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Elizabeth M. Whitehorn, Director

Provider Notice issued 05/21/2026

Rybelsus Tablets Transition to Ozempic Tablets

To:
 Enrolled Pharmacies, Physicians, and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
​Re:
 Rybelsus Tablets Transition to Ozempic Tablets
Date: May 21, 2026

This notice informs providers of an upcoming conversion of Rybelsus tablets to Ozempic tablets. This change will apply to both the fee-for-service (FFS) program and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) plans.

Novo Nordisk has informed the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) that it will discontinue all strengths of Rybelsus tablets, requiring patients to be transitioned to Ozempic tablets. Beginning in May 2026, shipments of Rybelsus tablets to wholesalers will cease, with existing inventory expected to become limited starting in July 2026.

Rybelsus and Ozempic contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, and Ozempic tablets will have the same prescribing information as Rybelsus. However, the tablet strengths will differ.  The manufacturer recommended conversion is outlined below:

  • Initiation Phase:

  • Treatment should now be initiated with Ozempic 1.5 mg tablets.

  • If a patient in the transition interim begins treatment with Rybelsus 3 mg, do not transition to Ozempic tablets within the first 30 days of treatment. After 30 days, patients may switch from Rybelsus to Ozempic tablets for maintenance doses.

  • Switching Between Maintenance Doses

  • Patients receiving Rybelsus 7 mg tablets should transition to Ozempic 4 mg tablets. 

  • Patients receiving Rybelsus 14 mg tablets should transition to Ozempic 9 mg tablets.

There are no changes to Ozempic injections. 

Illinois Medicaid customers will not be automatically converted from Rybelsus to Ozempic tablets. A new prescription is required for any transition. Rybelsus is currently preferred with prior authorization (PA) on the Illinois Medicaid Preferred Drug List (PDL) for patients with type 2 diabetes with or without high cardiovascular risk. Ozempic tablets will also be preferred with PA for the same indication. A new PA request will be required for Ozempic tablets.

Questions regarding this notice may be directed to the Bureau of Professional and Ancillary Services at 877-782-5565, or the applicable MCO.

 

Laura Phelan, Administrator
Division of Medical Programs