Oral Semaglutide Brand Name
The oral formulation of semaglutide is marketed under the brand name Rybelsus®. 1, 2, 3
Key Distinguishing Features
Rybelsus® represents the first GLP-1 receptor agonist developed for oral administration, comprising a co-formulation of semaglutide with the absorption enhancer sodium N-(8-[2-hydroxybenzoyl] amino) caprylate (SNAC), which facilitates peptide absorption across the gastric epithelium in the acidic stomach environment. 1, 2
Available Formulations and Indications
Oral formulation (Rybelsus®): Available in 3 mg, 7 mg, and 14 mg tablets, FDA-approved exclusively for type 2 diabetes treatment as monotherapy (in metformin-intolerant patients) or combination therapy with other glucose-lowering agents including insulin. 1, 2, 3
Injectable formulation (Ozempic®): Subcutaneous injection approved for type 2 diabetes management. 4
Injectable formulation (Wegovy®): Higher-dose subcutaneous injection (2.4 mg weekly) approved specifically for obesity management in individuals with BMI ≥30 kg/m² or BMI ≥27 kg/m² with weight-related comorbidities. 4
Critical Clinical Distinctions
Injectable semaglutide has demonstrated superior cardiovascular outcomes compared to oral semaglutide. The SUSTAIN-6 trial showed that subcutaneous semaglutide reduced major adverse cardiovascular events by 26% (HR 0.74,95% CI 0.58–0.95), while the PIONEER-6 trial demonstrated only cardiovascular non-inferiority (not superiority) for oral semaglutide (HR 0.79,95% CI 0.57–1.11). 5
For patients with established cardiovascular disease or high cardiovascular risk, injectable semaglutide should be prioritized over oral formulation due to proven mortality reduction and cardiovascular benefits. 5 Oral semaglutide is most appropriate when patients strongly prefer to avoid injections and glycemic control—rather than cardiovascular protection—is the primary treatment goal. 6
Administration Requirements
Rybelsus® requires specific administration: taken once daily on an empty stomach with no more than 4 ounces of water, with a mandatory 30-minute wait before consuming food, beverages, or other oral medications to ensure adequate absorption. 1, 2
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Do not confuse "Ozempic" (the injectable diabetes formulation) with "oral Ozempic"—the correct term is Rybelsus®, which is a distinct product with different indications and cardiovascular outcome data. 1, 2, 3, 4