What is the Best Day to Take Semaglutide? Optimizing Your Weekly Schedule

Introduction

More than half of Americans actively seek to manage their weight each year, a testament to the universal desire for better health. For many, integrating a medication like semaglutide represents a significant step forward in this journey. This powerful medication, known for its ability to support weight loss and manage type 2 diabetes, offers a new pathway to improved well-being. But as with any effective treatment, optimizing its use is key to unlocking its full potential. You’ve likely heard the advice: “take it once a week.” Yet, a deeper question often arises: what is the best day to take semaglutide to maximize benefits and minimize side effects?

The timing of your weekly semaglutide dose might seem like a minor detail, but it can profoundly influence your experience. From managing common side effects like nausea and fatigue to ensuring consistent therapeutic levels in your body, the day you choose can make a tangible difference in your weight loss journey. This isn’t about finding a magic bullet, but about empowering you with the knowledge to make an informed decision that aligns with your unique lifestyle and body’s responses.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the science behind semaglutide, explore the nuances of its different forms, and dissect the critical factors that should inform your weekly dosing schedule. We’ll examine why consistency is paramount, how to strategically select your injection or oral administration day, and offer practical advice for integrating this medication seamlessly into your life. Our aim is to provide you with actionable insights, helping you navigate your treatment with confidence and clarity. Throughout this exploration, we’ll highlight how our personalized, medically supervised approach at TrimRx can support you in finding your ideal rhythm, making sustainable weight loss not just a goal, but an attainable reality. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to personalize your semaglutide regimen for optimal results and an enhanced sense of well-being.

Understanding Semaglutide: A Powerful Ally in Your Health Journey

Semaglutide has emerged as a groundbreaking medication, offering profound benefits for individuals navigating the challenges of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Its efficacy stems from a sophisticated mechanism that works in harmony with your body’s natural processes. At TrimRx, we recognize the transformative potential of such innovations and strive to make them accessible through a supportive, clinically proven framework.

What Semaglutide Is and How It Works

Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications known as GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) receptor agonists. GLP-1 is a natural hormone produced in the gut that plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar and appetite. When you take semaglutide, it mimics the action of this natural hormone, leading to several beneficial effects:

• Blood Sugar Regulation: Semaglutide stimulates the pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar levels are high, helping to lower glucose. It also reduces glucagon secretion, a hormone that raises blood sugar, further contributing to stable glucose levels.
• Slowing Gastric Emptying: It slows down the rate at which food leaves your stomach. This leads to a prolonged feeling of fullness, which can significantly reduce overall food intake and contribute to weight loss.
• Appetite Suppression: By acting on receptors in the brain, semaglutide helps reduce appetite and curb cravings, making it easier to adhere to a reduced-calorie diet.

These combined actions make semaglutide a highly effective tool not only for managing type 2 diabetes but also for promoting substantial and sustainable weight loss in individuals who are overweight or obese.

The Different Forms of Semaglutide

Semaglutide is available in various forms, each with its own administration method and specific timing considerations. Understanding these differences is crucial for determining what is the best day to take semaglutide for your personal needs. At TrimRx, we offer a range of options to cater to diverse individual requirements, always focusing on a personalized approach.

Injectable Semaglutide

The most commonly known form of semaglutide is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection. This method ensures consistent medication levels in your body throughout the week. Our personalized weight loss program may include:

• Compounded Semaglutide: Provided through FDA-registered, inspected, and approved pharmacies, offering a customized approach to your treatment.
• Ozempic® and Wegovy®: These branded medications contain semaglutide and are FDA-approved for their respective indications (Ozempic® for type 2 diabetes with cardiovascular benefits, Wegovy® specifically for chronic weight management).
• Compounded Tirzepatide, Mounjaro®, and Zepbound®: While Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist and works slightly differently than semaglutide, it is another highly effective medication offered within our personalized weight loss programs. Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, and Zepbound® (tirzepatide) is FDA-approved for chronic weight management.

For any of these prescription medications, you can take our free assessment quiz to determine your eligibility and receive a personalized treatment plan from our dedicated healthcare providers.

