Medication Guide

Your complete guide to
GLP-1 medications

Educational information about FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonists — how they work, their approved uses, and how they compare. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

Important: This guide is for educational purposes only. Medication selection should always be made with a licensed healthcare provider. Information current as of early 2026.

Semaglutide medications

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Ozempic®

semaglutide · Novo Nordisk · Weekly injection

Ozempic is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist primarily indicated for type 2 diabetes. It mimics the GLP-1 hormone and may help regulate blood sugar, slow gastric emptying, and reduce appetite. Some patients may also experience weight changes as a secondary effect. Individual results vary.

FDA-Approved Uses
  • Type 2 diabetes (blood sugar control)
  • Cardiovascular risk reduction in adults with T2D and established CVD
Typical Dosing
  • Starting: 0.25 mg weekly (4 weeks)
  • Increase to 0.5 mg, then 1 mg, up to 2 mg weekly
  • Subcutaneous injection
Common Side Effects
  • Nausea (typically decreases over time)
  • Vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
  • Abdominal pain, fatigue, headache
Cost & Coverage
  • Retail: ~$900–$1,100/month
  • Often covered for type 2 diabetes
  • Novo Nordisk savings card available
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Wegovy®

semaglutide · Novo Nordisk · Weekly injection

Wegovy contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic but is specifically FDA-approved for chronic weight management at a higher maximum dose (2.4 mg vs 2 mg). Indicated for adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition.

FDA-Approved Uses
  • Chronic weight management (BMI ≥30 or BMI ≥27 with comorbidity)
  • Cardiovascular risk reduction in overweight/obese adults with established CVD
Typical Dosing
  • Gradual escalation over 16 weeks
  • 0.25 → 0.5 → 1 → 1.7 → 2.4 mg weekly
  • Maintenance: 2.4 mg weekly
Common Side Effects
  • Nausea (44% in trials)
  • Diarrhea, vomiting, constipation
  • Headache, fatigue, dizziness
Cost & Coverage
  • Retail: ~$1,300–$1,400/month
  • Insurance coverage expanding but varies
  • Telehealth platforms may offer savings
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Rybelsus®

oral semaglutide · Novo Nordisk · Daily tablet

Rybelsus is the only oral GLP-1 medication currently available — a tablet form of semaglutide for those who prefer not to inject. FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes.

FDA-Approved Uses
  • Type 2 diabetes (alongside diet and exercise)
Typical Dosing
  • 3 mg daily (30 days) → 7 mg → up to 14 mg daily
  • Must be taken on empty stomach with water only
Common Side Effects
  • Nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea
  • Decreased appetite, vomiting
Cost & Coverage
  • Retail: ~$900–$1,000/month
  • Insurance coverage for T2D

Tirzepatide medications

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Mounjaro®

tirzepatide · Eli Lilly · Weekly injection

Mounjaro is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist — targeting two metabolic hormones instead of one. This dual-action mechanism has been studied in clinical trials. FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. Individual results vary.

FDA-Approved Uses
  • Type 2 diabetes (alongside diet and exercise)
Typical Dosing
  • Starting: 2.5 mg weekly (4 weeks)
  • Increase to 5 mg, up to 15 mg weekly
  • Subcutaneous injection
Common Side Effects
  • Nausea (most common), diarrhea
  • Decreased appetite, vomiting
  • Constipation, injection site reactions
Cost & Coverage
  • Retail: ~$1,000–$1,200/month
  • Eli Lilly savings card available
  • Coverage primarily for T2D
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Zepbound®

tirzepatide · Eli Lilly · Weekly injection

Zepbound contains the same active ingredient as Mounjaro but is specifically FDA-approved for chronic weight management. Clinical trials have studied weight outcomes with the dual GIP/GLP-1 approach. Individual results vary.

FDA-Approved Uses
  • Chronic weight management (BMI ≥30 or BMI ≥27 with comorbidity)
Typical Dosing
  • Starting: 2.5 mg weekly, gradual increase
  • Maintenance: 5 mg to 15 mg weekly
Common Side Effects
  • Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting
  • Constipation, abdominal pain
  • Hair loss (reported in some patients)
Cost & Coverage
  • Retail: ~$1,000–$1,100/month
  • Insurance coverage varies widely
  • Savings programs available

Liraglutide medications

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Saxenda®

liraglutide 3 mg · Novo Nordisk · Daily injection

Saxenda was one of the first GLP-1 medications approved for weight management. It requires daily injection and uses an earlier GLP-1 agonist. Newer medications have shown different outcomes in clinical studies, but Saxenda may still be considered appropriate by some providers.

FDA-Approved Uses
  • Chronic weight management (adults and adolescents 12+)
Typical Dosing
  • 0.6 mg daily, increase by 0.6 mg weekly
  • Maintenance: 3 mg daily
Common Side Effects
  • Nausea (39%), diarrhea, constipation
  • Vomiting, headache
Cost & Coverage
  • Retail: ~$1,300–$1,500/month
  • Limited insurance coverage for weight loss
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Victoza®

liraglutide 1.8 mg · Novo Nordisk · Daily injection

Victoza is the diabetes-focused formulation of liraglutide at a lower dose than Saxenda. Primarily used for blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes with additional cardiovascular risk reduction.

FDA-Approved Uses
  • Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk reduction
  • Also approved for children 10+ with T2D
Typical Dosing
  • 0.6 mg daily → 1.2 mg → up to 1.8 mg daily
Common Side Effects
  • Nausea, diarrhea, headache
  • Decreased appetite, injection site reactions
Cost & Coverage
  • Retail: ~$900–$1,100/month
  • Better insurance coverage (diabetes indication)
Side-by-Side

Medication comparison

Compare all GLP-1 medications at a glance.

MedicationActive IngredientApproved ForFrequencyMethodEst. Cost/Mo
OzempicSemaglutideType 2 DiabetesWeeklyInjection$900–$1,100
WegovySemaglutideWeight ManagementWeeklyInjection$1,300–$1,400
RybelsusOral SemaglutideType 2 DiabetesDailyOral Tablet$900–$1,000
MounjaroTirzepatideType 2 DiabetesWeeklyInjection$1,000–$1,200
ZepboundTirzepatideWeight ManagementWeeklyInjection$1,000–$1,100
SaxendaLiraglutideWeight ManagementDailyInjection$1,300–$1,500
VictozaLiraglutideType 2 DiabetesDailyInjection$900–$1,100

Approximate retail prices without insurance. Actual costs may vary. Updated early 2026.

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