Generic Ozempic: is it available?

If you’re having trouble getting Ozempic, you’re not alone. Ozempic continues to surge in popularity, even as a drug shortage and high costs make it tougher than ever to fill the prescription. 

Whether you’re hoping for a cheaper version of Ozempic, or you’re just hoping to find Ozempic at all, you may be wondering if a generic version could be the answer. Unfortunately, generic Ozempic is not yet available, and probably won’t be for several years. 

Read on as we explain why there’s a long wait for generic Ozempic, and what you can do in the meantime to get access to Ozempic or a similar medication.

No, currently there is no FDA-approved generic form of Ozempic available. The phrase “FDA-approved” is key, as you may encounter ads for generic Ozempic on less reputable websites and unlicensed “pharmacies.” Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic, and will likely be what it’s called once a generic version is available. 

For now, though, there are only three versions of semaglutide approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. These include:

• Ozempic is a once-weekly injection of semaglutide. It is FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes by controlling blood sugar levels, and to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in people who have both type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Off-label, Ozempic may be prescribed for weight loss.

• Wegovy is another once-weekly injection of semaglutide. It contains a higher dosage of semaglutide than Ozempic, and is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in people with obesity or those with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or higher and a weight-related health condition like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.

• Rybelsus is an oral form of semaglutide that is taken daily. It is FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes by controlling blood sugar levels.

All of these medications are intended to be used in combination with diet and exercise.

The earliest we can expect a generic form of Ozempic to be available is December 5, 2031. Why so far away? That date represents the day when Novo Nordisk’s (the maker of Ozempic) patent on semaglutide expires. 

When drug makers create a new medication, they usually obtain a patent that prevents others from selling a generic version for a set period of time. Currently, that time is set at 20 years from the date of patent application. They may also obtain marketing exclusivity for a set period of time, usually three to seven years, which further restricts competition from generic drugs. As long as patent protection, an exclusivity period, or both, is in place, generic medications cannot be approved.

Currently, Novo Nordisk’s patent on semaglutide is set to expire on December 5, 2031, so that is the earliest a generic version of semaglutide could be made available. However, that date is not a guarantee, as Novo Nordisk could opt to seek extensions on their patent protection, as they are currently doing in Brazil. 

At the same time, other pharmaceutical firms could challenge Novo Nordisk’s patent, which could lead to generic versions being made available sooner, as is currently happening in China. However, the U.S. Patent Office recently rejected two claims by a pharmaceutical company seeking to challenge Novo Nordisk’s patent on semaglutide, so don’t get your hopes up.

Ozempic and Wegovy share the same active ingredient, semaglutide. The high demand for both drugs has led to ongoing shortages since 2022. If you find yourself in the midst of one of these shortages, you may have a difficult time filling your prescription for Ozempic — particularly if you were prescribed the medication off-label for weight loss or if you are just starting your treatment. 

Typically, during a shortage, Novo Nordisk prioritizes production of the maintenance dosage of Ozempic and Wegovy, in order to prioritize existing patients who are already taking the medications. Also, health providers have been directed to prioritize patients who need Ozempic for its FDA-approved purpose of treating type 2 diabetes (not weight loss) and who do not have a suitable alternative. 

If you are having trouble getting Ozempic, call your pharmacy to refill your prescription earlier than you normally would. You can also try shopping around at other pharmacies, including ones outside your town. If you still can’t get Ozempic, make an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss alternative medications.

Yes. Fortunately, there are a number of alternative medications you can take instead of Ozempic. Which one will be right for you will depend on what you take Ozempic for and your personal medical situation, so talk to your healthcare provider about your options. In the meantime, here is an overview of Ozempic alternatives so you can head to your appointment armed with knowledge.

Compounded semaglutide

Drug compounding describes a process where medications are made in a compounding pharmacy for an individual patient who can’t take the brand name drug for a specific reason, such as an allergy to one of the ingredients or a problem swallowing an oral pill. The compounding pharmacy combines or alters the ingredients of the original medication so that the patient can now take the medication. Drug compounding can also be a helpful alternative whenever a shortage affects a brand name drug, as is currently happening with Ozempic and Wegovy. 

Drug compounding serves a real need, enabling patients to get the medication they need in scenarios where the brand name drug is not safe for them, or when there is a shortage. While compounding is a good way for patients to access medication when they need it, it’s important to make sure that you’re getting your medication from a reputable compounding pharmacy. When it comes to compounded semaglutide, the FDA has warned that some compounding pharmacies are using salt forms of semaglutide, which are different from the form of semaglutide used in Ozempic and Wegovy.

Compounded semaglutide can be a good option for some people who are not able to take the brand name version of Ozempic due to a medical reason. Many compounding pharmacies have also begun to produce compounded semaglutide due to the shortage and can help patients access their medication until the shortage is over.

Wegovy (semaglutide)

Wegovy (semaglutide) contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic, but in higher dosages. It is a once-weekly injection. A key difference between Ozempic and Wegovy is that Wegovy is exclusively FDA-approved for weight loss in people with obesity or with a BMI of 27 and higher and a weight-related condition, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes. Unlike Ozempic, Wegovy is not FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes.

Common side effects of Wegovy include:

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Constipation

• Abdominal pain

• Headache

• Fatigue

• Upset stomach

• Dizziness

• Bloating

• Belching 

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in people with type 2 diabetes

• Flatulence

• Stomach flu

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Runny nose or sore throat

Wegovy produces more weight loss than Ozempic, according to clinical studies. In a year and a half, people taking Wegovy lose about 15% of their body weight, on average. 

