If you’re exploring Rybelsus as a potential treatment option, you probably have questions about the medication, our program, and how it works. We’ve got you covered with the details you need to know.
What is Rybelsus?
Rybelsus is the brand name for oral semaglutide that is indicated for managing type 2 diabetes. Ozempic and Wegovy are other injectable forms of semaglutide that have been authorized for sale by Health Canada to manage type 2 diabetes and for long-term weight management respectively. All of these drugs use the same semaglutide active ingredient and work the same way on the body, but absorption and administration varies between oral and injectable forms.
Semaglutide helps the body better regulate blood sugar levels. It does this by mimicking natural hormones secreted from the pancreas that control blood sugar production. Semaglutide also slows down stomach emptying, so less sugar is absorbed from food into the bloodstream.
What is the difference between the various forms of semaglutide?
In Canada, there are three brands of the same drug, called semaglutide.
The key differences are:
- Intended use
- Administration
- Dosage
- Cost
Intended Use:
All forms of semaglutide function and work on the body the same way. The pancreas secretes hormones that control blood sugar production— these medications mimic this natural hormone. Semaglutide helps the body to better regulate blood sugar levels as well as slowing down stomach emptying, making your body feel “full.”
Administration:
Rybelsus is the oral form of semaglutide and is taken by mouth as a tablet. Wegovy and Ozempic are injectable forms of semaglutide and are administered as subcutaneous injections (under the skin).
Dosage:
Dosing for weight management is generally the same as dosing for diabetes. Generally speaking, oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) dosing starts at 3 milligrams (mg) once daily for 30 days. Dosing typically increases every 30 days depending on your body’s response to the medication. The maximum dose for the treatment of diabetes and for weight management is 14 mg. The goal of dose increases isn’t to reach the maximum dose available, but to find the lowest possible dose that provides effective results for you. This means that the dose that’s right for you may not be the same as someone else.
For injectable semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy), dosing for weight management is generally higher than the dosing for diabetes. Generally speaking, injectable semaglutide dosing starts at 0.25 milligrams (mg) every week. Dosing typically increases every 4 weeks depending on your body’s response to the medication. Once you reach a dosage of above 1 mg, it starts to differ.
The maximum dose for the treatment of diabetes is 1 mg. The maximum weight management dose is 2.4 mg. From 1mg, the dosage will generally be increased to 1.7mg, then the maximum dose of 2.4mg.
| Dosage | Potential Costs for Rybelsus* |
| 3 mg | Starts at $317.90 |
| 7 mg | Starts at $317.90 |
| 14 mg | Starts at $317.90 |
| Dosage | Potential Costs for Ozempic* | Potential Costs for Wegovy* |
| 0.25 mg | Starts at $315 | Starts at $520 |
| 0.5 mg | Starts at $315 | Starts at $520 |
| 1 mg | Starts at $315 | Starts at $520 |
| > 1 mg | Start at $630 (2 pens) | Starts at $520 (1pen) |
*Prices shown do not reflect provincial or private insurance coverage and may vary by province.
Cost:
The cost of oral and injectable semaglutide varies because the different brand medications have different costs, as seen in the table above. It’s important to note that some patients find their steady state dose at higher doses. At which point, the price of your treatment may increase. For full information about semaglutide pricing, please refer to the table above or to this blog. You can always reach out to your healthcare practitioner to find a treatment that works for you and is cost effective.
Explore the Collection of Blogs Below For All the Information You Need
Rybelsus Essentials
Rybelsus Side Effects: some common side effects you may experience while on Rybelsus, and tips on how to manage them.
Our Program
Q&A: Weight Loss Treatment at Felix: answers about pricing, eligibility, and moreOur Weight Loss Program Pricing: how it works and what you need to know about costs
