Can't fill your Ozempic prescription? Explore real alternatives like Mounjaro, Trulicity, Rybelsus, and Victoza that your doctor may recommend.
If you've been struggling to fill your Ozempic prescription — whether because of the ongoing shortage, insurance issues, or cost — you're probably wondering what else is out there. The good news is that several effective alternatives exist, and your doctor can help you find the right one.
This guide covers what Ozempic is, how it works, and the most common alternatives that your healthcare provider may consider if you can't access your medication.
Important: Never switch medications on your own. Always talk to your doctor before making any changes to your treatment plan.
Ozempic is a brand-name prescription medication containing Semaglutide. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists (also known as incretin mimetics). Novo Nordisk manufactures Ozempic, and it's FDA-approved for adults with type 2 diabetes to improve blood sugar control when used alongside diet and exercise.
Ozempic is delivered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection using a pre-filled pen. Doses range from 0.25 mg (the starting dose) up to 2 mg (the maximum dose).
For a complete overview, see our guide on what Ozempic is and how to use it.
Ozempic mimics a natural hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) that your body produces after eating. Here's what it does:
These combined effects help lower blood sugar levels (A1C) and often lead to significant weight loss. For a more detailed explanation, check out how Ozempic works: mechanism of action explained.
The medications below work through similar mechanisms and are used to treat type 2 diabetes. Your doctor will consider your medical history, insurance coverage, other medications, and treatment goals when recommending an alternative.
Manufacturer: Eli Lilly
How it works: Mounjaro is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it activates two incretin hormone receptors instead of just one. This dual action may provide stronger blood sugar control and weight loss compared to GLP-1-only medications.
How to take it: Once-weekly subcutaneous injection using a pre-filled pen.
Doses: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg
Key considerations: Mounjaro has shown impressive results in clinical trials for both A1C reduction and weight loss. It's also available under the brand name Zepbound for chronic weight management. Insurance coverage varies — check with your plan. Mounjaro has also experienced supply constraints, though availability has generally been better than Ozempic in some areas.
Manufacturer: Eli Lilly
How it works: Trulicity is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, similar to Ozempic. It stimulates insulin secretion, reduces glucagon, and slows gastric emptying.
How to take it: Once-weekly subcutaneous injection. Trulicity uses a single-dose auto-injector pen, which many patients find easier to use than Ozempic's multi-dose pen.
Doses: 0.75 mg, 1.5 mg, 3 mg, 4.5 mg
Key considerations: Trulicity has been on the market since 2014 and has a well-established safety profile. It provides meaningful A1C reduction, though clinical data suggests Semaglutide (Ozempic) may be slightly more effective for both blood sugar control and weight loss. Trulicity is generally more available than Ozempic during shortages.
Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk
How it works: Rybelsus contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic — Semaglutide — but in an oral tablet form instead of an injection.
How to take it: One tablet daily, taken on an empty stomach with no more than 4 ounces of plain water. Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other oral medications.
Doses: 3 mg (starter), 7 mg, 14 mg
Key considerations: If you prefer not to inject, Rybelsus offers a needle-free option with the same active ingredient. However, the oral form has lower bioavailability, so blood levels may not be identical to the injection. The daily dosing and strict fasting requirements can be inconvenient for some patients. Supply has generally been better than injectable Semaglutide products.
Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk
How it works: Victoza is an older GLP-1 receptor agonist. Like Semaglutide, it mimics GLP-1 to stimulate insulin, suppress glucagon, and slow gastric emptying.
How to take it: Daily subcutaneous injection (not weekly like Ozempic).
Doses: 0.6 mg (starter), 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg
Key considerations: Victoza was one of the first GLP-1 agonists and has over a decade of real-world safety data. It's proven to reduce cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease. The main downside is the daily injection schedule compared to Ozempic's once-weekly dosing. Victoza is generally easier to find since it faces less demand pressure.
Selecting an Ozempic alternative isn't a decision to make alone. Here are questions to discuss with your doctor:
Not being able to get your Ozempic is stressful, but you have real options. Mounjaro, Trulicity, Rybelsus, and Victoza are all proven medications that can help manage type 2 diabetes. Talk to your doctor about which one makes sense for you, and use Medfinder to check availability of whatever medication you land on.
If you're still looking for Ozempic specifically, our guide on how to find Ozempic in stock near you has practical tips that can help.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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