Where can patients with a prescription obtain GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist patches, such as semaglutide (semaglutide) or dulaglutide (dulaglutide)?

Where to Obtain GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Medications

GLP-1 receptor agonists are not available as patches—they are only available as subcutaneous injections or oral tablets, obtained through standard prescription channels at retail pharmacies, specialty pharmacies, or mail-order pharmacies with a valid prescription.

Available Formulations and Administration Routes

Injectable Formulations (Subcutaneous)

• Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection using pre-filled single-dose pens containing 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, or 2.4 mg doses 1.
• Dulaglutide (Trulicity) is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection using pre-filled single-dose pens containing 0.75 mg, 1.5 mg, 3 mg, or 4.5 mg doses 2.
• Liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza) requires once-daily subcutaneous injection 3.
• Exenatide is available as twice-daily or once-weekly subcutaneous injection formulations 4, 5, 6.

Oral Formulation

• Oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) is the only oral GLP-1 receptor agonist, FDA-approved exclusively for type 2 diabetes treatment (not obesity management), available in tablet form 7, 8.

Prescription and Dispensing Process

Standard Retail Pharmacies

• Patients can fill prescriptions at major chain pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid) or independent pharmacies with a valid prescription from their healthcare provider 7.
• Injectable formulations come as pre-filled, single-dose pens that do not require manual drawing or needle attachment for most formulations 1, 2, 1.

Specialty Pharmacies

• Due to high cost (approximately $1,272-$1,600 per 30-day supply), many insurance plans require specialty pharmacy dispensing for GLP-1 receptor agonists 7.
• Specialty pharmacies often provide additional patient support services, including injection training and adherence monitoring 7.

Mail-Order Pharmacies

• Many insurance plans offer or require mail-order pharmacy services for maintenance medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists 7.
• This option typically provides 90-day supplies at reduced copayments 7.

Insurance Authorization Requirements

Prior Authorization Process

• Most insurance plans require prior authorization demonstrating BMI ≥30 kg/m² (obesity) or BMI ≥27 kg/m² with weight-related comorbidities for obesity indications 7.
• Documentation of failed lifestyle modifications (diet and exercise) is typically required for insurance approval 7.
• For type 2 diabetes indications, documentation of inadequate glycemic control on metformin or other first-line agents may be required 3.

Coverage Barriers

• Insurance authorization may be particularly challenging for obesity management without diabetes, as many plans exclude coverage for weight loss medications 7.
• Payors should cover evidence-based obesity treatments to reduce barriers to treatment access, though this recommendation is not universally implemented 7.

Important Clarification on "Patches"

There are currently no transdermal patch formulations of GLP-1 receptor agonists approved by the FDA. All available GLP-1 receptor agonists require either subcutaneous injection or oral administration 3, 1, 2, 1. If a patient or provider is seeking a non-injectable option, oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) is the only alternative, though it is FDA-approved only for type 2 diabetes, not obesity management 7, 8.

Storage and Handling Considerations

• Injectable GLP-1 receptor agonists require refrigeration before first use, though some formulations may be stored at room temperature for limited periods after opening 1.
• Patients should receive proper training on subcutaneous injection technique, injection site rotation (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm), and pen device operation 1.
• Pre-filled pens are designed for single-patient use and should never be shared between patients, even if the needle is changed 1.