Can I Take Rybelsus and Trulicity Together?

When we explore treatment options for type 2 diabetes, it’s important for us to know about the possible interactions between different medications.

Rybelsus (semaglutide) and Trulicity (dulaglutide) are prominent players within this domain, each offering unique benefits and considerations for those with type 2 diabetes. Understanding how these medications interact with each other and with other medications is essential for safe and effective treatment.

In today’s article, we will explore the mechanisms of Rybelsus and Trulicity, their effectiveness in managing type 2 diabetes, and any known interactions between them or with other medications. So, if you or a loved one are considering these medications for type 2 diabetes, read on to learn more.

Trulicity and Rybelsus Overview

What is Trulicity and how does it work?

Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used to enhance blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

It works by turning on GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas, which increases insulin secretion and decreases glucagon secretion. This results in lower blood sugar levels and improved glycemic control. Trulicity is administered via injection once a week.

What is Rybelsus and how does it work?

Rybelsus (semaglutide) is another GLP-1 receptor agonist used along with diet and exercise to manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. Unlike Trulicity, Rybelsus is taken orally as a tablet once a day.

Rybelsus also works by stimulating GLP-1 receptors, which leads to increased insulin secretion and decreased glucagon secretion. It also slows down digestion and absorption of glucose in the intestines, further helping to control blood sugar levels.

Can You Take Rybelsus and Trulicity Together?

The short answer is no.

While both Rybelsus and Trulicity are GLP-1 receptor agonists, it is generally not recommended to take them together without specific medical advice.

Both Rybelsus and Trulicity are Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which means they work similarly to regulate blood sugar. Using them together can greatly raise the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can be dangerous.

If you are considering taking Rybelsus or Trulicity, it’s important to first consult your doctor about any potential interactions with other medications you may be taking.

Also Read: Can You Take Trulicity and Jardiance Together?

Potential Interactions with Other Medications

Beyond the specific interaction between Rybelsus and Trulicity, it’s essential to be aware of their potential interactions with other medications.

Rybelsus may interact with medications like levothyroxine (thyroid medication), blood pressure medications (diuretics), and some antibiotics.

Trulicity may interact with medications like insulin, sulfonylureas (a class of oral diabetes medication), and some antibiotics. They may affect the absorption rate of other oral medications due to their impact on gastric emptying.

Otherwise, no major drug interactions have been reported with either medication. Patients should closely monitor their blood sugar levels and report any unusual symptoms to their doctor when combining these drugs with other treatments.

Also Read: How to Switch from Trulicity to Ozempic?

Possible Risks and Considerations

When considering the use of Rybelsus or Trulicity for the management of type 2 diabetes, patients and healthcare providers must be aware of some potential risks and considerations:

• Risk of Gastrointestinal Issues: Both medications can cause gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite. These symptoms are usually worse at the start of treatment and may get better over time.
• Thyroid Tumor Risk: GLP-1 receptor agonists have been linked to an increased risk of thyroid C-cell tumors in animal studies. While it’s not certain this applies to humans, people with a history of certain thyroid cancers or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 should avoid using Rybelsus or Trulicity.
• Pancreatitis: Some people using GLP-1 receptor agonists have reported acute pancreatitis. Patients need to know the symptoms, like severe, ongoing belly pain, and should get medical help immediately if these happen.
• Hypoglycemia Risk When Combined with Other Medications: Using GLP-1 receptor agonists alone has a low risk of causing low blood sugar, but this risk goes up if you use them with insulin or sulfonylureas. It’s important to watch your blood sugar levels closely and adjust the doses of other medications if needed.
• Delay in Gastric Emptying: The mechanism of action of these medications includes slowing gastric emptying, which can affect the absorption of oral medications.
• Renal Impairment: Although rare, there have been reports of renal impairment, including acute kidney injury and worsening of chronic kidney disease, in patients taking GLP-1 receptor agonists. Caution is advised in patients with renal impairment.

By taking these factors, patients and their providers can choose between Rybelsus or Trulicity for treating type 2 diabetes, ensuring safe and effective management of the condition.

Conclusion

In short, both Rybelsus and Trulicity are important for treating type 2 diabetes. They work in a similar way as GLP-1 receptor agonists, but they are not the same and shouldn’t be used together because of the risk of low blood sugar and other side effects.

It’s important for patients to first consult their doctors before starting or changing any medication. By looking at the benefits and risks of Rybelsus and Trulicity, along with the patient’s overall health and other medications, doctors can find the best treatment for managing type 2 diabetes.

FAQ

Can I switch from Trulicity to Rybelsus?

Yes, it is possible to switch from Trulicity to Rybelsus, but this should be done under the guidance of a doctor. You may need to adjust your doses and closely monitor your blood sugar levels during the transition.

Are there any foods I should avoid while taking Rybelsus or Trulicity?

There aren’t specific foods you must avoid when taking Rybelsus or Trulicity, but it’s important to eat a balanced and healthy diet. These medications work best with diet changes and exercise. Because they can slow down your stomach, you should eat fewer high-fat meals or too many carbs, as these can cause bigger blood sugar spikes.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Rybelsus, just skip it and take your next dose at the regular time the next day. Don’t take a double dose. For Trulicity, if you remember within 5 days, take the missed dose as soon as you can. If more than 5 days have passed, contact your doctor for advice instead of taking a double dose.

Can these medications cause weight loss?

Yes, both Rybelsus and Trulicity can help people with type 2 diabetes lose weight. These medications work by making you feel fuller, slowing down digestion, and possibly reducing appetite and food intake. However, their main purpose is to control blood sugar levels, and any weight loss is just an added benefit.

Resources

• Drugs.com: Comparing Rybelsus vs Trulicity
• Rybelsus U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). [Rybelsus FDA Approval]