Key takeaways
- Rybelsus (semaglutide) is a brand-name oral tablet prescribed to help manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of certain cardiovascular problems in adults with type 2 diabetes.
- When taking your Rybelsus tablet, you should swallow it whole.
- You should not cut, split, crush, or chew your tablet.
To get the most out of your Rybelsus prescription, you’ll want to take your medication as your doctor prescribes and follow some key instructions. These include swallowing your Rybelsus with water, taking it in the morning, and more.
Rybelsus oral tablets are available in two formulations. Each formulation comes in the following strengths:
- formulation R1: 3 mg, 7 mg, and 14 mg
- formulation R2: 1.5 mg, 4 mg, and 9 mg
Regardless of which formulation or strength you’re taking, you should not cut your tablet in half. Therefore, you should not cut your 7-mg or 14-mg tablets in half. All Rybelsus tablets should be swallowed whole.
If it is difficulty for you to swallow your tablets whole, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. They can suggest other ways to take your medication safely.
Additional recommendations for taking Rybelsus include:
- taking it on an empty stomach with up to 4 ounces of water (You should not take Rybelsus with liquids other than water.)
- taking it in the morning
- waiting at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking after you’ve taken your dose of the drug to allow time for the drug to be absorbed
Note: If you miss a dose of Rybelsus, skip the missed dose and take the next dose the following day.
Rybelsus tablets are designed to be absorbed in a specific way, and cutting the tablet in half may affect how well the drugs works to manage your blood sugar. Cutting the tablet can change the way the medication is released and absorbed by your body, which may reduce its effectiveness or lead to side effects.
The medication is formulated to be swallowed whole with a small amount of water to ensure proper delivery of the active ingredient, semaglutide.
No, you cannot take Rybelsus every second day or every other day. For the drug to help manage your blood sugar levels, you should follow your doctor’s recommendation for taking it. Taking the drug every second day may reduce the drug’s effectiveness.
If you have questions about how often you should take Rybelsus, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
To manage your blood sugar effectively, you should follow your doctor’s instructions for taking Rybelsus. This includes swallowing the tablet whole with water.
You should avoid splitting, crushing, or chewing the tablet. Doing so may alter how well the drug works to manage your condition or may lead to side effects.