Wegovy
semaglutide · Novo Nordisk
Rybelsus
oral semaglutide · Novo Nordisk
Side by side
| Wegovy | Rybelsus | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | semaglutide | oral semaglutide |
| Maker | Novo Nordisk | Novo Nordisk |
| Class | GLP-1 receptor agonist | GLP-1 receptor agonist (tablet) |
| Approved for | Weight management | Type 2 diabetes |
| How you take it | once weekly injection | once daily tablet |
| Starting dose | 0.25 mg | 3 mg |
| Highest dose | 2.4 mg | 14 mg |
| Main trial result | 14.9% avg loss (STEP 1, 2.4 mg, 68 wk) | A1C fell about 1.0 to 1.4 points at 14 mg, with modest weight loss of a few pounds to about 9 lb |
| Nausea (label) | 44% vs 16% placebo | 11% to 20% vs 6% placebo |
| Missed-dose window | until 2 days (48 hours) before the next dose | skip and resume the next day |
| Out of the fridge | Up to 28 days at 46°F to 86°F (8°C to 30°C) | 68°F to 77°F in the original bottle |
| List price | $1,349/mo | $998/mo |
| Lowest self-pay | $199/mo | not offered |
Prices compiled mid-2026 from manufacturer announcements; re-checked monthly.
Key differences
- Same medicine underneath. Both contain semaglutide. The differences are the approved use, the doses and how insurers treat them.
- Different approvals. Wegovy is approved for weight management; Rybelsus is approved for type 2 diabetes. That shapes insurance coverage.
- Different routine. Wegovy is a once weekly injection; Rybelsus is a once daily tablet.
Trial weight loss
Which one fits you
That's a decision for you and your prescriber. The factors that usually decide it:
- Your diagnosis, which decides the approved option and often the coverage
- Whether your plan covers one and not the other
- A shot or a pill, weekly or daily
- How you tolerate side effects
- Cost if you pay yourself: see the cost index
How to use it
- Enter your numbers. Switch between US and metric units at any time.
- Results update as you type, and the formula is shown so you can check it.
- Copy the link, save the plan on this device, or print it for your next appointment.
These are estimates, not a diagnosis. A clinician can account for your health history and medicines.
Common questions
Is Wegovy the same as Rybelsus?
They contain the same medicine, semaglutide, but are approved for different uses at different doses.
Which works better for weight loss, Wegovy or Rybelsus?
Their main trials were separate, so a direct ranking isn't possible from that data. Your prescriber can weigh your history.
Can I switch from Wegovy to Rybelsus?
Only with your prescriber. Switching usually means a new starting dose, not a direct swap.
Which is cheaper, Wegovy or Rybelsus?
List prices are $1,349/mo and $998/mo a month; lowest self-pay options we track are $199/mo and not offered. Coverage usually matters more.
Sources
Clinician review pending. Drafted from primary sources and waiting for sign-off by a licensed clinician (MD, DO or PharmD) before launch. Every number is checked against its source. Drug facts are re-checked quarterly, prices monthly and whenever a label changes. How we review · Report an error