GLP-1 medications have become an important treatment option for adults with type 2 diabetes, obesity, and weight-related medical conditions. These medications work by helping regulate appetite, fullness, stomach emptying, and blood sugar. Some medications are true GLP-1 receptor agonists, while others, such as tirzepatide, work on both GIP and GLP-1 receptors.
This guide reviews the GLP-1 and GLP-1-related medications available in the United States, including the medication name, typical dosage range, route, and how each medication is taken.
Currently Available GLP-1 and GLP-1–Related Medications
1. Semaglutide
Semaglutide is available in several forms. Some are used for type 2 diabetes, while others are used for chronic weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction.
| Brand Name | Generic Name | Common Use | Typical Dose Range | Route | How It Is Taken |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | Semaglutide | Type 2 diabetes; cardiovascular and kidney risk reduction in certain patients | 0.25 mg weekly starting dose; usual treatment doses 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg once weekly | Subcutaneous injection | Injected once weekly into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. It may be taken with or without food. |
| Rybelsus | Semaglutide | Type 2 diabetes | 3 mg, 7 mg, or 14 mg once daily | Oral tablet | Take in the morning on an empty stomach with a small amount of water. Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other oral medications. |
| Wegovy injection | Semaglutide | Chronic weight management; cardiovascular risk reduction in certain patients with overweight or obesity | Starts at 0.25 mg weekly and gradually increases. Usual maintenance dose is 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg once weekly. | Subcutaneous injection | Injected once weekly into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Dose is increased slowly to reduce stomach-related side effects. |
| Wegovy tablet | Semaglutide | Chronic weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction in certain adults | 25 mg once daily maintenance dose after dose escalation as prescribed | Oral tablet | Take once daily in the morning on an empty stomach with up to 4 ounces of water. Swallow whole. Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other oral medications. |
2. Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide is often discussed with GLP-1 medications, but it is actually a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist. It is available for both diabetes and weight management.
| Brand Name | Generic Name | Common Use | Typical Dose Range | Route | How It Is Taken |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mounjaro | Tirzepatide | Type 2 diabetes | Starts at 2.5 mg once weekly; may increase to 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, or 15 mg once weekly | Subcutaneous injection | Injected once weekly, with or without food, into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. |
| Zepbound | Tirzepatide | Chronic weight management; obstructive sleep apnea in certain adults with obesity | Starts at 2.5 mg once weekly for 4 weeks. Maintenance doses may include 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg once weekly. | Subcutaneous injection | Injected once weekly, with or without food. The dose is increased gradually based on tolerability and response. |
3. Liraglutide
Liraglutide is a once-daily injectable GLP-1 medication. It is available for type 2 diabetes and weight management under different product names and dosing schedules.
| Brand Name | Generic Name | Common Use | Typical Dose Range | Route | How It Is Taken |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victoza / generic liraglutide | Liraglutide | Type 2 diabetes | Starts at 0.6 mg daily; usual doses are 1.2 mg or 1.8 mg once daily | Subcutaneous injection | Injected once daily, with or without food. Rotate injection sites. |
| Saxenda | Liraglutide | Chronic weight management | Starts at 0.6 mg daily and increases weekly to 3 mg once daily | Subcutaneous injection | Injected once daily at any time of day, with or without food. |
4. Dulaglutide
| Brand Name | Generic Name | Common Use | Typical Dose Range | Route | How It Is Taken |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trulicity | Dulaglutide | Type 2 diabetes; cardiovascular risk reduction in certain patients | 0.75 mg, 1.5 mg, 3 mg, or 4.5 mg once weekly | Subcutaneous injection | Injected once weekly, with or without food. |
5. Exenatide
Exenatide is an older GLP-1 medication used for type 2 diabetes. Some brand-name versions have been discontinued, but exenatide may still appear in medication references and formularies.
