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Compare Rybelsus vs. Ozempic

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Rybelsus (semaglutide) and Ozempic (semaglutide) are both medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes and belong to the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist class. They share the same active ingredient, semaglutide, and can help lower blood sugar levels. However, they differ in their form and dosing. Rybelsus is an oral tablet taken once daily, while Ozempic is a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection given once a week. Both Rybelsus and Ozempic are only available as brand-name medications. Both can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Additionally, Ozempic is FDA-approved to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, an indication not shared by Rybelsus. Both medications carry a risk of thyroid cancer and should not be used if you have a personal or family history of certain thyroid cancers.

  • Rybelsus (semaglutide)
    Ozempic (semaglutide)
  • Rybelsus (semaglutide)
    Ozempic (semaglutide)

  • Summary of Rybelsus vs. Ozempic

    Summary for GLP-1 agonist
    Prescription only

    Rybelsus (semaglutide) is a brand-name GLP-1 agonist that helps lower blood sugar in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It's also FDA approved to help reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in people with Type 2 diabetes who are at risk for these events. You take it as a pill once a day, at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other medicatons by mouth. It’s used along with diet and exercise, and might also help with weight loss. Common side effects include nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea.

    Summary for GLP-1 agonist
    Prescription only

    Ozempic (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist used with diet and exercise to help adults manage Type 2 diabetes. It can also lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in some people with Type 2 diabetes. It comes as a once-weekly injection under the skin and as a tablet taken by mouth once a day. The injection is also approved to help slow worsening kidney problems in people with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

  • Indications of Rybelsus vs. Ozempic

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes
    •Lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in adults with Type 2 diabetes at high risk for these events
    Indications for

    Injection:

    •Type 2 diabetes
    •Lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease
    •Lower the risk of worsening kidney problems and heart-related death in adults with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD)

    Tablets:

    •Type 2 diabetes
    •Lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in adults with Type 2 diabetes at high risk for these events

  • Pros and Cons of Rybelsus vs. Ozempic

    Pros and Const for GLP-1 agonist
    Pros
    •Only needs to be taken once per day
    •First GLP-1 agonist in pill form
    •Helps lower blood sugar and might also support weight loss
    Cons
    •Must be taken on an empty stomach
    •Stomach side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain are common
    •Can't be used for Type 1 diabetes
    Pros and Const for GLP-1 agonist
    Pros
    •Only given once per week
    •Might help you lose weight
    •Helps lower the risk of heart problems and kidney problems in people with type 2 diabetes
    •Available as an injection and an oral tablet
    Cons
    •Commonly causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
    •Risk of low blood sugar if taken with certain diabetes medications
    •Can't be used for Type 1 diabetes
    •Interacts with medications taken by mouth

  • Common Side Effects of Rybelsus vs. Ozempic

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (11-20%)
    •Stomach pain (10-11%)
    •Diarrhea (9-10%)
    •Lower appetite (6-9%)
    •Vomiting (6-8%)
    •Constipation (5-6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (16-20%)
    •Diarrhea (9%)
    •Vomiting (5-9%)
    •Stomach pain (6-7%)
    •Constipation (3-5%)

    Note: Side effects listed above are for Ozempic (semaglutide) injection

  • Warnings of Rybelsus vs. Ozempic

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of thyroid tumors
    •Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
    •Eye problems
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when taken with certain diabetes medications
    •Kidney damage
    •Severe stomach side effects
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Gallbladder problems
    •Lung problems during anesthesia or deep sedation
    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of thyroid tumors
    •Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
    •Eye problems
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when taken with certain diabetes medications
    •Kidney damage
    •Severe stomach problems
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Gallbladder problems
    •Lung problems during anesthesia or deep sedation

  • Prices with our coupons for Rybelsus vs. Ozempic

    Learn more about Rybelsus
    Learn more about Ozempic

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