Ozempic and Rybelsus are semaglutide-based prescription medications used to help control blood sugar levels if you have Type 2 diabetes. The primary difference is that Ozempic is an injection and Rybelsus is an oral tablet. Your doctor will help you determine which one is best for your needs.
Ozempic and Rybelsus Uses
Both Ozempic and Rybelsus are prescription drugs from manufacturer Novo Nordisk that contain semaglutide, an ingredient used to lower blood sugar in adults with Type 2 diabetes. Despite the interest in weight loss while taking these drugs, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved their use for weight loss.
Rybelsus and Ozempic are quite often compared to Mounjaro, which is also FDA-approved to treat Type 2 diabetes. Mounjaro, however, contains tirzepatide instead of semaglutide and is an Eli Lilly product. Wegovy, another Novo Nordisk product, is the only semaglutide drug currently FDA-approved for weight loss.
The use of Rybelsus or Ozempic for weight loss is off-label and could potentially cause risks. Manufacturer Novo Nordisk recently released a statement expressing medical concern about the uses of their products that are not in line with their approved purposes, including cosmetic weight loss.
Differences Between Ozempic and Rybelsus
Although Ozempic and Rybelsus both contain semaglutide, they are not the same. Rybelsus is an oral tablet usually prescribed as a once-daily medication. Ozempic is a weekly injection. When considering Ozempic vs. Rybelsus, your doctor will consider your medical history and current needs to determine which is best for you.
* Administration- Ozempic is an injection in a prefilled pen, while Rybelsus is an oral tablet.
* Dosage- Ozempic injections begin at a dose of 0.25 mg and progressively increase over four weeks, potentially up to 2 mg. The doses of Rybelsus tablets can increase every 30 days, beginning at 3 mg and can potentially increase up to 14 mg.
* Taken With Food or Water- Ozempic injections can be administered at any time, with or without food. It is recommended Rybelsus be taken in the morning, with no more than four ounces of water, on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before eating or drinking.
* Use- While both drugs lower blood sugar in Type 2 diabetes patients, only Ozempic is also approved to lower the risk of a heart attack, stroke, or death.
* Schedule- Rybelsus is taken once daily and Ozempic is injected weekly.
Rybelsus and Ozempic have remarkably similar side effects as they both contain semaglutide. In regard to cost, these two medications are also comparable. Ozempic can cost roughly $890 per month while Rybelsus can run $900 per month, without insurance.
Is Ozempic or Rybelsus More Effective?
Ozempic and Rybelsus are both effective at lowering A1C, especially when used in combination with exercise and a healthy diet. No specific studies have compared Ozempic to Rybelsus for effectiveness, but clinical trials and patient results have shown similar blood glucose levels achieved with either medication.
What Are the Differences in Side Effects Between Ozempic and Rybelsus?
Since they are both semaglutide medications, they have the same side effects. When you use the drug as your doctor advises, the side effects are normally mild. Serious complications are rare but can develop.
Ozempic side effects might also include a reaction at the site of the injection. This is usually mild and involves minor discomfort.