Ozempic vs Rybelsus: A Detailed Comparison

Table of Contents

I. What Are Semaglutides and How Do They Work?

II. Rybelsus vs Ozempic: What’s the Difference?

III. Is Ozempic More Effective Than Rybelsus?

With the rising rates of obesity and diabetes, more people are turning to medications like semaglutide to help manage their health. Ozempic, delivered as a weekly injection, has become one of the most well-known semaglutide drugs on the market. But it's not the only option. Rybelsus provides the same active ingredient in a daily oral tablet.

In this article, we will explore how Ozempic and Rybelsus work, the key differences between these two drugs, and which one may be more effective for type 2 diabetes and weight loss based on clinical studies.

What Are Semaglutides and How Do They Work?

The active ingredient in Ozempic and Rybelsus is semaglutide, which is currently FDA-approved in three forms to assist with type 2 diabetes and weight management.

Ozempic is an injectable semaglutide approved to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise. It can also reduce cardiovascular risks in those with diabetes and heart disease.

Rybelsus comes in tablet form containing semaglutide. Rybelsus is approved to improve glycemic control when combined with lifestyle modifications in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Wegovy is an injectable semaglutide approved for chronic weight management in obese adults and children 12 and older. It is also approved for overweight adults with weight-related health problems. ¹

Semaglutides mimic the effects of GLP-1, an intestinal hormone released after eating that helps regulate blood sugar. Specifically, semaglutides:

Slow stomach emptying to prevent sharp spikes in blood glucose following meals.

Reduce glucagon secretion and increase insulin release when blood sugar is high to lower elevated glucose.

Interact with appetite regulation pathways in the brain to reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness, which supports weight loss. ²

All semaglutide forms require a prescription. When used properly under medical guidance, they provide helpful options for managing type 2 diabetes and weight loss.

Rybelsus vs Ozempic: What’s the Difference?

a woman comparing two things

Both Rybelsus and Ozempic are manufactured by the drug company Novo Nordisk, and they both contain the same active ingredient called semaglutide, which helps lower blood sugar levels. ² ³ However, there are some key differences worth noting as you discuss options with your doctor.

Administration

Rybelsus is an oral tablet that is taken once daily, ³ while Ozempic is an injection administered once weekly. ² Some people may prefer Rybelsus since it is an oral tablet rather than an injection. Others may like the less frequent dosing of Ozempic.

Rybelsus is a once-daily pill that is taken orally on an empty stomach 30 minutes before eating or taking any other medications. It is important to note that the tablet must be taken with 4 ounces or less of water. ³

Ozempic is a once-weekly injection that is taken from a pre-filled pen. The injection can be taken at any time, with or without food intake. ²

Dosage

With Rybelsus, a higher dose of semaglutide is needed because less medication reaches your bloodstream when taken orally. ³ On the other hand, injectable Ozempic delivers more medication into your blood right away, so a lower dose is effective. ²

When starting either medication, your doctor will begin with a low initial dose and gradually increase it over time. This allows your body to adjust to the medication and helps prevent any potential side effects.

Here's an overview of the dosing schedule for each medication:

Rybelsus:

Month 1: 3 mg taken by mouth once daily
Month 2: Increase to 7 mg once daily
Month 3: Increase to a maximum of 14 mg once daily if needed ³

Ozempic:

Month 1: 0.25 mg injected once weekly
Month 2: Increase to 0.5 mg once weekly
Month 3: Increase to 1 mg once weekly if needed
Month 4: Increase to a maximum of 2 mg once weekly if needed ²

Drug Indication

Ozempic and Rybelsus are both prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes and support weight loss when paired with diet and exercise changes. However, Ozempic offers an additional benefit: it is FDA-approved to reduce cardiovascular risks in people with type 2 diabetes. ²

Studies have shown that Ozempic can lower the chance of major cardiovascular events by 26% over 109 weeks of treatment. ⁴ Specifically, Ozempic reduces the risk of:

Cardiovascular death
Non-fatal myocardial infarction
Non-fatal stroke ⁴

Is Ozempic More Effective Than Rybelsus?

A medical scientist analyzing data

A recent review article analyzed the effectiveness of oral semaglutide compared to injectable semaglutide for managing type 2 diabetes and promoting weight loss. The researchers examined data from 12 clinical trials with over 6,800 participants in total. They found that injectable semaglutide was slightly more effective than the oral version: ⁵

HbA1c: Injectable semaglutide lowered HbA1c by 0.26% more than oral semaglutide.

Weight loss: Participants taking injectable semaglutide lost 2.38 lbs. more than those taking oral semaglutide. ⁵

While the injectable form resulted in marginally better HbA1c and weight reductions, the differences were relatively small. The choice between Rybelsus and Ozempic ultimately depends on patient preferences regarding administration and dosing frequency.

Conclusion

Deciding between Rybelsus and Ozempic requires understanding their key differences. Both medications contain the GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide and can help manage blood sugar and promote weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. However, Ozempic has the added benefit of reducing cardiovascular risks in those with diabetes and heart disease - an advantage Rybelsus does not provide.

Ultimately, the choice between these medications depends on your needs, preferences, and medical history. Discussing your full medical history and priorities with your doctor is key to determining which semaglutide medicine makes the most sense for your situation.

References