Can Rybelsus be taken at night?
If you have been struggling to control your type 2 diabetes (T2DM) or maintain a healthy weight, your doctor may have prescribed you Rybelsus (semaglutide). It is an FDA-approved once-daily oral medication used along with diet and exercise to control blood sugar (glucose) levels in adults with T2DM. Rybelsus is also used off-label as a weight loss drug.
The recommended dose of Rybelsus to treat T2DM will vary depending on your individual needs and medical history. However, the starting dose is 3 mg once daily for most people. After 30 days, the dose is increased to 7 mg once daily. If your blood sugar is still not controlled, you can be increased to 14 mg once daily after 30 days on the 7 mg dose. It is recommended that you take Rybelsus with plain water (no more than 4 ounces) when you wake up at least 30 minutes before your first food, beverage, or other oral medications. Waiting less than 30 minutes, or taking with food, beverages (other than plain water), or other oral meds can decrease the effectiveness of Rybelsus. Waiting more than 30 minutes to eat may increase the absorption of Rybelsus.
Technically, you can take it at night as long as it is on an empty stomach. However, it is best to take it in the morning to ensure there is no food in your stomach that can decrease the absorption and effectiveness of Rybelsus.
Read on and learn all you need to know about Rybelsus as we answer some frequently asked questions.
Rybelsus FAQs
What conditions does Rybelsus treat?
Rybelsus is a brand-name oral semaglutide tablet manufactured by Novo Nordisk. It is approved along with lifestyle changes such as a low-calorie diet and exercise by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Lowering your blood sugar can help reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death if you have T2DM and heart disease. Rybelsus is also sometimes used off-label as a weight loss medication.
Rybelsus has a boxed warning against its use in those with a personal or family history of certain types of thyroid cancer. It should also be avoided if you have type 1 diabetes (T1DM).
How does Rybelsus work?
The active ingredient in Rybelsus is semaglutide, which belongs to a drug class called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. GLP-1 is a natural hormone released by your gut when you eat. Rybelsus works by activating GLP-1 receptors. This causes your pancreas to release more insulin while stopping the secretion of sugar from your liver into the bloodstream. It also slows down digestion to help you eat less and lose weight.
What doses of Rybelsus are available?
Rybelsus is an oral tablet that you take once daily. It is available in the following strengths:
- 3 mg
- 7 mg
- 14 mg
How do you take Rybelsus?
Take Rybelsus exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes it to you. It is typically taken on an empty stomach when you first wake up with no more than 4 ounces of water. It should be taken at least 30 minutes before your first food, beverage, or other oral medications. Swallow Rybelsus tablets whole and do not crush, split, or chew them. If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule.
Are there any drug interactions with Rybelsus?
When Rybelsus is taken with other drugs, it can change how they work or make some side effects more likely or severe. You should ask your healthcare provider if any of the prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, vitamins, or supplements you take may interact with Rybelsus, including:
- Other diabetic medications such as insulin, sulfonylureas, and metformin
- Oral medications, since Rybelsus slows down gastric emptying (how fast your stomach empties) and can change how much of these meds are absorbed
What are the side effects of Rybelsus?
All strengths of Rybelsus can cause the same mild and serious side effects. However, the risk of certain side effects may increase with higher doses. The most common side effects of Rybelsus include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Decreased appetite and weight loss
- Constipation
- Vomiting
Other possible side effects of Rybelsus can include:
- Bloating
- Indigestion and reflux
- Gas
Rarely, Rybelsus may cause some more serious side effects such as:
- Serious, life-threatening allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis
- Increased risk of certain thyroid tumors including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Increased risk of complications from diabetic retinopathy
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially with other diabetes medications
- Kidney problems including dehydration
- Gallbladder problems and gallstones
Disclaimer: These are not all of the possible side effects of Rybelsus. Contact your healthcare professional for medical advice about any possible adverse effects you experience while taking Rybelsus. You can report your adverse effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Who should avoid Rybelsus?
Rybelsus should not be taken if you are allergic to semaglutide or any inactive ingredients in this product. You should also avoid this medication if you have a family or personal history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.
What should you tell your healthcare provider before taking Rybelsus?
Be sure your provider is aware of any other medical condition you have before starting Rybelsus, including:
- Problems with your pancreas or kidneys
- Vision problems related to your diabetes
- If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
- If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed
Does Rybelsus interact with food?
For Rybelsus to be fully effective, it needs to be taken on an empty stomach and at least 30 minutes before any food, beverage, or other medication. Most people take it when they first wake up with water (no more than 4 ounces) to ensure there is no food in their stomach.
To get the best results from Rybelsus, you should also maintain healthy eating habits and exercise regularly. Your diet is especially important when you have T2DM because what you eat will impact your blood sugar. Some of the best foods you can eat while you taking Rybelsus include vegetables, whole grains, fruits without added sugars, fish, and poultry.
There are some foods you may want to avoid while on Rybelsus, including:
- High-fat foods
- Foods containing a high amount of sugar
- Spicy foods
- Alcohol
How should you store Rybelsus?
You should store Rybelsus at room temperature between 68⁰F and 77⁰F in its original bottle. Keep it tightly closed and in a dry place away from moisture. Be sure to keep Rybelsus and all medications out of the reach of children.
Does Rybelsus cause weight loss?
While Rybelsus (semaglutide) is not currently approved for weight loss, most people who take it will lose weight. Some studies have looked at the medication and what effect it had on weight. One set of studies found that people taking Rybelsus lost up to 10 lb of their body weight, depending on the dose. Another study showed that a dose of 50 mg of oral semaglutide caused a weight loss of around 17% of their starting body weight. This was similar to the weight loss seen with Ozempic, an injectable form of semaglutide approved as a weight-loss medication.
Related Medications
- Wegovy (semaglutide)
- Ozempic (semaglutide)
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
- Saxenda (liraglutide)
- Victoza (liraglutide)
- Trulicity (dulaglutide)