Ozempic alternatives: What can I take instead of Ozempic?

In this article:

• Ozempic alternatives
• Comparison
• Top 5 alternatives
• Natural alternatives
• How to switch meds

In this article

• Ozempic alternatives
• Comparison
• Top 5 alternatives
• Natural alternatives
• How to switch meds

Ozempic is an injectable prescription drug made by Novo Nordisk and is mainly used to improve blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It is also approved to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events (such as stroke, heart attack, or cardiovascular death) in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, and to lower the risk of complications from kidney disease in people with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Ozempic is often prescribed off-label as a weight-loss medication due to its effects on slowing gastric emptying and increasing satiety. Whether it’s due to cost, side effects, or other reasons, different medications are available if you and your healthcare provider find that Ozempic isn’t the best choice for you.

What can I take instead of Ozempic?

Alternatives to Ozempic are typically used for weight loss or Type 2 diabetes. For weight loss, medications like Wegovy, Zepbound, Foundayo, and Saxenda are approved options. For Type 2 diabetes, medications such as Mounjaro, Trulicity, metformin, and dapagliflozin are potential alternatives. These medications may differ in how they’re taken, how they lower blood sugar or body weight, and their costs. Keep in mind that other GLP-1 receptor agonists still come with a risk of similar side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation, and diarrhea. That’s why working with a healthcare provider and following the prescribed dosing schedule is key.

Ozempic alternatives cost comparison
Drug name	Price without insurance	SingleCare price	Savings options
Ozempic	$1,408 per 1, 3 mL prefilled 2 mg/3mL pen	$792 per 1, 3 mL prefilled 2 mg/3mL pen of brand-name Ozempic at Kroger	See latest prices
Wegovy (semaglutide pill)	$1,809 per 30, 1.5 mg tablets	$1,086 per 30, 1.5 mg tablets of brand-name Wegovy at Publix	See latest prices
Zepbound (tirzepatide)	$657 per 1, 2.4 mL of 2.5 mg/0.6 mL KwikPen	$490 per 1, 2.4 mL of 2.5 mg/0.6 mL KwikPen of brand-name Zepbound at Kroger	See latest prices
Mounjaro (tirzepatide)	$1,519 per 4, 0.5 mL of 5 mg/0.5 mL pens	$874 per 4, 0.5 mL of 5 mg/0.5 mL pens of brand-name Mounjaro at Kroger	See latest prices
Ozempic pill, replaces Rybelsus (semaglutide)	$1,367 per 30, 14 mg tablets (equal to 9 mg Ozempic pill)	$903 per 30, 14 mg tablets of brand-name Rybelsus at Kroger	See latest prices
Glucophage (metformin)	$127 per 60, 500 mg tablets	$5 per 60, 500 mg tablets of generic metformin at Kroger	See latest prices
Foundayo (orforglipron)	$882 per 30, 0.8 mg tablets	$601 per 30, 0.8 mg tablets of brand-name Foundayo at Kroger	See latest prices
Saxenda (liraglutide)	$1,899 per 5, 3 mL of 18 mg/3 mL pens	$130 per 1, 3 mL of 18 mg/3 mL pen of generic liraglutide at CVS	See latest prices
Trulicity (dulaglutide)	$1,386 per 4, 0.5 mL of 1.5 mg/0.5 mL pens	$853 per 4, 0.5 mL of 1.5 mg/0.5 mL pens of brand-name Trulicity at Kroger	See latest prices
Jardiance (empagliflozin)	$768 per 30, 25 mg tablets	$277 per 30, 25 mg tablets of brand-name Jardiance at Publix	See latest prices
Farxiga (dapagliflozin)	$753 per 30, 10 mg tablets	$22 per 30, 10 mg tablets of generic dapagliflozin at Walgreens	See latest prices

Related: Ozempic vs. Trulicity | Ozempic vs. Victoza

Top 5 Ozempic alternatives

1. Wegovy

Wegovy contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient in Ozempic. However, it is given at higher doses for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or those who are overweight with a health problem like high blood pressure or high cholesterol. It is available as a once-weekly injection and a once-daily pill, which are both also approved to lower the risk of cardiovascular events in adults with heart disease and obesity or overweight. For people looking for a weight-loss alternative to Ozempic, Wegovy is more likely to be covered by insurance.

