Cost and supply chain issues might leave you looking into Wegovy alternatives. We’ve explored seven options and their pros and cons below.
Amid the rising demand for effective weight management solutions, prescription medications such as Wegovy and Ozempic have gained quite a bit of attention for their potential to manage type 2 diabetes and aid in weight loss.
However, these medications can be difficult to get, are very expensive, and may not be recommended for some populations.
This article will provide an overview of Wegovy and some alternatives for managing type 2 diabetes or promoting weight loss.
Wegovy is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which works by promoting the release of insulin and inhibiting the release of glucagon, helping to keep blood sugar levels stable. It also delays stomach emptying, which promotes a feeling of fullness, thus contributing to weight loss.
Wegovy and Ozempic are both brand-name versions of the drug semaglutide, but they aren’t exactly the same. Wegovy is approved for weight loss by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), while Ozempic is approved only for treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Wegovy is available only by prescription and has recently become difficult to find due to supply chain issues and shortages.
You might be searching for an alternative to Wegovy for various reasons, such as:
- Cost: The out-of-pocket expenses for Wegovy, especially for off-label use, can be unrealistic for some people. This is especially true because there is not currently a generic version of the medication.
- Supply chain issues: As a result of the high demand for Wegovy, shortages and supply chain issues can happen. If you’re already using Wegovy and you run into a shortage, be sure to contact the healthcare professional who prescribed it right away so they can work with you to find the appropriate alternative.
- Contraindications: Wegovy is not recommended for people with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2). Additionally, it’s unclear whether the drug is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding people, though the alternative medications are generally not recommended for this population either.
- Side effects: Some people using Wegovy report experiencing headaches, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Other mild side effects can occur as well. These effects may lead people to look for an alternative.
- Disinterest in injectable medications: Injectable medications can be painful, and some people may prefer a medication that is administered differently.
There are several alternatives to Wegovy, but finding the one that’s best for you will depend on whether you’re looking to manage diabetes or lose weight.
Below are possible alternatives to Wegovy for managing type 2 diabetes. Keep in mind that you should always work with your doctor to determine which one is the right fit for you.
Trulicity
Trulicity contains dulaglutide, which works by promoting insulin secretion and lowering blood sugar levels. These effects help suppress appetite, which ultimately promotes weight loss.
It’s not recommended for people with a family history of thyroid cancer or MEN2. Additionally, it has not been studied in people with pancreatitis or people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Pros
- It’s approved for both type 2 diabetes and weight loss.
- It’s administered as a once-weekly injectable dose.
- It has a lower out-of-pocket cost than Wegovy.
Cons
- Side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are possible.
- Some people may be uncomfortable using an injectable medication.
- While it’s less expensive than Wegovy, the out-of-pocket cost may still be too high for some.
Rybelsus
Rybelsus is an alternative medication that contains semaglutide, the same drug found in Wegovy. It’s a daily oral medication that is approved for treating type 2 diabetes but not yet approved for weight loss.
This drug is not recommended for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, may become pregnant, or have a personal or family history of thyroid cancer or MEN2.
Pros
- It’s approved for type 2 diabetes.
- It’s an oral medication, which may be preferable for some.
- It has a lower out-of-pocket cost than Wegovy.
Cons
- It may increase the risk of thyroid problems (including cancer), pancreatitis, and gallbladder problems.
- Side effects such as nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation are possible.
- While it’s less expensive than Wegovy, the out-of-pocket cost may still be too high for some.
Jardiance
Jardiance is a daily oral medication containing empagliflozin, which promotes glucose excretion in the urine in order to lower blood sugar levels. It may not be as effective for weight loss as Wegovy, as it does not work to decrease appetite.
Both Jardiance and Farxiga (the next drug on our list) are SGLT-2 inhibitors, which work by helping prevent the reabsorption of filtered glucose in your body to regulate your blood sugar. This allows you to excrete glucose in your urine.
This drug is not recommended for people who are undergoing dialysis or anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding.
Pros
- It’s approved for type 2 diabetes.
- It’s an oral medication, which may be preferable for some.
- It has a lower out-of-pocket cost than Wegovy.
Cons
- It may increase the risk of urinary tract and yeast infections in women, as well as dehydration and ketoacidosis (a serious complication of diabetes).
- While it’s less expensive than Wegovy, the out-of-pocket cost may still be too high for some.
Farxiga
Farxiga is a daily oral medication that works similarly to Jardiance but contains the drug dapagliflozin. Like Jardiance, it’s approved for type 2 diabetes treatment but not for weight loss.
This drug is not recommended for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or under the age of 18 years. Additionally, healthcare professionals should make special considerations when prescribing it to people who are more than 65 years old or have liver and/or kidney problems.
Pros
- It’s approved for type 2 diabetes.
- It’s an oral medication, which may be preferable for some.
- It has a lower out-of-pocket cost than Wegovy.
Cons
- It may increase the risk of urinary tract and yeast infections, dehydration, and ketoacidosis.
- Other side effects, such as a stuffy nose and sore throat, are possible.
- While it’s less expensive than Wegovy, the out-of-pocket cost may still be too high for some.
There are fewer FDA-approved weight loss medications available, but below are two possible alternatives to Wegovy.
