Rybelsus Vs Ozempic

Introduction

Rybelsus and Ozempic are both glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor antidiabetic medications used to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Both medications are used for treating the same condition and contain the same active drug, semaglutide, but in different chemical markups and administrations. For instance, Rybelsus is available in oral tablet form, and Ozempic is available in an injectable version.

These FDA-approved drugs are also used for weight management in obese or overweight individuals. For diabetes, both Rybelsus and Ozempic have shown fruitful results if combined with lifestyle and diet changes and regular exercise.

About Rybelsus and Ozempic

What is Rybelsus?

Rybelsus belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analogs and was approved by the FDA in ²⁰¹⁹ to improve blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The drug works well with diet and exercise and requires lifestyle changes. It is also used for weight management and treating cardiovascular diseases and symptoms. It is the first drug of its class in oral tablet form and is available in 3 different strengths; 3 mg, 7 mg, and 14 mg.

The drug has shown remarkable results when studied against other antidiabetic medications. Moreover, Rybelsus showed a significant reduction in blood sugar (A1C) in a placebo-controlled study and is thus considered a stand-alone therapy for diabetes.

What conditions is Rybelsus approved to treat?

Rybelsus is approved by the FDA to treat and manage the symptoms of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. The drug is recommended along with diet and exercise. It is not approved to treat type 1 diabetes or other diabetic complications. 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.

Rybeleus is approved to treat the following conditions:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Cardiovascular diseases
Cardiovascular events
Chronic weight management

It is important to note that Rybelsus is not a medication for weight management, but it may help patients lose some weight. In a 6-month study including 703 adults with type 2 diabetes, results were compared for 7 mg and 14 mg Rybelsus. Participants who weighed an average of 194 pounds and took 14 mg Rybelsus lost 8 pounds, and patients who took 7 mg Rybelsus lost 5 pounds.

How does Rybelsus work for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?

Rybelsus is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist that controls blood sugar by stimulating the pancreas to release insulin after you eat. It also reduces glucagon hormone amount by binding to the GLP-1 receptor and mimicking its triggering effects that help lower blood sugar levels. It is used by adults over the age of 18 and is not suitable for children.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic gained its first FDA approval in 2017. It is also a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist class drug used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Ozempic is available in injectable form and has been shown to improve blood sugar levels in adults aged 18 or older, along with diet and exercise. It is not indicated for use in type 1 diabetes mellitus or the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis. Moreover, it is not tested on patients with a history of pancreatitis.

What conditions is Ozempic approved to treat?

According to the FDA, Ozempic is approved to treat the following conditions:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Stroke
Heart attack
Reduces the risk of major heart problems

It is a self-administered subcutaneous injection that is employed once weekly and helps in insulin production and controlling blood sugar level. It can also be used for chronic weight management.

How does Ozempic work for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?

GLP-1 is a physiological hormone with multiple actions on glucose, mediated by the GLP-1 receptors. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, is a GLP-1 analog, that binds to the receptor and stimulates the pancreas to release insulin. It also reduces the amount of glucagon and activates several processes that lower blood sugar levels.

It is also helpful in reducing gut permeability and inflammation, decreasing the risk and progression of atherosclerosis.

Effectiveness

How effective are Rybelsus and Ozempic for treating Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?

The FDA has approved both Rybelsus and Ozempic to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Although both haven’t been compared in a study, the effects of oral and injectable semaglutide have been researched. These glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists help improve blood sugar levels by binding to the GLP-1 receptor and stimulating the pancreas to release insulin and reduce glucagon amount after eating.

Both drugs' chemical composition is the same, with different physical characteristics and administration; Rybelsus is an oral tablet, the first of its kind, and Ozempic is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection. Regarding effectiveness in treating type 2 diabetes, both offer similar results.

A 26-week randomized, parallel-group clinical trial was conducted in the U.S., comparing the effects of daily oral 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg semaglutide with placebo and weekly 1 mg subcutaneous Ozempic injection. The study included 632 adults with type 2 diabetes, a BMI of 31.7 kg per m2, and a mean AIC of 7.9%. The results showed that the oral doses of 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mg semaglutide lowered the mean AIC by 0.7%, 1.2%, 1.5%, and 1.7%, respectively, compared to a 1.9% decrease by subcutaneous semaglutide.

In patients with high risk and a history of cardiovascular diseases, Ozempic is considered safe because it helps reduce the risk of heart problems like heart attack, stroke, etc., in certain patients by 26%.