Oral Semaglutide

An alternative to injections is oral semaglutide, typically taken as a daily tablet. This form offers a needle-free option for those who prefer it. Like its injectable counterpart, oral semaglutide works to regulate blood sugar and aid in weight management. Our offerings include Oral Semaglutide, which also requires completing our free assessment quiz to establish eligibility and a personalized treatment plan.

Our Commitment to Safe and Effective Solutions

At TrimRx, our journey began with a shared vision to help individuals embrace healthier lifestyles by merging cutting-edge telehealth innovations with effective weight loss solutions. We understand that beginning a weight loss journey, especially with prescription medication, comes with questions and concerns. That’s why our brand is built on being empathetic, innovative, trustworthy, supportive, results-oriented, and personalized. We offer compassionate care that respects every individual’s unique journey by combining advanced medical science with modern technology.

We are committed to transparent service, ensuring that our comprehensive approach remains consistent regardless of dosage changes. This comprehensive service includes doctor consultations, medication, lab work, unlimited support, and shipping with no hidden fees, making your path to weight loss clear and manageable. Our focus on safety is paramount, working exclusively with FDA-registered and inspected pharmacies for the shipping of weight loss medications. It’s important to clarify that while we partner with these trusted pharmacies, TrimRx itself does not provide medical supervision; rather, our affiliated licensed healthcare providers oversee your medical care. We believe that sustainable weight loss should be achieved through science, empathy, and a transparent approach, providing you with the tools and support needed for lasting success.

Why Your Semaglutide Schedule Matters: Beyond Just “Once a Week”

The simple instruction “take semaglutide once a week” is foundational, but delving deeper into what is the best day to take semaglutide for your specific situation can significantly enhance your treatment experience. The timing of your dose isn’t just about convenience; it plays a critical role in the medication’s efficacy, your body’s response, and your overall journey toward better health.

Maintaining Consistent Medication Levels

Semaglutide is a long-acting medication designed to remain active in your system for an entire week. To achieve its full therapeutic effect, it’s crucial to maintain a stable concentration of the drug in your bloodstream. Taking your dose on the same day each week, and ideally around the same time, helps achieve what is known as a “steady state” of the medication. This consistent level contributes to:

• Maximized Efficacy: Stable drug levels ensure that the GLP-1 receptor agonism is continuously optimizing blood sugar control, slowing gastric emptying, and suppressing appetite throughout the week. Erratic dosing can lead to fluctuations, potentially diminishing the medication’s overall impact on weight loss and blood glucose management.
• Predictable Effects: When levels are consistent, your body can adjust more effectively to the medication. This predictability allows you to better anticipate and manage its effects, creating a more stable foundation for your diet and exercise regimen.

Proactive Side Effect Management

While semaglutide is highly effective, many individuals experience mild to moderate side effects, particularly during the initial weeks of treatment as the body adjusts and doses are gradually increased. Common side effects include nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort. The day and time you choose for your dose can be a strategic decision in how you experience and manage these effects:

• Mitigating Impact: If you know you tend to experience initial nausea or fatigue after your injection, choosing a day when you have fewer demanding commitments (e.g., a weekend) or a time when you can “sleep through” some of the initial discomfort might be beneficial.
• Symptom Awareness: Consistent timing allows you to recognize patterns in your body’s response. If you consistently feel a certain way 24-48 hours post-injection, you can prepare for it, adjust your diet, or ensure you have adequate hydration and rest.
• Open Communication: Understanding your body’s predictable response based on your chosen schedule empowers you to have more informed conversations with your healthcare provider, enabling more targeted support. Our personalized programs at TrimRx include unlimited support, ensuring you always have a dedicated team to discuss any concerns or side effects.

Integrating into Your Daily Life

Ultimately, the most effective medication regimen is one you can consistently adhere to. The “best” day for you is one that seamlessly integrates into your unique weekly routine, minimizing the chances of missed doses or disrupting your lifestyle.

• Consistency for Adherence: Linking your semaglutide dose to an existing weekly habit—like Sunday morning breakfast, a specific chore, or a recurring calendar reminder—can significantly improve adherence.
• Lifestyle Harmony: Consider your work schedule, social engagements, travel plans, and fitness routine. Choosing a day that causes the least disruption to these elements will make the treatment feel less like a burden and more like a natural part of your health strategy.
• Reduced Stress: Taking the guesswork out of “when did I take my last dose?” or “when should I take my next one?” reduces cognitive load and stress, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your weight loss journey.

