Ozempic alternatives: 10 other medications to consider

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a popular GLP-1 medication for type 2 diabetes, but it isn't the only option. There are several alternatives — from other injectable GLP-1s to once-daily pills — that may be a better fit depending on your health goals, insurance coverage, or how you respond to treatment.

Here's a look at 10 Ozempic alternatives, including options for both type 2 diabetes and weight loss. We cover how each one works, what it costs, and how it compares, so you can have a more informed conversation with your healthcare provider about what's right for you.

Alternatives to Ozempic include both those for type 2 diabetes and weight loss — some are GLP-1 receptor agonists that work similarly to Ozempic, while others use different mechanisms. GLP-1s work by stabilizing blood sugar and slowing digestion to help keep you fuller longer. 

Many of these alternatives share Ozempic's most common side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and like Ozempic, all work best alongside a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Check for free

1. Mounjaro (tirzepatide)

While Mounjaro (tirzepatide) belongs to the GLP-1 medication family, it differs from other GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic. That's because Mounjaro is a dual GLP-1/GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptor agonist, which may make it more effective at controlling blood sugar levels and supporting weight loss.

Like Ozempic, Mounjaro is injected on a weekly basis. Unlike Ozempic, however, it’s available in six dosage strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg. While Mounjaro itself is currently only FDA-approved to help control blood sugar levels, the active ingredient in the medication, tirzepatide, has been approved for weight loss under a different name. 

Cost: $1,112.16 per month without insurance (list price).

2. Trulicity (dulaglutide)

Trulicity (dulaglutide) is an injectable medication that helps improve blood sugar levels and may support weight loss. It is injected weekly and prescribed alongside lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.

Like Ozempic, Trulicity is often prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes. Like other GLP-1s, Trulicity works by encouraging the pancreas to make more insulin when the body senses glucose or carbohydrates have been consumed, and by making you feel fuller longer.

Like Ozempic, Trulicity also reduces the risk that people with type 2 diabetes — both with and without heart disease — will experience a major cardiac event such as stroke, heart attack, or cardiovascular death.

Cost:  $1,006.93 per month without insurance (list price).

3. Metformin

Metformin, sometimes referred to by its previous brand name, Glucophage, is FDA-approved as a diabetes medication and shares some side effects with Ozempic. But that’s where their similarities stop. 

Metformin is available as a tablet, liquid, or extended-release (ER) formulation, and the dosage strengths and frequency vary depending on the form. 

For example, the immediate-release tablets and liquids are often taken twice a day and are available in 500 mg, 850 mg, and 1,000 mg doses. The ER version is taken once a day and comes in 500 mg, 750 mg, and 1,000 mg doses.

Metformin increases the body's own production of GLP-1, potentially mimicking some of the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists. The medication lowers the amount of glucose in the blood by blocking glucose production in the liver.

Metformin is also thought to decrease blood sugar by enhancing muscle tissue's ability to remove glucose from the bloodstream and use it for energy. It increases the body's insulin sensitivity — the body's ability to use insulin effectively . Additionally, it stimulates bacteria in the gut to use more glucose, thus decreasing blood sugar levels.

Cost: $5–$30 for 60 tablets at 500 mg without insurance.

4. Wegovy injection (semaglutide)

Because Wegovy injection also contains semaglutide, it works the same way as Ozempic. By increasing the body's levels of GLP-1, Wegovy keeps food in the stomach for longer and sends signals to the brain that it's full — helping regulate appetite and supporting significant weight loss.

Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight loss and management in adults with obesity or overweight who have at least one weight-related health condition (e.g., high blood pressure, diabetes), as well as adults and children ages 12 and older with obesity. It can also be prescribed to lower the risk of major cardiovascular problems (e.g., heart attack, stroke) in adults with heart disease and obesity or overweight, even without type 2 diabetes.

In a clinical trial, participants who took Wegovy injection combined with lifestyle changes lost an average of 15% of their body weight by the end of the 68-week trial.

Cost: $199–$349 per month without insurance, depending on dose; prices start around $25 per month with insurance (prices vary by pharmacy).

5. Wegovy pill (semaglutide)

Wegovy is also approved as a once-daily pill taken on an empty stomach. It contains the same active ingredient as the injection and works the same way, so the benefits, side effects, and FDA-approved uses are largely the same as the Wegovy pen — the main difference is how it’s taken.

Cost: $149–$299 per month without insurance, depending on dose; prices start around $25 per month with insurance (prices vary by pharmacy).

6. Zepbound (tirzepatide)

Zepbound is the brand name of tirzepatide — the same active ingredient found in Mounjaro. Both are GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists, injected weekly, available in the same range of dosage strengths, and have similar side effects.

What is the key difference between these two Ozempic alternatives? Mounjaro is FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes, while Zepbound is FDA-approved for chronic weight management and obstructive sleep apnea. 

The higher the dose of Zepbound, the more weight a person is likely to lose, according to clinical trial data. In one trial, participants taking 5 mg lost 15% of their body weight, those taking 10 mg lost 19.5%, and those taking 15 mg lost 20.9% after 72 weeks.

