Top 6 Alternatives to Ozempic with Pricing & Savings Tips

If you’ve been prescribed Ozempic or tried to get it, you’ve probably faced one of three issues: high prices, limited availability, or side effects that make staying consistent difficult. 

These are the common reasons why people are now searching for an alternative to Ozempic for weight loss or diabetes control.

But we bring good news: several FDA-approved alternatives to Ozempic deliver similar results for blood sugar control and long-term weight management.

In this guide, you’ll discover six of the best Ozempic alternatives available in 2025, how they compare on price and results, and where to find personalized GLP-1 treatments through trusted providers like IvyRx.

6 Alternatives to Ozempic for Type 2 Diabetes

As of 2025, six other GLP-1 medications are approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes: 

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Let’s see each of these peptides in detail.

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)

Mounjaro has a dual mechanism that affects both GLP-1 receptors and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). 

Clinical studies show that Mounjaro may be more effective than Ozempic in lowering A1C levels. It starts at a 2.5mg dose for four weeks and can be increased to 5.0mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, and 15mg.

For a detailed comparison, read our Mounjaro vs Ozempic analysis. You can also explore Mounjaro directly through IvyRx.

Savings Tips: Eli Lilly's Savings Card lets commercially insured patients pay $25 for a 1-3-month supply, with a $1,800 annual cap. For uninsured patients, the card provides up to $575 off monthly. 

Access to personalized GLP-1 injections from IvyRx starts from $197 a month (without insurance), which offers even further savings. 

Rybelsus (Semaglutide)

Rybelsus contains the same active ingredient (semaglutide) as Ozempic and Wegovy, but it’s prescribed as a tablet to take by mouth instead of a subcutaneous injection. 

The medication starts as a 3 mg dose and increases to 7 mg after 30 days, then 14 mg if further blood sugar reduction is required. 

Currently, it's the only medication in the GLP-1 receptor agonist class that isn't injected.

If you want to know the difference between semaglutide pills (Rybelsus) vs Semaglutide injection, Rybelsus offers the convenience of oral administration. 

Savings Tips: Savings plans offer one-time discounts of up to $900 for a three-month supply. Though access to personalized GLP-1 injections from IvyRx starts from $197 a month (without insurance), which offers further savings. 

For more cost-saving strategies, check out our guide on how to get the cheapest semaglutide without insurance.

Trulicity (Dulaglutide)

Trulicity is an injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes and can also lower your risk of stroke, heart attack and other cardiovascular events.

Savings Tips: Savings cards available on the Trulicity website can drop the cost by as much as $450 for a three-month supply. Check for pharmacy-specific discounts that may offer additional savings.

Access to personalized GLP-1 injections from IvyRx starts from $197 a month (without insurance), which offers even further savings. 

Victoza (Liraglutide)

Victoza contains liraglutide and is taken daily, with dosing ranging from 0.6 mg to 1.8 mg per day. 

The FDA recently approved a generic version containing the same active ingredient, liraglutide, to treat type 2 diabetes in adults and children ages 10 years and older.

Learn more about the differences in our liraglutide vs semaglutide comparison guide.

Savings Tips: Ask your healthcare provider about manufacturer assistance programs and pharmacy comparison tools to find the lowest out-of-pocket cost for Victoza.

Bydureon BCise (Exenatide)

A once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist used to improve glycemic control alongside diet and exercise. Approved for adults and children 10+, Bydureon BCise can help lower A1C and support overall glucose management. 

It’s not used for type 1 diabetes and isn’t a first-line choice when metformin is tolerated, but it’s a valid option when a weekly GLP-1 is appropriate. Always review thyroid tumor warnings and pancreatitis risk before use.

Savings Tips: Look for manufacturer discount programs and pharmacy comparison shopping, as this older GLP-1 medication may have more competitive pricing options available.

Access to personalized GLP-1 injections from IvyRx starts from $197 a month (without insurance), which offers even further savings. 

Metformin

Metformin is a widely prescribed medication for type 2 diabetes that also aids in weight loss, working by decreasing glucose production in the liver and improving insulin sensitivity. 

Metformin is significantly cheaper, with prices ranging from $10 to $50 for a month's supply of generic 500 mg tablets.

You can access Ivy’s 500mg Metformin extended-release tablets with a consultation.

Savings Tips: As a generic medication, metformin offers the most cost-effective diabetes management option. Most insurance plans cover it with minimal copays, and cash prices remain very affordable.

If you're experiencing issues with your current medication, you might want to read about semaglutide not working for troubleshooting tips.

6 Alternatives to Ozempic for Weight Loss

Not all Ozempic alternatives serve the same purpose. Some GLP-1 medications target both diabetes and weight loss, while others are designed specifically for long-term weight management. 

Here are the top options focused on weight reduction.

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Wegovy (Semaglutide)

Wegovy has the same active ingredient (semaglutide) as Ozempic, but is formulated at a higher dose with a standard dosage of 2.4 mg per week. 

In clinical trials, participants who took Wegovy combined with lifestyle changes lost an average of 15% of their body weight by the end of the 68-week trial.

