How Much Does Rybelsus® Cost?

Navigating Type 2 Diabetes and the journey to weight loss is challenging, to say the least. Many might feel overwhelmed by the choices they need to make, especially when it comes to treatment options.

If you’re on diabetes medication and are looking for other treatment options to get your blood sugar under control and lose weight, you may have heard of Rybelsus® (Oral Semaglutide). This oral glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist medication offers a new, less invasive avenue for adults with Type 2 Diabetes striving to manage their weight and live healthier lives.

Yet, a new treatment method only raises more questions. How does it work? What are the benefits and side effects? How do you take it? Does insurance cover it?

And then there’s the all-important question: How much does it cost, and is it worth it?

It’s very important to understand the answers to all these questions — especially the cost. By finding the answers, you can make informed decisions about your health together with your healthcare provider without breaking the bank.

Here at Henry Meds, we’re dedicated to giving you the information you need to make the journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. Let’s take a closer look at what Rybelsus is, how much it costs, and how you can get it — with or without insurance.

Please note that Henry Meds doesn’t provide Rybelsus®. We provide a compounded form of Oral Semaglutide for weight management in partnership with state-licensed compounding pharmacies.

A Breakdown of Rybelsus® for Type 2 Diabetes

Rybelsus® is the first FDA-approved oral GLP-1 medication designed to improve blood sugar levels and weight in adults with Type 2 Diabetes. Licensed healthcare professionals may also prescribe it off-label for weight loss. These oral tablets are meant to be used in conjunction with a healthy, balanced diet and a regular exercise routine.¹

How It Works

Type 2 Diabetes hinders the body’s ability to release enough insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels.² GLP-1 is a hormone originating from the gut that prompts the pancreas to secrete insulin.

Since it’s a GLP-1 receptor agonist, Rybelsus® imitates GLP-1 by engaging with the body’s GLP-1 receptors. This amplifies the effect of GLP-1 on the various body systems, including the heart, the muscles, and the hypothalamus.³

Rybelsus® causes the pancreas to release insulin, thus helping to sustain optimal blood sugar levels. It also slows down gastric emptying, the mechanism through which the stomach releases its processed contents into the small intestine. This process contributes to a sensation of fullness, which ultimately decreases calorie consumption and facilitates weight loss.³

Who Shouldn’t Take It

Rybelsus® is contraindicated in people with a history of thyroid cancer or hypersensitivity to Semaglutide or any of the ingredients in Rybelsus®. It's also contraindicated for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to get pregnant.⁴

Some other conditions may require close monitoring when taking Rybelsus®. Always discuss any changes in medication or new medications with your healthcare provider for maximum safety and effectiveness.

How to Take It

Rybelsus® is taken in a small once-daily starting dosage for 30 days, then gradually increases every 30 days, up to two additional times if you need additional glycemic control. You should take the tablet with four ounces of plain water at least 30 minutes before your first drink, food, or oral medication of the day. They should be swallowed whole, not cut, crushed, or chewed.⁴

Your healthcare provider can provide you with a weight loss dosage chart to help you get the best results from your treatment.

You can take Rybelsus® as an add-on treatment to other glucose-lowering medications, including metformin. You can also use it as your sole treatment for Type 2 Diabetes when your blood sugar isn’t regulated even with diet and exercise.⁵ Consult with your healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment specifically for you.

The Cost of Rybelsus®

Let’s take a look at the cost of Rybelsus®, with and without health insurance coverage from an insurance company.

According to the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, all standard dosages of Rybelsus® have a list price of $935.77 per package.⁶

The list price is the manufacturer's cost before discounts or rebates are applied. This is the amount that you’ll pay without insurance. People who have a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes and have insurance coverage don’t have to pay the list price for Rybelsus®. 

Your total out-of-pocket cost depends on your health insurance plan. Your insurance company can tell you if they cover Rybelsus® and what the qualifications and exact price will be.

Determining If the Ryblesus® Cost Is Worth It

So, is Rybelsus® worth the cost? Looking at the benefits, potential adverse effects, and effectiveness can help you decide whether it is.

The Benefits of Rybelsus®

Rybelsus® has many benefits for your health. As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, Rybelsus® helps to reduce appetite, increase satiety, regulate blood sugar levels, and boost weight loss. It also improves blood pressure and even cardiovascular risk factors.⁷

It can also decrease systolic blood pressure.⁵

Additionally, it’s a much less invasive form of treatment compared to injectable Semaglutide treatments like Wegovy® and Ozempic® since it’s taken orally. So it’s perfect for anyone who doesn’t like needles or is allergic to a component of injectable Semaglutide. 

Furthermore, unlike injectable GLP-1 medications, Rybelsus® doesn’t need to be refrigerated, especially before first use.⁸ If you're already taking injectable Semaglutide, it's important to discuss your desire to switch to Rybelsus® with your healthcare provider to see if it's the right choice for you.

