Alternatives to Trulicity If You Can't Fill Your Prescription in 2026

If your pharmacy is out of Trulicity (dulaglutide) and you're running low on your supply, it's natural to wonder what your options are. The good news is that Trulicity belongs to a class of medications — GLP-1 receptor agonists — that has several members. If your doctor agrees, switching to an alternative GLP-1 may be appropriate while you work to locate your usual medication. Here's what you need to know about each alternative, how they compare to Trulicity, and what to discuss with your provider.

Important: Talk to Your Doctor First

Do not stop taking Trulicity or switch medications without your doctor's guidance. Stopping abruptly can cause blood sugar levels to rise, potentially leading to symptoms like fatigue, excessive thirst, and blurry vision. Your provider will evaluate your A1C goals, cardiovascular risk factors, weight management needs, and insurance coverage before recommending a switch.

Alternative 1: Ozempic (Semaglutide) — Most Closely Related

Ozempic (semaglutide) is the most similar alternative to Trulicity. Like Trulicity, it is a once-weekly injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk reduction. Clinical studies have shown that semaglutide generally produces greater reductions in A1C (blood sugar) and greater weight loss compared to dulaglutide. The SUSTAIN 7 trial found that patients taking Ozempic lost 10-14 lbs on average vs. 5-7 lbs for Trulicity.

Switching from Trulicity to Ozempic is relatively straightforward — both are once-weekly injections. Your doctor will typically initiate Ozempic 7 days after your last Trulicity dose, starting at 0.25 mg semaglutide (roughly equivalent to Trulicity 0.75 mg).

• Dosing: 0.25 mg to 2 mg once weekly, injectable pen

• Cash price: ~$900–$1,000/month without insurance

• Advantage over Trulicity: Greater A1C reduction and weight loss; shortage has largely resolved

Alternative 2: Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) — More Powerful Option

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer, more powerful option in the GLP-1 class. It works as a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist — activating two hormonal pathways instead of one. Clinical data from the SURPASS-2 trial showed that Mounjaro produced significantly greater A1C reductions and weight loss compared to Trulicity 0.75 mg. If your priority is tighter blood sugar control or significant weight loss, your doctor may consider Mounjaro if it's available.

• Dosing: 2.5 mg to 15 mg once weekly, injectable pen

• Advantage over Trulicity: Superior A1C reduction and weight loss; dual mechanism of action

• Note: Mounjaro was also in shortage historically; confirm availability with your pharmacy

Alternative 3: Victoza (Liraglutide) — Daily Option

Victoza (liraglutide) is a once-daily injectable GLP-1 agonist that has been available since 2010. It has a strong track record, proven cardiovascular benefits, and is available in a generic form (liraglutide), making it a more affordable option in some cases. The main difference is that Victoza requires a daily injection rather than weekly.

• Dosing: 0.6 mg to 1.8 mg once daily, injectable pen

• Advantage: Generic available at lower cost; good cardiovascular data; more widely stocked during shortages

• Drawback: Daily injection vs. Trulicity's once-weekly; slightly less convenient

Alternative 4: Rybelsus (Oral Semaglutide) — No Injection Required

Rybelsus is an oral tablet formulation of semaglutide (the same active ingredient as Ozempic). It's taken once daily, and is an option for patients who prefer not to inject. It is less effective than injectable semaglutide for A1C reduction and weight loss, but it is a legitimate alternative for some patients. Rybelsus has been more readily available than injectable GLP-1s during shortage periods.

• Dosing: 3 mg, 7 mg, or 14 mg tablet once daily on an empty stomach

• Advantage: No injection required; often more available during GLP-1 injection shortages

Comparing Trulicity Alternatives at a Glance

• Ozempic (semaglutide): Once weekly injection | Greater A1C & weight reduction | Shortage resolved

• Mounjaro (tirzepatide): Once weekly injection | Highest efficacy | Shortage resolved in 2024

• Victoza (liraglutide): Once daily injection | Proven cardiovascular benefit | Generic available

• Rybelsus (oral semaglutide): Daily pill | No injection needed | Often available during shortage

The Bottom Line

If you can't find Trulicity, there are meaningful alternatives that your doctor can prescribe. Don't stop taking your diabetes medication without medical guidance — breaks in therapy affect your blood sugar and cardiovascular health. In parallel, keep trying to locate your Trulicity. See our guide on how to find Trulicity in stock near you, or let medfinder call pharmacies near you to search for it.