Can You Take Rybelsus at Night & Can You Stop Taking It?
speciality medications
Rybelsus, a type 2 diabetes drug, is a treatment that can completely change the game for the millions of people suffering from type 2 diabetes worldwide. It’s an effective medication that helps control blood sugar levels without the complications other treatments may bring.
However, that doesn’t mean that taking Rybelsus is 100% simple or straightforward. Many people who get prescribed Rybelsus come away from the pharmacy with specific questions. When should you take Rybelsus? Can Rybelsus be taken at night?
And, if something happens, can you just stop taking Rybelsus?
All great questions—and questions we’ll have the answers to in this helpful guide to this popular type 2 diabetes medication.
Can Rybelsus Be Taken at Night?
Let’s start by talking about timing.
Many people who take prescription medications have their routines down. But Rybelsus may work differently from the other meds they’re familiar with—which can necessitate a different timing strategy.
How Does Rybelsus Work?
Rybelsus is a brand name for the active ingredient semaglutide. Semaglutide works by mimicking the activities of a specific hormone in your body (incretin) that helps increase the amount of insulin people release after meals.
You can buy Rybelsus through NorthWestPharmacy.com for about $7.00/dose, or $280.00 for a month’s supply—a savings of up to 72%, when compared to the over $1,000.00 monthly cost of Rybelsus in America.
Since insulin is a big part of the way people’s bodies process sugar after meals, Rybelsus (and semaglutide) can really help people lower their blood sugar levels.
While many types of diabetes medications, and semaglutide in particular, require administration by injection, Rybelsus is an oral med. This can be a very attractive and convenient option for people who want to avoid regular doctor’s visits—or who just aren’t big fans of needles.
The manufacturer’s general guidelines for Rybelsus use recommend taking Rybelsus on an empty stomach. This method can help maximize absorption of the drug.
But, of course, this doesn’t mean you have to take Rybelsus first thing in the morning.
The Big Rybelsus Debate: Morning vs. Night
Traditionally, people take Rybelsus first thing in the morning. This is based on the absorption dynamics of Rybelsus on an empty stomach.
If you’re able to have an empty stomach at other times of the day, though, you may be able to reap the same benefits on your own schedule. When deciding precisely when you, personally, should take Rybelsus, think carefully about your lifestyle. Then, prioritize a time when your stomach will reliably be empty—and when you won’t accidentally forget to take your medication on a regular basis.
Wondering what you could, potentially, gain by going against the grain and taking your medication at night? Here’s your answer.
The Pros and Cons of Nighttime Rybelsus Dosage
The potential benefits of taking Rybelsus at night include:
- Convenience—especially if you’re used to skipping breakfast. If you have an irregular morning routine and can’t necessarily depend on taking your meds before a specifically-timed meal, taking Rybelsus at night may offer more consistency.
- Compliance—if your mornings aren’t a reliably consistent time to take your meds, taking Rybelsus at night may protect you against inadvertent nonadherence, or forgetting to take your medication. Since forgetting to take Rybelsus consistently can reduce treatment safety and efficacy, this can be a big benefit.
Of course, there are potential drawbacks to taking Rybelsus at night. They include:
- Absorption concerns. If you’re not able to have a totally empty stomach, or if you take Rybelsus too close to any bedtime snacks or other food, you might not experience the maximum benefit associated with Rybelsus.
- Possible side effects. People may experience the various side effects of Rybelsus a little differently at night—for example, they might find that Rybelsus impacts their sleep quality in a negative way if they take it too close to bedtime.
Whether to take Rybelsus in the morning or at nighttime isn’t the only question people have about best practices for Rybelsus administration.
For example, let’s say you’re not loving the side effects you’re experiencing with Rybelsus, you’ve decided to switch medications because you’re not seeing any progress, or you’re going on vacation and are considering just taking a break from the med.
In any of these or similar cases, is it possible to just—put Rybelsus on pause?
Can You Just Stop Taking Rybelsus?
When you’re taking any medication, consistency is important. This isn’t just for maximum performance of the drug; it’s to make sure that the amount of the medication in your bloodstream remains as stable as possible. (That’ll result in fewer side effects, and just an overall better experience.)
Since Rybelsus is a type 2 diabetes medication, consistency is doubly important.
If you stop taking Rybelsus, or any diabetes medication, very suddenly, you may experience fluctuations in your blood sugar levels. That won’t be good for your diabetes and could raise your risk of complications.
When you’re considering stopping your Rybelsus, adjusting your dosage, switching to a new medication, or pausing administration for any reason, you need to talk to your doctor. Otherwise, you could end up doing more harm than good to your body as you manage your health concerns, your lifestyle, and your other goals.
Is Tapering Off from Rybelsus Really Necessary?
If you and your doctor decide that stopping Rybelsus is a good strategy for your health, you may start “tapering off” Rybelsus—or taking a smaller and smaller dose over time to help your body wean off the medication.
Each individual person’s tapering strategy, including how much to reduce your dose by and how quickly you should consider tapering, will be specific to them.
Don’t take advice given to a friend or gleaned off the Internet, here! You need to speak with your doctor to decide upon and employ a strategy that will be safe and effective for you.
What Are the Real Risks of Suddenly Discontinuing Rybelsus?
If you discontinue Rybelsis without an effective, personalized tapering strategy, you run the risk of:
- Fluctuations in your blood sugar levels, or sudden and unpredictable drops or spikes in your blood glucose. This can increase the risk of hypo- or hyperglycemia.
