Brand-Name GLP-1 Medications: A Guide to FDA-Approved Options
A clear breakdown of the FDA-approved GLP-1 brands—Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound, Saxenda, Victoza, and Rybelsus—what each treats, how it's taken, and how they compare.
Brand-Name GLP-1 Medications: A Guide to FDA-Approved Options
When people talk about "GLP-1s," they're often referring to a handful of FDA-approved brand-name medications. Each one is approved for a specific use, made by a specific manufacturer, and taken on its own schedule. This guide covers the seven brand-name GLP-1 medications currently approved in the United States.
Weekly Injectable GLP-1s
Ozempic (semaglutide)
- Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk
- FDA-approved for: Type 2 diabetes
- Taken: Once-weekly injection
- Notable: Ozempic is approved for blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 diabetes and to reduce cardiovascular risk in adults with Type 2 diabetes and established heart disease.
Wegovy (semaglutide)
- Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk
- FDA-approved for: Chronic weight management
- Taken: Once-weekly injection
- Notable: Wegovy contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic but at a higher dose and is approved for long-term weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related conditions.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
- Manufacturer: Eli Lilly
- FDA-approved for: Type 2 diabetes
- Taken: Once-weekly injection
- Notable: Mounjaro is a dual agonist—it activates both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors. It is approved for blood sugar control in Type 2 diabetes.
Zepbound (tirzepatide)
- Manufacturer: Eli Lilly
- FDA-approved for: Chronic weight management and moderate-to-severe sleep apnea
- Taken: Once-weekly injection
- Notable: Zepbound contains the same active ingredient as Mounjaro. In late 2024 it became the first medication approved for obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity.
Daily Injectable GLP-1s
Saxenda (liraglutide)
- Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk
- FDA-approved for: Chronic weight management
- Taken: Once-daily injection
- Notable: Saxenda uses liraglutide, an earlier-generation GLP-1 with a shorter duration of action, which is why it requires a daily injection.
Victoza (liraglutide)
- Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk
- FDA-approved for: Type 2 diabetes
- Taken: Once-daily injection
- Notable: Victoza uses the same active ingredient as Saxenda but at lower doses for blood sugar control.
Oral GLP-1s
Rybelsus (oral semaglutide)
- Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk
- FDA-approved for: Type 2 diabetes
- Taken: Once-daily tablet
- Notable: Rybelsus is the only oral GLP-1 currently approved. It must be taken on an empty stomach with a small amount of water, and you must wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything else.
Quick Comparison
| Brand | Active Ingredient | Approved For | Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | Semaglutide | Type 2 diabetes | Weekly |
| Wegovy | Semaglutide | Weight management | Weekly |
| Mounjaro | Tirzepatide | Type 2 diabetes | Weekly |
| Zepbound | Tirzepatide | Weight management, sleep apnea | Weekly |
| Saxenda | Liraglutide | Weight management | Daily |
| Victoza | Liraglutide | Type 2 diabetes | Daily |
| Rybelsus | Semaglutide (oral) | Type 2 diabetes | Daily |
How These Differ From Compounded Medications
Brand-name GLP-1s are manufactured by pharmaceutical companies and approved by the FDA after large clinical trials. Compounded GLP-1s are prepared by compounding pharmacies and are not FDA-approved, though they contain the same active ingredients. Your clinician can help you weigh access, cost, and clinical considerations.
The Bottom Line
Seven brand-name GLP-1 medications are FDA-approved today. They differ in active ingredient, approved use, and dosing schedule. Knowing which one you're prescribed—and what it's approved for—helps you have a more informed conversation with your healthcare provider.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional about medication decisions.
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. GLP-1 Primer does not recommend or endorse any specific medication, provider, or treatment. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before making decisions about your health.
