For those taking oral glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications, such as Wegovy tablets, it is important to follow specific guidelines regarding their intake. According to FDA prescribing information, Wegovy should be consumed on an empty stomach with up to 4 ounces of water. No other liquids are recommended at this time.

Patients are advised to wait at least 30 minutes before consuming food, other beverages, or oral medications. This waiting period is crucial because the absorption of the medication through the digestive system can be affected by food and drink.

As the first FDA-approved oral medication for chronic weight management, Wegovy tablets differ from injectable options. Dr. Michael Hall, a board-certified physician and longevity specialist, emphasizes the importance of taking the tablet only with water. He advises against consuming coffee, tea, juice, or other drinks with the medication, as they may interfere with absorption.

“Coffee, tea, juice or other drinks should not be taken with the pill because they can interfere with how the medicine is absorbed,” explained Dr. Hall, based in Miami Beach, Florida.

For those who use oral GLP-1 medications, Dr. Hall recommends the following morning routine:

• Wake up.
• Take a Wegovy tablet, whole, with up to 4 ounces of plain water.
• Wait at least 30 minutes before eating breakfast, drinking coffee or tea, or taking any other oral medications.

Dr. Hall notes that food and beverages other than water, along with other oral medicines, can impact absorption if taken too soon. “The safest rule is 30 minutes of nothing by mouth except water after the tablet,” he states.

GLP-1 medications may also slow stomach emptying, which affects how other oral medications are absorbed. Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel agrees that a GLP-1 pill should not be taken with caffeine, only on an empty stomach.

Drinking tea during the day does not generally interfere with GLP-1 absorption, though patients should consult their physicians. Dr. Siegel mentions that certain teas, such as green, black, and white teas, can aid digestion, while ginger and peppermint teas can ease nausea.

Fox News Digital reached out to Wegovy’s manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, for their comments.