Which GLP-1 Medication Is Right For Me?

GLP-1 agonist medications have been making some serious waves in the health industry recently–and for good reason. Originally developed to help treat type 2 diabetes, these medications have also shown significant promise for helping with weight loss for folks with overweight or obesity.

But, there are a lot of GLP-1 agonist medications available. And, each one comes with its own unique benefits and approved uses. That can raise questions about the differences between these GLP-1 agonist medications, whether they’re all safe, and which ones are the most effective. Let’s get into the details–so you can determine if these medications are right for you.

Differences between GLP-1 agonist medications

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist is a class of drugs that mimic a hormone made in your gut–also called GLP-1. These drugs help regulate your blood sugar, reduce your appetite, and slow down your digestion so you feel full for longer (1). Altogether, these effects can help with weight loss and management for those with overweight or obesity.

While all GLP-1 agonists work in a similar way and come with similar side effects, there are key differences in how they’re formulated, used, and what they’re approved for. Common GLP-1 agonist medications include:

• Ozempic (semaglutide): Perhaps the most well-known GLP-1 agonist, Ozempic is a once-weekly injection of the active ingredient semaglutide. Ozempic is FDA-approved for managing diabetes and for reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke for those with diabetes (2).
• Wegovy (semaglutide): Similar to Ozempic, Wegovy contains semaglutide but is specially formulated and FDA-approved for weight management. It is also approved to help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke for those with heart disease or obesity (3). Like Ozempic, Wegovy is also a once-weekly injection.
• Compounded semaglutide: Compounded medications contain the same active ingredient but are customized and mixed at a pharmacy. They’re not FDA-approved but are often used when there is a shortage of FDA-approved medication. Compounded semaglutide can come either as an injection or as drops you place under your tongue.
• Liraglutide: Liraglutide is the active ingredient in the brand name drugs Saxenda and Victoza. Saxenda is approved for weight loss, while Victoza is approved for managing diabetes. Both are daily injection medications (4, 5).
• Dulaglutide: Sold under the brand name Trulicity, dulaglutide is a once-weekly injection that is FDA-approved for managing diabetes (6).
• Mounjaro (tirzepatide): Mounjaro works slightly differently than the other GLP-1 agonists mentioned. Along with GLP-1, this medication also targets the hormone GIP. It’s FDA-approved for diabetes and its potential weight-loss effects are currently being studied (7).

Are the different GLP-1 medications safe?

Great news here: GLP-1 agonist medications are generally considered safe. Those who use these medications can experience positive outcomes like weight management and lowered risk of heart disease (8).

That said, a lot of different kinds of GLP-1s are available! And, each one has its own safety profile. That’s why it’s important to talk with a healthcare provider to determine which option best suits your needs and is safest for you. GLP-1 agonists can come with potential side effects, including:

• Gastrointestinal issues: The most common side effects of GLP-1s are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These issues normally range from mild to moderate in severity and go away over time (9). Taking a trusty anti-nausea medication like Zofran can help fight against these GLP-1 side effects.
• Rare but serious side effects: Pancreitis, gallbladder disease, and thyroid tumors are rare but serious potential side effects of taking GLP-1 agonists. You shouldn’t take GLP-1s if you have a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) (10).

Besides these potential side effects, the FDA is evaluating reports of suicidal thoughts or actions in patients treated with GLP-1s. The FDA’s first evaluation didn’t find evidence that these medications cause suicidal thoughts or actions, but further investigations are ongoing (11).

Each different GLP-1 agonist has its own specific guidelines for how much and how often you take it. Starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it can help your body adjust to the medication more comfortably. As always, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions exactly to help minimize any potential adverse effects.

What are compounded GLP-1 agonist medications?

All right, so we know there are plenty of brand names, active ingredients, and pros and cons of the different GLP-1 agonists available. But, there’s another option in the mix: compounded GLP-1s. But, what are compounded GLP-1s, anyway?

Compounded medications are specially mixed or modified medications made by pharmacists. They can be made by combining different medications or adjusting dosages to meet individual patient needs. Compounded GLP-1s might be prescribed for patients who have particular needs or sensitivities to standard GLP-1s.

Another reason compounded medications are prescribed is if there is a shortage of an FDA-approved medication. Compounded GLP-1s aren’t FDA-approved themselves so they’re not checked for safety, quality, or effectiveness. With that in mind, it’s important to make sure these medications are being made in an FDA-regulated pharmacy.

Ozempic vs. Wegovy

These two medications are perhaps the most well-known GLP-1 agonist options. And, they both contain the active ingredient semaglutide. This leaves us with the totally reasonable question: what’s the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy?

The main differences between Ozempic and Wegovy include (2, 3):

• Approved purpose: Wegovy is approved for weight management, but Ozempic isn’t. Ozempic is approved to help control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of heart disease for folks with type 2 diabetes. Besides weight loss, Wegovy is also approved to help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke for folks with heart disease or obesity.
• Dosing: Both medications come as pre-filled injection pens. Wegovy pens contain a single dose each, while Ozempic pens can contain multiple doses and be used more than once.

Wegovy vs. metformin

When comparing medications, there are more differences in the Wegovy vs. metformin category. That’s because of the big first difference we’ll mention: metformin isn’t a GLP-1 agonist!

Metformin isn’t a GLP-1 agonist–it’s a biguanide. Metformin is a longstanding treatment for type 2 diabetes. It’s taken as a pill, and it improves the body’s response to insulin and decreases glucose production in the liver. Besides diabetes, metformin can also help treat and manage polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). How? By lowering insulin levels, which helps lower androgen hormone levels, which helps regulate menstrual cycles (12).

Metformin can help support modest amounts of weight loss but its main function is to stabilize blood sugar, rather than reduce appetite and slow digestion like Wegovy. That can make GLP-1 agonists like Wegovy a better choice if your primary goal is weight management.

Finding the right GLP-1 for you

With so many options available, finding the right GLP-1 for your unique situation and health needs can feel, well, complicated! To make this decision, it’s important to consider your goal–whether that’s weight loss, diabetes treatment, PCOS management, or something else altogether.

Since each GLP-1 agonist has its own safety profile and approval, talking with a healthcare provider can help you determine which option suits your individual needs the best. And if you’re looking for support or to get started, schedule a weight care consult with a trusted Wisp provider today.

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