Quick Answers: GLP-1 Drugs List
Common questions about GLP-1 medications, brand names, approved uses, and online prescribing — answered based on FDA guidance and official prescribing information.
The main GLP-1 receptor agonist medications include Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus (all semaglutide); Saxenda and Victoza (both liraglutide); Trulicity (dulaglutide); Bydureon BCise and Byetta (both exenatide); and Adlyxin (lixisenatide). Zepbound and Mounjaro (both tirzepatide) are dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists often grouped with GLP-1 medications. Approved-use categories differ: some are approved for chronic weight management, others specifically for type 2 diabetes management.
Three medications are FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults: Wegovy (semaglutide), Zepbound (tirzepatide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). Ozempic and Mounjaro are not FDA-approved for weight loss — they are approved for type 2 diabetes management. A licensed clinician must assess your individual situation before any GLP-1 medication is prescribed. See our GLP-1 eligibility page for full detail on BMI and qualification criteria.
Yes, Ozempic (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. However, Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes management — not as a weight-loss medication. Wegovy, which contains the same active ingredient (semaglutide) at a different approved dose and formulation, is the FDA-approved option for chronic weight management. Ozempic and Wegovy are not interchangeable brands, even though they share a generic name.
Most GLP-1 receptor agonists are injectable medications. Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) is the primary oral GLP-1 option currently, and it is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes management — not weight loss. There are no FDA-approved oral GLP-1 medications for chronic weight management at this time. Over-the-counter GLP-1 pills, gummies, patches, or supplements are not equivalent to prescription GLP-1 receptor agonists and are not FDA-approved GLP-1 medications.
In many US states, licensed telehealth providers can evaluate patients remotely and, if medically appropriate, prescribe FDA-approved GLP-1 medications. The process requires a full health intake, medical history review, and clinician determination of medical appropriateness — not every applicant will receive a prescription. Prescriptions are filled by licensed pharmacies. See how online GLP-1 prescriptions work and compare licensed online GLP-1 programs.
A brand name (like Wegovy or Ozempic) is the commercial name given by the manufacturer. The generic name (like semaglutide) is the active ingredient's non-proprietary name. A shared generic name does not mean drugs are interchangeable — Wegovy and Ozempic both contain semaglutide but have different FDA-approved indications, dosing, and formulations. A legally available generic product (a true generic with independent FDA approval for market sale) is a separate concept from sharing a generic name.
What Counts as a GLP-1 Drug?
GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are a class of medications that activate the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor — a receptor in the body involved in regulating blood sugar, appetite, and digestion. Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, several medications in this class have since received FDA approval for chronic weight management.
Tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro) is a related but distinct medication that activates both GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors. Because of its weight-management approval and clinical overlap with GLP-1 RAs, tirzepatide is commonly grouped with GLP-1 medications in patient-facing discussions — though technically it is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist.
Key distinctions to understand
- Not all GLP-1 drugs are approved for the same purpose. FDA-approved indications differ across brand names — see the table below.
- Brand name ≠ generic name. Multiple brands share the same active ingredient but have different approved indications and doses.
- Prescription required. Every medication on this list requires a valid prescription from a licensed clinician based on an individualized medical review.
- Tirzepatide is not a true GLP-1 RA but is often grouped with GLP-1 medications due to its mechanism and overlap in clinical use.
GLP-1 Drugs Reference Table
The table below lists FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist and related medications by brand name, active ingredient, approved-use category, and route. Indication badges: Weight Mgmt = FDA-approved chronic weight management indication; Type 2 Diabetes = FDA-approved type 2 diabetes management indication. This table is for reference only — approved indications and labeling may change.
| Brand Name | Active Ingredient | Class | Approved-Use Category | Route / Form | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FDA-Approved for Chronic Weight Management | |||||
| Wegovy | Semaglutide | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Weight Mgmt | Subcutaneous injection (once weekly) | |
| Zepbound | Tirzepatide | GIP/GLP-1 dual receptor agonist | Weight Mgmt | Subcutaneous injection (once weekly) | |
| Saxenda | Liraglutide | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Weight Mgmt | Subcutaneous injection (once daily) | — |
| FDA-Approved for Type 2 Diabetes Management | |||||
| Ozempic | Semaglutide | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Type 2 Diabetes | Subcutaneous injection (once weekly) | |
| Mounjaro | Tirzepatide | GIP/GLP-1 dual receptor agonist | Type 2 Diabetes | Subcutaneous injection (once weekly) | |
| Rybelsus | Semaglutide | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Type 2 Diabetes | Oral tablet (once daily) | — |
| Victoza | Liraglutide | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Type 2 Diabetes | Subcutaneous injection (once daily) | — |
| Trulicity | Dulaglutide | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Type 2 Diabetes | Subcutaneous injection (once weekly) | — |
| Bydureon BCise | Exenatide extended-release | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Type 2 Diabetes | Subcutaneous injection (once weekly) | — |
| Byetta | Exenatide | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Type 2 Diabetes | Subcutaneous injection (twice daily) | — |
| Adlyxin | Lixisenatide | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Type 2 Diabetes | Subcutaneous injection (once daily) | — |
Table reflects publicly available FDA-approved indication categories. Indications, approvals, and availability are subject to change — verify against current official prescribing information and the FDA's approved drug database. This table is not exhaustive and does not constitute prescribing guidance.