Potential Adverse Effects

The most common side effects of Rybelsus® are:⁴

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Abdominal pain

• Decreased appetite

More serious potential adverse effects include pancreatitis, hypoglycemia (when taken with insulin or an insulin secretagogue), and serious hyperallergic reactions.⁴ It may also cause diabetic retinopathy and acute kidney injury.¹

Rybelsus vs Other Diabetic and Weight Loss Medications

Comparing Rybelsus® with other diabetic and weight loss medications is another effective way to decide if Rybelsus® is worth the cost or not. 

First, consider Rybelsus® with normal diabetic medications. Clinical trials show that Rybelsus® reduced HbA1c significantly more than regular diabetic medications like sitagliptin and empagliflozin after 26 weeks. It also reduced body weight more than Liraglutide and sitagliptin.⁷

Another clinical trial shows that the highest dose of once-daily Rybelsus® significantly reduced HbA1c and body weight compared to Trulicity® (injectable Dulaglutide).⁹

How to Get Rybelsus

There are several ways to get Rybelsus® for an affordable price. It does require a valid prescription from a healthcare provider since it's a prescription medication, but you can get it with or without insurance coverage from an insurance company.

Some options include:

• Telehealth platforms

• Online weight loss clinics

• Mail-Order pharmacies

• Patient Assistance Programs (PAP)

• Prescription discount cards

Unlike its injectable form Wegovy®, there is no current shortage of Rybelsus®.¹⁰ However, its high monthly cost can make it hard for many people to get treatment. Thankfully, you can get a compounded version of the active ingredient Semaglutide from a licensed compounding facility or state-licensed pharmacy.

An Explanation of Compounded Oral Semaglutide

A compounding pharmacy prepares personalized medications by mixing, altering, or combining ingredients to make a medication tailored to an individual patient. That means they can customize dosing based on your healthcare provider's prescription so you get the best option for you.

While the compounded form of Oral Semaglutide isn’t FDA-approved, it is safe and legal when prescribed by a licensed healthcare practitioner and made in a licensed compounding pharmacy or outsourcing facility. Here at Henry Meds, we provide Compounded Oral Semaglutide in partnership with state-licensed compounding pharmacies. If you want to start your weight management journey, speak with a weight loss expert from Henry Meds today.

FAQs

Can you lose weight on Rybelsus® 14 mg?

Yes, you definitely can lose weight on Rybelsus® 14 mg. One clinical trial showed that people with Type 2 Diabetes taking Rybelsus® lost an average of 8.2 pounds in 26 weeks.⁷

Which is better, Saxenda® or Rybelsus®?

One clinical trial revealed that oral Semglutide decreases HbA1c slightly more than Saxenda® (Liraglutide). It also resulted in superior weight loss of 9.7 pounds compared to Liraglutide’s 6.8 pounds within 26 weeks.¹¹

Start Your Weight Management Journey with Oral Semaglutide from Henry Meds

At Henry Meds, we believe that access to cost-effective treatment and optimal health is a right for all. To provide this, we collaborate with licensed sterile compounding pharmacies through our platform to offer Compounded Oral Semaglutide for weight management in our Oral Semaglutide Weight Management program.

We keep our prices low at just $249 monthly! This price encompasses your healthcare provider, telehealth appointments, shipping, and medication with no hidden fees and no insurance needed.

You can start in 5 easy steps:

1. Choose your weight loss program.

2. Create your account and add your payment information.

3. Fill out a simple questionnaire.

4. Get your telehealth appointment details and attend your consultation.

5. If approved, get your Compounded Oral Semaglutide mailed straight to your mailbox.

Once it’s time for a refill, you’ll do another simple questionnaire, attend your appointment, and start the cycle all over again. Getting your oral medications is as easy as 1-2-3!

Get started today to get the care you need at an affordable price.

Please note: Henry Meds does not offer Ozempic®, Rybelsus®, Saxenda®, or Wegovy®, which are only available from the Novo Nordisk company. Henry Meds does not offer Trulicity®, which is only available from the Eli Lilly Company. Compounded Semaglutide is a patient-specific medication created in a state Board of Pharmacy or FDA licensed compounding facility per a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional. Compounded drugs are required to exclusively use ingredients from FDA-licensed facilities, and test sterile compounds for potency, sterility, and purity. While compounded drugs are legal they do not undergo pre-market approval from the FDA as they are not made in large batches for the public, compounds are made based on specific orders from a medical professional. Because of that the dose, route of administration, safety, and efficacy may differ from commercially available, brand-name, drugs. Henry Meds exclusively works with licensed sterile compounding pharmacies in the United States.

To help you trust the information we provide, every article written by Henry relies on peer-reviewed studies and medically-reviewed facts. We ensure that data, ideas, and figures cited are reliable, current, and accurate. Our team of medical reviewers aim to help you cut through the noise with clear and authoritative primary and secondary sources.

Nothing in this article is intended to be prescriptive or medical advice. Talk to your doctor before starting a new diet and exercise plan. Information presented is about our medically supervised weight management programs and is not an advertisement for a specific drug.