Navigating GLP-1 medications can feel like reading a foreign language. Between brand names like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro and active ingredients like semaglutide and tirzepatide, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Whether you’re pursuing weight management or managing type 2 diabetes, a clear list of every GLP-1 drug — with doses, FDA status, and real costs — is the first step in understanding your options. This guide breaks down every GLP-1 medication available in 2026.
For the basics of how this drug class works, start with our explainer on what GLP-1 medications are. To choose a provider once you know which medication you want, use our provider directory or see the best overall providers.
Quick Glance: GLP-1 Medications at a Glance
| Brand | Active Ingredient | Form / Frequency | FDA-Approved For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy | Semaglutide | Injection / weekly | Chronic weight management |
| Zepbound | Tirzepatide | Injection / weekly | Chronic weight management |
| Ozempic | Semaglutide | Injection / weekly | Type 2 diabetes (+ CV risk) |
| Mounjaro | Tirzepatide | Injection / weekly | Type 2 diabetes |
| Saxenda | Liraglutide | Injection / daily | Chronic weight management |
| Victoza | Liraglutide | Injection / daily | Type 2 diabetes |
| Rybelsus | Semaglutide | Oral / daily | Type 2 diabetes |
| Trulicity | Dulaglutide | Injection / weekly | Type 2 diabetes |
What Are GLP-1 Medications?
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists mimic a hormone your gut produces after eating. That hormone signals the pancreas to release insulin, tells the liver to curb glucose production, and — crucially for weight loss — slows gastric emptying so you feel full longer. The first GLP-1 drugs targeted diabetes; the dramatic weight-loss results in trials led to brands approved specifically for chronic weight management. In the landmark STEP 1 trial, semaglutide 2.4 mg produced roughly 15% average weight loss (Wilding et al., NEJM 2021), and tirzepatide pushed averages higher in SURMOUNT-1 (Jastreboff et al., NEJM 2022).
The Full GLP-1 List by Active Ingredient
Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus)
Semaglutide is the most recognized molecule in the class — a long-acting receptor agonist dosed weekly by injection or daily as a pill.
- Wegovy: FDA-approved for chronic weight management (2021 FDA approval); titrates to a 2.4 mg weekly maintenance dose.
- Ozempic: Approved for type 2 diabetes and to reduce major cardiovascular events in adults with known heart disease; maintenance up to 2 mg weekly.
- Rybelsus: The oral tablet (type 2 diabetes), taken daily on an empty stomach with strict timing rules.
Tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro)
Tirzepatide is a newer “twincretin” — a dual agonist that mimics both GLP-1 and GIP. Targeting two hormone pathways tends to yield higher weight-loss percentages in trials.
- Zepbound: The weight-management version (2023 FDA approval); maintenance up to 15 mg weekly.
- Mounjaro: The type 2 diabetes version of tirzepatide, also up to 15 mg weekly.
Liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza)
Before weekly shots took over, liraglutide was the standard. Its shorter half-life means a daily injection.
- Saxenda: Approved for weight loss; titrates to 3 mg daily.
- Victoza: Approved for type 2 diabetes; up to 1.8 mg daily.
Dulaglutide and Exenatide (Trulicity, Byetta, Bydureon)
Dulaglutide (Trulicity) is a once-weekly injection for type 2 diabetes; it contributes to weight loss but isn’t approved as a primary weight-loss drug. Exenatide — Byetta (twice daily) and Bydureon BCise (weekly) — was among the earliest GLP-1s and is now largely superseded by stronger agents.
GLP-1 Dosing Schedules
Every GLP-1 starts low and titrates up over weeks to limit nausea. Approximate FDA-labeled ranges:
| Medication | Starting Dose | Maintenance / Max | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy | 0.25 mg | up to 2.4 mg | Weekly |
| Ozempic | 0.25 mg | up to 2 mg | Weekly |
| Zepbound / Mounjaro | 2.5 mg | up to 15 mg | Weekly |
| Saxenda | 0.6 mg | 3 mg | Daily |
| Victoza | 0.6 mg | up to 1.8 mg | Daily |
| Rybelsus | 3 mg | 7–14 mg | Daily (oral) |
| Trulicity | 0.75 mg | up to 4.5 mg | Weekly |
Cost Comparison: Brand vs. Compounded
Price is often the deciding factor. Brand-name GLP-1s carry high list prices, while compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide (made by compounding pharmacies, not FDA-approved) cost far less out of pocket. Approximate 2026 monthly figures:
| Option | Cash / No Insurance | With Insurance or Savings Card |
|---|---|---|
| Wegovy (brand) | $1,300–$1,400 | $0–$650 |
| Zepbound (brand) | $1,000–$1,300 ($349–$499 vials) | $25–$650 |
| Ozempic / Mounjaro (brand) | $900–$1,100 | $25 copay (diabetes) |
| Compounded semaglutide | $99–$199 | Rarely covered |
| Compounded tirzepatide | $200–$350 | Rarely covered |
For the full breakdown of consultation, lab, and dose-escalation fees that change these numbers, see our guide to the real cost and hidden fees of GLP-1 programs, or jump to the cheapest legitimate programs.
