Can you take Rybelsus with Losartan? A guide to managing your medications

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 3 American adults have high blood pressure, and over 38 million have diabetes, making it common for patients to require medication for both conditions. For those managing type 2 diabetes and hypertension, a common concern is whether you can take Rybelsus with Losartan safely. While many drug interaction checkers indicate no known major interaction, there are important factors to consider, such as potential overlapping side effects and Rybelsus's effect on oral drug absorption.

Quick Summary

Discusses the safety and management of taking Rybelsus and Losartan together, addressing potential overlapping side effects, medication timing, and the importance of professional medical oversight. Explores how each drug works, potential interactions, and side effect management to ensure patient safety while treating diabetes and hypertension.

Key Points

Generally Safe with Supervision: Taking Rybelsus and Losartan together is often considered safe but requires a doctor's oversight due to potential overlapping side effects and absorption complexities.
Rybelsus Affects Absorption: Rybelsus can slow down digestion, which may alter the absorption of other oral medications like Losartan, emphasizing the need for proper timing.
Monitor for Hypoglycemia and Hyperkalemia: Combining these medications increases the need to monitor for low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) from Rybelsus, especially with other diabetes drugs, and high potassium levels (hyperkalemia) from Losartan.
Watch for Overlapping Side Effects: Both medications can cause gastrointestinal issues or dizziness, so patients should be aware of and report any new or worsening symptoms to their healthcare provider.
Timing is Important: It is crucial to follow a doctor's instructions on when to take Rybelsus relative to other medications, as it must be taken on an empty stomach.
Avoid NSAIDs: Patients should be cautious with over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen, as they can interact with Losartan and increase the risk of kidney problems.

Understanding Rybelsus (Semaglutide)

Rybelsus is the brand name for the oral form of semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes. It helps manage blood sugar levels by stimulating the release of insulin when blood sugar is high and decreasing the amount of glucose produced by the liver. It is not a treatment for type 1 diabetes.

How Rybelsus works

Increases insulin release: It prompts the pancreas to release more insulin in response to high blood sugar levels.
Decreases glucagon: It lowers the amount of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar, produced by the liver.
Slows gastric emptying: It slows down the digestive process, which can help reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes. This slower digestion is a key consideration for other oral medications.

Understanding Losartan (Cozaar)

Losartan, an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB) sold under the brand name Cozaar, is a prescription medication primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It can also be prescribed for kidney problems caused by type 2 diabetes and to reduce the risk of stroke in certain people.

How Losartan works

Blocks angiotensin II: Losartan works by blocking the action of a substance called angiotensin II, which narrows blood vessels.
Relaxes blood vessels: By blocking angiotensin II, Losartan allows blood vessels to relax and widen, lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow.

Can you take Rybelsus with Losartan? Evaluating the combination

While both Rybelsus and Losartan are commonly prescribed and can be taken together under a doctor's supervision, there are nuances to their interaction and overall management. Many reputable drug interaction checkers, including Drugs.com, report no direct interactions found between losartan and Rybelsus. However, this does not mean there is no risk, and consulting a healthcare provider is essential.

Some sources, like Optum Perks, mention that combining Rybelsus with certain blood pressure medications, including losartan (an ARB), could potentially increase the risk of side effects from both drugs. Specifically, there is a risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which is particularly relevant if Rybelsus is taken alongside other glucose-lowering agents, although this effect is less pronounced when Rybelsus is used alone.

Furthermore, Rybelsus's impact on gastrointestinal motility is a crucial factor. By slowing down digestion, Rybelsus may potentially affect how other oral medications, including Losartan, are absorbed. This could alter the effectiveness of Losartan, emphasizing the need for careful medical monitoring and adherence to specific dosing instructions, such as timing.

Potential management considerations

To minimize risks when taking Rybelsus and Losartan together, a healthcare provider might recommend:

Dosing schedule: Taking Rybelsus at a specific time relative to Losartan and other medications to ensure proper absorption. Rybelsus must be taken on an empty stomach with a small amount of water to work effectively.
Monitoring side effects: Closely watching for signs of low blood pressure (dizziness, lightheadedness) or high potassium levels (weakness, irregular heartbeat), which are potential side effects of Losartan, particularly in combination with certain other medications.
Adjusting dosages: Based on blood sugar and blood pressure readings, a doctor may adjust the dose of one or both medications to maintain therapeutic effectiveness while reducing side effect risks.

