Rybelsus (semaglutide) is an oral medication used in combination with exercise and a healthy diet to help treat type 2 diabetes. It’s best taken on an empty stomach but isn’t known to interact with any foods.
Rybelsus belongs to a group of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These medications:
- slow stomach emptying
- inhibit the release of a hormone called glucagon that increases your blood sugar
- stimulate the production of insulin
No particular foods are known to interact with Rybelsus. However, combining it with food or liquids other than water may change how it’s absorbed by your stomach.
Read on to learn more about why Rybelsus should be taken on an empty stomach.
No specific foods are known to interact with Rybelsus. However, taking Rybesus with food can potentially reduce the amount of the drug your body absorbs, making it less effective. It’s OK to take it with up to 4 ounces (120 milliliters) of water.
Rybelsus is primarily absorbed by your stomach and reaches its maximum effectiveness about an hour after you take it. You should take Rybelsus at least 30 minutes before your first food, drink, or oral medication of the day.
Taking food with Rybelsus can potentially impair its absorption and make it less effective. To make sure your tablets are absorbed properly, it’s important to consume them whole without splitting, breaking, or chewing them.
How long after taking Rybelsus can I eat?
Other than up to 4 ounces of water, you should wait at least 30 minutes after taking Rybelsus to consume any beverages or food. It’s often recommended that you have a snack or meal about
Can you take Rybelsus at night?
It’s best not to take Rybelsus at night since food in your stomach can impair its absorption. If you miss a dose, it’s best to skip your dose completely and take it again at your normal time the next day.
Can you take Rybelsus with coffee?
You shouldn’t drink anything other than water with Rybelsus. Consuming up to 4 ounces of water hasn’t been found to impact its absorption.
Does Rybelsus interact with any other medications?
Rybelsus isn’t known to directly interact with any medications, but it’s still a good idea to wait at least 30 minutes before taking any other medications after Rybelsus.
Rybelsus and other medications that contain semaglutide may
For example, researchers found that taking Rybelsus at the same time as the thyroid medication levothyroxine increased levothyroxine absorption by 33%.
Rybelsus isn’t currently FDA-approved for weight loss, but weight loss is common among people who take it.
Rybelsus is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss in people without diabetes. (Off-label use is when a drug is used to treat a condition other than those it’s approved for.)
Another medication called Wegovy, which also contains the active ingredient semaglutide, is FDA-approved for weight loss. Unlike Rybelsus, Wegovy is given as an injection under your skin and shouldn’t be combined with Rybelsus or other GLP-1 receptor agonists. (This is the group of drugs Rybelsus belongs to.)
To maximize weight loss, it’s best to combine Rybelsus or other weight-loss drugs with regular exercise and a balanced diet. This includes eating foods that are:
- high in fiber, such as:
- fresh, whole fruits
- many fresh vegetables
- beans and legumes
- brown rice
- high in protein, such as
It also includes avoiding certain types of foods, such as those that are:
- high in trans or saturated fats, such as
- full-fat dairy products
- butter
- highly processed and high in added sugars, such as:
- candy
- soda
- packaged baked goods
- certain fruit juices
- high in salt
A balanced diet also includes limiting or eliminating alcohol, which can add a significant number of calories to your diet with no nutritional benefits.
The price you’ll pay for Rybelsus can vary. Your cost may depend on your treatment plan, the pharmacy you use, and any insurance coverage you have.
To save money on your Rybelsus treatment, explore the coupon options below.
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Rybelsus isn’t known to interact with any particular foods, but consuming it with food may impact the amount of the drug absorbed by your body. It’s best to take Rybelsus in the morning at least 30 minutes before eating or consuming drinks (other than up to 4 ounces of water).
Rybelsus is most effective when combined with regular exercise and a balanced diet. Consuming a diet high in whole, unprocessed foods with minimally added sugar can potentially help you keep your blood sugar levels under control if you have type 2 diabetes.
Disclaimer: Healthline 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.