Key takeaways
Rybelsus, a brand name for oral semaglutide, has been prescribed as a daily tablet to control blood glucose in Type 2 diabetes.
The brand name Rybelsus is being phased out. Oral semaglutide is now available as the Ozempic pill, which contains the same active ingredient but at different dosages.
Alternative GLP-1 medications for diabetes management include Ozempic, Trulicity, Victoza, and Mounjaro injections.
Switching from Rybelsus to another treatment should be managed with a healthcare provider to ensure a smooth transition and monitor effects.
Rybelsus, an oral form of semaglutide, is a GLP-1 agonist used to manage blood glucose in Type 2 diabetes. The brand name Rybelsus is being phased out in the US. However, the same medication, oral semaglutide, is now available as the Ozempic pill. Rybelsus was available in doses of 3, 7, and 14 mg. The Ozempic pill comes in doses of 1.5, 4, and 9 mg.
If you’ve been taking Rybelsus, you can switch to the Ozempic pill with a new prescription from your healthcare provider. There are also other GLP-1 medications, as well as drugs in other classes that treat Type 2 diabetes. Let’s look at some of the alternatives to Rybelsus.
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What can I take instead of Rybelsus?
There is a wide range of treatment options for Type 2 diabetes, and what may be effective for one person may not be for another. Medications for Type 2 diabetes may work in different ways, though they share similar treatment goals of managing blood sugar levels. In addition, they may have different costs and side effects.
Ozempic, available as an injection and now in pill form, contains semaglutide. That is the same active ingredient as Rybelsus. If you’ve been taking Rybelsus and want to continue taking semaglutide in oral form, your healthcare team can help you make the switch to the Ozempic pill. The dosage may look a little different. But your healthcare provider will prescribe a dose based on how much Rybelsus you were taking and how it was working for you.
Other GLP-1 pills include Wegovy (semaglutide) and Foundayo (orforglipron). However, these brand names are only approved for weight loss, although they may treat both obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Currently, Ozempic is the only oral GLP-1 approved specifically to treat Type 2 diabetes.
Injectable GLP-1 medications for Type 2 diabetes include Ozempic (semaglutide), Trulicity (dulaglutide), Victoza (liraglutide), and Mounjaro (tirzepatide).
Other drug classes may also be used to treat Type 2 diabetes, including sulfonylureas (Glipizide, Glucotrol), DPP-4 inhibitors (Januvia), SGLT2 inhibitors (Farxiga, Jardiance), thiazolidinediones (Actos), meglitinides (Starlix), and metformin. Short-acting and long-acting insulin is also used in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. These alternatives offer different mechanisms of action, and have different side effects and drug interactions.
Below is a table with common GLP-1 alternatives to Rybelsus, now called the Ozempic pill, for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.
Rybelsus alternatives cost comparison |
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| Drug name | Price without insurance | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| Ozempic (Rybelsus) pill (semaglutide) | $1,366.85 per 30, 14mg tablets of brand-name Rybelsus | $927 per 30, 9mg tablets of brand-name Ozempic at Kroger | See latest prices |
| Ozempic injection (semaglutide) | $1,385.55 per 1, 3ml prefilled 2mg/3ml pen (0.25mg or 0.5mg/dose) multidose pen of brand-name Ozempic | $792 per 1, 3ml prefilled 2mg/3ml pen (0.25 or 0.5mg/dose) multidose pen of brand-name Ozempic at Kroger | See latest prices |
| Trulicity (dulaglutide) | $1,388.75 for 4, 1.5mg/0.5ml pens of brand-name Trulicity | $825 for 4, 1.5mg/0.5ml pens of brand-name Trulicity at Walmart | See latest prices |
| Victoza (liraglutide) | $1,403.28 for 3, 18mg/3ml (6mg/ml) 3ml pens of brand-name Victoza | $105 for 2, 3ml of 18mg/3ml pens of generic Victoza (liraglutide) at CVS | See latest prices |
| Mounjaro (tirzepatide) | $1,553.57 per 4, 5mg/0.5ml 0.5ml pens of brand-name Mounjaro | $872 for 4, 5mg/0.5ml 0.5ml pens of brand-name Mounjaro at Kroger | See latest prices |
Top 5 Rybelsus alternatives
The following are some of the most common alternatives to Rybelsus.
1. Ozempic (semaglutide) pill
Both Rybelsus and Ozempic are GLP-1 agonists that contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide. They work by increasing insulin production and lowering glucagon secretion, which helps control blood sugar levels.
For people who have been taking Rybelsus and want to continue with oral semaglutide, your healthcare provider will help you make the change to the appropriate dose of the Ozempic pill. Rybelsus came in doses of 3, 7, and 14 mg. The Ozempic pill comes in 1.5, 5, and 9 mg strengths.
