Ozempic has topped some of the most popular drugs available, especially for its various benefits. It contains the active ingredient semaglutide, which works as a GLP-1 agonist to manage blood sugar levels and appetite. Although Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, it’s often prescribed off-label to promote weight loss (not to be confused with Wegovy, the approved brand-name version for weight loss). 

Still, many people may be looking for alternatives to Ozempic, whether it’s due to costs, side effects, or shortages, among other reasons. While there’s no FDA-approved generic version of Ozempic out right now, approved options are available to manage weight loss or diabetes. Read on to learn more about Ozempic alternatives and how they compare. 

Quick answer: The best Ozempic alternatives, at a glance

If you’re looking for Ozempic alternatives, there are several to choose from. However, the best one will depend on your overall condition and health goals. Keep in mind that, except for liraglutide, there are no generic versions of GLP-1 agonists currently available. 

Alternatives to Ozempic include the following:

• Zepbound (tirzepatide): Dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist approved for weight loss and sleep apnea. It has some of the strongest evidence for weight loss. 
• Wegovy (semaglutide): GLP-1 agonist approved to promote weight loss, reduce the risk of cardiovascular events like stroke and heart attack in people who are obese or overweight with heart disease, and treat certain types of liver disease. Clinical data from the STEP trials show sustained weight loss over 68–104 weeks when used consistently.
• Mounjaro (tirzepatide): Same active ingredient as Zepbound, approved for type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) highlights tirzepatide as a key option with heart and kidney benefits. 
• Trulicity (duraglutide): GLP-1 agonist approved for type 2 diabetes and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in people with heart disease. As with tirzepatide, GLP-1 agonists like duraglutide also have benefits beyond blood sugar control, such as improved kidney, liver, and heart health. 
• Rybelsus (semaglutide): Oral version of semaglutide approved to treat type 2 diabetes 
• Victoza (liraglutide): GLP-1 agonist approved to treat type 2 diabetes and reduce cardiovascular risks in people with heart disease. However, it may be linked to less weight loss than semaglutide. 
• Saxenda (liraglutide): Version of liraglutide approved for weight loss
• Bydureon BCise (exenatide): Extended-release form of exenatide, a GLP-1 agonist approved for type 2 diabetes 
• Adlyxin (lixisenatide): a GLP-1 agonist approved for type 2 diabetes

Other than Rybelsus, all of these options are injectable medications. Most are available as weekly injections. However, Rybelsus, Victoza, and Adlyxin are once-daily options. Although many are only approved for type 2 diabetes, they may be prescribed off-label for other purposes like weight loss.

Compounded semaglutide may also be an option, although it’s not an FDA-approved form of the drug. While they can be a safe and effective option for many people, they still come with potential risks and should be discussed with a healthcare provider. 

In addition, these aren’t the only alternatives to Ozempic for type 2 diabetes or weight loss. Other non-GLP-1 options include metformin and SGLT-2 inhibitors. In any case, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider for medical guidance on the best option. 

How to pick an Ozempic alternative by goal (weight loss vs diabetes)

The best Ozempic alternative will depend on what it’s being used for, whether that be weight loss, diabetes, or both. Different drugs may be recommended based on the specific goal.

For weight loss

Ozempic alternatives for weight loss include:

• Wegovy
• Saxenda
• Zepbound

Some brand-name GLP-1 medications are specifically approved by the FDA to manage weight. These include Wegovy and Saxenda. Zepbound is a relatively newer drug that acts as a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist and is one of the most effective options for weight loss. It mimics two hormones instead of one to help regulate blood sugar and appetite. While Wegovy and Zepbound are weekly injections, Saxenda is a daily injection, which might matter for some. 

These medications are typically only prescribed to people who meet certain criteria. They’re mainly approved for people with obesity, or a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. However, they’re also approved for people who are overweight with a BMI of 27 or greater and who have at least one weight-related condition, like high blood pressure or high cholesterol. 

Although they might contain the same active ingredient as their brand-name versions for diabetes or other conditions, these medications are often given at a higher dose when used for weight loss. 

For diabetes

When it comes to treating diabetes, there are specific GLP-1 medications approved for it. Other than Ozempic, other GLP-1s for diabetes include Trulicity, Victoza, and Mounjaro. Once-daily GLP-1 agonists for diabetes include Rybelsus, Victoza, and Adlyxin. Others, like Trulicity, Mounjaro, and Bydueron BCise, are used once weekly. 

The main goal of these medications is to manage blood glucose levels and reach specific diabetes goals like a lower A1C. Some of these medications may also be used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke in people with both type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Some may also be approved to help protect the kidneys or liver in people with kidney or liver disease. 

