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Compare Rybelsus vs Wegovy

Side-by-side medication summaries to compare approved uses, side effects, interactions, and more.

Rybelsus

Wegovy

Summary

Rybelsus® (semaglutide) is an oral medication used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is the first glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist available in tablet form. It stimulates insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, and slows gastric emptying to lower blood sugar levels. Rybelsus is taken once daily and can be used alone or in combination with other diabetes medications, along with diet and exercise. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, and it should be used cautiously in patients with a history of pancreatitis.

Wegovy® (semaglutide) is an injectable medication approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. It works by mimicking the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which regulates appetite and food intake, leading to reduced calorie consumption and significant weight loss. Wegovy is administered once weekly and is intended to be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation. It should be used with caution in patients with a history of pancreatitis and is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding individuals​.

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Prescription

Prescription

Drug Category

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist

Approved Uses*

Rybelsus (semaglutide) is indicated:

  • As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Wegovy (semaglutide) is indicated in combination with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity:

  • To reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or non-fatal stroke) in adults with established cardiovascular disease and either obesity or overweight

  • To reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in:

    • Adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with obesity

    • Adults with overweight in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition

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Dosage*

  • Typically taken orally once daily

  • Comes in 3 mg, 7 mg, and 14 mg tablets

  • Typically taken as an injection once weekly

  • Comes in single-dose pens that deliver 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, or 2.4 mg per injection

Known Common Side Effects*

Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5%) are:

  • Nausea

  • Abdominal pain

  • Diarrhea

  • Decreased appetite

  • Vomiting

  • Constipation

Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5%) in adults or pediatric patients aged 12 years and older are:

  • Nausea

  • Diarrhea

  • Vomiting

  • Constipation

  • Abdominal pain

  • Headache

  • Fatigue

  • Indigestion

  • Dizziness

  • Abdominal distension

  • Belching

  • Low blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes

  • Flatulence

  • Inflammation of the digestive system

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (heartburn)

  • Inflammation of the nasal cavities and back of the throat

Interactions & Contraindications*

  • Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2

  • Prior serious hypersensitivity reaction to semaglutide or any of the excipients in Rybelsus

  • Drug interactions: Oral Medications—Rybelsus delays gastric emptying

  • Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2

  • Known hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any of the excipients in Wegovy

  • Drug interactions: Wegovy delays gastric emptying. May impact absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications

Warnings & Precautions*

  • Pancreatitis

  • Diabetic retinopathy complications

  • Low blood sugar: Concomitant use with an insulin secretagogue or insulin may increase the risk of low blood sugar, including severe low blood sugar

  • Acute kidney injury

  • Hypersensitivity reactions

  • Acute gallbladder disease

  • Pregnancy: May cause fetal harm

  • Lactation: Breastfeeding not recommended

  • Females and males of reproductive potential: Discontinue Rybelsus in women at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy due to the long washout period for semaglutide

  • Acute pancreatitis

  • Acute gallbladder disease

  • Low blood sugar: Concomitant use with insulin or an insulin secretagogue may increase the risk of low blood sugar, including severe low blood sugar

  • Acute kidney injury

  • Hypersensitivity reactions

  • Diabetic retinopathy complications in patients with type 2 diabetes

  • Heart rate increase

  • Suicidal behavior and ideation

  • Pregnancy: May cause fetal harm. When pregnancy is recognized, discontinue Wegovy

  • Females and males of reproductive potential: Discontinue Wegovy at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy because of the long half-life of semaglutide

Boxed Warning*

WARNING: RISK OF THYROID C-CELL TUMORS

In rodents, semaglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumors. It is unknown whether Rybelsus causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans as the human relevance of semaglutide-induced rodent thyroid C-cell tumors has not been determined.

Rybelsus is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Counsel patients regarding the potential risk of MTC and symptoms of thyroid tumors.

WARNING: RISK OF THYROID C-CELL TUMORS

In rodents, semaglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumors at clinically relevant exposures. It is unknown whether Wegovy causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans as the human relevance of semaglutide-induced rodent thyroid C-cell tumors has not been determined.

Wegovy is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Counsel patients regarding the potential risk of MTC and symptoms of thyroid tumors.

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Reference

*This information is from the label for brand name Rybelsus®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Rybelsus, is also the active ingredient in other brand-name medications, including Ozempic® and Wegovy®, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient semaglutide.

*This information is from the label for brand name Wegovy®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, is also the active ingredient in other brand-name medications, including Ozempic® and Rybelsus®, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient semaglutide.

The information provided here is NOT MEDICAL ADVICE and is for informational and educational purposes only. The drug comparison tool does not determine eligibility for medications or treatments provided via the Hims/Hers platform. Consultation with a healthcare provider is required to assess suitability for any medical treatment based on individual health and medical history. All product names and associated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.

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