- The rebound effect, or a potential worsening of your control of diabetes or your diabetes symptoms after a bad body reaction to sudden cessation of treatment.
- A poor psychological impact, or a sense of worry, guilt, and frustration that often accompanies the act of stopping medication without a plan or professional guidance.
Tips for Taking Rybelsus to Achieve Maximum Efficacy
Whether you’re taking Rybelsus at night or not, it’s a good idea to know how to take it to the best possible effect.
Start by taking it as regularly and consistently as possible—at around the same time each day, if possible, and on an empty stomach.
Then, once you’ve woven those practices into your daily routine, consider:
- Making sure you wait the appropriate amount of time between taking Rybelsus and breaking your fast. After you take your medication, it’s a good idea to wait at least 30 minutes before drinking or eating. (Water is okay.) This allows the medication ample time to absorb into your body.
- Staying hydrated. If you’re hydrated, you stand a better chance of skipping some of the less-desirable side effects of Rybelsus, including nausea and constipation. Drinking lots of water can also help your metabolism move along efficiently.
- Monitoring your blood sugar levels. Rybelsus should help you keep your blood sugar low, but, if it doesn’t work, you need to know. Keeping tabs on your blood sugar will give you an idea of how well Rybelsus is working for you.
- Staying on top of your diet and exercise. Move your body on a regular basis, several times per week, and try to eat a balanced diet. Pair carbs with protein, for example, and prioritize vegetables, fruits, and leafy greens when possible. This type of lifestyle can enhance the benefits of your medication, and help you work to improve your overall health.
- Talk to your healthcare provider. Likely, especially as you get used to your medication, your doctor will want relatively frequent check-ins to ensure that the medication is working for you properly. Do all of the bloodwork your doctor suggests and talk to your doctor about any concerns or side effects you may have. Then, your provider will be able to help you work toward getting the most out of your medication.
What Happens If You Take Rybelsus With Food?
If you take Rybelsus with food, you could significantly reduce the amount of medication you’re able to absorb into your bloodstream—and, as a result, you’d be risking reduced medication efficacy.
As we’ve established, to mitigate this possibility, it’s very important to adhere to any fasting guidelines that your doctor gives you when prescribing Rybelsus.
Aside from that general practice, however, you might be curious: Are there foods you should prioritize or steer clear from while you’re taking this medication?
Foods to Avoid While Taking Rybelsus
Prioritizing a balanced diet while on this semaglutide medication is key—which inherently means that you should be able to enjoy most food groups, just in moderation.
That said, there are a few foods you should avoid when possible. Try to avoid eating high-fat meals, which travel very slowly through your digestive system and can make ensuring that your stomach is empty before taking Rybelsus very difficult.
In addition, you should know that drinking alcohol, particularly in excess, may increase your personal risk of hypoglycemia and make managing your diabetes overall a more difficult prospect.
Healthy Eating Tips for Rybelsus Users
Wondering what you can eat while taking Rybelsus? Here’s a quick rundown of some healthy eating practices that can make a big difference in the way you handle your diagnosis:
- Eat low-glycemic index foods, when you can. These include whole grains, legumes, and vegetables. These types of foods will help you keep your blood sugar levels stable.
- Eat healthy fats, when you can, such as fish, avocados, and flaxseeds. These support heart health and help keep you full.
- Moderate your portion sizes. Eat as much as you need to be satisfied—but then, if you can, it’s a good idea to stop eating. Keeping your portion sizes strategic can give you a good way to accomplish this.
Navigating The Possible Side Effects of Rybelsus
If you’re about to start taking Rybelsus, you need to know what you’re getting into! While taking Rybelsus is, for most people, not a problem at all, there are potential side effects that could make your initial experience of getting used to the drug a bit of a bumpy road.
Rybelsus can cause various side effects. These include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Hypoglycemia
- Increased heart rate
Most of these side effects should go away as your body gets used to the medication, but if they do not (or if these side effects are particularly severe), let your doctor know. They may be able to help you adjust your dosage or consider another treatment that will be less uncomfortable for you and your body.
How Long Does Rybelsus Stay in Your System?
The amount of time Rybelsus stays in your system depends on several factors, including your dosage and how quickly your body metabolizes substances. If you feel that you’re experiencing undue side effects or can feel the effects of Rybelsus longer than you should, talk to your doctor about adjusting your dose as necessary.
How Can I Tell If It’s Time to Switch Medications or Discontinue Rybelsus?
If it’s time to switch medications, you’ll likely notice that you’re experiencing persistent side effects or inadequate blood sugar control. You might also realize that you need to go on another medication that doesn’t work very well with Rybelsus. In any case, talk to your doctor about safe ways to taper off Rybelsus and switch to your next medication safely.
Ready to Get the Rybelsus You Need in a Convenient, Cost-Savings Way?
We understand that the last thing you need when managing your Rybelsus treatment is uncertainty surrounding when and where you can get it reliably. That’s where we come in!
NorthWestPharmacy.com is here to help you get the Rybelsus you need—whether you take it during the day or at night. We can even help you get Rybelsus during a shortage at your local or other pharmacies. Want more information before you place your order?
Chat with our friendly, experienced patient care representatives for more information, or even seek their assistance placing an order—we’re here to help! The team at NorthWestPharmacy.com looks forward to supporting you as you pursue the high-quality treatment you deserve.