By thoughtfully considering these factors, you move beyond mere compliance to a truly optimized approach, setting yourself up for greater success with semaglutide. For personalized guidance on this and more, remember to take our free assessment quiz to explore how our programs can be tailored to you.

Navigating Optimal Timing for Different Semaglutide Forms

The question of what is the best day to take semaglutide depends significantly on the form of the medication you are using. Both injectable and oral semaglutide are highly effective, but their distinct administration requirements necessitate different approaches to timing.

Choosing the Best Day and Time for Injectable Semaglutide

For injectable semaglutide, whether it’s Compounded Semaglutide, Ozempic®, Wegovy®, or other options like Compounded Tirzepatide, Mounjaro®, or Zepbound®, the core principle is weekly consistency.

The Foundation: Consistency is Paramount

Injectable semaglutide is designed to be administered once a week, and maintaining this schedule is the most crucial factor for its effectiveness. Taking it on the same day each week ensures a stable presence of the medication in your system, which is essential for consistent appetite suppression, blood sugar control, and overall results. If you decide to pursue a personalized plan with us, remember to take our free assessment quiz to get started.

Considering Morning vs. Evening Injections

The decision between morning and evening injections often comes down to personal preference and how your body reacts to the medication’s initial effects.

• Morning Injections: Many individuals prefer taking their dose in the morning. This allows them to monitor and manage any potential side effects like mild nausea or fatigue during their waking hours. If symptoms appear, they can be addressed proactively with adequate hydration and small, balanced meals. Integrating it into a morning routine, like having breakfast, can also serve as a consistent reminder.
• Evening Injections: Some patients opt for evening injections, hoping to “sleep through” any immediate side effects. While this can work for some, it’s worth noting that significant nausea could potentially disrupt sleep or lead to skipping meals the following morning. Consider if you are typically a heavy or light sleeper and how sensitive you are to discomfort.

Strategic Day Selection: Weekends vs. Weekdays

Beyond morning or evening, the specific day of the week you choose can also impact your experience.

• Weekend Injections (e.g., Friday, Saturday, Sunday): Choosing a weekend day can be advantageous if you anticipate initial side effects that might interfere with work or other responsibilities. A Friday injection gives you the weekend to adjust, while a Sunday injection allows you to prepare for the week ahead feeling well. This approach offers flexibility to rest and manage symptoms without the added pressure of a busy workday.
• Weekday Injections (e.g., Monday, Tuesday): Some prefer to start their week with their injection, aligning it with their proactive health goals. This might suit individuals who experience minimal side effects or prefer a routine tied to their work week. For instance, a Monday morning injection can be part of a structured start to the week.

Ultimately, there is no single “best” day for everyone. It’s about finding the day and time that best fits your schedule and allows you to adhere to the weekly regimen consistently while managing potential side effects effectively.

Flexibility within Your Schedule

While consistency is key, life happens. For injectable semaglutide, there’s typically a degree of flexibility if you need to adjust your injection day. Generally, you can change the day of the week you administer semaglutide as long as it has been at least 2 or more days (48 hours) since your last dose. However, if you miss a dose, it’s often recommended to take it as soon as you remember within 5 days of the missed dose. If more than 5 days have passed, it’s usually best to skip that missed dose and resume your regular schedule on the next planned day, without taking a double dose. Always consult your healthcare provider for specific guidance tailored to your medication and individual situation. Our comprehensive service includes unlimited support, so you can always reach out to your care team with questions.

Adhering to Strict Guidelines for Oral Semaglutide

For oral semaglutide, the timing and administration instructions are much more stringent than for the injectable form, primarily due to its unique absorption profile.

