What is a cheaper alternative to Ozempic? A guide to affordable medications and other options

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

With monthly out-of-pocket costs for Ozempic often exceeding $900, many patients are searching for what is a cheaper alternative to Ozempic?. Several medications exist with different costs, administration methods, and efficacy profiles for managing type 2 diabetes and supporting weight loss.

Quick Summary

This article explores various prescription alternatives to Ozempic, including other GLP-1 agonists like Rybelsus and Trulicity, and older, highly affordable options such as Metformin. It also covers the risks and benefits of compounded semaglutide and offers tips for navigating costs with your healthcare provider.

Key Points

Metformin is the cheapest alternative: As a long-standing, generic medication for type 2 diabetes, Metformin is significantly more affordable than Ozempic.
Rybelsus offers an oral option: For patients who prefer a pill, Rybelsus contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic but is taken daily by mouth, though its cost can still be high without coverage.
Other GLP-1s can be more affordable: Medications like Trulicity and Victoza, which are in the same drug class as Ozempic, may have lower costs depending on insurance and dosage.
Compounded semaglutide is unregulated: Compounded versions may be cheaper but lack FDA approval and quality control, which poses safety risks.
Insurance and discounts are crucial: Manufacturer coupons, patient assistance programs, and checking your insurance formulary can dramatically lower the out-of-pocket cost for many prescription alternatives.
Always consult your doctor: The best and safest alternative is a personalized choice, so a healthcare provider's recommendation is vital for navigating options based on your health needs and budget.

Navigating the High Cost of Modern Medications

Ozempic (semaglutide) has become a household name due to its effectiveness in managing type 2 diabetes and promoting weight loss. However, its high list price and varying insurance coverage make cost a significant barrier for many people. Fortunately, numerous alternatives exist, ranging from other branded GLP-1 agonists to older, more affordable oral medications. Finding the right option requires consulting a healthcare provider to weigh factors like effectiveness, side effects, and budget.

Prescription Alternatives to Ozempic

There is a wide spectrum of prescription medications that can serve as alternatives to Ozempic, each with a unique profile. These options fall into different classes of drugs, some mimicking Ozempic's GLP-1 agonist action and others using entirely different mechanisms.

Oral Semaglutide: Rybelsus

For those who prefer a pill over an injection, Rybelsus is a notable alternative. It contains the same active ingredient, semaglutide, as Ozempic.

Key difference: Rybelsus is a daily oral tablet, whereas Ozempic is a weekly injection.
Cost consideration: While Rybelsus can still be costly without insurance, some manufacturer discounts may make it less expensive than injectable options.
Absorption: Oral semaglutide absorption can be inconsistent and may be less effective for weight loss at lower doses compared to the higher-dose injectable versions.

Other Injectable GLP-1 Agonists

Several other GLP-1 receptor agonists are available by prescription, with varying dosing schedules and potential costs.

Trulicity (dulaglutide): A once-weekly injectable approved for type 2 diabetes with cardiovascular benefits. It is often more affordable than Ozempic, depending on insurance.
Victoza (liraglutide): A once-daily injectable for type 2 diabetes that also offers cardiovascular benefits. Its cost can be lower than Ozempic. Saxenda is a higher-dose version of liraglutide approved for weight loss.
Bydureon (exenatide): A once-weekly injection that is an older and potentially less potent GLP-1 option, but may be cheaper.

Dual-Action Agonists: Mounjaro and Zepbound

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and its weight loss counterpart Zepbound also present an alternative. They are different from Ozempic because they are dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists, meaning they activate two hormone pathways.

Effectiveness: Studies suggest tirzepatide can lead to greater blood sugar control and weight loss than semaglutide.
Cost: While typically expensive, insurance coverage and manufacturer savings programs can significantly affect the final price.

Highly Affordable Non-GLP-1 Alternatives

For those seeking the most budget-friendly options, other medication classes can be effective for managing diabetes.

