Do you have Type 2 Diabetes? If so, your doctor may have prescribed you a medication called Semaglutide, which comes under the brand name Rybelsus. Although it is a very effective medication, it does require some special precautions when using it. So today, let’s talk about this medication in simple terms, how it is used, its side effects, and what you need to know.
What actually happens with this Semaglutide pill?
Simply put, this pill does several key things for your body.
- Insulin Enhancement: This medicine stimulates your body to produce the hormone insulin when needed. This helps the glucose in your blood enter your cells, controlling your blood sugar levels.
- Reducing sugar production by the liver: This medicine also helps reduce the amount of extra sugar released by our liver.
- Slow digestion: This medicine slows down the rate at which the food we eat is digested in the stomach. This helps control the sudden spike in blood sugar levels after eating. It also helps control overeating due to the feeling of fullness in the stomach.
Usually, along with this medication, it is also essential to change your lifestyle . That is, proper diet and daily exercise are also part of this treatment.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
If you have any of the following conditions, it is very important to inform your doctor before starting this medication.
| Medical conditions you or someone in your family has/had |
|---|
| Thyroid cancer or endocrine tumors called MEN 2. |
| If you have previously had pancreatitis. |
| Kidney disease. |
| Eye diseases (diabetic retinopathy) or other vision problems caused by diabetes. |
| A stomach or intestinal condition (e.g., gastroparesis). |
| If you have an allergic reaction to Semaglutide or any other medicine, food, or dye. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding (this is extremely important ). |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
To get the most out of this medicine, it is essential to know the correct way to take it. Remember these instructions carefully.
- Upon waking in the morning: Take this pill first thing in the day.
- Take on an empty stomach: Do not eat or drink anything before taking the pill.
- Just with a little water: You should take the pill with just a little plain water . The amount of water should not be more than 120 ml (4 ounces). That is about half a glass of water.
- Swallow, do not chew: Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet. Swallow whole.
- Wait 30 minutes: This is the most important thing . After taking the pill, do not eat breakfast, drink anything else (except water), or take any other medications or vitamins for at least 30 minutes .
Remember: If you eat or drink anything else within 30 minutes of taking this medicine, the absorption of the medicine into the body will be significantly reduced. Therefore, the results may be reduced.
What if you miss your medication?
Don't worry. If you miss a dose, skip it completely. Take your pill at the usual time the next day. Never take two pills at once to make up for a forgotten dose.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What else should you be careful about when taking the medicine?
- Blood tests: Attend regular checkups as directed by your doctor. A blood test called HbA1C (A1C) is usually done every 3 to 6 months. This can help you see how your blood sugar has been controlled over the past 2-3 months.
- Be aware of your blood sugar levels: Know the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Ask your doctor what to do in such cases.
- If your blood sugar drops: Always keep something you can eat quickly (e.g., a candy bar, a glucose tablet, a sugar packet) nearby if your blood sugar drops.
- Vomiting or diarrhea: If you have excessive vomiting or diarrhea, tell your doctor about it, as losing too much fluid from the body can affect the kidneys.
- Other medications: Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. Some medications may interact with this medication. For example, you should be especially careful if you are taking medications like Levothyroxine and Warfarin.
- Pregnancy: Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine. If you are planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor. You may need to wait a while after stopping this medicine.
Possible side effects
Like any medicine, Semaglutide can cause side effects in some people. Some of these can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Pancreatitis | Severe stomach pain (this may spread to the back), vomiting, fever. The pain may worsen after eating. |
| Thyroid nodules | A lump or swelling in the neck, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, hoarseness. |
| Severe allergic reaction | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Effects on the kidneys | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Vision changes | Blurred vision or other changes. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system problems | Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, and bloating (these usually subside over time). |
| Appetite | Decreased desire to eat. |
Take-Home Message
- Take the Semaglutide pill every morning, on an empty stomach , with just a little water.
- Avoid eating or drinking anything for at least 30 minutes after taking the pill.
- Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet. Swallow it whole.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications you take and any medical conditions you have.
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as neck lumps or severe stomach pain, seek medical advice immediately.
- Avoid taking this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding . Talk to your doctor about this.
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