According to research, approximately one in eight adults in the U.S. has taken a GLP-1 weight loss medication to treat diabetes or obesity. Not only are these medications growing in popularity, but the list of brands and options is rapidly expanding as well.
How do you choose the best weight loss medication for you? Use this guide to compare the leading alternatives to the name-brand GLP-1 medication, Wegovy®. Learn about how the alternatives work, their side effects and the average costs.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a name brand for the injectable weight loss medication semaglutide. The FDA has approved it to treat obesity and lower the risk of obesity-related conditions.1 Wegovy is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that works by mimicking a hormone released in the gastrointestinal tract in response to eating. It can lower blood sugar levels, reduce appetite and signal a feeling of fullness.2
Wegovy Dosing Schedule
Wegovy comes in a premeasured injection pen and five different dosing strengths. While prescriptions may vary among individuals, the common dosing schedule for Wegovy is:3
Month 1: 0.25 mg per week
Month 2: 0.5 mg per week
Month 3: 1.0 mg per week
Month 4: 1.7 mg per week
Month 5 and maintenance: 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg per week
Wegovy Side Effects
Common side effects of Wegovy include:4
Nausea.
Vomiting.
Diarrhea.
Abdominal pain.
Constipation.
Heartburn.
Burping.
Cost of Wegovy
Out-of-pocket costs will vary depending on insurance coverage, the supplier and individual needs. The average cost of Wegovy without insurance is $1,586 per month.5
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Get StartedWhat are alternative GLP-1 medications used for weight loss?
In addition to Wegovy, other GLP-1 medications for weight loss include name brands and compounded versions. See how they compare in this head-to-head overview.
Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that comes in a weekly injectable and a daily oral tablet. Wegovy and Ozempic® are both injectable forms of semaglutide. The FDA has approved Ozempic to control blood sugar in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is approved to treat obesity.
RYBELSUS® is an oral form of semaglutide that is FDA approved to reduce blood sugar in type 2 diabetics.
While there are currently no generics of semaglutide, compounded versions can be used for weight loss. Compounded semaglutide is available in weekly injections or daily oral tablets. It is produced by state-licensed compounding pharmacies, rather than name brand manufacturers, and has the same active ingredient as Wegovy, Ozempic and RYBELSUS.6
In clinical studies, participants lost an average of 15% of their body weight after 68 weeks of semaglutide use.7
Semaglutide Side Effects
Common side effects of semaglutide include:
Nausea.
Vomiting.
Diarrhea.
Abdominal pain.
Constipation.
Heartburn.
Burping.
Contact your provider if side effects become too bothersome. Semaglutide can cause changes in blood sugar, so it’s important to talk to your provider about high or low blood sugar symptoms.8
Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide is part of a class of medications called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It is prescribed to help lower blood sugar in those with type 2 diabetes and as a weight loss aid for individuals with obesity.9
Similar to semaglutide, tirzepatide mimics hormones released in the gastrointestinal tract in response to eating. It increases insulin availability and decreases glucagon, a hormone that controls the amount of glucose the liver makes. By slowing food’s movement through the digestive system, it can decrease appetite and support weight loss.10
Injectable tirzepatide is currently produced under the brand name Mounjaro® and is FDA approved to lower blood sugar in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Under the brand name Zepbound®, injectable tirzepatide is prescribed to treat obesity and for weight management.
Compounded tirzepatide is made by a state-licensed compounding pharmacy instead of a traditional pharmaceutical manufacturer. It has the same active ingredient as name-brand medications and comes in a weekly injectable and daily oral tablet.11
In one clinical study, participants lost an average of 20.9% of their body weight after using injectable tirzepatide for 72 weeks.12
Tirzepatide Side Effects
Common side effects of tirzepatide include:
Nausea.
Diarrhea.
Decreased appetite.
Vomiting.
Constipation.
Upset stomach.
If side effects become severe or bothersome, please contact your provider. Tirzepatide can cause changes in blood sugar, so it’s important to talk to your provider about the symptoms of high or low blood sugar.13
Liraglutide
Liraglutide injection belongs to the class of medications known as incretin mimetics. It stimulates the pancreas to produce the appropriate amount of insulin in response to elevated blood sugar levels. Additionally, it slows gastric emptying and may contribute to weight loss. This medication is commonly prescribed to assist individuals with type 2 diabetes in controlling their blood sugar levels, and it is also used for weight management in obese individuals.14
Liraglutide is prescribed under the brand name Saxenda®15 for weight management and under the brand name Victoza® for lowering blood sugar for people with type 2 diabetes.16
In one clinical study, nearly 63% of participants lost more than 10% of their body weight over 52 weeks of liraglutide use.17
Liraglutide Side Effects
Common side effects of liraglutide include:
Headache.
Constipation.
Heartburn.
Runny nose, sneezing or coughing.
Tiredness.
Difficulty urinating or pain or burning on urination.
Injection site rash or redness.
Liraglutide can cause changes in blood sugar, so it’s important to talk to your provider about the symptoms of high or low blood sugar. Contact your provider if any symptoms become bothersome.18
Semaglutide Alternatives to Wegovy
Review head-to-head comparisons of semaglutide alternatives to Wegovy.
Compounded Semaglutide vs. Wegovy
Tirzepatide Alternatives to Wegovy
Review head-to-head comparisons of tirzepatide alternatives to Wegovy.
Zepbound vs. Wegovy
Compounded Tirzepatide vs. Wegovy
Liraglutide Alternatives to Wegovy
Review head-to-head comparisons of liraglutide alternatives to Wegovy.
Saxenda vs. Wegovy
Wegovy Alternatives Comparison Chart
How RedBox Rx can help
RedBox Rx provides convenient, affordable telehealth services and prescription treatments for weight loss.
Benefits of RedBox Rx include:
Compounded semaglutide injections and oral dissolvable tablets start at $189 per month with a six-month subscription.
Compounded tirzepatide injections starting at $429 per month and oral dissolvable tablets starting at $397 per month.
Flat-rate, no intro pricing — no cost increase based on dosage.
Online consultations with a U.S. licensed medical professional included in subscription price.
Unlimited provider follow-ups through messaging or video.
One FREE dietitian discovery session.
No insurance required. HSA and FSA eligible.
Free express shipping — get meds in five to seven days.
Start your weight loss journey today with an easy, quick online assessment to see if you qualify.
