A pill form of the widely prescribed GLP-1 medication Ozempic is now available in the United States. Novo Nordisk announced that an oral tablet version of the semaglutide-based drug became available May 4 for adults with type 2 diabetes.
The oral Ozempic replaces Novo Nordisk’s Rybelsus tablet and is a reformulation of that product. Where Rybelsus was sold in 3 mg, 7 mg, and 14 mg doses, the new Ozempic tablet comes in 1.5 mg, 4 mg, and 9 mg strengths. Novo Nordisk says the reformulated tablet delivers the same efficacy and safety profile at lower doses. Injectable Ozempic will remain available as a weekly shot and is also commonly prescribed off-label for weight loss.
This is the third GLP-1 medication to become available in pill form this year. In January, an oral version of Wegovy (for weight management) gained regulatory approval, and in April the FDA approved Eli Lilly’s Foundayo pill for weight management while requiring additional studies of heart, liver, and other risks. Novo Nordisk expects a decision on a 25 mg Ozempic tablet by the end of 2026.
Novo Nordisk framed the rebrand and reformulation as helping patients and clinicians more easily recognize semaglutide-based, FDA-approved options. The company also said offering both pill and injection lets patients choose the format that fits their lives.
Who it may appeal to
Clinicians note the oral form will likely attract people who dislike needles or who find weekly injections burdensome over time. Pills are easier to carry, don’t require refrigeration, and are often less expensive. But some patients prefer injections because they are administered once weekly, while oral GLP-1 drugs must be taken daily and require dosing on an empty stomach.
Availability and cost
A diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and a prescription are required to obtain the new Ozempic tablet. Novo Nordisk says the pill will be stocked in more than 70,000 U.S. pharmacies and covered by insurance for most patients with type 2 diabetes, with some plans offering as little as $25 for a three-month supply. For those paying cash, NovoCare Pharmacy and certain telehealth providers list prices of about $149 per month for the 1.5 mg starter dose, $199 per month for 4 mg, and $299 per month for 9 mg.
Efficacy and safety
Novo Nordisk notes the oral Ozempic has shown effectiveness in reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events—such as heart attack, stroke, or death—among people at high cardiovascular risk. Company and clinical leaders emphasize that oral and injectable Ozempic are not interchangeable; patients should consult healthcare professionals before switching formulations.
Common side effects reported with Ozempic (pill or injection) include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and nausea. Because oral GLP-1 medications must be absorbed through the gut, earlier pill versions required higher doses; reformulation aims to improve absorption so lower doses can achieve similar effects, potentially reducing side effects.
Long-term use and lifestyle
GLP-1 drugs work partly by suppressing appetite and slowing gastric emptying; they do not produce weight loss or blood sugar control on their own. Experts advise that these medications are typically long-term therapies and that bodies can adapt, reducing effectiveness over time. For best outcomes, patients should combine medication with dietary changes, adequate protein intake, and regular exercise including strength training. Physicians recommend discussing a comprehensive, long-term plan with a healthcare professional before starting treatment.