Saxenda
Saxenda is a daily injectable medication containing liraglutide, another GLP-1 receptor agonist that works similarly to Wegovy.
Like other medications on this list, Saxenda is not recommended for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding or have a personal or family history of thyroid cancer or MEN2.
Pros
- It’s approved for weight loss.
- It works similarly to Wegovy.
- It has a lower out-of-pocket cost than Wegovy.
Cons
- It requires daily injections, while Wegovy requires weekly injections.
- It may increase the risk of thyroid tumors and cancer, gallbladder problems, low blood sugar, increased heart rate, kidney problems, and suicidal thoughts.
- While it’s less expensive than Wegovy, the out-of-pocket cost may still be too high for some.
Xenical
Xenical is a prescription medication containing the drug orlistat, which works to block the absorption of fat in your gut. It is approved for weight loss but not for treating type 2 diabetes.
This medication is not recommended for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding or have chronic malabsorption syndrome and cholestasis.
Pros
- It’s approved for weight loss.
- It comes in capsule form rather than injectable form, which may be preferable for some.
- It has a lower out-of-pocket cost than Wegovy.
- A lower dose, FDA-approved version is available over the counter by the name Alli.
Cons
- It may increase the risk of gallstones.
- Side effects are possible — most commonly, these are gastrointestinal problems such as oily spotting, discharge when passing gas, an urgent need to pass stool, and a lack of bowel control.
- It has been shown to reduce the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and beta carotene.
- While it’s less expensive than Wegovy, the out-of-pocket cost may still be too high for some.
Mounjaro
Mounjaro is similar to Wegovy, but it’s unique in that it is a dual GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 agonist, which works by increasing fullness and thus supporting weight loss efforts.
While Mounjaro is currently FDA-approved only for treating type 2 diabetes, the FDA is expected to approve it for weight loss in the near future.
Mounjaro is not recommended for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding or have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2.
Pros
- It’s approved for diabetes management.
- It works similarly to Wegovy and requires just one weekly dose.
- It has the unique feature of being both a GIP agonist and a GLP-1 agonist.
- People with diabetes can use a coupon to save on the cost.
Cons
- It’s an injectable medication, which may be undesirable for some.
- It may increase the risk of thyroid tumors and cancer, gallbladder problems, low blood sugar, increased heart rate, kidney problems, and gastrointestinal disease.
- While it’s less expensive than Wegovy, the out-of-pocket cost may still be too high for some.
In searching for an alternative to Wegovy, it’s advisable to avoid options such as the following:
- Compounded drugs: Compounding can be beneficial for certain medications. However, for safety and effectiveness, it’s best to avoid compounded versions of GLP-1 agonists and other weight management medications, as they may lack proper regulation and standardized doses.
- Supplements without research: Not all supplements that claim to support weight loss have evidence supporting their effectiveness or safety. They may also interact with certain medications. Always discuss new supplements with a healthcare professional before trying them.
- Unproven over-the-counter (OTC) medications: OTC medications that claim to promote weight loss or blood sugar regulation may lack scientific validation or approval by regulatory bodies. Before using an OTC medication, consult a healthcare professional to make sure it’s safe and appropriate for you.
- Non-FDA-approved medications: Using medications that are not FDA-approved for weight management or diabetes management may carry risks, as the safety and effectiveness of these drugs have not been evaluated.
Keep in mind that while these medications may be approved for type 2 diabetes management and/or weight loss, they are not meant to be used as a cure-all or a stand-alone treatment method. These medications should be used under the guidance of your doctor alongside healthy lifestyle habits.
Some
While the medication can be effective for promoting weight loss and managing blood sugar, it won’t address the underlying factors that contribute to these health issues.
Is there a difference between Ozempic and Wegovy?
Both Ozempic and Wegovy contain the drug semaglutide. Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight loss while Ozempic is approved only for treatment of type 2 diabetes.
What is the best Wegovy alternative?
The best Wegovy alternative for you will depend on your preferences, your health history, and your reason for using the medication. For example, if you prefer not to use an injectable medication, you can choose an alternative that comes in capsule form. Be sure to talk with your doctor to determine which medication is right for you.
Is there a cheaper version of Wegovy?
All the alternatives on the list above have lower out-of-pocket costs than Wegovy. However, this type of medication is still expensive overall, and the total cost varies depending on insurance coverage.
Is there a generic for Wegovy medication?
There is no generic version of Wegovy at this time.
What is the monthly cost of Wegovy?
The cost of Wegovy will vary depending on whether you have insurance coverage, as well as your treatment plan and pharmacy. To determine what your price will be, you can talk with your doctor and health insurance provider.
What over-the-counter medication is similar to Wegovy?
There are currently no OTC medications that directly mimic the effects of Wegovy or other GLP-1 agonists. While some OTC medications may claim to support weight loss, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before trying any medication to determine whether it would be safe and effective for you.
Wegovy has recently gained attention due to its effectiveness in treating type 2 diabetes and promoting weight loss. However, the medication can be difficult to access, and some people may be looking for other options. Be sure to work closely with your doctor when determining which medication is right for you.
Remember, weight regain is common after stopping these medications, so it’s important to establish a healthy lifestyle in addition to using them.