2. Zepbound

Zepbound (tirzepatide) is one of the most effective weight-loss medications available. Ozempic works on one gut hormone, GLP-1, while Zepbound acts on both GLP-1 and GIP. In one comparison trial, people on it lost around 20% of their body weight on average versus 14% on semaglutide. It’s a once-weekly injection approved for weight loss in adults with obesity or overweight, as well as obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity. Mounjaro is the version of tirzepatide approved for Type 2 diabetes.

3. Foundayo

Foundayo (orforglipron) is one of the newest GLP-1 options that some people may prefer since it comes as an oral tablet for weight loss. It was approved in 2026 for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight. Unlike semaglutide pills, it can be taken at any time of day, with or without food, and without any special fluid requirements. Foundayo isn’t approved for Type 2 diabetes yet.

RELATED: Can Ozempic cause muscle pain?

4. Saxenda

Saxenda is an injectable GLP-1 medication for weight loss. It’s an older drug that’s in the same class of drugs as Ozempic, but it’s taken once daily. Many people might be attracted to Saxenda for its lower cost, even though it may come with less weight loss. It’s also available in a generic version, liraglutide. Unlike Ozempic, it’s approved for weight management, including in children 12 and older with obesity. Victoza contains the same active ingredient as Saxenda but is approved for Type 2 diabetes.

5. Metformin

Metformin is in a drug class called biguanides. It’s a cheaper alternative to Ozempic for Type 2 diabetes since it’s widely available as a generic. It works by reducing how much sugar the liver makes and helping the body respond better to insulin. Many people take it alongside Ozempic since it has a different mechanism of action. While some people experience weight loss with metformin, the effect is much weaker than that of Ozempic. Still, some healthcare providers may prescribe it off-label for weight loss, particularly for people with insulin resistance, prediabetes, or PCOS. Some providers might even prescribe it to help prevent weight gain after stopping a medication like a GLP-1.

What about compounded semaglutide?

Although you may see ads for cheaper compounded semaglutide versions, the FDA has raised safety concerns about these products. They may contain unapproved variations of the active ingredient and are not FDA approved. The FDA recommends using only FDA-approved semaglutide and consulting a healthcare provider for safe, effective treatment options. In March 2026, the FDA issued warning letters to various telehealth companies for marketing compounded GLP-1s in ways that made it sound like they were FDA approved or clinically tested.

Do natural or OTC alternatives to Ozempic actually work?

Many people look for natural alternatives to Ozempic, but no supplement or over-the-counter product has been shown to provide the same results. Natural supplements like berberine have seen a rise in interest. Although it isn’t a GLP-1 medication, small studies suggest berberine has potential benefits for metabolic health, potentially lowering blood sugar and body weight. However, more evidence is needed. According to the American Diabetes Association, “supplements are not proven as an effective option for lowering your blood glucose (blood sugar) or supporting diabetes management.”

Diet and lifestyle changes may help control blood sugar levels and support weight loss, but they don’t replace prescription medication. Ask your healthcare provider which diet plan is best for you. A balanced diet usually includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. Regular exercise can also help control blood sugar. Talk to your healthcare provider about when to test blood sugar around exercise and how to treat hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Other lifestyle modifications that may help control your blood sugar include managing stress and getting enough sleep. However, these generally work best when used alongside a prescribed treatment plan. Always consult your provider for medical advice or questions or concerns about your health.

How to switch to an Ozempic alternative

If you are interested in switching to an Ozempic alternative, you can:

• Contact your insurance provider if price is a concern. Ask which Ozempic alternatives are covered and what the copay would be for each alternative. Ask if your deductible has been met or if you are still paying toward your deductible.
• Reach out to your healthcare provider. They may want you to make an appointment before switching your medication. Review your medical conditions and history, and discuss alternative medications (along with potential drug interactions and potential side effects) with your provider. If your healthcare provider prescribes an Ozempic alternative, they can send it to your pharmacy. Tell the pharmacist you are switching from Ozempic to the new medication so your file can be updated properly.
• Check for manufacturer self-pay programs. If you’re paying out of pocket, manufacturers may sell GLP-1 medications directly at a set cash price, including Wegovy through NovoCare Pharmacy and Zepbound and Foundayo through LillyDirect. The costs depend on the drug and dose, and you won’t be able to use these programs on top of insurance.
• Search SingleCare for prescription coupons. You can save up to 80% on drug prices, and the coupons can be applied to refills as well.