RYBELSUS vs OZEMPIC: Which one is right for you?

Brand-name drugs are known for being more expensive than generic drugs. Ozempic costs $1,000USD on average and Rybelsus costs $8 USD per tablet, with prices varying by pharmacy. However, ordering online through a Canadian pharmacy, patients can save up to 80%. The drug has shown remarkable results when studied against other antidiabetic medications.

Rybelsus and Ozempic are similar medications with slight differences. Review our editorial policy to learn more about our process for producing accurate, current and balanced content. When weighing the pros and cons of Ozempic vs. Rybelus with your doctor, you can take these similarities and differences into consideration. This includes peer-reviewed medical journals, reputable media outlets, government reports, court records and interviews with qualified experts.

Ozempic®

Though the new drugs may tout similar end results and side effects, doctors say different ones may be most appropriate for different people. Scientific American spoke to experts to help sort through the drugs that are available or on the horizon. Like Ozempic, you shouldn’t take Rybelsus if you have a history of thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, or kidney problems. Ozempic and Rybelsus are the same type of drug, which is semaglutide. Because they are both semaglutide, they have similar side effects, risks, and potential benefits.

Rybelsus is approved by the FDA to treat and manage the symptoms of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. It is not approved to treat type 1 diabetes or other diabetic complications. rybelsus dose for weight loss It is also not tested on patients with a history of pancreatic disorders, and thus, doctors would recommend a different drug if a patient has/had pancreatitis.

Rybelsus and Ozempic drug warnings

“Rybelsus is taken orally as a once-daily pill, whereas Ozempic is taken as a once-weekly subcutaneous (under the skin) injection,” says Dr. Igel. In this guide, we discuss the difference between the two medications, indications, side effects and interactions. Rybelsus and Ozempic may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. The two drugs share some of the same warnings, but they also have different ones. Before you start using Rybelsus or Ozempic, be sure to talk with your doctor to see if these warnings apply to you.

• But a healthcare provider may prescribe up to 2 mg weekly for Ozempic.
• These medications are not a cure for diabetes mellitus, but they may help manage the condition and reduce the risk of complications, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and heart attacks.
• If you are planning to become pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider.
• The best choice will depend on the patient’s lifestyle and preferences.

New drugs that spur weight loss and treat diabetes have been taking the public—and the pharmaceutical industry—by storm. The latest entrant, Zepbound, recently joined Ozempic, Wegovy, Victoza and others in a growing class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. With about half a dozen drugs to choose from now and more in development, many doctors say these medications are revolutionizing treatment of obesity, type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases. Rybelsusand Ozempic are both brand names for a drug called semaglutide, their active ingredient, however both have a different form of delivery. Both have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. When it comes to treatments for managing blood sugar levels, there are now more options than ever.

Rybelsus

Other than that, Rybelsus and Ozempic are similar because they work in the same way to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. According to that study, taking Rybelsus did not increase the risk of major cardiovascular events. In studies, Rybelsus reduced the risk of heart-related death by 51%. The FDA approved Ozempic to treat type 2 diabetes in 2017, two years before Rybelsus was approved.

• Seek immediate medical attention if signs or symptoms of a serious allergic reaction develop, such as hives, itching, swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing.
• Manufacturer list prices are around $900 or more (and retail prices even higher) for about a month’s supply of any of the GLP-1 agonists that are widely used in the U.S.
• Ozempic and Rybelsus are the same type of drug, which is semaglutide.
• According to GoodRx at the time this article was written, here are the out-of-pocket cost estimates for both medications.
• Ozempic is a once-weekly medication, which might appeal to you if you have difficulty remembering to take daily medications, travel often, or do shift work.