Oral semaglutide is typically taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. This specific timing is critical to ensure optimal absorption of the medication. Here’s why and how:

• Empty Stomach: The medication needs to be taken without food to prevent interference with its absorption. Food can significantly reduce the bioavailability of oral semaglutide, meaning less of the active ingredient gets into your system to do its job effectively.
• Limited Water Intake: Swallow the tablet with a small amount of water, generally no more than 4 ounces (120 mL). Using too much water can dilute the medication and affect absorption.
• Waiting Period: After taking oral semaglutide, you must wait at least 30 minutes (and sometimes up to 60 minutes, depending on the specific product and provider instructions) before eating, drinking anything else, or taking any other oral medications. This waiting period allows for adequate absorption before other substances can interfere.

Strict adherence to these guidelines is essential for the effectiveness of oral semaglutide. Integrating this into a consistent morning routine can be very helpful. Remember, for those interested in our oral semaglutide options, our free assessment quiz is the first step towards a personalized plan.

Personalizing Your Semaglutide Day: Factors for Your Unique Journey

Finding what is the best day to take semaglutide is a deeply personal process. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as the ideal schedule is a dynamic interplay between your body’s responses, your lifestyle, and the medication’s requirements. Our approach at TrimRx emphasizes this personalization, recognizing that each individual’s journey is unique.

Listening to Your Body: Monitoring Side Effects

The most influential factor in choosing your semaglutide day might be how your body reacts to the medication, particularly in the first 24-48 hours after a dose.

• Symptom Tracking: Keep a simple log of how you feel after each injection or oral dose. Note any nausea, fatigue, headache, or gastrointestinal discomfort, and their duration. Do these symptoms typically appear the day after dosing, or do they manifest later in the week?
• Strategic Adjustment: If you consistently experience significant nausea or fatigue on, say, Tuesday after a Monday injection, you might consider shifting your injection day to a Friday or Saturday. This allows you to manage any potential acute discomfort over a weekend when you might have more flexibility for rest and self-care. Conversely, if injection site pain is an issue, a morning injection might allow any discomfort to subside before bedtime.
• Hydration and Diet: Side effects like nausea can often be mitigated by staying well-hydrated and consuming small, bland, easily digestible meals. Monitoring your body’s response helps you proactively adjust your dietary choices around your dosing schedule.

Harmonizing with Your Lifestyle and Routine

Your daily and weekly routines are powerful determinants of a sustainable medication schedule.

• Work and Social Commitments: Do you have demanding workdays or crucial social engagements that you wouldn’t want to be impacted by potential side effects? If so, select a day that allows for a buffer period. For example, a Sunday injection might suit someone who needs to be at their peak performance mid-week.
• Linking to Existing Habits: Human behavior thrives on routine. Pair your weekly semaglutide dose with an already established, consistent habit. This could be a specific day for meal prepping, weekly laundry, or even a particular weekend activity. This mental link makes remembering your dose effortless and reduces missed applications.
• Travel and Special Events: While consistency is key, life’s demands can sometimes necessitate minor adjustments. Knowing your dose’s permissible adjustment window (e.g., within 48 hours for many injectables, or up to 5 days if you miss a dose before skipping) allows you to plan around travel or important events without compromising your treatment. Always clarify these specifics with your healthcare provider.

The Role of Diet, Hydration, and Lifestyle Support

Semaglutide is a powerful tool, but it’s most effective when integrated into a holistic approach to health.

• Balanced Nutrition: Semaglutide works by reducing appetite and slowing digestion. Pairing this with a nutrient-rich, balanced diet is crucial for overall health and to prevent deficiencies. Focus on lean proteins, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, and whole grains.
• Consistent Hydration: Staying adequately hydrated is vital, especially when on semaglutide, as it can help manage gastrointestinal side effects like constipation or nausea.
• Physical Activity: Regular physical activity, even moderate walking, complements the effects of semaglutide, supporting weight loss, improving energy levels, and enhancing cardiovascular health.
• Mindful Eating: Learning to eat slowly, savoring your meals, and recognizing your body’s hunger and fullness cues can amplify the effects of semaglutide, promoting healthier eating behaviors.

These lifestyle factors are not just supplementary; they are integral to maximizing the benefits of semaglutide and achieving sustainable health outcomes.

Consulting with Your Dedicated Healthcare Partner

The cornerstone of a safe and effective weight loss journey, particularly one involving prescription medication, is ongoing medical supervision. Your healthcare provider is your most valuable resource in determining what is the best day to take semaglutide and ensuring your treatment plan remains optimized.

