virus. I was practically leaning on the wall every day, trying to pull myself out of work to the car. Last week, I spent a lunch time lying on my office floor and then just left early. It is more than the nausea, it was fatigue, significant dehydration, confusion, dizziness, headaches... I'm still feeling sick after 2 days of not taking it. I just read that it can take a couple of weeks to get out of your system."

• edw...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 28, 2025

For Type 2 Diabetes "Insurance is Medicare Advantage AARP United Health. The 1st 3-month supply was $130. The 2nd 3-month supply was $450. I expect the medication will not be affordable for the future. There was no advantage in the first 3 months taking the 3 mg dosage. A1C is 7.4% from 7.6%. Now taking the 7 mg dosage; waiting for my next doctor evaluation on Feb. 26, 2025. I get frequent headaches, dizziness, upset stomach, bloated feeling, and sleepy/low energy levels. No weight loss."

• Rox...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 16, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "User, I followed the prescribed regimen of 3mg daily for two months, taking the pill with minimal water between 5 and 8 AM. However, I experienced persistent nausea, burping with a peculiar taste, and a sharp decline in appetite, particularly for sweets. I lost around 10-12 lbs and struggled to drink water, feeling as if my throat was constricted at times. This led to dehydration and widespread body cramps. Trying Gatorade alleviated the issue temporarily, but the discomfort persisted. Upgrading to 7mg exacerbated the symptoms, causing extreme fatigue, body aches, and lightheadedness. I stopped three pills short of completing the 30-day dose to restore my well-being. In total, I've shed 19 lbs."

• Geo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 23, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "Been on Rybelsus 3 mg for 16 days. Sugars have improved somewhat already, and weight down about 5 pounds, unexpected. BUT, no appetite, stomach feels full all the time, hard to even drink enough water each day because stomach so uncomfortable. Constipation that is not very responsive to Miralax. Cold hands. Some nausea. More heartburn than usual. Increased fatigue. And the worst is: dizziness and/or vertigo and a feeling of weird fullness in my head along with tinnitus. What the heck? Given the high cost, and that I've all these effects even before going on the 7 mg dosage, I don't think it's worth it."

• SuT...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 4, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on Rybelsus for 11 days now. The first few days were horrible. I had diarrhea and stomach pains, even threw up twice. I am still having side effects on day 11 but not as bad. I’m taking Zofran for the nausea. I have already lost 8 lbs, which I’m sure is not healthy, but I don’t have an appetite on this medication. Before this medication, I would eat all the time, it seemed like I never was full. My sugar levels are as low as they’ve ever been. I am tired and have lower energy. I'm hoping after another week on it the side effects will subside. I have been struggling with weight loss my whole adult life and can never break through the plateau phase. I think this medication will help if I can withstand the side effects."

• vtn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 29, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "One month on Rybelsus. Blood sugar levels are down from 150 to 116-96. I have extreme nausea, constipation, and I am unable to eat more than 1-2 cups of food at a meal. I am rarely hungry. Food seems to become lodged in my esophagus and is painful. I have lost 13 lbs. in a month. Fatigue is an issue. My autoimmune retinopathy, which surfaced after cataract surgery, is worse. I fear I will not be able to continue this med."

• BER...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 16, 2024

"In the beginning, I was taking 7 mg, it made me hungry and fatigued. After 6 months, I moved to 14 mg due to weight gain. After taking it for a week, it helped my hunger pangs. I experienced headaches behind my eye and head, fatigued, no energy. I have contacted my doctor for advice. Ease of making it part of your daily routine is easy."

• Txg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 4, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "A1c crept up to 6.9. Started Rybelsus for a 30-day intro with fairly vague side effects of light nausea, constipation, and reduced appetite. Increased to regular 7 dosage and immediately side effects were extreme and awful. Constant significant nausea, abdominal discomfort, significant constipation, low energy. Almost no desire to eat, and if I did eat, even very little food caused even more discomfort that escalated. Food just sat in my stomach feeling heavy and sour. Heartburn and gas were constant. After just 5 days of a larger dose, I stopped the medication but with lingering side effects. After being off the drug for two days, I sustained immense abdominal pain like I have NEVER experienced that finally culminated in strange diarrhea. Too many intense and questionable side effects for me. Weight loss - by not being able to eat - not worth the escalating horrible side effects for me. I'll never take this drug again."

• udg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 14, 2025

For Type 2 Diabetes "Terrible nausea and violent diarrhea. Fatigue. Minor weight loss. Blood sugars stabilized."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 13, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "I’ve experienced loss of appetite. In less than 6 months, I’ve lost 9 lbs., hair loss, fatigue, lack of sleep, cannot stand some food. I start eating, cannot finish; revulsion."