Can Rybelsus or Ozempic Pills Be Taken at Night? Plus, 6 More Pharmacist-Backed Tips

When you receive your Rybelsus or Ozempic pill (semaglutide) prescription, there are several important instructions to follow. This includes when to take it and how to time food, drinks, and other medications around your dose. And there are specific storage instructions, too.

All of these recommendations are in place to help you get the most benefit from your medication. But there may be situations where these instructions don’t fit with your schedule due to work or other reasons. In this case, can you take Rybelsus or Ozempic pills at a different time? We cover this topic and six more below.

1. The best time to take Rybelsus or Ozempic pills is first thing in the morning on an empty stomach

To get the most benefit from Rybelsus or Ozempic pills, it’s best to take your dose on an empty stomach. This is because oral semaglutide isn’t absorbed very well. It’s also easily broken down by enzymes in the stomach. Taking it with food can almost completely limit its absorption.

You’ll absorb more of your Rybelsus or Ozempic pill dose if you’ve fasted overnight, which is why it’s best to take it first thing in the morning. Make sure to swallow the tablet whole with up to 4 oz (120 mL) of water. Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other medications.

2. It may be OK to take Rybelsus or Ozempic pills at night in certain situations

But what happens if you can’t take Rybelsus or Ozempic pills in the morning? There may be certain situations where you may be told to take your dose at a different time, such as at night. 

It’s best to discuss your situation with your prescriber before adjusting your Rybelsus or Ozempic pill timing. But here are a few tips to help with your discussion.

• Shift work: If you work the night shift, you may need to take your dose later in the day if a morning dose isn’t feasible. The general guidance is to fast at least 6 hours before taking Rybelsus or the Ozempic pill, then wait at least 30 minutes before eating.

• Fasting: If you’re fasting from sunrise to sunset for religious reasons, such as during Ramadan, experts recommend taking your dose after sunset. Then, wait 30 minutes before eating the fast-breaking evening meal. Another option is to take it at least 30 minutes before your pre-dawn meal, but only if you’ve been fasting at least 6 hours beforehand.

Keep in mind that taking Rybelsus or Ozempic pills differently from what’s recommended may affect how much you absorb. Your prescriber can monitor your response to treatment and make adjustments as needed.

Good to know: Semaglutide is also available as a weekly injection under the Ozempic brand name. If timing your oral semaglutide dose is an issue, the Ozempic injection may be an alternative to consider since you can inject it at any time of day.

3. Rybelsus and Ozempic pills may also affect how you absorb other medications

As mentioned earlier, it’s important to take Rybelsus or Ozempic pills before any food, drink, or other medications. This is because they can reduce how much semaglutide you absorb. However, it’s possible for Rybelsus and Ozempic pills to affect other medications, too. While it’s not a comprehensive list, below are a few examples.

4. Some foods are best to limit when taking Rybelsus or Ozempic pills

There aren’t specific foods that you absolutely need to avoid with Rybelsus or Ozempic pills. But some may worsen side effects or interfere with how well the medication works. Here are a few foods and drinks to consider limiting:

• High-fat or greasy foods: These can make side effects such as nausea, upset stomach, and diarrhea worse.

• Sugary or processed foods: These can raise your blood glucose (sugar) and may make it harder to manage your diabetes. Focus on whole foods, such as vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

• Alcohol: Drinking alcohol may worsen side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). It can also potentially offset weight loss from the medication.

5. Don’t crush or cut Rybelsus or Ozempic tablets

Oral semaglutide normally isn’t absorbed very well. That’s why it’s co-formulated in a specific way with an absorption enhancer called salcaprozate sodium. It’s not known if splitting, crushing, or chewing Rybelsus or Ozempic tablets interferes with this formulation. So it’s recommended to swallow the tablets whole.

If you have difficulty swallowing Rybelsus or Ozempic tablets, talk to your prescriber about an alternative. As mentioned earlier, Ozempic injections may be a pill-free option to consider.

6. There are ways to manage nausea from Rybelsus and Ozempic pills

One of the most common semaglutide side effects is nausea, especially when you start treatment and after dose increases. This side effect (and other semaglutide side effects) usually improve over time. But in the meantime, here are a few tips for managing nausea from Rybelsus or Ozempic pills.

• Follow the titration schedule. It’s best to start with a low Rybelsus or Ozempic pill dose, which is then slowly increased on 30-day intervals as directed by your prescriber. This titration schedule helps your body get used to the medication over time to lessen side effects.

• Avoid or minimize foods that worsen nausea. Greasy, fatty, and sugary foods; alcohol; and ultra-processed foods can make nausea worse. It’s a good idea to avoid or minimize these foods while taking semaglutide.

• Eat smaller meals. Rybelsus and Ozempic pills can make you feel full faster. Eating smaller meals throughout the day can help you feel less nauseous after you eat.

7. Store Rybelsus and Ozempic tablets in their original container, not a pill organizer

For Rybelsus and Ozempic pills to work properly, it’s important to preserve their integrity. That means storing it properly to protect it from heat, light, and moisture, which can affect how well it works.

The manufacturer recommends storing Rybelsus and Ozempic pills in their original bottle — not a pill organizer or regular prescription bottle. That’s because the original bottle’s blue cap is made a certain way to protect the tablets by absorbing moisture. Keep the bottle closed until it’s time for your dose. And put the cap back on right after you take out a tablet.

Keep your Rybelsus or Ozempic pill bottle in a cool, dry place. For example, you can keep your medication in your dresser drawer, on a shelf, or in a closet. Just make sure it’s out of reach of children and pets. Although tempting, avoid places like the bathroom that tend to get humid.

Keeping your Rybelsus or Ozempic pill bottle in the same spot as other medications can help you to remember to take it. Putting a reminder on your phone in the morning or using one of the many medication reminder apps can also be helpful.

Tips for saving on Rybelsus and the Ozempic pill

There are ways to save on Rybelsus and the Ozempic pill, which are available as brand-name medications. GoodRx coupons, manufacturer copay savings cards, and home delivery options can help make your prescription more affordable.

• Save with GoodRx. With GoodRx, you can access the Ozempic pill starting at $149 per month.

• Save with a copay savings card. If you have commercial insurance, you could pay as little as $25 for Rybelsus and $25 for the Ozempic pill with a copay card.

• Save with home delivery. Access cash-pay prices for the Ozempic pill and get it delivered to your home through NovoCare Pharmacy.

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Written by:

Sandy P. Bonfin, PharmD, BCPS

Sandy Bonfin, PharmD, BCPS, is a clinical pharmacist at a Florida hospital. Bonfin has worked in pediatric medicine, emergency medicine, internal medicine, and intensive care.

Edited by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

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