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Ozempic is an injectable GLP-1 medication that can help manage blood sugar levels and support weight loss. There are several other medications with similar benefits that may be worth considering instead.
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat type 2 diabetes. Because Ozempic has been shown to boost weight loss in people with diabetes, it’s quickly become a popular drug among those looking to lose weight.
Though Ozempic can be effective for improving blood sugar management and encouraging weight loss, other medications may be better, depending on your health goals, medical history, and budget.
This article lists eight Ozempic alternatives, including options for people with type 2 diabetes and those wanting to lose weight.
Keep in mind that although some of the alternatives may not have an indication for weight loss, people using these medications may see weight loss with an improvement in managing their diabetes.
Additionally, note that the details in this article are for information purposes only. When considering medications to treat type 2 diabetes and weight loss, consult with your healthcare professional.
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What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a prescription-only injectable medication that is FDA approved to treat type 2 diabetes. It’s been shown to improve both short- and long-term blood sugar management markers, including fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c, in people with diabetes.
Ozempic helps lower blood sugar levels by stimulating release of insulin from the pancreas and decreasing gastric emptying (aka slowing digestion). This helps reduce the amount of blood glucose in the bloodstream after eating.
In addition to lowering blood sugar, Ozempic increases feelings of fullness, which is why it’s effective for boosting weight loss.
Keep in mind that Ozempic is only FDA approved to treat type 2 diabetes and is not specifically FDA approved for weight loss. But people without diabetes are sometimes prescribed Ozempic for weight loss.
While Ozempic is a good choice for some people with diabetes and those wanting to lose weight, it’s not the right choice for everyone.
Ozempic isn’t safe for those with certain medical conditions and may be out of many people’s budgets when used off-label for weight loss.
Here are some reasons why you might be looking for alternatives to Ozempic:
- You have a medical condition: Ozempic isn’t safe for those with certain health conditions, including people who have had thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). People with a family history of MTC should avoid Ozempic. Ozempic is also unsafe for people with a history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), diabetic retinopathy, and conditions affecting the kidneys and pancreas.
- You’re pregnant or breastfeeding: If you plan on becoming pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding, you’re not eligible for Ozempic. Your healthcare professional can recommend a different diabetes medication. Ozempic should not be used for at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy because it may harm the fetus.
- It’s too costly: Ozempic may not be covered by insurance when it’s prescribed as a weight loss medication, so some people may want a more affordable alternative. But it’s important to note that some insurance companies don’t cover weight loss medication of any kind and some people may need to pay out of pocket for these medications.
- You’re concerned about side effects: Ozempic is generally considered safe, but it’s associated with several side effects. According to its manufacturer, the most common known side effects of Ozempic are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and constipation.
- You don’t like needles: Ozempic is medication you need to inject under the skin on your stomach, thigh, or upper arm. Many people have a fear of needles and prefer oral medications over injectables.
- There’s a shortage: Due to its increased popularity and occasional supply chain issues, Ozempic may be hard to obtain. The FDA has a database with the latest information on drug shortages.
Most people with type 2 diabetes need to take medications in order to manage their blood sugar and reduce their risk of diabetes-related complications, such as heart disease.
If you can’t or don’t want to take Ozempic, your healthcare professional may recommend a different medication.
Rybelsus
Rybelsus is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist medication that contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient as Ozempic, and it works in the same way as Ozempic to reduce blood sugar levels.
Rybelsus is an oral medication, so it may be a better choice for people who don’t tolerate injectable medications. Rybelsus is taken by mouth once per day.
Learn how to get Rybelsus.
Trulicity
Trulicity is another type of GLP-1 receptor agonist that is effective for reducing blood sugar levels and heart disease risk in people with diabetes. Like Ozempic, it’s an injectable medication that’s used once per week.
However, a key difference between Trulicity and Ozempic is that Trulicity is approved for use in treating type 2 diabetes in children ages 10 years and older, while Ozempic isn’t approved for use in children.
Victoza
Victoza is another injectable GLP-1 medication that is similar to Ozempic. It’s approved to lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. However, unlike Ozempic, you inject Victoza once per day rather than only once per week.
A generic version containing the same active ingredient, liraglutide, was also recently approved to treat type 2 diabetes in adults and children ages 10 years and older. It’s also approved to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Mounjaro
Mounjaro is another injectable medication approved for use in treating adults with type 2 diabetes.
Its active ingredient is tirzepatide, which is both a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist and a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It lowers blood sugar by stimulating the release of insulin and by slowing digestion. This helps reduce the amount of blood glucose in the bloodstream after eating.
Mounjaro is similar to Ozempic, but it targets both GIP and GLP-1 receptors. Although they’re both effective for blood sugar management,
It’s worth noting that like Ozempic, Mounjaro is not approved for use in people under age 18.
Learn how to get Mounjaro.
Metformin
Metformin is one of the most common medications used to treat diabetes. It’s a different type of medication than Ozempic and lowers blood sugar through different mechanisms.
Metformin is classified as a biguanide. It lowers blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity, decreasing the amount of blood sugar that the liver produces, and reducing the amount of sugar absorbed by the digestive system.
Another difference is that Metformin is an oral medication, so it’s a good choice for people who don’t tolerate injections. Metformin can also be taken alongside other diabetes medications, such as Ozempic.
Unlike Ozempic, Metformin is approved for use in children ages 10 and older with type 2 diabetes. It’s also considered safe for people with thyroid cancer or a family history of thyroid cancer.
