When Your Liraglutide Prescription Can’t Be Filled

If you’ve been trying to fill your Liraglutide prescription without success, you’re not alone. Between manufacturing delays, high demand, and supply chain issues, many patients have been left wondering what their options are.

The good news is that Liraglutide isn’t the only medication in its class. There are several other GLP-1 receptor agonists — and even a newer dual-action option — that may work for you. In this guide, we’ll explain how Liraglutide works and walk you through the most common alternatives your doctor might consider.

Important: Never switch or stop medications without talking to your doctor first. This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.

What Is Liraglutide and How Does It Work?

Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist (also called an incretin mimetic). It’s a synthetic version of a hormone your body naturally produces called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone plays a key role in blood sugar regulation and appetite control.

Here’s what Liraglutide does in your body:

• Stimulates insulin release when blood sugar is high
• Suppresses glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar
• Slows gastric emptying, so you feel full longer after eating
• Reduces appetite by acting on hunger centers in the brain

Liraglutide is available as:

• Victoza (1.2–1.8 mg daily) for type 2 diabetes
• Saxenda (3 mg daily) for chronic weight management
• Generic Liraglutide from Teva and Meitheal Pharmaceuticals

For more details, read how Liraglutide works: mechanism of action explained.

Alternative #1: Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus)

Semaglutide is the most well-known alternative to Liraglutide and belongs to the same GLP-1 receptor agonist class. It’s made by the same manufacturer, Novo Nordisk.

Key differences from Liraglutide:

• Dosing: Once-weekly injection (Ozempic, Wegovy) or once-daily oral tablet (Rybelsus), compared to Liraglutide’s daily injection
• Potency: Clinical trials show Semaglutide generally produces greater A1c reduction and more weight loss than Liraglutide
• Availability: Ozempic and Wegovy have also faced shortages, but supply has been improving

Brand names and uses:

• Ozempic — for type 2 diabetes (0.25–2 mg weekly injection)
• Wegovy — for weight management (2.4 mg weekly injection)
• Rybelsus — for type 2 diabetes (oral tablet, 7–14 mg daily)

Cost: Brand-name Semaglutide costs $900–$1,300 per month without insurance. Rybelsus may be a more accessible option for patients who prefer oral medication over injections.

Alternative #2: Dulaglutide (Trulicity)

Dulaglutide is another GLP-1 receptor agonist that’s been available since 2014. It’s made by Eli Lilly and is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes.

Key differences from Liraglutide:

• Dosing: Once-weekly injection, which many patients find more convenient than daily shots
• Efficacy: Similar A1c reduction to Liraglutide; studies show patients tend to be more adherent to weekly dosing
• Weight loss: Produces moderate weight loss, though generally less than Semaglutide or Tirzepatide
• Availability: Trulicity has generally had more stable supply than many other GLP-1 medications

Cost: Trulicity costs approximately $900–$1,000 per month without insurance. Eli Lilly offers savings cards that can reduce copays for eligible patients.

Note: Dulaglutide is approved for type 2 diabetes but is not FDA-approved for weight loss.

Alternative #3: Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound)

Tirzepatide is a newer medication that works differently from traditional GLP-1 agonists. It’s a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it activates two incretin pathways instead of one. It’s made by Eli Lilly.

Key differences from Liraglutide:

• Mechanism: Targets both GIP and GLP-1 receptors for potentially greater effects on blood sugar and weight
• Dosing: Once-weekly injection
• Efficacy: Clinical trials show superior weight loss (up to 20%+ body weight) and A1c reduction compared to GLP-1 agonists alone
• Availability: Has also experienced shortages but supply is improving

Brand names and uses:

• Mounjaro — for type 2 diabetes
• Zepbound — for weight management

Cost: Approximately $1,000–$1,100 per month without insurance. Eli Lilly offers savings programs through LillyDirect.

Alternative #4: Exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon BCise)

Exenatide is one of the oldest GLP-1 receptor agonists, first approved in 2005. While it’s less commonly prescribed today, it remains a viable option, especially when newer medications are unavailable.

Key differences from Liraglutide:

• Dosing: Available as twice-daily injection (Byetta) or once-weekly injection (Bydureon BCise)
• Efficacy: Somewhat less potent than Liraglutide for both A1c reduction and weight loss
• Availability: Generally more available due to lower demand

Cost: Byetta costs approximately $700–$900 per month; Bydureon BCise is similar. Because demand is lower, Exenatide may be easier to find in stock.

How to Decide Which Alternative Is Right for You

The best alternative depends on your specific situation:

• If you take Liraglutide for type 2 diabetes: Semaglutide (Ozempic or Rybelsus), Dulaglutide (Trulicity), or Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) are all strong options
• If you take Liraglutide for weight loss: Semaglutide (Wegovy) or Tirzepatide (Zepbound) are FDA-approved for weight management
• If you prefer weekly dosing: Semaglutide, Dulaglutide, Tirzepatide, or Bydureon BCise are all once-weekly
• If you prefer oral medication: Rybelsus (oral Semaglutide) is the only GLP-1 available as a pill
• If cost is a major concern: Generic Liraglutide ($230–$500/month) is the most affordable GLP-1 option

Talk to your doctor about which medication makes the most sense for your health goals, insurance coverage, and budget. For help finding any of these medications, visit Medfinder.

Before You Switch: Try Finding Liraglutide First

Before switching to a different medication, it’s worth making sure you’ve exhausted your options for finding Liraglutide. Check out our tips on how to find Liraglutide in stock near you. Generic Liraglutide from Teva and Meitheal is often easier to find than brand-name Victoza.

Final Thoughts

Not being able to fill your prescription is stressful, but you do have options. Several other medications in the GLP-1 class can provide similar benefits for type 2 diabetes and weight management. The key is working with your doctor to find the right fit — and using tools like Medfinder to locate whichever medication you need.

For more about Liraglutide side effects and what to watch for, read Liraglutide side effects: what to expect and when to call your doctor.