| Brand / Product | Generic Name | Common Use | Typical Dose Range | Route | How It Is Taken |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exenatide injection | Exenatide | Type 2 diabetes | 5 mcg twice daily; may increase to 10 mcg twice daily after 1 month | Subcutaneous injection | Injected within 60 minutes before the morning and evening meals, or before the two main meals of the day at least 6 hours apart. |
6. Orforglipron
Orforglipron is an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist used for chronic weight management. Unlike oral semaglutide, it does not require the same fasting and water restrictions.
| Brand Name | Generic Name | Common Use | Typical Dose Range | Route | How It Is Taken |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foundayo | Orforglipron | Chronic weight management | Starts at 0.8 mg once daily; may increase gradually to 2.5 mg, 5.5 mg, 9 mg, 14.5 mg, or 17.2 mg once daily | Oral tablet | Take once daily, with or without food. Swallow whole. Do not crush, break, or chew. |
Combination Products That Contain a GLP-1 Medication
Some diabetes medications combine insulin with a GLP-1 receptor agonist. These are generally used for type 2 diabetes and should not be combined with another GLP-1 medication unless specifically directed by a clinician.
| Brand Name | Ingredients | Common Use | Route | How It Is Taken |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soliqua 100/33 | Insulin glargine + lixisenatide | Type 2 diabetes | Subcutaneous injection | Injected once daily within the hour before the first meal of the day. |
| Xultophy 100/3.6 | Insulin degludec + liraglutide | Type 2 diabetes | Subcutaneous injection | Injected once daily at the same time each day, with or without food. |
GLP-1 Medications Coming Soon or in Development
Several newer medications are being studied. These medications may not be available by prescription until they complete clinical trials and receive FDA approval. Patients should avoid buying “research” or “not for human use” versions online.
| Drug in Development | Type | Route Being Studied | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| CagriSema | Combination of cagrilintide and semaglutide | Once-weekly injection | Being studied for weight management and metabolic disease |
| Retatrutide | Triple agonist: GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptor activity | Injection | Investigational; not FDA-approved for routine prescribing at this time |
| Amycretin | GLP-1 and amylin receptor agonist | Oral and injectable forms being studied | Investigational |
| Survodutide | Dual glucagon/GLP-1 receptor agonist | Once-weekly injection | Investigational |
Common Side Effects of GLP-1 Medications
The most common side effects are related to the stomach and intestines. They are often more noticeable when starting treatment or increasing the dose.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Decreased appetite
- Injection-site irritation with injectable medications
Serious Symptoms to Watch For
Contact your clinician or seek urgent medical care if you develop any of the following:
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain, especially if it spreads to the back or is associated with vomiting.
- Right upper abdominal pain, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or pale/clay-colored stools.
- Repeated vomiting, dehydration, dizziness, or inability to keep fluids down.
- Symptoms of low blood sugar, such as sweating, shaking, confusion, fast heartbeat, or feeling faint.
- Allergic reaction symptoms, including swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing; severe rash; or hives.
- Severe constipation, inability to pass stool or gas, or worsening abdominal swelling.
- A neck lump, trouble swallowing, persistent hoarseness, or shortness of breath.
- Mood changes or suicidal thoughts, especially in patients using weight-management medications.
Who Should Be Careful With GLP-1 Medications?
GLP-1 medications may not be appropriate for everyone. Patients should tell their clinician if they have a history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, severe stomach emptying problems, kidney disease, diabetic retinopathy, or prior allergic reactions to similar medications.
Many GLP-1 medications carry a warning related to thyroid C-cell tumors seen in animal studies. These medications are generally avoided in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2, also known as MEN2.
Bottom Line
GLP-1 and GLP-1-related medications can be powerful tools for type 2 diabetes, weight management, and cardiometabolic health. Some are taken once weekly by injection, some are taken daily by injection, and newer options are available as oral tablets.
The best medication depends on the patient’s diagnosis, medical history, weight goals, blood sugar pattern, insurance coverage, medication availability, and tolerance of side effects. These medications should always be used as part of a medically supervised plan that includes nutrition, activity, and long-term follow-up.
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