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Compare Rybelsus vs. Wegovy

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

Key takeaways

Rybelsus (semaglutide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are both medications that belong to the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist class. They share the active ingredient semaglutide and are used to manage conditions related to weight and blood sugar, but there are a few key differences. Rybelsus is FDA-approved for treating Type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is approved for long-term weight management in adults and children aged 12 and older with high body mass index (BMI). Rybelsus is taken orally once a day, whereas Wegovy is injected under the skin once a week. Both medications are only available as brand-name medications. Common side effects for both include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Rybelsus and Wegovy can interact with oral medications by affecting their absorption; they can also raise the risk of low blood sugar when combined with diabetes medications. Both medications carry a risk of thyroid cancer and should not be used by individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2.

Rybelsus (semaglutide)
Wegovy (semaglutide)
Rybelsus (semaglutide)
Wegovy (semaglutide)
Summary of Rybelsus vs. Wegovy
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. The medication comes as a pill that's taken by mouth once a day, at least 30 minutes before you eat, drink, or take any other medications 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
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It comes in prefilled pens you use to inject the medication under the skin once a week. Wegovy (semaglutide) also comes as tablets that are swallowed once a day. This medication is approved for weight loss in some people. It can help lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death due to heart problems in adults with a larger body size and heart disease. The pens are also approved for certain adults with a liver problem called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). The medication works best when taken with a lower-calorie diet and regular exercise. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
Indications of Rybelsus vs. Wegovy
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
Injectable pens:

•
Weight loss and long-term weight management in:

•People ages 12 years and older who are considered obese

•Adults considered overweight with at least one weight-related condition (e.g., high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol)

•
Lowering the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death due to heart problems in adults with a larger body size and heart disease

•
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in adults with moderate-to-advanced liver scarring, but not cirrhosis

Tablets:

•Weight loss and long-term weight management in adults who are considered obese or overweight with at least one weight-related condition

•Lowering the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death due to heart problems in adults with a larger body size and heart disease
Pros and Cons of Rybelsus vs. Wegovy
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

•Available as once-weekly injectable pens and as once-daily pills

•Injectable pens approved for weight loss in children ages 12 years and older considered obese

Cons

•Can cause stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea

•Can't take with other semaglutide products (Ozempic, Rybelsus) or with other GLP-1 agonists
Common Side Effects of Rybelsus vs. Wegovy
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 (44%)

•Diarrhea (30%)

•Vomiting (24%)

•Constipation (24%)

•Stomach pain (20%)

•Headache (14%)

•Tiredness (11%)
Warnings of Rybelsus vs. Wegovy
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

•Possible risk for thyroid cancer

•Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)

•Gallbladder problems

•Low blood sugar

•Kidney damage

•Allergic reactions

•Eye problems in people with Type 2 diabetes (diabetic retinopathy)

•Faster heart rate

•Possible risk of self-harm

•Lung problems during general anesthesia or deep sedation
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Key takeaways

Summary of Rybelsus vs. Wegovy

Indications of Rybelsus vs. Wegovy

Pros and Cons of Rybelsus vs. Wegovy

Common Side Effects of Rybelsus vs. Wegovy

Warnings of Rybelsus vs. Wegovy

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