2. Ozempic (semaglutide) injection
Like Rybelsus and Ozempic pills, Ozempic injections contain the active ingredient semaglutide. However, Ozempic is a subcutaneous injection taken once weekly instead of an oral tablet taken daily. Rybelsus and Ozempic may cause similar gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Ozempic injections come in doses of 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 mg weekly.
3. Trulicity (dulaglutide)
Trulicity, known by its generic name dulaglutide, is also a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Patients typically use Trulicity once a week by subcutaneous injection, and it may have side effects similar to semaglutide and other GLP-1s.
Unlike Rybelsus, which is taken orally, Trulicity is given as an injection, offering an alternative for those who might have difficulties with pills. Trulicity is approved for adults and children over 10 with Type 2 diabetes, while Rybelsus and Ozempic are only approved for adults.
4. Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
Mounjaro, known by its generic name tirzepatide, works with a dual-action approach, targeting both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. As a result, Mounjaro may be more effective in long-term blood sugar control and weight loss. Mounjaro is typically administered as a once-weekly injection, contrasting with Rybelsus, which is taken orally. Mounjaro is approved for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes in children and adults 10 and older.
5. Victoza (liraglutide)
Victoza contains the active ingredient liraglutide, which belongs to the same drug class as Rybelsus. It is typically prescribed to adults and children over 10 with Type 2 diabetes. Victoza is typically administered through daily injections, unlike Rybelsus, which comes in an oral tablet form. Victoza is the only GLP-1 available in a less expensive generic version.
Natural alternatives to Rybelsus
Many people require prescription medications to treat Type 2 diabetes. There are no natural treatments that replace prescription medications. But there are some that may be used alongside medications like Rybelsus, Ozempic, and other diabetes treatments to support blood glucose goals.
Diet and Exercise
A healthy diet and increasing physical activity are fundamental to managing Type 2 diabetes. A diet rich in fibrous vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins may support stable blood glucose levels. In addition, regular exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity and can lead to better blood sugar control.
Berberine
Berberine is a compound found in several plants that has been studied for its potential to help regulate blood sugar. Some studies show that berberine supplements can improve blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation in adults. In one meta-analysis, the supplement lowered fasting blood glucose by an average of 0.77 units and reduced key inflammation markers such as C-reactive protein by up to 62%.
Curcumin
Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has properties that may benefit blood glucose control. One study reviewed 16 research papers and found that curcumin, a compound in Curcuma longa, can support diabetes management by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Curcurmin may lower fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c (a marker of long-term blood sugar control), and body weight. However, the extent of its effectiveness will vary among individuals.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is more than just a spice; it contains compounds that might improve insulin sensitivity. Some clinical trials suggest that cinnamon can help lower blood sugar levels, although its impact is not as pronounced as that of prescription drugs. Cinnamon, like all herbs and supplements, should be viewed as a supplementary treatment rather than a primary therapy.
Always consult a healthcare provider before taking a dietary supplement for diabetes, especially if you take other medications. There could be interactions that affect your blood sugar or cause other side effects.
How to switch to a Rybelsus alternative
If you’re considering a switch from Rybelsus, you should first consult your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can provide medical advice based on your overall treatment plan.
For those ready to transition to an alternative to Rybelsus:
- Do not abruptly stop taking Rybelsus without guidance from your healthcare provider.
- Consult a healthcare provider to understand the timeline for switching medications and to minimize risks of side effects.
- Although they are both oral semaglutide, you will need to consult your healthcare provider and receive a new prescription if you are switching from Rybelsus to the Ozempic pill.
- Ensure a follow-up plan is in place to monitor blood glucose levels after the switch.
You can discuss factors like the effectiveness of an alternative medication in lowering blood sugar levels and the potential for allergic reactions with your healthcare provider. Some alternatives may have few side effects, while others may have more serious side effects.
Insurance plans can also influence the choice of medication. Checking in advance with your insurance company about coverage may save unforeseen expenses.
The SingleCare prices in this article are the most accurate at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of Aug. 10, 2026. Prices vary by pharmacy. Visit our coupon page for updated drug prices at pharmacies near you.
- New Drug: Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), The Senior Care Pharmacist (2023)
- The effect of berberine supplementation on glycemic control and inflammatory biomarkers in metabolic disorders: An umbrella metaanalysis of randomized controlled trials, Clinical Therapeutics (2024)
- The effect of cinnamon supplementation on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: An updated systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, Phytotherapy Research (2024)
- The effects of curcumin on diabetes mellitus: A systematic review, Frontiers in Endocrinology (2021)
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