Cost: $1,086.37 per month without insurance (list price) for pens or $299–$449 per month without insurance for Zepbound KwikPen (cash price).

7. Foundayo (orforglipron)

Foundayo (orforglipron) is a once-daily oral GLP-1 medication that was FDA-approved for chronic weight management in April 2026. Unlike the Wegovy pill, it can be taken any time of day, with or without food.

Foundayo is approved for adults with obesity, or those who are overweight with at least one weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

In a clinical trial, participants on the highest dose lost an average of 11.2% of their body weight over 72 weeks when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Cost: $149–$349 per month without insurance, or as low as $25 per month with insurance (prices vary by dose and pharmacy).

See if you qualify

8. Saxenda (liraglutide)

Saxenda (liraglutide) is FDA-approved for chronic weight management. It also improves blood sugar control, although it is not FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes, though a lower-dose version of liraglutide (Victoza) is. 

Unlike Ozempic, Saxenda is a daily injection whose dosage strengths range from 0.6 mg to 3 mg. Weight loss on Saxenda tends to be less significant compared with Wegovy and Zepbound.

The effects are still meaningful, however. In a clinical trial, most participants lost 5%–10% of their body weight over one year on Saxenda, and some lost more than 10%.

In August 2025, generic liraglutide was approved for weight loss.

Cost: $1,349.02 per month without insurance for Saxenda. Prices start at around $375 per month for liraglutide (generic Saxenda).

9. Compounded semaglutide

Compounded medications are custom-made pharmaceutical products by licensed pharmacists to meet the unique needs of an individual patient when a commercially available drug cannot. Although compounded drugs are permitted to be prescribed under federal law, they are not FDA-approved and do not undergo safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing review. 

Compounded semaglutide is a weekly injection that requires a prescription from a healthcare provider. If a person and their healthcare provider decide that compounded semaglutide is the right Ozempic alternative, it's important to ensure the medication is prepared by a reputable compounding pharmacy that adheres to strict quality-control measures.

Cost: Varies

10. Non GLP-1s (Qsymia, Contrave, Xenical)

GLP-1s aren't the only option for weight loss. Other medications that are FDA-approved for this purpose include:

• Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate)

• Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion)

• Xenical (orlistat,)also available over the counter as Alli

All of these are oral medications taken in one or more doses daily.

Similar to GLP-1s, these Ozempic alternatives may cause gastrointestinal distress as well as other digestive side effects. And depending on the specific medication, people might also experience headaches, insomnia, dizziness, tingling sensations, anxiety, and irritability. 

In clinical trials, all three medications have shown effectiveness for weight loss. Over one year, people taking Qsymia lost an average of 19 pounds more than placebo, those taking Contrave lost an average of 11 pounds, and those taking Xenical lost an average of nearly 6 pounds.

Cost: 

• Qsymia: around $200 for 30 capsules without insurance

• Contrave: around $600 for 120 tablets without insurance

• Xenical: around $400 for 90 capsules without insurance 

*Terms and restrictions may apply for certain doses of the pill; see more here. 

Because most Ozempic alternatives are GLP-1 receptor agonists that work similarly to Ozempic, they share many of the same side effects. The most common Ozempic alternative side effects include:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Abdominal pain

• Injection site reactions, such as pain or skin irritation (for injectable medications)

These symptoms are most common when starting the medication or when a dose is increased, and they often improve over time. That said, side effects can vary by medication, so talking with a healthcare provider about what to expect with a specific treatment is recommended.

The best Ozempic alternative depends on a person's age, health goals, insurance coverage, and personal preferences.

If Ozempic isn't available due to a shortage or insurance limitations, a healthcare provider can help identify the right alternative, taking into account age, health situation, treatment goals, and personal preferences.

Anyone interested in switching from Ozempic to an alternative medication should make an appointment with a healthcare provider. They can determine which Ozempic alternative (if any) could be a good option and offer guidance on how to transition from one medication to the other.

A healthcare provider may recommend slowly tapering off Ozempic before starting the new medication to minimize side effects.

Get started

If Ozempic isn't available — whether due to cost, coverage, or supply issues — there are other medications that may help with blood sugar control and weight loss. Alternative treatments include injectable GLP-1 medications as well as oral tablets and capsules. Talking with a healthcare provider is key to finding the right option

• Ozempic is just one of many GLP-1s approved for type 2 diabetes. Other options include Mounjaro and Trulicity.

• Some alternatives are FDA-approved for weight loss and management. Wegovy and Zepbound are weekly injections, the Wegovy pill and Foundayo are once-daily oral options, and Saxenda is a daily injection.

• Oral medications may be a fit for diabetes or weight loss. Pills like metformin, Qsymia, Contrave, and Xenical offer non-injectable alternatives with different mechanisms of action.

• Cost and insurance coverage of Ozempic alternatives can vary widely, with exact prices depending on factors like location, pharmacy, insurance plan, and, of course, the specific drug. Out-of-pocket costs can range from as little as $5 to over $1,349 per month.

• Lifestyle still matters. No matter which medication a person and their healthcare provider decide to try, it should be combined with a nutritious diet and regular exercise.