However, Metformin is not appropriate for people with certain other medical conditions, such as kidney disease, congestive heart failure, metabolic acidosis, and liver issues.
Additionally, although Metformin has been commonly used off-label for gestational diabetes, pregnant people should consult with an OB-GYN to determine whether it’s suitable for them.
If you’ve had difficulty losing weight through diet and exercise alone, your doctor may prescribe a weight loss medication. Ozempic is not FDA approved for weight loss. But other medications, like Wegovy, are.
Keep in mind that most of these weight loss medications are not usually covered by health insurance, meaning you may have to pay out of pocket.
Wegovy
Wegovy is an injectable medication that contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient as Ozempic, but in a slightly higher dose. However, unlike Ozempic, Wegovy is FDA approved for weight management in adults with overweight and obesity and children ages 12 years and older with obesity.
More recently, it was
According to Wegovy’s manufacturer, Wegovy is currently the No. 1 prescribed medication for weight loss in the United States. Like Ozempic, Wegovy is an injectable medication used once per week.
While researchers are still studying the effects of Wegovy in the body, it’s thought that Wegovy targets areas in the brain responsible for reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness. Wegovy helps people eat less, which encourages weight loss.
Wegovy is a prescription-only medication, meaning you must obtain a prescription from a healthcare professional in order to start using it.
Saxenda
Saxenda is another GLP-1 receptor agonist FDA approved for weight management in adults with obesity and adults with overweight and weight-related medical concerns. It’s also approved for use in children ages 12 and older with obesity.
Saxenda contains liraglutide, which is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Liraglutide helps promote weight loss by decreasing appetite and slowing the emptying of the stomach, which promotes feelings of fullness and decreases calorie intake.
Saxenda is an injectable medication that’s injected once per day. This is the major difference between Saxenda and Wegovy, as Wegovy is an injectable used once per week.
Like Wegovy, Saxenda is meant to be used alongside a nutritious, calorie-reduced diet and increased physical activity.
Zepbound
Zepbound is a once-weekly injectable medication that contains the same active ingredient as Mounjaro: tirzepatide. However, unlike Mounjaro and Ozempic, Zepbound is FDA approved for weight loss in adults when combined with diet and lifestyle changes.
While research is ongoing, a landmark 2022 study of more than 2,500 adults with obesity or overweight and one weight-related condition found that participants lost an average of 20.9% of their body weight over the course of 72 weeks, or about 16.5 months.
A note on Ozempic alternatives
Keep in mind that, just like Ozempic, the medications listed in this article may cause unwanted side effects and are not appropriate for everyone.
It’s important to meet with a licensed healthcare professional, like an endocrinologist or your primary care physician, to discuss which alternative is right for you.
Here’s a quick look at how alternative medications for Ozempic compare:
The best way to obtain a prescription for any medication is through an in-person visit with a licensed healthcare professional like your primary care physician.
However, several telehealth platforms and online weight loss programs provide medication prescriptions to eligible individuals.
If you prefer the convenience of a virtual visit, it’s important to choose a reputable service. Below are a few online options that offer some of the medications mentioned above and have been vetted by Healthline’s team of experts.
While weight loss medications can be effective for enhancing weight loss, it’s important to note that weight loss medications aren’t a quick fix and shouldn’t be the first choice when it comes to a weight loss plan.
Additionally, many people
There are many other ways to lose weight and maintain weight loss that are more affordable and have fewer side effects than weight loss medications, such as nutritional counseling from a registered dietitian.
Still, while following a nutritious, reduced calorie diet and getting plenty of physical activity may be enough for some people to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight, weight loss surgery may also be necessary for some.
Because obesity is a health condition with many contributing factors, it’s best to work with a healthcare professional for a tailored approach to weight loss.
Alternatives to avoid
Recently, Ozempic has become popular for weight loss use, and as a result, the United States has been experiencing a shortage. Because of this, some companies and pharmacies are offering uncertified, compounded drugs marketed as semaglutide.
These drugs
Speak with your medical care team if you have concerns or questions about your medication.
The best Ozempic alternative depends in part on what the medication is being used to treat. If you have diabetes, your doctor may recommend an alternative medication, such as Trulicity.
If you’re being prescribed a medication for weight loss, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Saxenda are FDA approved for weight management and may be used to promote weight loss in adults and children with obesity.
The list price for one pen of Ozempic is $968.52, which is cheaper than Saxenda and Wegovy, both of which cost $1,349.02 for a month’s worth of medication.
Keep in mind that if you’re using these medications for weight loss, you may be able to get Saxenda and Wegovy at a much lower price by working with a weight loss clinic or services like Calibrate.
Yes, although they contain the same active ingredient, Wegovy is FDA approved for weight loss, while Ozempic is only approved for treating type 2 diabetes.
Wegovy and Ozempic both contain semaglutide, but Wegovy provides a higher dose.
Trulicity works similarly to Ozempic and also helps reduce blood sugar levels and heart disease risk in people with diabetes.
However, a key difference between Trulicity and Ozempic is that Trulicity is approved for use in treating type 2 diabetes in children over 10 years old, while Ozempic isn’t approved for use in children.
Both medications are effective for treating diabetes.
Ozempic is a medication that’s become popular because of its effectiveness in managing blood sugar levels and supporting weight loss. However, there are several other FDA-approved medications that offer similar benefits.
Whether you’re interested in a more affordable alternative to Ozempic or prefer a noninjectable option, it’s important to talk with a trusted healthcare professional to see which medication is right for you.