Comparative Overview: Rybelsus vs. Losartan


Feature	Rybelsus (Semaglutide)	Losartan (Cozaar)
Drug Class	GLP-1 Receptor Agonist	Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB)
Primary Use	Type 2 Diabetes	High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Key Action	Lowers blood sugar by increasing insulin and slowing gastric emptying.	Lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels.
Key Side Effects	Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain.	Dizziness, fatigue, upper respiratory infection, high potassium.
Form	Oral tablet, taken once daily.	Oral tablet, typically taken once daily.
Interaction Concern	Can affect absorption of other oral drugs; may increase hypoglycemia risk with certain meds.	Increased potassium risk with certain foods and drugs; potential interaction with NSAIDs.

Common and Serious Side Effects

Rybelsus Side Effects

Common: Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain are the most frequent gastrointestinal side effects.
Serious: Pancreatitis, thyroid tumors, kidney problems, changes in vision, and severe allergic reactions are possible, though less common.

Losartan Side Effects

Common: Dizziness, fatigue, and upper respiratory tract infections.
Serious: High potassium levels (hyperkalemia) and kidney problems, especially when combined with NSAIDs or in patients with pre-existing kidney issues.

Monitoring and precautions

Patients taking both Rybelsus and Losartan must be diligent in managing their health with their medical team. Key precautions include:

Consistent blood glucose monitoring: Regular checks are essential, especially if other diabetes medications are used, to identify and manage any changes in blood sugar control.
Potassium level monitoring: Since Losartan can increase potassium levels, a doctor may recommend regular blood tests to check for hyperkalemia, particularly if you also take potassium supplements or use salt substitutes.
Adherence to timing: Follow your doctor's specific instructions regarding when to take each medication. Taking Rybelsus on an empty stomach is critical for its absorption.
Disclosing all medications: Always inform your healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking. For example, NSAIDs like ibuprofen can interact with losartan and impact kidney function.

Conclusion

For individuals managing type 2 diabetes and hypertension, combining Rybelsus and Losartan can be a safe and effective strategy under careful medical supervision. While major direct drug interactions are not typically noted by all drug checkers, potential for altered absorption due to Rybelsus's effect on digestion and the need to monitor for side effects like hypoglycemia and hyperkalemia are important considerations. Adherence to a prescribed dosing schedule, vigilant monitoring of blood sugar and potassium levels, and clear communication with your healthcare provider are paramount to ensure safety and therapeutic effectiveness. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist with any questions regarding your medication regimen before making any changes.

: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-rybelsus-interactions

Frequently Asked Questions

Most drug interaction checkers, including Drugs.com, state that there are no known direct interactions between Rybelsus and Losartan. However, other sources like Optum Perks note a potential for increased side effects when combining Rybelsus with certain blood pressure medications, including losartan. A healthcare professional's guidance is essential to manage this combination safely.

Rybelsus (semaglutide) can slow gastric emptying, which means it may take longer for your body to absorb other oral medications, including Losartan. This altered absorption could potentially affect the efficacy of Losartan. A doctor can advise on the best timing for your doses.

Be alert for signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) such as dizziness, sweating, and confusion, particularly if you are also taking other diabetes medications like insulin. Additionally, monitor for signs of high potassium (hyperkalemia), a potential side effect of Losartan, which can include weakness or irregular heartbeat. Both drugs may also cause dizziness or gastrointestinal issues.

While it's possible, it is essential to follow your doctor's specific instructions. Rybelsus needs to be taken on an empty stomach with a small amount of water to ensure proper absorption. Your doctor may recommend specific timing to prevent any interference with Losartan or other medications.

Rybelsus is a type 2 diabetes medication used to help control blood sugar levels. Losartan is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and protect the kidneys, especially in patients with diabetes.

Losartan can increase potassium levels, so it's wise to avoid potassium supplements and salt substitutes that contain potassium unless advised by your doctor. Additionally, combining Losartan with NSAIDs like ibuprofen can increase the risk of kidney problems.

Rybelsus can potentially interact with other blood pressure medications. For example, some sources mention interactions with ACE inhibitors (like lisinopril) and ARBs (like losartan). Always inform your healthcare provider about all your medications to ensure safety and adjust dosages as needed.

If you experience concerning or severe side effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately. They can help determine if the symptoms are related to one of the medications and decide on the best course of action, which may include dose adjustment or switching to an alternative treatment.