Can You Switch from Ozempic to Rybelsus (or Vice Versa)? What Patients Need to Know

March 23, 2025
Todd P

If you’re using Ozempic for Type 2 diabetes or weight management and you’re wondering if you can switch to Rybelsus, you’re not alone. Both medications contain semaglutide, but one is injectable (Ozempic), while the other is oral (Rybelsus). Whether you’re switching for convenience, cost, or side effect management, this guide explains how the transition works—and when it makes sense.

What Are Ozempic and Rybelsus?

Both medications are GLP-1 receptor agonists, used to:

Lower A1C levels in people with Type 2 diabetes
Promote weight loss by reducing appetite
Slow down stomach emptying and regulate insulin and glucagon release

✅ Ozempic: Once-weekly injectable
✅ Rybelsus: Once-daily oral tablet

They both use semaglutide as the active ingredient, meaning their mechanism of action is nearly identical.

Rybelsus starting at $298

Can You Switch from Ozempic to Rybelsus?

Yes, it is possible. Depending on the dose and when you last took Ozempic, switching to Rybelsus is an easy transition.

Here’s how to do it safely:

Let your healthcare provider know you’re planning to switch
You may be started on Rybelsus 3 mg daily for 30 days, then increased to 7 mg or 14 mg depending on your response
Because Ozempic has a long half-life (about 1 week), it’s often safe to begin Rybelsus a few days after your last Ozempic dose

Switching from Rybelsus to Ozempic?

This can also be done, especially if:

You’re experiencing digestive side effects with the oral tablet
You’re having trouble remembering to take it 30 minutes before eating
You’re not reaching your A1C or weight goals on Rybelsus

Your doctor may start you on Ozempic 0.25 mg weekly and slowly titrate upward as tolerated.

Are Rybelsus and Ozempic Doses Equivalent?

Although both use semaglutide, they do not have a direct 1:1 dose equivalence, due to different ways they are absorbed.

Here’s a general comparison:

Rybelsus Dose	Approximate Ozempic Equivalent
3 mg daily	No direct Ozempic equivalent (starter dose only)
7 mg daily	Roughly equivalent to Ozempic 0.25–0.5 mg weekly
14 mg daily	Roughly equivalent to Ozempic 0.5–1 mg weekly

💡 Note: Clinical responses may vary, and your doctor will monitor your progress closely during the switch.

When Is It Better to Choose Rybelsus Over Ozempic?

Choose Rybelsus (oral) if:

You prefer pills over injections
You’re new to GLP-1s and want to start at a lower dose
You’re switching from another oral diabetes medication like Metformin

Choose Ozempic (injectable) if:

You want the convenience of a once-weekly dose
You’re not getting results from Rybelsus
You have gastrointestinal issues with oral meds

Drug Interactions and Precautions

Whether you’re taking Rybelsus or Ozempic, be aware of potential interactions with:

Insulin or sulfonylureas (risk of hypoglycemia increases)
Thyroid disorders (especially medullary thyroid carcinoma history)
Other oral medications – Rybelsus needs to be taken 30 minutes before food and other medications

How to Save Money When Switching GLP-1 Medications

Whether you’re switching to Rybelsus or Ozempic, cost is often a concern. In the U.S., both medications can cost over $1,000/month without insurance.

💡 Good news: You can save significantly by ordering from Canada through a trusted prescription referral service like Over the Border Meds.

Canadian pricing examples:

Rybelsus 14 mg (30 tablets): ~$298 USD
Ozempic 1 mg (4 weekly doses): ~$419.00 USD

📌 Plus, use the coupon code Hello10 to get 10% off your first order!

Final Thoughts: Should You Switch Between Ozempic and Rybelsus?

Switching between Ozempic and Rybelsus is common and often well-tolerated, as both contain semaglutide. The choice comes down to your lifestyle, preference, response to treatment, and cost.

Always consult with your healthcare provider before switching. And if you’re looking to save money, ordering from Canada may be the most affordable option available