Metformin: This is a widely used and inexpensive generic oral medication, often the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes. It works by decreasing glucose production in the liver and improving insulin sensitivity. Metformin can also cause modest weight loss. A monthly supply can cost as little as $10-$30.
Sulfonylureas (e.g., glipizide, glimepiride): These are older, inexpensive medications that help the pancreas produce more insulin. They are available in generic form.
Other oral medications: Alternatives like SGLT2 inhibitors (e.g., Farxiga, Jardiance) and DPP-4 inhibitors (e.g., Januvia) may also be an option, but tend to be more expensive than generics like Metformin.

Compounded Medications and Other Considerations

In response to cost and supply issues, some pharmacies offer compounded semaglutide. However, this is not without risks.

Lower cost: Compounded versions may be significantly cheaper than branded drugs, potentially costing a few hundred dollars per month.
FDA concerns: The FDA has issued warnings about unapproved compounded GLP-1 products due to lack of evaluation for safety, accuracy, and sterility. They are not the same as FDA-approved medications and carry risks.
Lifestyle changes: Diet, exercise, and behavioral modifications are essential parts of any weight management or diabetes treatment plan. They are often used alongside medication and can be a potent, low-cost strategy.

Comparison of Cheaper Ozempic Alternatives


Medication (Active Ingredient)	Average Monthly Cost (Without Insurance)	Delivery Method	Primary FDA-Approved Use	Cheaper than Ozempic?
Metformin (Metformin)	$10-$30	Oral tablet	Type 2 Diabetes	Yes
Rybelsus (Oral Semaglutide)	Varies ($800+)	Oral tablet	Type 2 Diabetes	Yes, potentially with discounts
Trulicity (Dulaglutide)	Varies ($500-$700)	Weekly Injection	Type 2 Diabetes	Yes, potentially with discounts
Victoza (Liraglutide)	Varies ($600-$800)	Daily Injection	Type 2 Diabetes	Yes, potentially with discounts
Compounded Semaglutide	Varies ($250-$400)	Weekly Injection	Not FDA-approved	Yes, but unregulated

How to Find the Most Cost-Effective Option

Consult your doctor: Discussing your health goals and financial constraints with your doctor is the most important step. They can recommend the most suitable alternatives based on your medical history.
Review insurance coverage: Call your insurance provider to check the formulary for different GLP-1 medications and other diabetes drugs. Some plans may cover certain alternatives more favorably or require prior authorization for specific drugs.
Use manufacturer savings programs: Many pharmaceutical companies offer coupons or patient assistance programs for branded medications, which can drastically lower out-of-pocket costs for eligible patients.
Explore discount pharmacies and programs: Websites like GoodRx or Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs can help compare pharmacy prices and provide coupons.

Conclusion

While Ozempic is a highly effective medication, its expense is a valid concern for many. Numerous alternatives, both within and outside the GLP-1 drug class, offer effective and potentially cheaper options for managing type 2 diabetes and supporting weight loss. The most affordable and appropriate choice depends on an individual's specific health needs, insurance coverage, and preferences regarding oral vs. injectable administration. Open communication with a healthcare provider is essential to navigating these options and finding a sustainable, effective treatment plan. For some, a combination of older, inexpensive drugs and a robust lifestyle plan may prove to be the best path forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Metformin is a much cheaper and well-established medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. While it works differently than Ozempic, it is often a first-line treatment and can also promote modest weight loss.

Rybelsus is a daily pill containing the same active ingredient as Ozempic but is generally used at a lower dose. While potentially cheaper with discounts, it may be less potent for significant weight loss than the highest Ozempic doses, but is still effective for diabetes management.

Yes, older GLP-1 agonists such as Trulicity (dulaglutide) and Victoza (liraglutide) can be more affordable options, though their cost still depends on insurance and manufacturer programs.

Compounded semaglutide lacks FDA approval, which means it has not been evaluated for safety, efficacy, or sterility. This can lead to inaccurate dosages, contamination risks, and adverse side effects.

No, Wegovy, which is a higher-dose form of semaglutide specifically approved for weight loss, typically has a higher list price than Ozempic without insurance. However, insurance coverage can vary, and manufacturer savings cards can lower the cost for some patients.

Yes. Older, oral weight loss medications like Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate) and orlistat (Xenical) can be more affordable than Ozempic, though they work differently and may have less potent effects.

Yes, lifestyle changes involving a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management are highly cost-effective and crucial for long-term health, whether used alone or with medication.