From the Guidelines
There are several alternatives to Ozempic (semaglutide) that may be more affordable, including older GLP-1 receptor agonists like Victoza (liraglutide), Byetta or Bydureon (exenatide), and Trulicity (dulaglutide), as well as generic metformin, which is significantly cheaper and often used as a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes. Some key points to consider when looking for alternatives to Ozempic include:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (higher-dose semaglutide) work similarly to Ozempic but may have similar cost issues 1.
- Older GLP-1 receptor agonists like Victoza (liraglutide), Byetta or Bydureon (exenatide), and Trulicity (dulaglutide) may be more affordable options 1.
- Generic metformin is significantly cheaper and often used as a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes, though it works differently and may not provide the same weight loss effects 1.
- Some patients use compounded semaglutide from specialty pharmacies at lower costs, though quality and consistency may vary 1.
- Oral GLP-1 medications like Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) might be an option with different pricing 1. Before switching, it's essential to consult your healthcare provider to discuss which alternative would be appropriate for your specific health needs and to explore patient assistance programs or insurance coverage options that might make Ozempic more affordable. The most recent study from 2024 1 provides the latest information on the median monthly costs of noninsulin glucose-lowering agents, which can help guide the decision-making process.
From the FDA Drug Label
Dulaglutide
8 mg VICTOZA, the average steady state concentration of liraglutide over 24 hours was approximately 128 ng/mL.
Alternative to Ozempic:
- Liraglutide (VICTOZA) may be considered as an alternative to Ozempic, as it is also a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, similar to semaglutide (Ozempic) 2.
- Dulaglutide is another GLP-1 receptor agonist that may be an alternative to Ozempic 3.
From the Research
Alternatives to Ozempic
There are several alternatives to Ozempic (semaglutide) that may be more cost-effective, including:
- Dulaglutide: a subcutaneous injection that has been shown to be effective in lowering HbA1c levels 4
- Exenatide: available in both once-weekly and twice-daily formulations, has been shown to be effective in lowering HbA1c levels 4
- Liraglutide: a once-daily injection that has been shown to be effective in lowering HbA1c levels 4
- Lixisenatide: a once-daily injection that has been shown to be effective in lowering HbA1c levels 4
- Tirzepatide: a newer GLP-1RA that has been shown to be effective in weight loss and improving glycemic control 5
Cost-Effectiveness
A study published in the Journal of Medical Economics found that oral semaglutide 14mg was likely to be cost-effective compared to dulaglutide, exenatide, liraglutide, and lixisenatide in terms of bringing people with type 2 diabetes to glycemic control targets of HbA1c ≤6.5% and HbA1c <7.0% in the US 4
Real-World Evidence
Real-world studies have shown that GLP-1RAs, including semaglutide, can be effective in weight loss and improving glycemic control, but may have higher discontinuation rates due to side effects or high costs 5
Key Considerations
When considering alternatives to Ozempic, it's essential to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks, including:
- Efficacy in lowering HbA1c levels
- Cost-effectiveness
- Side effect profile
- Patient adherence and discontinuation rates
- Individual patient factors, such as ability to stick to treatment plans and manage side effects 5