How to take oral semaglutide: step-by-step guide

Oral semaglutide offers a needle-free alternative to injectable versions like Ozempic and Wegovy. If you’ve been prescribed Rybelsus or been reading up on the recently approved Wegovy pill, you’re probably wondering how to take oral semaglutide. 

Semaglutide tablets require a bit more planning than some other oral medications. Read on to learn what you need to know.

Oral semaglutide should be taken daily in the morning, as soon as you wake up, before drinking, eating, or taking other medications.

How to take Rybelsus

1. Take 1 tablet of Rybelsus daily on an empty stomach upon first waking up. 

2. Swallow Rybelsus whole with as little water as possible (4 ounces or less).

3. Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other oral medications. 

The above instructions for taking Rybelsus tablets are based on the medication’s prescribing information.

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How to take the Wegovy pill (oral Wegovy)

The steps for taking the Wegovy pill are the same as those for Rybelsus. But to really nail it home, let’s run through it once more:

1. Take 1 tablet of Wegovy daily on an empty stomach upon first waking up. 

2. Swallow the Wegovy pill whole with as little water as possible (4 ounces or less).

3. Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other oral medications. 

The above instructions for taking oral Wegovy are based on the medication’s prescribing information.

The best time to take oral semaglutide — Rybelsus or the Wegovy pill — is first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before any food, drinks, or other medications. 

When is the best time to take oral semaglutide? 

• After an overnight fast: The medication works best after you haven’t had any food, water, or beverages for at least six hours.

• Before drinking water or other beverages: You should take oral semaglutide with up to 4 ounces of water. Drinking more than that can reduce the absorption of the medication. Wait at least 30 minutes before drinking more water or other beverages.

• Before breakfast and food: Wait to have breakfast for at least 30 minutes after taking semaglutide — up to two hours if you can. Studies show that the longer you wait to eat, the better the medication is absorbed.

• Before any other oral medications: Avoid taking any other oral medications for at least 30 minutes after your dose of oral semaglutide.

Oral semaglutide is taken daily, whether you’re taking Rybelsus or the Wegovy pill. 

Each semaglutide tablet should be swallowed whole, with up to 4 ounces of water, on an empty stomach in the morning.

Oral semaglutide should be stored at room temperature in a dry place in its original bottle. Here’s how to store Rybelsus and the Wegovy pill, according to the each drug’s prescribing information: 

• The ideal storage temperature for oral semaglutide is 68°F–77°F (20°C–25°C). 

• The temperature can be slightly higher (59°F/15°C) or lower (86°F/30°C) if you’re transporting the drug somewhere.

Storing oral semaglutide somewhere dry and in its original bottle protects the tablets from moisture.

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Oral semaglutide works best when you take it the right way — in the morning on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before having any food, drinks, or other medications. Taking it this way ensures your body absorbs a maximum amount of the medication.

• Oral semaglutide tablets are taken once daily, whether you’re taking Rybelsus or the Wegovy pill.

• Oral semaglutide should be taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, swallowed whole with no more than 4 ounces of water.

• Waiting at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other medications is essential for maximum absorption. Waiting longer (up to two hours) may work even better.

• Store your semaglutide tablets at room temperature in a dry place, inside the original bottle, to protect them from moisture.

• Taking oral semaglutide as directed helps ensure you get the full therapeutic effects for blood sugar control or weight loss.