GLP-1 & incretin medicines

Ozempic tablets (formerly Rybelsus)

oral semaglutide · GLP-1 receptor agonist (oral) · Novo Nordisk

✓Last reviewed · Written by Dr. George Grunberger · Medical review: pending — clinician review in progress · How we review

In short

Ozempic tablets (oral semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist (oral) made by Novo Nordisk, used for blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes and lower risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes at high risk. Schedule: once daily. It is prescription-only in the US and Canada.

FormTablet
How oftenOnce daily
United StatesFDA approved the Ozempic name for oral semaglutide 1.5 mg, 4 mg and 9 mg tablets on February 4, 2026; US launch May 4, 2026. Rybelsus 3/7/14 mg remains available during the transition. A 25 mg tablet is under FDA review.
CanadaRybelsus is approved in Canada; check the Health Canada Drug Product Database for the current brand name.
PrescriptionRequired
⚠ Boxed warning: risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Do not use if you or a family member has had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

What it is used for

  • Blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes
  • Lower risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes at high risk

Ozempic tablets dosage

Per the official label. Your prescriber sets your dose — never change it on your own.

Ozempic tablets label dosing schedule
1Days 1–301.5 mg once daily (Rybelsus: 3 mg)
2Day 31 on4 mg once daily (Rybelsus: 7 mg)
3If more control is needed9 mg once daily after at least 30 days (Rybelsus: 14 mg)
Ozempic tablets dose stepsDays 1–30: 1.5 mg; Day 31 on: 4 mg; If more control is needed: 9 mg1.5 mgDays 1–304 mgDay 31 on9 mgIf more control …
Ozempic tablets label titration, step by step. Doses go up only as tolerated and as your prescriber decides.

How to take it

Take first thing in the morning on an empty stomach with no more than 4 oz (120 mL) of plain water. Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking or taking other oral medicines. Swallow whole.

Storage

Keep in the original bottle, away from light and moisture.

Side effects

Common

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal pain
  • Indigestion / heartburn
  • Fatigue
  • Decreased appetite

Serious — get medical help

  • Pancreatitis (severe stomach pain that may spread to the back)
  • Gallbladder problems, including gallstones
  • Low blood sugar when combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea
  • Kidney problems, often from dehydration after vomiting or diarrhea
  • Serious allergic reactions
  • Diabetic retinopathy complications (people with type 2 diabetes)
  • Pulmonary aspiration during anesthesia or deep sedation — tell your surgical team you take it

Who should not use it

  • Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, or MEN 2
  • Prior serious allergic reaction to the drug or its ingredients
  • Pregnancy (stop before a planned pregnancy as advised by your prescriber)
  • Use together with another GLP-1 receptor agonist

Cost

Brand-only in the US. Check NovoCare and manufacturer savings programs.

GLP-1 cost without insurance →

How to buy Ozempic tablets legally

  1. Get a prescription from your doctor or a licensed telehealth provider.
  2. Fill it at a licensed pharmacy, or through the manufacturer's self-pay pharmacy.
  3. Verify any online pharmacy first (US: safe.pharmacy; Canada: your provincial pharmacy college register).

Buying legally in the USA → Buying legally in Canada →

Frequently asked questions

Can I swap Rybelsus and Ozempic tablets mg for mg?

No. The new tablets absorb better, so doses differ: Rybelsus 7 mg corresponds to Ozempic 4 mg, and 14 mg to 9 mg. Your prescriber handles the switch.

Why the name change?

Novo Nordisk moved oral semaglutide for diabetes under the better-known Ozempic name in 2026.

Also searched as: Ozempic pill, Ozempic tablet, oral Ozempic, Rybelsus, Rybelsus 3 mg, Rybelsus 7 mg, Rybelsus 14 mg, oral semaglutide, semaglutide tablets, semaglutide pill, Rybelsis, Rybelus

Sources

Checked against these primary sources on .

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