Rybelsus vs Ozempic (Pill and Shot): The Rename Explained
Ozempic and Rybelsus contain the same medicine, semaglutide, from Novo Nordisk, but carry different approvals: Ozempic for kidney disease with type 2 diabetes, plus heart risk and type 2 diabetes, Rybelsus for type 2 diabetes and heart risk.
Ozempic and Rybelsus: a quick look
Ozempic and Rybelsus compared
| Ozempic | Rybelsus | |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | Ozempic |  Rybelsus |
| Active ingredient | semaglutide | semaglutide |
| Manufacturer | Novo Nordisk | Novo Nordisk |
| How it is taken | Weekly injection | Daily tablet |
| Approved for | Kidney disease with type 2 diabetes, plus heart risk and type 2 diabetes | Type 2 diabetes and heart risk |
| First FDA approval | 2017 | 2019 |
| Most common side effect | Nausea 20.3% vs 6.1% on placebo | Nausea 20% vs 6% on placebo |
| List price | $1,027.51 per pen | $1,027.51 per 30 tablets |
| Self-pay from | $199 per month | Not listed |
| FDA shortage | Resolved February 21, 2025 | Resolved February 21, 2025 |
Sources: FDA label, FDA label (DailyMed), Novo Nordisk pricing, TrumpRx.
Side effects compared
Start by comparing each drug against the placebo used for that drug, since each label tested people against its own placebo group.
| Side effect | Ozempic | Placebo (Ozempic trials) | Rybelsus | Placebo (Rybelsus trials) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 20.3% | 6.1% | 20% | 6% |
| Vomiting | 9.2% | 2.3% | 8% | 3% |
| Diarrhea | 8.8% | 1.9% | 10% | 4% |
| Abdominal pain | 7.3% | 4.6% | 11% | 4% |
| Constipation | 5% | 1.5% | 6% | 2% |
| Decreased appetite | Not listed | Not listed | 9% | 1% |
Prices and coverage compared
| Medicine | How you pay | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | List price before insurance | $1,027.51 per pen |
| Ozempic | Ozempic Savings Offer (insured) | the price begins at $25 per month for up to 3 months |
| Ozempic | Self-pay: Ozempic pill (from 1.5 mg) | $149 per month |
| Ozempic | The Ozempic pen self-pay intro sets doses of 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg for your first 2 fills | $199 per month |
| Ozempic | If you pay yourself, the Ozempic pen is available in 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg doses | $349 per month |
| Ozempic | Self-pay: Ozempic pen 2 mg | $499 per month |
| Ozempic | Self-pay via TrumpRx | $199 per month |
| Rybelsus | List price before insurance | $1,027.51 per 30 tablets |
| Rybelsus | RYBELSUS Savings Offer (insured) | a 1-, 2- or 3-month supply starts at $25 |
In November 2026, we checked the prices listed by NovoCare, TrumpRx, rybelsus.com, and Novo Nordisk pricing 1 2.
Who should pick which?
- No needles required: Rybelsus comes as a tablet, while Ozempic requires a weekly injection.
- Kidney disease with type 2 diabetes is one approved use of Ozempic.
- For people paying cash, Ozempic's published self-pay cost is $199 per month.
Your prescriber takes into account your health history, other medicines, and coverage.