In addition, other non-GLP-1 options may include the following: 

• SGLT-2 inhibitors, such as Jardiance (empagliflozin), Farxiga (dapagliflozin), and Invokana (canagliflozin)
• DPP-4 inhibitors, such as Januvia (sitagliptin), Tradjenta (linagliptin), and Onglyza (saxagliptin)
• Sulfonylureas, such as Glucotrol (glipizide), Amaryl (glimepiride), and DiaBeta (glyburide)
• Biguanides, such as Glucophage (metformin)
• Thiazolidinediones (TZDs), such as Actos (pioglitazone) and Avandia (rosiglitazone)
• Insulins, such as Lantus (insulin glargine), Humalog (insulin lispro), and Novolog (insulin aspart)

For diabetes and weight loss

Most, if not all, brand-name GLP-1 medications are approved for either weight loss or diabetes, not both. However, weight loss is a well-known effect of taking GLP-1 medications, even if the sole purpose is for diabetes. It’s best to consult a healthcare provider for the best GLP-1 medication for both diabetes and weight loss. 

Evidence check: What trials say about leading alternatives

Tirzepatide, whether it’s given as Mounjaro or Zepbound, is considered one of the most effective Ozempic alternatives. That’s because it works as a dual agonist for GLP-1 and GIP receptors. These naturally-occurring hormones help increase insulin levels to regulate blood sugar levels and increase feelings of fullness after eating. 

Tirzepatide vs semaglutide

In the SURPASS-2 trial of nearly 1,900 adults with type 2 diabetes, tirzepatide was found to lower A1C by up to 2.3% versus 1.86% with semaglutide. Using tirzepatide also led to 1.9 to 5.5 kg, or around 4 to 12 lbs more weight loss than using semaglutide. Both drugs caused mostly mild digestive side effects, but the overall results showed that tirzepatide was superior to semaglutide for diabetes and weight loss. 

In the SURMOUNT-5 study, researchers compared tirzepatide and semaglutide in 751 adults with obesity over 72 weeks. People taking tirzepatide lost around 20% of their body weight, while those on semaglutide lost about 14%. Those who used tirzepatide were also more likely to lose at least 10% to 25% of their weight and saw a larger drop in waist size than those who used semaglutide.

Semaglutide vs liraglutide

In STEP-8, once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg led to far greater weight loss than once-daily liraglutide 3.0 mg over 68 weeks (−15.8% vs −6.4% mean body-weight change) in adults without diabetes, both alongside lifestyle counseling. Tolerability profiles were similar, with mainly mild to moderate gastrointestinal (GI) side effects.

Higher-dose semaglutide

Novo Nordisk’s late-stage trial of a higher Wegovy dose reported around 20.7% average weight loss at 72 weeks with 7.2 mg once weekly, versus 16% at 2.4 mg and around 4% with placebo. Early results also showed that more people taking the 7.2 mg dose lost at least a quarter of their total body weight compared to those on the lower dose.

Long-term maintenance

Weight control with semaglutide requires ongoing treatment. In STEP-4, participants who continued semaglutide after initial loss kept losing weight (around 7.9% weight loss from week 20–68), while those switched to placebo regained weight (around 6.9% weight gain). In STEP-5, continued semaglutide 2.4 mg maintained around 15% mean loss over 104 weeks versus placebo plus lifestyle measures. Together these data show that stopping treatment leads to substantial regain, while continued therapy sustains benefits. 

Safety, access, and “cheaper alternatives”: What to know before you switch

Before making the switch from Ozempic, it’s important to consider different factors, such as potential side effects and costs. 

All GLP-1 agonists work in identical ways and can cause similar side effects. So, if you’re switching from Ozempic because of side effects, it may be helpful to know that you could experience similar ones with others. However, everyone is different and side effects can vary. 

Side effects of GLP-1 agonists may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Stomach pain 
• Bloating
• Indigestion
• Gas, burping, or acid reflux
• Injection-site reactions like redness or swelling around the area of injection 

In addition, more serious side effects may include 

• Gallbladder problems 
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Mild heart rate increase (tachycardia)

GLP-1 medications also come with similar warnings and precautions. They shouldn’t be used in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or in those with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). These conditions have been linked to a higher risk of thyroid tumors, which were observed in animal studies of GLP-1 drugs. However, newer studies suggest the risk is low. 

In addition, anyone who has had a serious allergic or hypersensitivity reaction to a GLP-1 medication or any of its ingredients should avoid taking it. Your healthcare provider can help determine if these risks apply to you before starting or switching to a new GLP-1 treatment.

Is there a generic for Ozempic?

No true generic Ozempic exists as of October 2025. Most generic Ozempic products you see online are actually compounded, which means they’re custom-made in a compounding pharmacy.

Are compounded versions a cheaper alternative?

Compounded GLP-1 agonists typically contain the same active ingredients as their brand-name counterparts. That means they should work the same and be similarly effective. However, they  often contain different inactive ingredients. In addition, the FDA has warned about compounding pharmacies getting the dosing wrong or using lower standards of quality.

Cost-aware options to discuss with your clinician

Many approved options are available that may have a lower cost than brand-name Ozempic. When it comes to costs, it may be helpful to consider whether you’re using insurance, prescription discount programs, or other savings options. 

