When You Can't Fill Your Ozempic Prescription

Whether it's a stocking issue at your pharmacy, an insurance coverage problem, or the cost is simply too high, there are times when filling your Ozempic prescription just isn't possible. If you're in that situation, knowing your alternatives can help you stay on track with your diabetes management — without missing a beat.

This guide covers the most common alternatives to Ozempic, how they compare, and what to discuss with your doctor.

What Is Ozempic and How Does It Work?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a once-weekly injectable medication made by Novo Nordisk. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. It's FDA-approved for adults with type 2 diabetes to improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke.

Ozempic works by:

• Stimulating insulin release when blood sugar is high
• Reducing glucagon secretion to prevent your liver from releasing excess sugar
• Slowing gastric emptying so you feel fuller longer
• Acting on appetite centers in the brain to reduce hunger

These combined effects make Ozempic highly effective for blood sugar control — and they're also why patients often experience significant weight loss. For a deeper dive, check out our article on how Ozempic works.

Alternative 1: Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)

Mounjaro by Eli Lilly is one of the newest and most talked-about alternatives to Ozempic. It's a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it targets two incretin hormones instead of one.

Key facts about Mounjaro:

• FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes
• Once-weekly subcutaneous injection
• Available in doses from 2.5 mg up to 15 mg
• Clinical trials showed A1C reductions of up to 2.4% and weight loss of up to 22.5% of body weight at the highest dose
• Cash price is comparable to Ozempic (around $1,000–$1,100/month without insurance)

Many patients and providers consider Mounjaro to be the most potent GLP-1 class medication currently available. If your doctor recommends switching from Ozempic, Mounjaro is often the first alternative discussed.

Alternative 2: Trulicity (Dulaglutide)

Trulicity by Eli Lilly is another once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist that has been on the market longer than Ozempic.

Key facts about Trulicity:

• FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk reduction
• Once-weekly subcutaneous injection
• Available in 0.75 mg, 1.5 mg, 3 mg, and 4.5 mg doses
• Proven cardiovascular benefits in the REWIND trial
• Generally considered less potent for weight loss than semaglutide or tirzepatide
• May be more readily available and covered by more insurance plans

Trulicity is a solid option if Ozempic isn't available and Mounjaro isn't covered by your insurance. It delivers reliable blood sugar control with a well-established safety profile.

Alternative 3: Wegovy (Semaglutide 2.4 mg)

Wegovy is actually the same active ingredient as Ozempic — semaglutide — but at a higher dose (2.4 mg weekly) and with a different FDA-approved indication: chronic weight management.

Key facts about Wegovy:

• Same manufacturer (Novo Nordisk) and same drug (semaglutide)
• FDA-approved for weight management in adults with BMI ≥ 30 or BMI ≥ 27 with a weight-related condition
• Also approved for cardiovascular risk reduction in adults with obesity
• Once-weekly injection with dose titration up to 2.4 mg
• Not interchangeable with Ozempic for diabetes management without doctor guidance

If you're using Ozempic primarily for its weight loss effects, your doctor might consider prescribing Wegovy instead. However, insurance coverage differs — many plans cover Ozempic for diabetes but not Wegovy for weight management.

Alternative 4: Rybelsus (Oral Semaglutide)

Rybelsus is the oral tablet form of semaglutide, also made by Novo Nordisk.

Key facts about Rybelsus:

• FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes
• Taken daily (not weekly) as a tablet
• Available in 3 mg, 7 mg, and 14 mg tablets
• Must be taken on an empty stomach with no more than 4 oz of plain water, then wait 30 minutes before eating or taking other medications
• Does not have the cardiovascular risk reduction indication that Ozempic has
• Good option for patients who prefer not to inject

Rybelsus can be a convenient alternative if needles are a barrier, though the strict dosing requirements can be a downside for some patients.

How to Decide Which Alternative Is Right for You

Switching medications is always a decision to make with your doctor. Here are factors to discuss:

• Insurance coverage: What does your plan cover? Some alternatives may have lower copays.
• Primary treatment goal: Are you focused on blood sugar control, weight loss, cardiovascular protection, or all three?
• Administration preference: Do you prefer a weekly injection or a daily pill?
• Side effect profile: All GLP-1 medications can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but severity varies between drugs and individuals.
• Availability: Use Medfinder to check which medications are in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

Not being able to fill your Ozempic prescription is frustrating — but it doesn't mean you're out of options. Mounjaro, Trulicity, Wegovy, and Rybelsus all offer effective blood sugar management and other benefits. Talk to your healthcare provider about which alternative makes the most sense for your situation.

If your issue is finding Ozempic in stock, try our guide to finding Ozempic near you before switching medications. And if cost is a concern, learn about savings programs and patient assistance for Ozempic.