Ozempic, Trulicity, and More: 10 GLP-1 Drugs and How to Navigate Your Options

Ozempic, Trulicity, and Victoza: these Type 2 diabetes medications have been growing in popularity over the last several years. And they all belong to the same class — glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. GLP-1 drugs work by triggering insulin release, reducing glucose (sugar) production in your liver, and making you feel full.

Researchers have taken interest in how these medications work to not only manage blood glucose, but help people lose weight. Today, there’s a long list of GLP-1 drugs available on the market — with more on the way.

But with all of these options, how do you decide which is right for you? Let’s get to know some of the differences between 10 GLP-1 drugs.

1. Ozempic

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a once-weekly injection for adults with Type 2 diabetes. It comes in a multi-dose pre-filled pen. You can inject Ozempic at any time of day, with or without food. But you should inject it on the same day each week.

If you have Type 2 diabetes, your prescriber may recommend Ozempic based on your treatment goals, risk factors, and health history. Three examples of these indicators include:

• Heart disease: If you also have heart disease, Ozempic can help lower the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular-related death), or MACE.

• Chronic kidney disease: If you also have chronic kidney disease (CKD), Ozempic can help lower the risk of kidney disease worsening, kidney failure, and cardiovascular death.

• Weight loss: Ozempic isn’t approved for weight loss. But you may notice weight loss as a side effect, which may help you meet your treatment goals. On average, those taking it lost 8 lbs to 10 lbs at 30 weeks during initial clinical trials. Wegovy, a higher-dose product, is approved specifically for weight loss.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Semaglutide isn’t just for diabetes: Get live updates on the current and potential uses of semaglutide, from heart disease to Alzheimer’s disease.

• GLP-1 savings guide: Learn about ways to save on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications, like Ozempic (semaglutide), with GoodRx discounts, copay savings cards, and more.

• Is tirzepatide in shortage? Learn more about the latest status of the tirzepatide shortage, including the availability of Mounjaro and Zepbound.

Semaglutide, the main ingredient in Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, is being studied for a variety of other health conditions. Additional uses may be approved over the coming years.

2. Rybelsus

Don’t like injections? Rybelsus is an oral version of semaglutide used for Type 2 diabetes. Currently, it's the only medication in the GLP-1 receptor agonist class that isn’t injected.

Rybelsus is taken by mouth once daily. To get the best results, take it first thing in the morning with no more than 4 ounces of water. Wait 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other medications. This will allow the medication to be fully absorbed.

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It’s possible to switch from Ozempic to Rybelsus (and vice versa). But if your Ozempic dose is 1 mg or greater, this may not be an option for you. Additionally, Rybelsus isn’t approved for the same cardiovascular benefits yet.

Rybelsus isn’t approved for weight loss. But higher doses of oral semaglutide may be approved for weight loss in the near future.

3. Wegovy

Wegovy is another once-weekly semaglutide injection. But it’s only approved for weight loss in certain adults and adolescents age 12 and older. It’s not used to treat diabetes, and you don’t need to have a diabetes diagnosis to use it. Like Ozempic, you can inject Wegovy at any time of day.

Wegovy is approved for adults and adolescents who are considered to be obese. It’s also approved for adults considered overweight who have one or more weight-related health conditions (such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes).

In clinical trials, adults receiving Wegovy saw an average weight loss of nearly 15% of their initial body weight. And adolescents saw an average weight loss of almost 15% of their initial body weight. For the best results, combine Wegovy with a nutritious diet and regular exercise.

Wegovy is also approved to lower the risk of MACE in adults with heart disease and a larger body size. During a recent clinical trial, Wegovy lowered the risk of MACE by 20% compared to placebo (an injection without medication in it).

4. Trulicity

Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a once-weekly injection for Type 2 diabetes in adults and children age 10 and older. It comes as a single-use pre-filled pen. You can inject Trulicity on the same day each week at any time of day, with or without food.

Like Ozempic, Trulicity can lower the risk of MACE in adults who also have heart disease. But it can also provide this benefit if you have heart disease risk factors. Trulicity may also have some kidney-related benefits.

Trulicity isn’t approved for weight loss. But some people using it lose weight as a side effect. One study found that adults taking the highest Trulicity dose (4.5 mg) were able to lose up to 10 lbs over 9 months.

5. Victoza

Victoza (liraglutide) is a once-daily injection for Type 2 diabetes in adults and children age 10 and older. You can inject your dose at any time of day, without regard to food.

Victoza can lower the risk of MACE if you also have heart disease. There’s also evidence that it may help prevent kidney problems from getting worse.

Victoza isn’t approved for weight loss, but some people taking it lose weight. During clinical trials, this was around 5 lbs on average. A higher-dose version called Saxenda is available for weight loss.

