Rybelsus is an oral tablet best taken on an empty stomach. Avoiding certain types of food in your diet may help manage blood sugar levels and minimize certain side effects of the drug.
Healthcare professionals may recommend Rybelsus (semaglutide) with a balanced diet and exercise plan to help manage blood glucose (sugar) levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. The drug is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss. (Note: Rybelsus is not FDA approved for weight loss.)
Keep reading to find out food types to avoid and tips for taking Rybelsus. For additional information about Rybelsus, including details about its uses and cost, see this Rybelsus overview article.
Rybelsus is prescribed in combination with meal plans that can help manage blood sugar. Eating plans for people with diabetes usually limit foods high in carbohydrates (carbs) because these foods can cause rapid increases in blood sugar levels. But not all carbs are the same. Refined carbs (also called simple carbs) are more likely to cause a rapid increase than complex carbs.
Refined carbs include processed foods and ultra-processed foods. Examples include:
- white bread and white rice
- crackers
- baked goods, including pizza and pastries
- instant foods such as noodle soups
- breakfast cereal
- soda and candy
Limiting these foods in your diet will help manage your blood sugar levels. Eating processed foods also
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends avoiding saturated fat, which is found in animal products and certain oils. Limiting the amount of saturated fat you eat
High fat meats and dairy products to limit include:
- ground beef
- processed meats, including bacon, hot dogs, and lunch meat
- full fat cheese, milk, and sour cream
Other sources of saturated fat include butter, coconut oil, and palm oil.
Instead, the ADA advises eating more monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
Taking Rybelsus can cause digestive system side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. This is because Rybelsus delays the movement of food out of your stomach.
Avoiding certain foods may help minimize these side effects, including foods and beverages that are:
- high in saturated fat
- very sweet or have a lot of added sugar
- overly spicy
For more information about side effects and how to manage them, see this overview of Rybelsus side effects.
It’s important to take Rybelsus on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. Be sure to swallow the tablet whole with a small amount of water.
After taking your dose, wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking. Food or larger amounts of water reduce how much of the drug your body absorbs.
If you take Rybelsus with food or eat too soon after taking Rybelsus, your body may absorb less of the active ingredient (semaglutide). Having a lower amount of the drug can make Rybelsus less effective. For this reason, try to plan your meals and snacks around your Rybelsus dosing schedule.
Rybelsus interactions with food
Rybelsus is not known to interact with any specific foods. (An interaction is when one substance causes another substance to have a different effect than expected.) Food interactions were not studied in clinical trials of the drug. If you have questions about specific foods you should not eat with Rybelsus, talk with your doctor for more information.
To learn whether Rybelsus interacts with other medications or alcohol, see this Rybelsus interactions overview.
Here are some commonly asked questions about Rybelsus and food.
Can you have coffee with Rybelsus?
Yes, but try to wait at least 30 minutes after taking your dose before you have coffee. You should take Rybelsus with water only (up to 4 ounces). For more information, see the “Tips for taking Rybelsus” section.
How long after eating can you take Rybelsus? Can you take Rybelsus at night?
You may be able to take Rybelsus at night but try to take it on an empty stomach. Having food in your stomach can reduce how much of the drug your body absorbs, which can make the drug less effective.
How long you have to wait after eating to take your Rybelsus dose will depend on certain factors, including the amount and type of food you’ve had. Having an empty stomach generally means avoiding food for at least 2 hours before your medication dose.
The manufacturer of Rybelsus specifically recommends taking it in the morning to ensure you have an empty stomach. Typically, this means at least 8 hours after your last meal.
If this dosing schedule does not work for you, talk with your doctor about alternative timing that may work better for you.
You do not have to avoid any particular foods during Rybelsus treatment. However, it’s best to take your dose of Rybelsus on an empty stomach in the morning. After taking your dose, wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking.
Rybelsus is approved along with a diet and exercise plan to manage blood sugar levels and type 2 diabetes. Some people use it off-label for weight loss. Limiting overly processed foods, saturated fat, and other types of food may help you reach your treatment goals. It may also help minimize the digestive side effects of Rybelsus.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today 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.
