Can't Get Ozempic? Here's 6 Ozempic Alternatives to Consider - GoodRx (2024)

Have you ever relied on a medication to help manage a chronic condition, only to find yourself caught in the midst of a frustrating drug shortage? Or perhaps medication costs are straining your finances, forcing you to make tough decisions about monthly expenses?

For many people, these situations have become an unfortunate reality, causing distress and uncertainty for those who depend on these vital treatments. Due to increased demand and coverage challenges, Ozempic (semaglutide) is one such medication that has become increasingly difficult to access.

Ozempic belongs to a growing class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists. If you’re having difficulty accessing Ozempic, there are several alternatives that work in a similar way that your healthcare team may consider.

Ozempic alternatives for Type 2 diabetes

Ozempic is a once-weekly injection approved to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults. It can also lower the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death) if you have both diabetes and heart disease.

If you have diabetes, Ozempic works well to lower hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C or A1C) — your average blood glucose levels over 3 months. It also has a low risk of hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood glucose), and it can result in weight loss.

Below we’ll detail a few Ozempic alternatives with similar features.

1. Rybelsus

Rybelsus is an oral version of semaglutide — the active ingredient in Ozempic. Instead of injecting Ozempic once weekly, Rybelsus is a pill that you take by mouth every day.

Compared to other Ozempic alternatives, Rybelsus may be one of the easiest switches to make. That’s because their manufacturer provides instructions for how to switch from Ozempic to Rybelsus (and vice versa).

However, there are a few reasons why switching to Rybelsus may not be right for you, such as if:

• You’re taking higher Ozempic doses: You can only switch to Rybelsus if you’re taking the 0.5 mg Ozempic dose. If you’re taking higher Ozempic doses (1 mg or 2 mg), Rybelsus may not be an option since comparable doses aren’t available yet.

• You’re taking Ozempic for its cardiovascular benefits: Rybelsus hasn’t been approved for the same cardiovascular benefits as Ozempic yet. In this case, other GLP-1 agonist medications with these benefits may be a better option.

• You have difficulty taking pills: If you can’t or don’t like to swallow pills whole, Rybelsus may not be a good option for you. You’ll also need to remember to take it first thing in the morning every day, at least 30 minutes before food, drink, or other medications.

How to save: If you’re eligible, you could pay as little as $10 for your Rybelsus prescription with a copay savings card from the manufacturer. A patient assistance program is also available.

2. Trulicity

Like Ozempic, Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a once-weekly injectable GLP-1 agonist. It also works the same way to manage your blood glucose levels. And it has proven cardiovascular benefits, too. Weight loss is also possible with Trulicity.

The highest Trulicity dose (4.5 mg) appears to have a comparable effect on A1C levels compared to the 1 mg Ozempic dose. But it doesn’t appear to work as well as the highest Ozempic dose (2 mg). And Trulicity may result in less weight loss compared to Ozempic.

Your current Ozempic dose and treatment goals may determine if Trulicity is an option for you. But if you need more help lowering your A1C or losing weight, Mounjaro (covered next) may be a better alternative.

The starting Trulicity dose (0.75 mg) should be available. But higher Trulicity doses may be harder to find through May or June 2024 due to an increase in demand.

How to save: With a manufacturer copay savings card, you could pay as little as $25 for your Trulicity prescription.

3. Mounjaro

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer once-weekly injection for Type 2 diabetes. It works on the same targets in the body as Ozempic, plus an additional target. This results in greater A1C reduction and weight loss compared to Ozempic. However, Mounjaro hasn’t been approved for the same cardiovascular benefits yet.

It’s possible to switch from Ozempic to Mounjaro. But you may need to start with a lower Mounjaro dose and work your way up to find the best dose to meet your needs.

The starting Mounjaro dose (2.5 mg) should be available. But higher doses may be harder to find through June 2024.

How to save: If you need help affording Mounjaro, a manufacturer savings card is available. If you’re eligible, you could pay as little as $25 for your Mounjaro prescription.

Ozempic alternatives for weight loss

Ozempic isn’t approved for weight loss, but it can cause weight loss as a side effect. Because of this, Ozempic is often prescribed off-label for people without diabetes to help them lose weight. Currently, there are three medications that work in a similar way that are approved for weight loss.

1. Wegovy

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a higher-dose version of Ozempic that’s approved for weight loss in adults and adolescents ages 12 and older. If you’ve been prescribed Ozempic off-label for weight loss, switching to Wegovy may be a logical choice. And if you also have heart disease, Wegovy has proven cardiovascular benefits.

Currently, most Wegovy doses may be more difficult to find since Wegovy is also in shortage.

How to save: If you’re eligible, you could pay as little as $0 for your Wegovy prescription with a manufacturer copay savings card.

2. Saxenda

Saxenda (liraglutide) is another injectable GLP-1 agonist approved for weight loss. Instead of injecting your dose weekly like with Ozempic, you’ll need to inject Saxenda every day. And compared to Wegovy, you may not lose as much weight with Saxenda.

Depending on product availability and your treatment plan, your healthcare team can determine if Saxenda is a potential option for you. Currently, Saxenda is also in short supply.

How to save: A manufacturer savings card is currently available for Saxenda. If you’re eligible, you could pay as little as $25 for your Saxenda prescription.

3. Zepbound

Zepbound (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly injection that contains the same active ingredient as Mounjaro. Zepbound, though, is specifically approved for weight loss in adults. Because of how it works, Zepbound may result in greater weight loss than Ozempic (or Wegovy). But it hasn’t been approved for the same cardiovascular benefits yet.

The starting Zepbound dose (2.5 mg) should be available. But higher Zepbound doses may be more difficult to find through June 2024.

How to save: A manufacturer savings card is currently available for Zepbound. If you’re eligible, you could pay as little as $25 for your Zepbound prescription.

Are there any over-the-counter (OTC) Ozempic alternatives?

Medications that work like Ozempic are only available with a prescription. But you may see OTC supplements, such as berberine, being promoted as natural Ozempic alternatives for weight loss. There are small studies suggesting that some of these compounds may boost GLP-1 levels, but more research is needed to know for sure.

Some people may see some weight loss with berberine, but there isn’t strong evidence supporting its use. And while berberine may be a helpful addition to other Type 2 diabetes medications you’re taking, it may not be safe for everyone. Check with your healthcare team before adding it to your treatment plan.

Other ways that you can boost GLP-1 levels naturally include eating healthy fats, lean protein, and soluble fiber (such as flaxseeds).