Rybelsus basically represents the same medicine as Ozempic. While both treat type 2 diabetes, Ryblesus avoids the need for weekly injections. Both drugs not only reduce the blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin or HbA1c, but they also assist in weight reduction.

Rybelsus belongs to a class known as glucagon like peptide receptor agonists. Other medicines in the same family include Trulicity, Victoza and Bydureon and its related Byetta.

The dose of Rybelsus varies from an initial 3 mg each day to a maintenance dose of 7 mg or 14 mg. Fasting sugar levels tend to fall about 25-35 mg while a 5-8 pound weight loss routinely occurs.

Side effects tend to be minimal and not serious. A small number of patients may develop pancreatitis or myocarditis while diabetic retinopathy present at onset of treatment may temporarily worsen. This later condition is thought to occur due to the rapid fall in blood sugar. Patients without preexisting retinopathy rarely experience this complication.

Considering the wide range of treatments beyond metformin for type 2 diabetes, the two drug classes currently in vogue are the glucagon like peptide mimics and the SGLT2 inhibitors that prevent sugar reabsorption by the kidney. Examples include Jardiance, Invokana and Farxiga.