Weight Loss vs. Diabetes Indications
Many of these drugs share an active ingredient but are FDA-approved for different “indications.” Weight-loss-approved: Wegovy, Zepbound, Saxenda. Diabetes-approved: Ozempic, Mounjaro, Rybelsus, Trulicity, Victoza. Using a diabetes drug for weight loss (or vice versa) is “off-label” — common, but insurance coverage usually hinges on the specific approved indication.
Pros and Cons of the GLP-1 Class
Pros: significant weight loss (roughly 15–22% for the top agents in trials), strong blood-sugar control, proven cardiovascular benefit for some agents, and powerful appetite suppression. Cons: gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) during titration; high cost without coverage; weight tends to return if the drug is stopped without lifestyle change; and most require an injection.
Common Side Effects of GLP-1 Medications
Across every drug in this class, the most common side effects are gastrointestinal — nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. They’re usually worst during the titration phase as your dose increases and tend to ease as your body adjusts, which is the main reason every GLP-1 starts low and steps up slowly. Eating smaller, protein-forward meals and staying hydrated helps most people tolerate the ramp-up.
Less common but more serious risks include pancreatitis and gallbladder problems, and the class carries a boxed warning about a risk of thyroid C-cell tumors observed in rodent studies. Because of that warning, GLP-1 and dual agonists are contraindicated for anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Always review your full medical and family history with a clinician before starting — this is exactly what a quality provider’s intake should screen for.
Who Is a Candidate for GLP-1 Medications?
For the weight-management indication, FDA labeling generally targets adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. For the diabetes indication, eligibility centers on a type 2 diabetes diagnosis and blood-sugar goals. Pregnancy is a contraindication, and women planning pregnancy have additional timing and contraception considerations covered in our GLP-1 for women guide. A licensed clinician makes the final call based on your full health picture.
Choosing the Right Medication
The best GLP-1 isn’t the same for everyone. Weigh four factors: your medical goal (weight loss vs. diabetes), administration preference (daily vs. weekly injection vs. oral), insurance coverage (check your formulary), and side-effect tolerance. Women have additional considerations around pregnancy, contraception, PCOS, and menopause — see our guide to GLP-1 for women.
What’s Next: Oral GLP-1s and the 2026 Pipeline
The biggest near-term shift is the move beyond weekly injections toward convenient oral options. Higher-dose oral semaglutide for weight management has advanced through development and regulatory review, and non-peptide oral GLP-1 candidates (taken as a simple daily pill, without the strict fasting requirements of Rybelsus) have posted strong late-stage trial results. If approved at scale, these could broaden access for people who are needle-averse and put downward pressure on prices through competition. Because this part of the market moves quickly, treat any “newest pill” claim with healthy skepticism and confirm current FDA-approval status before assuming a medication is available — manufacturer and FDA pages are the authoritative source. We track these launches as they happen across our reviews and comparison guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the strongest GLP-1 medication for weight loss?
In head-to-head trial data, tirzepatide (Zepbound/Mounjaro) has produced the highest average weight loss, followed by semaglutide 2.4 mg (Wegovy). Individual results vary, and the “best” drug depends on tolerance, cost, and your clinician’s guidance.
Is there a GLP-1 pill, or are they all injections?
Rybelsus is an oral daily semaglutide tablet approved for type 2 diabetes, taken on an empty stomach with strict timing. Most weight-management GLP-1s are still weekly injections, though higher-dose oral options for weight loss are an active area of development.
What is the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide?
Semaglutide targets one hormone pathway (GLP-1); tirzepatide is a dual agonist targeting both GLP-1 and GIP, which tends to produce greater weight loss in trials. Semaglutide brands include Wegovy and Ozempic; tirzepatide brands are Zepbound and Mounjaro.
Are compounded GLP-1 medications safe?
Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are made by compounding pharmacies and are not FDA-approved, so quality depends heavily on the pharmacy. They cost far less than brand-name versions, but you should use a provider that discloses its sourcing and clinical oversight.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Doses and prices are 2026 estimates that vary by patient, provider, and insurance. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any GLP-1 medication.
Corrected 9 October 2026. We removed a generated image from this article. Generated images on this site no longer show certifications, organisations, products, prices or figures unless the specific claim has been checked.
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