Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Rybelsus (Semaglutide).
Diabetes identification: It is important to either wear a bracelet (or necklace) or carry a card indicating you have diabetes and are taking medication to manage your blood glucose levels.
Dizziness/reduced alertness: Rybelsus (Semaglutide) may cause episodes of low blood glucose which can cause dizziness or reduced alertness. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other potentially hazardous tasks when you are experiencing low blood glucose levels.
Heart problems: Rybelsus (Semaglutide) may increase heart rate and may affect how electrical impulses travel through the heart muscle. If you have heart disease or an abnormal heart rhythm (e.g., heart block or fast heart rate), discuss with your doctor how Rybelsus (Semaglutide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Rybelsus (Semaglutide), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney function: Rybelsus (Semaglutide) may cause decreased kidney function. If you have reduced kidney function or Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Rybelsus (Semaglutide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Rybelsus (Semaglutide), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Low blood glucose (hypoglycemia): People who use Rybelsus (Semaglutide) and are also taking a sulfonylurea (e.g., glyburide, gliclazide) or insulin to control high blood sugar are more at risk of experiencing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). If you experience symptoms of hypoglycemia such as a cold sweat, nervousness or shakiness, fast heartbeat, headache, hunger, confusion, lightheadedness, weakness, and numbness or tingling of the tongue or lips, contact your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust the dose of your medication(s).
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas): Rybelsus (Semaglutide) can cause pancreatitis. If you experience symptoms of pancreatitis such as severe and persistent abdominal pain that may move to the back with or without vomiting, contact your doctor immediately. If you have previously had pancreatitis, discuss with your doctor how Rybelsus (Semaglutide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Rybelsus (Semaglutide), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Risk of thyroid cancer: In rare cases, people have developed thyroid cancer while using medications similar to Rybelsus (Semaglutide). People with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer or people who have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (a disease where people have tumours in more than one gland in their body) should not use Rybelsus (Semaglutide). If you develop difficulty swallowing or breathing, hoarseness or notice a mass developing in your neck, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Vision: Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that results from uncontrolled blood glucose levels. When blood glucose levels are brought under control quickly, symptoms of retinopathy may become worse for a short period of time. If you experience vision changes with the use of Rybelsus (Semaglutide), talk to your doctor.
Pregnancy: Rybelsus (Semaglutide) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Those who plan on becoming pregnant should talk to their doctor and are advised to stop taking Rybelsus (Semaglutide) for at least 2 months before becoming pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Rybelsus (Semaglutide), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Rybelsus (Semaglutide) passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and taking Rybelsus (Semaglutide), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Rybelsus (Semaglutide) have not been established for children.