Which GLP-1 Drugs Are FDA-Approved for Weight Loss?
Three medications in the GLP-1 and related category have received FDA approval specifically for chronic weight management in adults. Approval for weight management is distinct from approval for type 2 diabetes — the two indications have different eligibility criteria, dosing contexts, and prescribing requirements.
Wegovy (semaglutide)
FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with a BMI ≥ 30, or ≥ 27 with at least one weight-related comorbidity. Administered by once-weekly subcutaneous injection. Active ingredient: semaglutide.
Zepbound (tirzepatide)
FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with a BMI ≥ 30, or ≥ 27 with at least one weight-related comorbidity. Administered by once-weekly subcutaneous injection. Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist.
Saxenda (liraglutide)
FDA-approved for chronic weight management. Contains liraglutide — the same active ingredient as Victoza, which is approved for type 2 diabetes. Once-daily subcutaneous injection. Wegovy and Zepbound are newer approvals in this category.
Meeting a BMI threshold is a starting criterion — not automatic qualification. A licensed clinician must evaluate your medical history, comorbidities, current medications, and contraindications before prescribing. See our GLP-1 eligibility guide for the full picture.
Which GLP-1 Drugs Are FDA-Approved for Type 2 Diabetes?
Most GLP-1 receptor agonists on the market today have FDA approval specifically for type 2 diabetes management. These drugs are not approved for weight loss as a primary indication — they are prescribed in the context of blood sugar control for adults with type 2 diabetes, typically alongside diet and exercise.
Ozempic (semaglutide)
FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes management. Not FDA-approved for weight loss. Contains semaglutide — same active ingredient as Wegovy but different indication and approved dosing context.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes management. Contains tirzepatide — same active ingredient as Zepbound but different indication. Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist; not FDA-approved for weight loss.
Rybelsus (semaglutide)
The only oral semaglutide option currently available. FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes management, not chronic weight management. Once-daily oral tablet.
Victoza / Trulicity / Others
Victoza (liraglutide), Trulicity (dulaglutide), Bydureon BCise (exenatide ER), Byetta (exenatide), and Adlyxin (lixisenatide) are also FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes management. See the full table above for details.
Ozempic and Mounjaro are not FDA-approved for weight loss
Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are frequently searched in the context of weight management. However, neither has an FDA-approved weight-loss indication. Their weight-management-approved counterparts — Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) — contain the same active ingredients but carry different FDA-approved indications and dosing contexts. If a licensed clinician prescribes Ozempic or Mounjaro off-label for weight management, that is an individualized clinical decision made in the context of that patient's full medical history.
Brand Names vs. Generic Names: What the Difference Means for GLP-1 Medications
Understanding the difference between a brand name and a generic name matters a great deal for GLP-1 medications, because different brands containing the same active ingredient are not interchangeable for all purposes.
Semaglutide brand names
- Wegovy — semaglutide, FDA-approved for chronic weight management
- Ozempic — semaglutide, FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes management
- Rybelsus — oral semaglutide, FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes management
These three brands share the same active ingredient (semaglutide) but have different FDA-approved indications, approved doses, formulations, and routes. They are not interchangeable. A prescription for one brand is not the same as a prescription for another — a licensed clinician determines which, if any, is appropriate for a specific patient.
Tirzepatide brand names
- Zepbound — tirzepatide, FDA-approved for chronic weight management
- Mounjaro — tirzepatide, FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes management
Both brands share the same active ingredient (tirzepatide) but carry different FDA-approved indications. They are not interchangeable for indication purposes.
What about generic GLP-1 medications?
A "generic name" (like semaglutide) describes the active ingredient — not a legally available generic product. Generics require separate FDA approval through an abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) process. As of this page's publication, there are no FDA-approved generic versions of Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, or Mounjaro available for commercial sale. Compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide from compounding pharmacies is a separate category — see our compounded GLP-1 medications guide for important distinctions and FDA concerns.
Oral vs. Injectable GLP-1 Drugs
The vast majority of GLP-1 receptor agonists and related weight-management medications currently approved by the FDA are administered by subcutaneous injection — not taken as pills, gummies, patches, or sprays.
Current oral GLP-1 option
- Rybelsus (semaglutide oral tablet): FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes management only. Once-daily oral tablet taken on an empty stomach with a small amount of water. Not approved for chronic weight management.
All other medications in the table above — Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Saxenda, Victoza, Trulicity, Bydureon BCise, Byetta, and Adlyxin — are injectable medications administered subcutaneously.