• Expert Guidance: Our affiliated licensed healthcare providers at TrimRx are equipped to discuss all factors, from potential side effects and your medical history to your lifestyle and goals. They can offer tailored advice on timing, dosage adjustments, and strategies for managing any challenges.
• Comprehensive Care: Our personalized programs ensure you receive more than just medication. We offer doctor consultations, lab work to monitor your progress, and unlimited support to address any questions or concerns that arise. This transparent, comprehensive service ensures you’re never alone in your journey.
• Adapting Your Plan: As your body adapts to semaglutide or as your lifestyle changes, your ideal dosing day might also evolve. Regular check-ins with your care team are essential to adapt your plan, ensuring it continues to serve your best interests for long-term success.

At TrimRx, we combine advanced medical science with modern technology to deliver compassionate, personalized care. We invite you to take our free assessment quiz to begin a conversation with a healthcare provider who can guide you every step of the way, helping you embrace a healthier lifestyle.

Maximizing Your Weight Loss Journey with TrimRx

Embarking on a weight loss journey is a significant step towards a healthier, more vibrant life. At TrimRx, we are dedicated to providing clinically proven, personalized weight loss solutions that prioritize your safety and success. We understand that finding what is the best day to take semaglutide is just one piece of a larger, individualized puzzle. Our comprehensive approach ensures that every aspect of your weight management plan is tailored to you.

Our Vision: Science, Empathy, and Personalized Care

At TrimRx, our journey began with a shared vision: to help individuals embrace healthier lifestyles by merging cutting-edge telehealth innovations with effective weight loss solutions. We saw a need for a supportive, scientifically-driven platform where personalized care wasn’t just a promise, but a reality. Our brand values—empathy, innovation, trustworthiness, support, results-orientation, and personalization—guide everything we do.

We believe that sustainable weight loss should be achieved through science, empathy, and a transparent approach. Our platform is a user-friendly and supportive space where individuals receive personalized, medically supervised care—all designed to make sustainable weight loss attainable and tailored to the individual. We offer compassionate care that respects every individual’s unique journey, combining advanced medical science with modern technology to deliver exceptional results.

We are committed to transparent service, highlighting that our approach remains consistent regardless of dosage changes. Our unwavering focus on safety means we work exclusively with FDA-registered and inspected pharmacies for the shipping of weight loss medications, ensuring you receive quality products. With TrimRx, you’re not just getting a prescription; you’re gaining a dedicated partner in your health transformation.

TrimRx’s Personalized Weight Loss Programs

Our core offering is a suite of personalized weight loss programs that leverage the power of prescription medications, all under the guidance of licensed healthcare providers. We believe in providing options that cater to diverse needs and medical profiles.

These programs typically involve:

• Doctor Consultations: Comprehensive evaluations by our affiliated licensed healthcare providers to understand your health history, goals, and determine suitability.
• Medication: Access to a range of clinically proven medications, as determined by your healthcare provider, including:
  • Compounded Semaglutide
  • Oral Semaglutide
  • Ozempic® (semaglutide, FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes with cardiovascular benefits)
  • Compounded Tirzepatide
  • Oral Tirzepatide
  • Mounjaro® (tirzepatide, FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes)
  • Zepbound® (tirzepatide, FDA-approved for chronic weight management)
  • Wegovy® (semaglutide, FDA-approved for chronic weight management)
• Lab Work: Essential diagnostics to monitor your health and progress.
• Unlimited Support: Ongoing guidance and answers to your questions from your care team.
• Shipping: Convenient delivery of your medication from FDA-registered and inspected pharmacies directly to your door, with no hidden fees.

To discover if our personalized weight loss program is right for you and to receive a tailored treatment plan, we encourage you to take our free assessment quiz. This is the first step towards unlocking a healthier, more confident you.

Empowering Your Journey with Quick-Access Supplements

While our personalized programs offer medically supervised solutions, we also understand the desire for immediate support for overall wellness during your weight loss journey. For this reason, TrimRx provides quick-access supplements that do not require a quiz or a prescription, offering complementary support to your health goals.

