Rybelsus in 2026: Where Things Stand

If you take Rybelsus (oral Semaglutide) for type 2 diabetes, you've probably dealt with at least one frustrating pharmacy visit where your medication wasn't available. The GLP-1 shortage that began in 2022-2023 disrupted supply for millions of patients — and while the situation has improved heading into 2026, it hasn't fully resolved.

In this update, we'll cover the current state of the Rybelsus shortage, what's driving it, how much it costs in 2026, and what you can do to make sure you stay on your medication.

Is Rybelsus Still in Shortage?

The short answer: it depends on where you live and which dose you need.

The FDA placed Semaglutide products (including Ozempic) on its drug shortage list in 2023 due to unprecedented demand. As of early 2026, Novo Nordisk has significantly expanded its manufacturing capacity, and supply has improved across the board.

However, intermittent stock-outs continue at individual pharmacies, particularly for the 7 mg and 14 mg dose strengths. The 3 mg starter dose tends to be easier to find since patients only use it for the first 30 days.

The bottom line: Rybelsus is no longer in a nationwide shortage, but local availability can still be hit or miss. Your best tool for checking real-time stock near you is Medfinder.

Why Has Rybelsus Been Hard to Find?

The Rybelsus shortage is part of a larger story about GLP-1 medications. Here's what happened:

Demand Exploded

Starting around 2022, GLP-1 medications gained massive public attention for their weight loss benefits. Celebrities, social media influencers, and news outlets drove awareness of Semaglutide — particularly Ozempic and Wegovy. While Rybelsus is approved specifically for type 2 diabetes, the overall surge in GLP-1 prescriptions overwhelmed manufacturing capacity for all Semaglutide products.

Manufacturing Couldn't Keep Up

Semaglutide is a complex peptide that requires specialized manufacturing. Novo Nordisk invested over $6 billion in expanding production facilities, but new pharmaceutical manufacturing plants take 3-5 years to build and validate. The company has been ramping up output steadily, but demand grew faster than supply could follow.

Rybelsus Has Extra Manufacturing Challenges

Unlike injectable Semaglutide, Rybelsus tablets require a special absorption enhancer (SNAC) to help the medication survive stomach acid. This adds complexity to the manufacturing process and limits how quickly production can scale.

For a deeper dive, read our full explainer: Why is Rybelsus so hard to find?

How Much Does Rybelsus Cost in 2026?

Cost remains a significant barrier for many patients. Here's what you can expect:

• Cash price (without insurance): $900 to $1,100 for a 30-day supply
• With commercial insurance: Copays typically range from $25 to $150 per month, depending on your plan's formulary tier
• With the Novo Nordisk Savings Card: Eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $10 per month
• Medicare Part D: Coverage varies by plan; copays may be higher, and the manufacturer savings card is not valid for Medicare patients

There is no generic version of Rybelsus available as of 2026. Patent protections extend into the late 2020s.

For detailed savings strategies, see our guide: How to save money on Rybelsus.

Are There New Options in 2026?

The GLP-1 landscape continues to evolve. Here are some developments worth knowing about:

• Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) by Eli Lilly has become a major alternative for type 2 diabetes and offers a dual-action mechanism (GLP-1 + GIP).
• Zepbound (Tirzepatide) is now FDA-approved specifically for weight management, which may reduce some off-label demand pressure on diabetes-focused GLP-1 medications.
• Oral GLP-1 pipeline: Several pharmaceutical companies are developing next-generation oral GLP-1 medications that could provide more options and competition in the coming years.

For a full comparison of alternatives, read: Alternatives to Rybelsus.

How to Find Rybelsus in Stock Right Now

Here are the most effective strategies for locating Rybelsus in 2026:

1. Use Medfinder to search real-time pharmacy availability in your area
2. Check independent pharmacies — they often have stock when chains don't
3. Refill early — request your refill 7-10 days before running out
4. Ask about mail-order options through your insurance plan
5. Contact NovoCare at 1-888-693-8276 for help locating supply

For a complete step-by-step guide, visit: How to find Rybelsus in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Rybelsus shortage story is one of gradual improvement. Supply is better in 2026 than it was in 2023 or 2024, but it's not perfect — and it may not be for a while. The combination of ongoing high demand, complex manufacturing, and the lack of a generic option means some patients will still face challenges.

The best thing you can do is stay informed, plan ahead with your refills, and use tools like Medfinder to track availability. And if Rybelsus continues to be elusive in your area, talk to your doctor about whether an alternative medication might be a good fit.

Your health shouldn't depend on luck at the pharmacy counter. Stay proactive, and you'll stay in control.