OTC GLP-1 pills, gummies, patches, and supplements are not equivalent
Products marketed as over-the-counter "GLP-1 boosters," weight-loss gummies, oral peptide supplements, topical patches, or oral sprays claiming to contain GLP-1 are not FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist medications. The FDA has raised significant concerns about unapproved and fraudulent products marketed in connection with GLP-1 medications. These products are not reviewed for safety, efficacy, or accurate labeling the same way prescription medications are. See our GLP-1 safety guide for more on distinguishing approved from unapproved products.
Can GLP-1 Drugs Be Prescribed Online?
In many US states, licensed telehealth providers can evaluate patients remotely and, when medically appropriate, prescribe FDA-approved GLP-1 medications. This is a legal, regulated pathway — not a workaround or bypass of medical oversight.
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1
Complete a health intake form
You submit your height, weight, medical history, current medications, allergies, and health goals. Accurate information is essential for the clinician to make an appropriate determination.
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2
Licensed clinician reviews your information
A licensed clinician — not an algorithm — reviews your intake, medical history, and other relevant factors. This may occur synchronously (video call) or asynchronously depending on the program.
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3
Labs or additional documentation if required
Some programs require recent lab work (A1c, kidney function, etc.) before prescribing. Requirements vary by program, clinician, state, and medication.
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Clinician determination
The clinician determines whether a GLP-1 medication is medically appropriate for your situation. If medically appropriate, a prescription may be issued — prescription if appropriate is the standard applied. Not all applicants will receive a prescription; that is the expected outcome of a legitimate medical process.
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Prescription filled at a licensed pharmacy
If a prescription is issued, it is filled by a licensed pharmacy — not shipped without proper oversight. Medication is dispensed to you with appropriate prescribing information.
Medical screening and clinician review are required. Prescription required. Not all applicants will receive a prescription. Affiliate disclosure: this site may earn a referral fee from programs listed.
FDA-Approved, Compounded, OTC, and Research Products Are Not the Same Thing
The GLP-1 medication landscape includes several distinct product categories that are often conflated but carry very different regulatory, safety, and legal statuses.
Four categories to understand
- FDA-approved GLP-1 medications: Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Saxenda, and others listed in the table above are FDA-approved prescription drugs. They have been reviewed for safety, efficacy, and manufacturing quality by the FDA under the standard drug approval process.
- Compounded GLP-1 medications: Some compounding pharmacies prepare semaglutide or tirzepatide formulations. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved in the same way as brand-name drugs and are generally only permissible in specific regulatory contexts (e.g., when an approved drug is on shortage). The FDA has raised significant concerns about compounded GLP-1 products, including dosing errors, inconsistent quality, and safety risks. See our compounded GLP-1 guide.
- OTC supplements, gummies, patches, and sprays: Products marketed as "GLP-1 boosters" or claiming to replicate GLP-1 medication effects are not FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist medications. They are not equivalent to prescription GLP-1 drugs and are not reviewed for safety or efficacy under the same standards.
- Research-use peptides: Semaglutide and tirzepatide are sometimes sold online as "research chemicals" or "research peptides" marketed as not for human use. The FDA has flagged serious risks associated with these products, including unknown quality, inaccurate labeling, and unsafe dosing. See our page on GLP-1 medications without a prescription for full context.
For safety information, including the FDA's specific concerns about unapproved products, see our GLP-1 safety guide.
Compare and Explore: GLP-1 Medications Guide
Use the links below to compare specific drugs, understand costs and coverage, review safety information, or find a licensed online program that includes medical screening.
Compare Licensed Online GLP-1 Programs
Licensed online GLP-1 programs connect you with a clinician who will review your medical history, assess whether a GLP-1 medication is appropriate for your situation, and — if it is — write a valid prescription through a legitimate pharmacy. Medical screening and clinician approval are required; these programs do not offer guaranteed prescriptions or bypass medical review.
Prescription required. Medical screening and clinician review required. Not all applicants will receive a prescription. Affiliate disclosure: this site may earn a referral fee from programs listed.
Sources
The following official sources were used for prescribing information and FDA guidance referenced on this page. Verify against the most current version of each document before making any medical decision.
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FDA — FDA Approves New Medication for Chronic Weight Management (Zepbound/tirzepatide)
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-medication-chronic-weight-management -
Zepbound (tirzepatide) — US Prescribing Information (FDA Access Data, 2026)
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2026/217806s042lbl.pdf -
Wegovy (semaglutide) — US Prescribing Information (FDA Access Data, 2026)
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2026/215256s033lbl.pdf -
Ozempic (semaglutide) — Official Product Page (Novo Nordisk)
https://www.ozempic.com/ -
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — US Prescribing Information (Eli Lilly)
https://pi.lilly.com/us/mounjaro-uspi.pdf -
FDA — Concerns with Unapproved GLP-1 Drugs Used for Weight Loss
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/fdas-concerns-unapproved-glp-1-drugs-used-weight-loss -
FDA — GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Safety Communication (Suicidal Thoughts Evaluation)
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-communications/update-fdas-ongoing-evaluation-reports-suicidal-thoughts-or-actions-patients-taking-certain-type