• GLP-1 Daily Support: This supplement is designed to offer daily assistance to your body’s natural processes, supporting metabolic health and overall well-being.
• Weight Loss Boost: Formulated to provide additional support, this boost is an excellent addition to your routine as you work towards your weight loss objectives.

These quick-access supplements are available for immediate purchase, allowing you to proactively support your body’s health at any stage of your journey. Whether you are exploring prescription options or seeking additional wellness support, TrimRx offers a holistic ecosystem designed for your success.

Conclusion

The journey to discover what is the best day to take semaglutide is a testament to the highly individualized nature of effective weight loss and health management. As we’ve explored, there’s no universal “best” answer, but rather a spectrum of considerations that align with your unique body, lifestyle, and how you respond to the medication. Consistency in timing, whether morning or evening, weekday or weekend, is the bedrock of optimal efficacy and predictable side effect management for injectable semaglutide. For oral semaglutide, strict adherence to fasting protocols is paramount for proper absorption.

The true power of semaglutide, however, is unleashed when it’s integrated into a comprehensive, medically supervised, and deeply personalized plan. This is precisely where TrimRx excels. Our commitment to science, empathy, and transparency means we provide more than just medication; we offer a supportive ecosystem designed to empower you at every step. From the initial doctor consultation and essential lab work to unlimited ongoing support and convenient medication delivery from FDA-registered and inspected pharmacies, our focus is entirely on your safe and effective weight loss.

We understand that finding your ideal rhythm—your best day—with semaglutide requires guidance and a deep understanding of your personal needs. That’s why our personalized programs, featuring options like Compounded Semaglutide, Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Compounded Tirzepatide, Mounjaro®, Zepbound®, and Oral Semaglutide, begin with a thorough evaluation. We invite you to take the first proactive step towards transforming your health by completing our free assessment quiz today.

And for those seeking immediate, accessible support for their overall wellness journey, our quick-access supplements, GLP-1 Daily Support and Weight Loss Boost, are available to complement your efforts. With TrimRx, you’re not just managing weight; you’re embracing a sustainable path to a healthier, more vibrant life, supported by expertise and care every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a universally “best” day or time for taking semaglutide?

No, there isn’t a single universally “best” day or time for everyone. The most critical factor for injectable semaglutide is consistency – taking it on the same day each week, and ideally around the same time. For oral semaglutide, strict adherence to specific morning fasting guidelines is essential for optimal absorption. The “best” day and time for you will depend on how your body responds to the medication’s side effects and how it best fits into your personal weekly schedule. Our personalized approach at TrimRx helps you determine the optimal schedule for your needs after you take our free assessment quiz.

What should I do if I miss a dose of injectable semaglutide?

If you miss a dose of injectable semaglutide, you should administer it as soon as you remember, provided it’s within 5 days (120 hours) of your regularly scheduled dose. If more than 5 days have passed since your missed dose, it is generally recommended to skip that dose and resume your regular weekly schedule on your next planned day. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Always consult your TrimRx care team for specific advice tailored to your treatment plan, as our comprehensive service includes unlimited support.

Can I change the day I take my weekly semaglutide injection?

Yes, you can change the day of the week you take your semaglutide injection, but with specific considerations. It’s generally advised that at least 2 days (48 hours) have passed since your last dose before you inject on a new day. For example, if you usually inject on Monday and wish to switch to Friday, ensure it’s been at least 48 hours since your last Monday dose. Once you’ve chosen a new day, aim to stick to it consistently each week. Our healthcare providers are available to guide you through any schedule adjustments as part of our personalized program, which you can access after taking our free assessment quiz.

How do oral and injectable semaglutide timing recommendations differ?

The timing recommendations for oral and injectable semaglutide differ significantly due to their absorption mechanisms. Injectable semaglutide is taken once a week, and while consistency is key, the specific time of day (morning or evening) and day of the week can be chosen for personal convenience and side effect management. It can be taken with or without food. Oral semaglutide, however, requires strict adherence to specific timing: it must be taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, swallowed with no more than 4 ounces of water, and you must wait at least 30 minutes (or as advised by your provider) before eating, drinking, or taking other medications. This strict protocol ensures proper absorption of the medication.