Side Effects

Both Rybelsus and Ozempic are the same medication, with the same active ingredients, and thus, have a few similar side effects.

What are the most common side effects of Rybelsus?

Some of the common side effects of this medication include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Reduced appetite
Constipation
Abdominal pain
Weight loss

Doctors gradually increase the dosage to minimize side effects. The most common side effects are stomach-related and decrease over time the longer you take medication.

Are there any potential serious side effects of Rybelsus?

* If you experience any of these serious side effects, seek medical help immediately

Pancreatitis
Bloating
Blurred vision
Feeling shaky
Anxiety
confusion
Acute kidney injury
Swelling in leg, feet, and ankles
Risk of thyroid C-cell tumors
Hypersensitivity
Diabetic Retinopathy complications
Hypoglycemia with concomitant use of insulin secretagogues or insulin

Rybelsus is contraindicated in individuals with a history or family history of thyroid cancer or pancreas disorders.

Are there the most common side effects of Ozempic?

Some of the common side effects of this medication include:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Constipation
gas

Are there any potential serious side effects of Ozempic?

* If you experience any of these serious side effects, seek medical help immediately

Low blood sugar
Gallbladder problems
Thyroid tumors and a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma
Kidney problems
Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
Severe allergic reactions
Changes in vision
Rash and itching
Swollen legs, feet, and ankles
Shortness of breath
Sweating and chills

Ozempic is contraindicated in individuals with a history or family history of thyroid cancer. Don’t share your pre-filled injection pen with anyone, as it can increase the risk of blood-borne pathogens, even if the needle is changed.

Contraindications and interaction

Warnings and general precautions for Rybelsus and Ozempic

Both Rybelsus and Ozempic are contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). They are also not recommended for patients with known hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any of the active/inactive ingredients in the medications.

Both drugs are also not recommended for breastfeeding and pregnant women. Patients are also at risk of developing thyroid cancer; thus, medication should be taken by consulting a healthcare professional team and ensuring it is the right fit for you.

Contraindications and important interactions for Rybelsus and Ozempic

Contraindications

Rybelsus

Rybelsus is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with MEN 2.

Not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Ozempic

Ozempic is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with MEN 2.

Not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Drug/Medication Interactions

Rybelsus

Levothyroxine
Insulin
Sulfonylureas
Carbutamide
Acetohexamide
Chlorpropamide
Fluconazole
Englitazone

Ozempic

Carbutamide
Acetohexamide
Chlorpropamide
Fluconazole
Englitazone
Sulfonylureas
Glinides
Insulin

Food/Beverage/Supplement Interactions

Rybelsus

Alcohol can affect the blood sugar level and cause hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Alcohol should be limited or avoided if your glycemia control is poor.

No foods interact with Rybelsus, but it can affect the amount of drugs absorbed; thus, it should be taken on an empty stomach 30 minutes before the first meal of the day.

Ozempic

Alcohol can affect the blood sugar level and cause hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Alcohol should be limited or avoided if your glycemia control is poor.

There is no record of any food interaction with Ozempic. Generally, patients should avoid food high in calories, sugar, and fat.

Cost Comparison

How much do Rybelsus and Ozempic cost?

The cost of both medications is more or less the same. The average daily cost of Rybelsus is $6.97, which adds up to an average of $209/ per month and $2,544 annually. The average sending cost per dosage unit in 2020 was $27.04. However, the average spending per dosage unit for Ozempic in 2020 was significantly higher, around $433.67, costing around +$994.86 a month.

Popularity of Rybelsus and Ozempic

Both Rybelsus and Ozempic are popular drugs for type 2 diabetes treatment and weight loss. Initially available in an injectable version (Ozempic), these glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analogs are now available in oral tablet form (Rybelsus). Patients can switch between the two, depending on which administration method they are comfortable with. Semaglutide drugs are ranked #129 in the U.S. among the two; doctors recommend Ozempic if patients are at an increased risk of heart diseases or problems, such as heart attack or stroke.

Conclusion

Takeaway

According to the information sourced, there is little difference between Rybelsus and Ozempic effects, cost, and side effects. The only major difference is in their administration; Rybelsus (daily oral tablets) and Ozempic (once-weekly subcutaneous injection). The choice between them comes down to preference. Both drugs are effective in controlling blood sugar levels and managing weight goals. No drug is superior to the other; however, Ozempic is prescribed to patients with heart problems as it lowers cardiovascular complications.

Consult your doctor when starting Rybelsus or Ozempic or switching between the two.