Just like Ozempic, Wegovy is in high demand and is also currently experiencing a shortage, particularly of the lower dose strengths, which may make it difficult to start treatment with Wegovy at this time.

Rybelsus (semaglutide)

Rybelsus (semaglutide) also shares the same ingredient as Ozempic. Among GLP-1 receptor agonists, the drug class that includes Ozempic and the others on this list, Rybelsus stands out as it is an oral medication, not an injection like the others. It should be taken daily in the morning, at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything else. 

Common side effects of Rybelsus include:

• Nausea

• Abdominal pain

• Diarrhea

• Decreased appetite

• Vomiting

• Constipation 

Rybelsus is prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes by controlling blood sugar levels and is similarly effective to subcutaneous semaglutide (a.k.a. Ozempic). Rybelsus does lead to weight loss, but to a lesser extent than Ozempic. 

Victoza (liraglutide)

Victoza (liraglutide) is similar to Ozempic in that it is FDA-approved to treat the same things: improving blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes, and reducing cardiovascular risk in those who also have heart disease. Victoza has similar side effects as well, including:

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Decreased appetite

• Upset stomach

• Constipation 

However, people may be more likely to experience side effects on Victoza vs. Ozempic, and studies suggest that Ozempic leads to more weight loss and better blood sugar control. Another key difference between Victoza and Ozempic is that Victoza is injected daily, as opposed to weekly like Ozempic. 

Saxenda (liraglutide)

Saxenda (liraglutide) shares the same active ingredient as Victoza and is also a daily injection. It is FDA-approved for weight loss and is prescribed to people with obesity and people with a BMI of 27 or higher who have a weight-related health condition (such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes). 

The most common side effects of Saxenda include:

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Voting

• Rash or reaction at the injection site 

• Headache

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

• Upset stomach

• Fatigue

• Dizziness

• Abdominal pain

• Increased lipase levels (a potential warning sign of acute pancreatitis)

• Fever

• Stomach flu

Studies comparing liraglutide to semaglutide have found that side effects can be more common with Saxenda vs. Ozempic. However, Saxenda does produce more weight loss than Ozempic.

Trulicity (dulaglutide)

Like Ozempic, Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a once-weekly injectable medication that improves blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, and, in people who also have heart disease, reduces their cardiovascular risk. 

Trulicity also shares similar gastrointestinal side effects to Ozempic, with the most common being:

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Abdominal pain

• Decreased appetite

Studies comparing Ozempic and Trulicity have found Ozempic to produce more weight loss and better blood sugar control.  

Mounjaro (tirzepatide)

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is unique among the other medications on this list because it targets not just the GLP-1 receptor like Ozempic, but also the GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptor. Research suggests being a dual receptor agonist may make Mounjaro more effective at both blood sugar control and weight loss. 

Mounjaro is a once-weekly injection and comes in five dosage strengths. When compared to Ozempic, the two highest doses of Mounjaro produced more weight loss and improved blood sugar levels to a larger extent than the highest 2 mg dosage of Ozempic. The lowest 5 mg dose of Mounjaro produced similar improvements to Ozempic. 

Mounjaro shares similar side effects with Ozempic (see below), but people may be more likely to experience side effects with Mounjaro than with Ozempic, especially with the higher doses and when just beginning treatment. These side effects can include:

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Decreased appetite

• Vomiting

• Constipation

• Upset stomach

• Abdominal pain

Currently, Mounjaro is FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes by controlling blood sugar levels. However, the medication is already undergoing clinical trials to be approved for weight loss. The FDA is expected to approve Mounjaro specifically for weight loss sometime in 2023, but it may go by a different name at that time. 

Tanzeum (albiglutide)

Similar to Ozempic, Tanzeum (albiglutide) is a once-weekly injectable medication that helps control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. 

The most common side effects of Tazeum include:

• Upper respiratory tract infection

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

• Injection site reaction

• Cough

• Back pain

• Joint pain

• Sinus infection

• Flu

While Tanzeum does lead to some weight loss, it does so to a lesser extent than Ozempic and several other GLP-1 medications.

Byetta or Bydureon BCise (exenatide)

Byetta and Bydureon BCise are two brand name drugs that contain the same active ingredient, exenatide. Both treat type 2 diabetes by improving blood sugar control. Bydureon Bise is injected weekly, while Byetta is injected twice daily. 

Nausea and injection site reactions are the most common side effects for Bydureon BCise, while Byetta’s side effects may include:

• Nausea

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Feeling jittery

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Upset stomach

• Constipation

• Weakness or lack of energy

Byetta can have varying effects on weight loss, according to a study of women with obesity but without diabetes. Over a nine-month period, about one-third of the participants lost more than 5% of their body weight, while another third gained weight. Moreover, the researchers concluded that the amount of weight loss achieved with Byetta is similar to what you can expect by following a reduced-calorie diet. Studies comparing Bydureon BCise to Ozempic have found that it controls blood sugar levels to a lesser extent than both Ozempic and Victoza.

As you can see, there are a number of alternatives to Ozempic. Some may have contraindications for other medications or health conditions, so it’s important to share your full medical history and any medications you are taking with your health provider prior to starting treatment or switching from Ozempic to one of these options.

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Every article on Health Guide goes through rigorous fact-checking by our team of medical reviewers. Our reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the writer.

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Current version

October 17, 2023

Written by

Amelia Willson

Fact checked by

Yael Cooperman, MD

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About the medical reviewer

Yael Cooperman, MD, Ro

Yael Cooperman is a physician and works as a Senior Manager, Medical Content & Education at Ro.