Compare common side effects, interactions, warnings, and more.
Ozempic
Rybelsus
*image for illustrative purpose only
Ozempic
Rybelsus
*image for illustrative purpose only
Ozempic® (semaglutide) is an injectable medication used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in individuals with established heart disease, and to reduce the risk of kdiney problems in certain populations. It works by mimicking the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which increases insulin secretion, decreases glucagon release, and slows gastric emptying. Administered once weekly, Ozempic is often part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes diet and exercise. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, and it should be used with caution in patients with a history of pancreatitis.
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.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist
Ozempic (semaglutide) is indicated:
As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus
To reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease
To reduce the risk of sustained eGFR decline, end-stage kidney disease and cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease
Rybelsus (semaglutide) is indicated:
As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Typically taken as an injection once weekly
Comes in single-patient-use pens that deliver 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg per injection
Typically taken orally once daily
Comes in 3 mg, 7 mg, and 14 mg tablets
The most common adverse reactions, reported in ≥5% of patients are:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Constipation
Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5%) are:
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Decreased appetite
Vomiting
Constipation
Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2
Serious hypersensitivity reaction to semaglutide or any of the excipients in Ozempic
Drug interactions: Ozempic delays gastric emptying and may impact the absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications
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
Pancreatitis
Diabetic retinopathy complications
Never share an Ozempic pen between patients, even if the needle is changed
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
Females and males of reproductive potential: Discontinue Ozempic in women at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy due to the long washout period for semaglutide
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
Breastfeeding: 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
WARNING: RISK OF THYROID C-CELL TUMORS
In rodents, semaglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumors. It is unknown whether Ozempic 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.
Ozempic 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. 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.
*This information is from the label for brand name Ozempic®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, 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 Rybelsus®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Rybelsus, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, 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.