Ozempic contains semaglutide. In the United States it comes as a once-weekly injection and as once-daily tablets. The formulations have different strengths and approved uses, and cannot be exchanged by matching milligrams.
The approved uses and formulations described here follow US prescribing information. They may differ in other countries.
| Medicine detail | Details |
|---|---|
| Active ingredient(s) | semaglutide |
| Medicine class | GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Forms and strengths | Weekly injection and daily oral tablets; route-specific strengths and labeling |
Approved uses of the injection
Ozempic injection is approved for glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is also approved to reduce cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease, and for specified kidney outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
Approved uses of the tablets
Ozempic tablets contain 1.5, 4 or 9 mg of semaglutide. Their US prescribing information covers glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes and reduction of cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes at high risk. The kidney indication for the injection does not apply to the tablets.
Different formulations, different instructions
Ozempic injection comes in multidose pens and specified single-dose prefilled syringes. Ozempic tablets require fasting administration. Rybelsus is another oral semaglutide product, with a different range of strengths; it is not interchangeable with Ozempic tablets milligram for milligram. A clinician must provide specific instructions for any change of product or route.
Boxed warning and other risks
The semaglutide labels carry a thyroid C-cell tumor boxed warning based on animal findings, with human relevance unknown, and contraindications for personal or family medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2. Pancreatitis, serious gastrointestinal effects, dehydration-related kidney injury, gallbladder problems and retinopathy considerations also require attention. For a closer look at unwanted effects and when to seek help, read the Ozempic Side Effects guide.
Other semaglutide medicines
Wegovy and Rybelsus also contain semaglutide, but their formulations, doses and approved uses differ. Do not combine or exchange these medicines without instructions from the prescribing team. Approved uses can also differ between countries. Explore product differences in the Ozempic Vs Wegovy Comparator or Ozempic Vs Mounjaro Comparator. For coverage and payment context, read the Ozempic Vs Wegovy US cost comparison or Ozempic Vs Mounjaro US cost comparison.
Questions and answers
Is Ozempic available only as an injection?
No. Current US prescribing information also covers Ozempic tablets.
Do Ozempic tablets have the injection’s kidney indication?
No. The approved uses differ between the injectable and tablet formulations.
Are Rybelsus and Ozempic tablets interchangeable milligram for milligram?
No. The prescribing information explicitly distinguishes their strength series and switching instructions.
Related reading
Sources
- Ozempic: official US prescribing information
- Novo Nordisk: Rybelsus and Ozempic tablets prescribing information
Sources checked 1 October 2026. This information does not replace advice from your healthcare professional. For complete warnings and instructions, read the product information and consult the prescribing team.
Reviewed by: Mattias Hagman, PhD
About the reviewer:
Dr Mattias Hagman (PhD, University of Sydney) has an academic background and experience working with healthcare-related content and regulated industries. He has lecturing experience at international universities, including Stockholm University and the University of Malta.
Last reviewed: October 2026