Some potential alternatives to Ozempic that may be found at a lower cost include:

• Older GLP-1 meds like liraglutide (which comes in a generic form) often cost less, although you might be doing daily injections
• Oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) may have different insurance coverage 
• Metformin and SGLT2 inhibitors are much cheaper for diabetes, though not as strong for weight loss

Insurance plans each have their own list of preferred meds, so it’s worth checking your coverage before making a switch. If you’re paying the retail price, it can be helpful to compare prices at different pharmacies. 

Tip: Our clinicians prescribe semaglutide or tirzepatide when clinically appropriate. We price doses consistently, so your cost does not jump as your dose titrates.

The main alternatives to Ozempic explained (pros, cons, who it’s for)

Overall, there are a handful of drugs that can act as an Ozempic substitute, each with its own pros and cons. These semaglutide alternatives fall into different buckets, depending on your preferences and health goals. 

Zepbound (tirzepatide) is currently leading the pack for weight loss. It’s a weekly shot that targets both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, and clinical trials have shown impressive results.

• Why it’s considered: FDA-approved for weight, with the greatest weight loss seen in studies compared to other GLP-1 drugs 
• Great for: Adults with obesity seeking the strongest weight loss medication
• Watch-outs: May be more expensive, and it doesn’t come without potential gastrointestinal side effects

Wegovy (semaglutide) has solid results from the STEP trials. It’s a weekly injection with the same active ingredient as Ozempic, just at a higher dose for weight loss.

• Why it’s considered:  Backed by clinical data with consistent weight-loss results
• Great for: Adults looking for an obesity treatment with established outcomes
• Watch-outs: It needs to be titrated slowly to reduce GI side effects, with consistent use being important for maximum effectiveness

Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) is a daily pill. It helps with blood sugar and offers modest weight loss effects.

• Why it’s considered: It’s an oral option that promotes blood sugar control and weight loss, which may be helpful for people who don’t want to use injections
• Great for: People with type 2 diabetes who prefer pills over shots
• Watch-outs: The dosing instructions are strict and need to be followed closely, and it may not be as effective for weight loss as GLP-1 injections

Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a once-weekly injection primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps lower blood sugar levels and can also support modest weight loss.

• Why it’s considered: Proven to improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of major heart events in people with diabetes.
• Great for: Adults with type 2 diabetes who want an effective weekly option with cardiovascular benefits.
• Watch-outs: Not specifically approved for weight loss, and the results for weight reduction are generally milder than with drugs like Ozempic or Zepbound.

Saxenda (liraglutide) is a daily injection for weight management. It’s FDA-approved, but usually produces lesser results than the newer options.

• Why it’s considered: Long safety record and approved for weight loss
• Great for: Those needing daily injection options when weekly medications aren’t available
• Watch-outs: It needs to be taken as a daily shot and might not be as effective as other GLP-1 medications

The main alternatives to Ozempic depend on a person’s overall condition. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. For many people, they might have to try a couple of different alternatives before they find the one that works for them. 

How OnlineSemaglutide.org helps you choose (and keeps pricing simple)

Picking the right Ozempic alternatives online can be confusing, but you don’t (and shouldn’t) have to do it on your own. It’s always important to consult a healthcare provider when looking at your options. 

OnlineSemaglutide.org simplifies the process and lays out potential options and pricing in plain language.

One advantage of the platform is its transparent pricing. Many online providers increase costs as doses go up. OnlineSemaglutide.org uses one fixed price regardless of the dose being given. That could mean less worry about rising costs during dose adjustments, with patients knowing exactly what they’ll pay each month, whether they need a starter or maintenance dose. 

The platform connects patients with licensed clinicians through a straightforward intake process. After completing a health questionnaire, patients can meet with providers via telehealth to discuss treatment options. Currently, the available options include: 

• Compounded injectable or oral semaglutide
• Compounded injectable or oral tirzepatide
• Compounded injectable liraglutide

FAQs

Is there a generic Ozempic?

No generic Ozempic in the U.S. is available as of late 2025. Novo Nordisk still holds the patent on the brand-name semaglutide injection.

Are online “generic semaglutide” offers safe?

Compounded semaglutide can be helpful for some people, especially those with allergies to ingredients in brand-name products. However, the FDA has warned about compounded semaglutide that can have the wrong salt forms or dosing.

Which is better for weight loss—tirzepatide or semaglutide?

Some of the latest clinical trials suggest tirzepatide might help people lose more weight than semaglutide, at least at the highest doses. In the SURMOUNT trials, patients on tirzepatide lost about 15% to 22% of their body weight on average. It’s important to consider other factors like health goals and preferences. 

Do I regain weight if I stop?

Most people regain weight after they stop taking GLP-1 medications. Studies have shown that, within a year of stopping, patients typically put back on at least some of the weight they lost. The STEP trial extension found that participants regained about two-thirds of their lost weight after they stopped semaglutide.