One difference between Victoza and most other GLP-1 drugs is that it’s also available as a lower-cost generic. If cost is a barrier to accessing treatment, generic Victoza may be an option to consider.

6. Saxenda

Saxenda is the version of liraglutide approved for weight loss. Like Wegovy, it’s approved for use in adults and adolescents age 12 and older who are considered obese. Adults considered overweight with at least one weight-related health condition can also qualify.

In a large clinical trial, adults using Saxenda lost an average of 8% of their starting body weight. In a separate trial, adolescents lost a little over 2.5% of their starting body weight on average. Saxenda also works best when combined with a nutritious diet and regular exercise.

But how does Saxenda compare to Wegovy? One head-to-head study showed significantly more weight loss in adults with Wegovy (16%) than Saxenda (6%). You also need to inject Saxenda more frequently. Your prescriber can help you decide on the best option for you.

7. Byetta

Byetta (exenatide) was the first FDA-approved GLP-1 drug. It’s used to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults. You need to inject it more often compared to other options — twice daily within an hour before your morning and evening meals.

Your prescriber may recommend Byetta if you’re experiencing blood glucose spikes after meals. And it can also cause weight loss as a side effect. However, Byetta doesn’t have the same proven cardiovascular benefits as other options.

Like Victoza, Byetta is also available as a lower-cost generic. But compared to other GLP-1 drugs, Byetta may be less convenient since it’s injected twice a day around meals. If this is a dealbreaker, Bydureon BCise may be an option to consider.

8. Bydureon BCise

Bydureon BCise (exenatide) is a longer-acting version of Byetta that’s injected once weekly. It’s approved to lower blood glucose levels in people ages 10 and older with Type 2 diabetes.

Like Byetta, Bydureon BCise doesn’t have the same proven cardiovascular benefits seen with other GLP-1 drugs. And it may not result in the same amount of weight loss, either. However, your prescriber may decide that Bydureon BCise is the best option for you.

9. Mounjaro

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly injection that’s closely related to GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs. It’s part of a brand new class called GLP-1/GIP agonists. It works by mimicking two gut hormones: GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP).

Mounjaro is approved to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults. It has been studied head-to-head against Ozempic. After 40 weeks, people receiving Mounjaro saw a better reduction in hemoglobin A1C levels (average blood glucose over 3 months) compared to Ozempic. And they lost more weight, too.

Mounjaro is being studied to see if it lowers the risk of MACE in people with diabetes and heart disease. But it’s not currently approved for this use yet. And like semaglutide, tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound) is being studied for even more uses.

10. Zepbound

Zepbound is the FDA-approved version of tirzepatide for weight loss. It’s also approved for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in people with a larger body size.

Like Wegovy and Saxenda, Zepbound is approved for adults considered obese, or considered overweight with one or more weight-related health conditions. But Zepbound isn’t approved for adolescents yet.

During clinical trials, people receiving Zepbound lost up to nearly 21% of their starting body weight over 72 weeks (about 16.5 months). This was compared to 3% weight loss in people who received a placebo. Compared to Wegovy, a recent head-to-head study showed greater weight loss in people receiving Zepbound.

Ozempic or Mounjaro? Test your knowledge!

How do I find out which GLP-1 drug is right for me?

The right GLP-1 drug for you will likely come down to a few key factors, including:

• Age. All GLP-1 drugs are approved for use in adults. But some can also be used in children as young as 10 years old.

• Treatment goals. Each GLP-1 drug has specific approved uses and potential benefits to help you meet your treatment goals.

• Underlying conditions. If you have existing heart disease or heart disease risk factors, one with proven cardiovascular benefits may be preferred. Certain GLP-1 drugs also have proven benefits for people with CKD or OSA.

• Preferences. Don’t like injections? An oral pill is available. If dosage frequency is a concern, there are once-weekly options to choose from.

• Insurance coverage. Your insurance plan may only cover certain GLP-1 drugs. And whether one is covered may depend on why you’re taking it. So, it’s best to check with your specific plan about coverage.

Your prescriber can help you navigate your options and answer any questions you have. And if you can’t tolerate one GLP-1 drug, they may have you try a different one.

How to save on GLP-1 drugs

There are ways to save on your GLP-1 prescription. GoodRx can help you navigate your options. Your local pharmacist can also be a great resource for your specific situation.

Most GLP-1 drugs are only available as brand-name products. Today, generics for Victoza and Byetta have been approved. Until more generics are on the market, manufacturer copay savings cards and patient assistance programs can help make GLP-1 drugs more affordable.

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Written by:

Julie Adkison, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES

Julie Adkison, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES, is a clinical pharmacist specializing in ambulatory care practice and diabetes care and education. She has worked in a faculty position in family medicine for many years.

Edited by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

Reviewed by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

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