Brand Names for Semaglutide
Semaglutide is marketed under three distinct brand names: Ozempic (subcutaneous injection for type 2 diabetes), Wegovy (subcutaneous injection for chronic weight management), and Rybelsus (oral tablet for type 2 diabetes). 1, 2, 3
Injectable Formulations
Ozempic (Subcutaneous Injection)
- Ozempic is FDA-approved for two indications: improving blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus when used alongside diet and exercise, and reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, or death) in adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease. 1
- The SUSTAIN-6 trial served as the regulatory approval study, demonstrating that Ozempic reduced the primary composite outcome of cardiovascular death, nonfatal MI, or nonfatal stroke by 26% (HR 0.74; 95% CI 0.58–0.95). 4
- Ozempic is available in pre-filled pens for once-weekly subcutaneous injection. 1
Wegovy (Subcutaneous Injection)
- Wegovy received FDA approval in 2021 specifically for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) or overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m²) with at least one weight-related comorbidity. 5, 2
- Wegovy contains a higher dose of semaglutide (2.4 mg weekly) compared to the maximum diabetes dose of Ozempic (2 mg weekly). 5
- Manufacturer-sponsored trials showed approximately 12% body weight loss over 68 weeks, though most pretreatment weight is regained once the medication is stopped. 2
Oral Formulation
Rybelsus (Oral Tablet)
- Rybelsus represents the first FDA-approved oral GLP-1 receptor agonist, approved in 2019 for treating type 2 diabetes in conjunction with lifestyle modifications. 3, 6
- Rybelsus is co-formulated with the absorption enhancer sodium N-(8-[2-hydroxybenzoyl]amino) caprylate (SNAC) to enable oral absorption. 7
- Available in three strengths: 3 mg, 7 mg, and 14 mg tablets taken once daily. 4
- Rybelsus requires strict administration protocol: taken on an empty stomach with no more than 4 ounces of plain water, at least 30 minutes before the first food, beverage, or other oral medications of the day. 4
Critical Distinctions Between Brands
- Ozempic and Rybelsus are indicated for type 2 diabetes management, while Wegovy is specifically indicated for obesity treatment. 1, 2, 3
- The weight loss observed with Ozempic in diabetes trials (4–6 kg) is considered a beneficial side effect rather than a primary indication, whereas Wegovy's primary purpose is weight management. 4
- Oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) lacks the positive cardiovascular and renal outcome data that injectable semaglutide (Ozempic) has demonstrated, representing a significant limitation. 6
Shared Contraindications Across All Brands
- All semaglutide formulations are contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). 1, 4
- This contraindication stems from animal studies showing thyroid C-cell tumors with semaglutide and similar GLP-1 receptor agonists. 1
Common Pitfall to Avoid
- Do not confuse the brands or use them interchangeably—Ozempic is not FDA-approved for obesity treatment despite off-label use, and Wegovy is not indicated for diabetes management. 4, 2
- The extensive media hype surrounding semaglutide has resulted in supply shortages across all licensed products, including those used for diabetes treatment. 2