Rybelsus Interactions: Alcohol, Other Drugs and More

Type 2 diabetes often comes with other health conditions, which often require medication. Suppose you plan to manage your diabetes with the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medication Rybelsus. In that case, you'll need to know how it interacts with other medications you're on, any health conditions you may have, and your general lifestyle. 

Here's everything you need to know about Rybelsus interactions and how to make the most out of your treatment. 

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Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Rybelsus?

When you start any medication, chances are you'll have to make some lifestyle changes. And that includes looking at your alcohol consumption habits. While Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) doesn't have any interactions with alcohol, drinking alcohol while taking this diabetes medication may make some side effects worse. 

Here's how: Rybelsus works by helping your body manage blood sugar levels more effectively, and alcohol can have a significant impact on those levels, too—sometimes in unpredictable ways. Drinking alcohol, especially in excess, can lower your blood sugar (causing hypoglycemia) or spike it (if the drink is high in sugar). This interaction can be tricky to navigate if you’re on Rybelsus because both the medication and alcohol affect your body’s glucose regulation.¹

Another thing to keep in mind is that Rybelsus can cause gastrointestinal issues like nausea or upset stomach. Excessive alcohol intake might worsen these GI effects. If you already experience side effects from Rybelsus, adding alcohol to the mix might not be the best idea.

<div class="pro-tip"><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href=rybelsus-for-weight-loss>Rybelsus for Weight Loss: What Is It, Dosage, Side Effects</a></a>.</div>

Rybelsus Interactions With Other Drugs

When you’re managing type 2 diabetes with Rybelsus, it’s important to know how it might interact with other medications you’re taking. Certain drugs can affect how Rybelsus works or how your body handles blood sugar. Knowing these potential drug interactions can help you and your healthcare provider make safer and more informed medication decisions.

Medications that interact with Rybelsus include:²

• Oral Medications: Rybelsus delays gastric emptying, which means food and liquids stay in the stomach longer than usual before moving into the intestines. This affects how certain oral medications are absorbed. For example, taking Rybelsus with the oral drug levothyroxine (used to treat hypothyroidism) increased levothyroxine levels by 33%.
• Insulin: Insulin regulates blood sugar levels by helping glucose enter the cells for energy, primarily in managing diabetes. Combining Rybelsus with insulin can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). If both are part of your treatment plan, your doctor may adjust your insulin dose to prevent blood sugar drops.
• Corticosteroids (Such as Prednisone): Corticosteroids reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system in conditions like asthma, arthritis, and autoimmune diseases. However, they can also raise blood sugar levels, potentially counteracting the blood sugar-lowering effects of Rybelsus. Therefore, you'll need to monitor your blood sugar closely if you're taking corticosteroids and Rybelsus.
• Beta-Blockers (Such as Metoprolol and Propranolol): Beta-blockers reduce heart rate and blood pressure by blocking the effects of adrenaline. They are often used to treat heart conditions and hypertension. Beta-blockers can mask some symptoms of hypoglycemia, like a racing heart, making it harder to recognize when blood sugar is too low. Monitor your blood sugar levels closely if you’re using Rybelsus alongside a beta-blocker.
• Diuretics (Such as Furosemide and Hydrochlorothiazide): Diuretics help the body eliminate excess fluid and salt through urine and are often used to treat high blood pressure and edema. Diuretics may reduce the effectiveness of semaglutide, so your doctor may need to adjust one or both dosages.
• Sulfonylureas (Such as Glipizide and Glyburide): These oral medications help lower blood sugar levels and treat diabetes by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin. When taken with Rybelsus, sulfonylureas can increase the risk of hypoglycemia. If both are prescribed, your doctor may reduce the dose of the sulfonylurea to help you maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Health Conditions Interactions With Rybelsus

Type 2 diabetes often comes with other health conditions. So, if you're planning to take Rybelsus, it's important to consider how any medical conditions you live with might affect the drug's safety and effectiveness. Some medical issues could increase the risk of side effects or interfere with how the medication works in your body. If you have any of these conditions, discuss them with your healthcare provider.²

• Thyroid Cancer: Rybelsus has a boxed warning—the most serious warning issued by the FDA—for thyroid cancer. That's because Rybelsus may increase the risk of thyroid tumors, including a type called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). People with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer should avoid Rybelsus.
• Kidney Problems: Rybelsus is processed by the kidneys, so people with kidney issues may experience a buildup of the drug in their bodies, increasing the risk of side effects. If you are taking Rybelsus or other GLP-1 receptor agonists, kidney function should be monitored closely.
• Gallbladder Problems: Rybelsus may increase the risk of gallbladder issues, such as gallstones. If you have a history of gallbladder disease, your doctor might need to assess the risks before prescribing it.
• Pancreatitis: In clinical trials, Rybelsus was linked to several pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) cases. People starting Rybelsus should be monitored for symptoms like severe abdominal pain, and people with pancreatitis should not take Rybelsus. 
• Diabetic Retinopathy Complications: Rybelsus quickly improves blood sugar, but this fast fluctuation may worsen retinopathy. In trials, diabetic retinopathy-related issues were reported in 4.2% of Rybelsus users. If you have diabetic retinopathy, inform your doctor before starting Rybelsus, as they may suggest more frequent eye exams.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Rybelsus is not recommended during pregnancy because it may harm the developing fetus. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss alternative treatments with your doctor. Rybelsus is also not recommended if you're breastfeeding.

Other Rybelsus Interactions: Herbs and Supplements

In addition to prescription medications, herbs, and supplements can also affect how Rybelsus works in the body. While many people turn to natural remedies to manage their health, some herbs and supplements may interfere with the medication's effectiveness or cause unwanted side effects. Always talk to your healthcare provider before adding new herbs or supplements to your routine while taking Rybelsus. No known interactions exist between Rybelsus and natural herbs, but future research is needed to uncover potential interactions. 

However, when it comes to mineral supplements, chromium may interact with Rybelsus. Chromium may help manage blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, so taking it with Rybelsus could cause blood sugar levels to drop too low.³

How to Prevent Interactions

It’s important to know of potential interactions with Rybelsus to ensure its effectiveness. This includes medications, supplements, and even certain health conditions that could affect the drug's effectiveness. Before starting Rybelsus, set up a time to meet with your doctor to determine the best plan based on your health and other treatments.

The key to avoiding interactions is keeping your healthcare provider informed about everything you’re taking, whether prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, or supplements. Your doctor can help adjust dosages or suggest alternatives if needed. Regular check-ins and monitoring of your blood sugar levels will also keep you on track. 

Learn More About the Signos CGM Program

If you're considering taking semaglutides like Rybeslus or Ozempic for diabetes or weight loss, talk to your doctor about potential interactions and side effects. While nailing down the right medication is important, you must also optimize your lifestyle and understand what affects your blood sugar levels. ‍Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) can help you do just that so you can take control of your health. 

Not sure if Signos is right for you? Take this quiz to find out! Interested in learning more about nutrition and healthy eating habits? Check out more articles on our blog.

<div class="pro-tip"><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href=rybelsus-for-weight-loss>Rybelsus for Weight Loss: What Is It, Dosage, Side Effects</a></a>.</div>