For a comprehensive comparison, check out our Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro comparison guide. You can also explore Rybelsus vs Wegovy for oral vs injectable options.

Savings Tips: Some manufacturer programs offer significant discounts, with Wegovy available for as low as $5 with qualifying insurance coverage. 

Saxenda (Liraglutide)

Saxenda was approved by the FDA to treat chronic weight management in 2014 and is given via a daily injection with a starting dose of 0.6mg during the first week. 

In a trial, people lost an average of 8.4% of their body weight in a year on the maximum dose.

Learn proper technique on how to inject Semaglutide, and these lessons apply to other injectable peptide medications. This applies to similar GLP-1 medications.

Savings Tips: Look for manufacturer patient assistance programs and compare prices across different pharmacies, as costs can vary significantly.

Zepbound (Tirzepatide)

During clinical trials, people receiving Zepbound lost up to nearly 21% of their starting body weight over 72 weeks. In clinical trials, patients taking 15 mg of Zepbound lost 20.9% of their body weight after 72 weeks.

For detailed comparisons, read our tirzepatide vs Ozempic analysis and explore semaglutide vs tirzepatide weight loss differences.

Savings Tips: Zepbound offers savings programs that can reduce costs to as low as $25.00 per month for eligible patients, and vials cost $349-$649 monthly for uninsured patients.

Compounded Semaglutide/Tirzepatide

Personalized GLP-1 injections that include compounded semaglutide offer the same active ingredient found in Ozempic and Wegovy, delivering comparable results in blood sugar control and weight loss, at a fraction of the cost. 

Pricing starts around $197 per month, saving you more than $1,200 compared to brand-name options.

Learn more in our guide on compounded semaglutide vs. Ozempic to understand how they differ and what to consider before starting treatment..

Savings Tips: Compounded medications typically require out-of-pocket payment but offer substantial savings. For more cost-effective options, check our cheapest semaglutide without insurance guide.

Qsymia (Phentermine/Topiramate)

Qsymia is FDA-approved for chronic weight management and works by reducing appetite, taken orally in capsule form, and is typically prescribed in addition to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. This combination medication offers a non-injection alternative for weight management.

Savings Tips: Check for manufacturer discount programs and compare pharmacy prices. Some patients may qualify for patient assistance programs that significantly reduce monthly costs.

Contrave (Naltrexone/Bupropion)

Contrave offers a non-injectable alternative with different mechanisms of action for weight management. 

This combination medication works by affecting brain pathways that control appetite and food cravings, providing an oral alternative to injection-based weight loss medications.

For comparisons with other medications, read our Contrave vs Mounjaro and Contrave vs Zepbound guides. You can also explore more Contrave alternatives.

Savings Tips: Look for manufacturer savings cards and compare prices across different pharmacies. Consider 90-day supplies, which may offer per-dose savings compared to monthly fills.

How to Choose the Right Alternative for You

Medical History and Current Conditions

Consider your complete health profile, including any cardiovascular conditions, kidney disease, or other medical concerns. 

Some medications, like Trulicity, are approved for use in children over 10, while others have specific cardiovascular benefits.

Treatment Goals

Determine whether your primary goal is blood sugar management, weight loss, or both. For diabetes management, you may want medications with proven cardiovascular benefits, while for weight loss, FDA-approved options like Wegovy or Zepbound may be more appropriate.

For guidance on choosing the right option, read our comprehensive guide on what is the best injection for weight loss.

Insurance Coverage and Budget

With health insurance covering most costs, out-of-pocket monthly expenses can range between $25 to $200, compared with $1,000 to $1,200 without health insurance. Review your insurance formulary to understand coverage differences between alternatives.

For budget-conscious options, explore what is a cheaper alternative to Ozempic.

Administration Preference

Consider whether you prefer daily injections, weekly injections, or oral medications. The most significant difference between Rybelsus and Ozempic is how they're taken, so if you don't relish the idea of taking injections every week, Rybelsus may be a more compelling option.

Side Effect Profile

Discuss potential side effects with your healthcare provider, as different medications may have varying tolerability profiles based on your individual response and medical history. 

Learn how long it takes for semaglutide to suppress appetite.

Are Over-the-Counter (OTC) Alternatives to Ozempic Available?

No, there are no true over-the-counter (OTC) alternatives to Ozempic. Prescription medications like Ozempic, Zepbound, and metformin all require a licensed healthcare provider’s supervision.

However, the only FDA-approved OTC weight loss option is Alli (orlistat 60 mg), which works by blocking fat absorption rather than mimicking GLP-1 hormones.

How IvyRx Can Help

IvyRx makes weight management and diabetes care accessible and affordable. We help you find the right Ozempic alternative for your goals and budget.

Through our telehealth platform, you receive expert care, a personalized treatment plan, and continuous medical support, all from home. 

Our team also guides you through insurance and savings options to help you get the best results at the lowest possible cost.

Ready to explore affordable Ozempic alternatives? Start your personalized GLP-1 treatment consultation with IvyRx today.