This article describes possible interactions with Rybelsus oral tablet. Interactions can cause a drug to have a different effect on the body than expected. Interactions can occur due to medications, alcohol, or certain health conditions.
Rybelsus oral tablet has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the end of this article.
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Other drugs and Rybelsus
The drugs in the following list may interact with Rybelsus oral tablet. This article doesn’t include all drugs that may interact with Rybelsus.
Drug classes or drugs that may interact with Rybelsus oral tablet include:
- insulins:
- sulfonylureas:
- meglitinides:
- drug examples: nateglinide, repaglinide
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of Rybelsus and the meglitinide
- certain drugs that have a narrow safety range:
- drug examples: levothyroxine (Synthroid, others), digoxin (Lanoxin)
- what might happen: can make Rybelsus less effective and affect how well your body absorbs the other drug
- beta-blockers:
- drug example: metoprolol (Lopressor, others)
- what might happen: can hide certain symptoms of low blood sugar
- certain blood pressure medications:
- drug examples: lisinopril (Zestril, others), losartan (Cozaar)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of Rybelsus and the blood pressure drug
- corticosteroids:
- drug examples: prednisone (Rayos), methylprednisolone (Medrol)
- what might happen: can increase blood sugar levels making Rybelsus less effective
- certain diuretics (water pills):
- drug examples: furosemide (Lasix, others), torsemide (Soaanz)
- what might happen: can make Rybelsus less effective
- salicylates:
- drug examples: bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), aspirin (Ecotrin, others)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of Rybelsus and the salicylate
- warfarin (Jantoven):
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of warfarin
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Get free cardQuestions about Rybelsus and interactions
Here you’ll find answers to some common questions about Rybelsus and possible interactions.
Can you take metformin and Rybelsus together?
Typically, yes. There are no known interactions between Rybelsus and metformin. So, they are generally safe to take together.
But keep in mind that Rybelsus and metformin can both cause low blood sugar levels. You may be at higher risk of low blood sugar if you take these drugs together.
If you have more questions about taking metformin and Rybelsus together, talk with your doctor.
Can you take Rybelsus and omeprazole together?
Yes, if your doctor recommends it. There are no known interactions between Rybelsus and omeprazole.
But Rybelsus may affect how well your body absorbs other medications. While Rybelsus is not known to affect omeprazole’s absorption, your doctor may monitor the effects of omeprazole more closely while you take Rybelsus.
If you have more questions about taking omeprazole and Rybelsus together, talk with your doctor.
When to avoid Rybelsus
Certain health conditions or other factors could increase some risks with Rybelsus oral tablet. If this appplies to you, your doctor may not prescribe Rybelsus. These health conditions or other factors are called contraindications.
Here’s a list of contraindications for Rybelsus oral tablet:
- MTC or MEN2: If you have medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2), taking Rybelsus oral tablet may significantly increase your risk of thyroid cancer.
- Past allergic reaction to Rybelsus: If you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to Rybelsus oral tablet, taking it again may cause another allergic reaction.
Before you start taking Rybelsus, talk with your doctor about the contraindications of Rybelsus. They can recommend whether you should take Rybelsus.
Alcohol and Rybelsus
Rybelsus oral tablet is not known to interact with alcohol.
But alcohol and Rybelsus both cause similar side effects, such as nausea and vomiting. So, drinking alcohol while taking Rybelsus can increase your risk of or worsen these side effects.
Alcohol can also affect your blood sugar levels. Keep in mind that Rybelsus is used to manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. Consuming alcohol during Rybelsus treatment can make it hard to tell if the drug is working.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it while taking Rybelsus oral tablet.
Other interactions and Rybelsus
Interactions can occur with supplements, foods, vaccines, and some lab tests. Below you can learn whether Rybelsus oral tablet has these interactions.
The information below doesn’t include all other possible interactions with Rybelsus.
Rybelsus and supplements
Before taking Rybelsus oral tablet, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any herbs you take, as well as vitamins and supplements. Doing so may help you avoid interactions.
Rybelsus oral tablet may interact with garlic supplements. Many people take garlic supplements for a variety of health benefits. Examples include protection against a cold and management of high blood pressure. But taking Rybelsus and garlic supplements can increase your risk of low blood sugar levels.
If you have questions about interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Rybelsus and herbs
Rybelsus oral tablet is not known to interact with any herbs. But this doesn’t mean interactions with herbs can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products while taking Rybelsus oral tablet.
Rybelsus and vitamins and minerals
Rybelsus oral tablet may interact with chromium. Some people use this mineral for managing blood sugar levels, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), high cholesterol, and weight loss.
Taking Rybelsus and chromium supplements may increase your risk of low blood sugar levels.
Because of this, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products while taking Rybelsus oral tablet.
Rybelsus and food
It’s important that you take Rybelsus oral tablet at least 30 minutes before your first food or beverage of the day. (You can take it with up to 4 ounces of water.) If you take Rybelsus with food, an interaction could occur that lowers the level of the drug in your body. This may make Rybelsus less effective for your condition.
Rybelsus oral tablet may also interact with green tea. Taking Rybelsus with green tea can increase your risk of low blood sugar levels.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what foods to avoid while taking Rybelsus oral tablet.
Note: Although Rybelsus may interact with garlic supplements, it’s likely safe to eat garlic while taking this drug. This is because the amount of garlic in food is usually much less than what’s in a garlic supplement.
Rybelsus and vaccines
Rybelsus oral tablet is not known to interact with any vaccines. But this doesn’t mean interactions with vaccines can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before receiving any vaccines while taking Rybelsus oral tablet.
Rybelsus and lab tests
Rybelsus oral tablet is not known to interact with lab tests. But this doesn’t mean interactions with lab tests can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before having any tests while taking Rybelsus oral tablet.
Rybelsus and cannabis or CBD
Rybelsus oral tablet is not known to interact with cannabis (commonly called marijuana) or cannabis products such as cannabidiol (CBD). But this doesn’t mean interactions can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
As with any drug or supplement, tell your doctor before taking cannabis with Rybelsus.
Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.
Health factors and Rybelsus
Certain medical conditions or other health factors may increase the risk of interactions with Rybelsus oral tablet. Keep in mind that interactions could lead to side effects or affect how well the drug works. Before taking Rybelsus, tell your doctor about your health history. They’ll determine whether Rybelsus is right for you.
These health conditions or other factors might interact with Rybelsus oral tablet:
- kidney problems
- pancreas problems
- vision problems related to your diabetes
- gallbladder problems
- pregnancy or breastfeeding
- past allergic reaction to Rybelsus
Preventing Rybelsus interactions
You may be able to help avoid certain interactions with Rybelsus oral tablet. Before taking this drug, you may want to discuss possible interactions with your doctor and pharmacist.
Things to consider include:
- Whether you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
- Other medications and herbs you take, as well as vitamins and supplements. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you fill out a medication list.
- What to do if you’re prescribed a new drug while taking Rybelsus oral tablet.
Taking Rybelsus exactly as prescribed can also help prevent interactions.
Boxed warning for Rybelsus
Rybelsus has a boxed warning for the risk of certain types of thyroid cancer. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In animal studies, Rybelsus caused thyroid cancer in rodents. While what happens in animals doesn’t always correlate to what may happen in humans, doctors typically won’t prescribe Rybelsus for people with a certain medical history. This includes people with a personal history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2) and people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
If you develop any signs or symptoms of thyroid cancer while taking Rybelsus, tell your doctor right away. Examples of symptoms include a lump in your neck, difficulty swallowing, or a hoarse voice.
To learn more, talk with your doctor.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.