What else can I take instead of Ozempic?

Asked by: Favian Dickinson  |  Last update: December 19, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (51 votes)

If you're having trouble accessing Ozempic, your healthcare provider may recommend an alternative that works in a similar way. For Type 2 diabetes, this may include Rybelsus, Trulicity, or Mounjaro. If you're taking Ozempic off-label for weight loss, Wegovy and Saxenda are two FDA-approved options.

What is a good substitute for Ozempic?

Popular Ozempic alternatives for blood sugar control include Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Trulicity (dulaglutide), and Rybelsus (semaglutide). If you're looking for Ozempic alternatives with the goal of losing weight, Wegovy (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide) might be an option for you.

What works better than Ozempic for weight loss?

Mounjaro® is more effective than Ozempic® at supporting weight loss and blood sugar reductions. However, Ozempic® seems to lead to fewer side effects and is better tolerated than Mounjaro® However, individuals will vary in their medication response, so choose the right one for you.

What happens when you stop taking Ozempic?

If you stop taking Ozempic, the weight you lost will likely return, fast. People who ceased use of semaglutide gained back, on average, a full two-thirds of the weight they had lost on the drug within one year, according to an August 2022 study, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Which is better Ozempic or Trulicity?

Blood sugar control

One head-to-head study compared Trulicity and Ozempic on how much they lowered hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C or A1C) — average blood sugar levels over 3 months. Ozempic was found to lower A1C more than Trulicity, and people taking it lost more weight.

This is what happens when you stop taking Ozempic

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Do people lose more weight on Trulicity or Ozempic?

Those given the starting doses of Ozempic showed more weight loss, losing an average of about 14 pounds compared to about 6 pounds with the 1.5 mg dose of Trulicity. Those on Ozempic lost more than twice the weight as those on Trulicity.

Is there an alternative to Ozempic for diabetes?

Other GLP-1 agonists that are alternatives to Ozempic include Byetta, Victoza, Tanzeum, Trulicity, and Mounjaro.

Do you regain weight after stopping Ozempic?

You start feeling those usual hunger pangs again, and consequently, you may start eating more to satisfy that hunger. An increase in your consumption can lead to the regaining of weight that was lost. A 2022 study found that most individuals gain weight back a year after stopping the medication.

Can I quit Ozempic cold turkey?

For people who are trying to lose weight, whether or not they need to, Ozempic will flush out of your body and you'll go back to where you were, Sadhu said. There's no withdrawal and you don't need to taper off the drug, although you may feel hungry again and regain the weight.

Can you stay on Ozempic for life?

A person can stay on Ozempic® so long as they are tolerating the medication and it is deemed appropriate by their treating provider.

What does Ozempic do to your face?

“Ozempic face” is a term for common side effects of the type 2 diabetes medication semaglutide (Ozempic). It can cause sagging and aging of facial skin. A doctor may recommend lifestyle modifications or facial fillers to treat these effects.

Can you lose belly fat on Ozempic?

Yes, Ozempic can be used to reduce belly fat. Studies have shown an average weight loss of 7.5% and a reduction in waist circumference by 5.09 cm.

Why is Ozempic not covered by insurance?

That said, when Ozempic is prescribed off-label for weight loss, it is often not covered by insurance. Why? Because the Affordable Care Act doesn't mandate that health insurers cover obesity or overweight medications or surgeries.

Is there a natural alternative to Ozempic for weight loss?

A supplement called berberine has been dubbed "nature's Ozempic" on social media. Users on TikTok and other social media platforms claim that berberine can help people improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood glucose, and lose weight.

What is the best injection for weight loss?

Some of the most effective prescription injectable weight loss medications available include: Mounjaro, Ozempic and Wegovy - these are diabetes drugs originally and now used to treat obesity. Although these injectable drugs can help users lose weight there are some dangers and caveats!

Can I use metformin instead of Ozempic?

Most people with a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes start taking metformin first. If you control your sugar well, you may not need to change a thing. However, if you still struggle to keep your sugar within the target range, you can also try Ozempic. Some people prefer to swallow a pill rather than take an injection.

What happens if you eat sugar while taking Ozempic?

High fat foods or sugary foods

Ozempic can cause nausea and vomiting if taken after eating foods high in fat or sugar.

How much weight can you lose in a month with Ozempic?

So, on average, with the recommended starting Ozempic dose of 0.25 mg, a 500 to 1000 calorie reduced diet, and exercise 3 times a week, you can expect to lose 3-5 pounds in the first month of treatment, which works out to about 3% of body weight for most overweight or obese individuals.

Can you take Ozempic forever for weight loss?

If you lose weight with new drugs, you likely will need to keep taking the medications forever to keep the weight off. People who stop taking Wegovy and Ozempic often gain weight back relatively quickly.

How do you know when you should stop taking Ozempic?

Stop using Ozempic® and call your health care provider right away if you have severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without vomiting. You may feel the pain from your abdomen to your back. changes in vision.

What are the long term side effects of Ozempic?

Other serious side effects of Ozempic include thyroid tumors, pancreatitis, changes in vision, hypoglycemia, gallbladder issues, kidney failure and cancer.

Why is Ozempic out of stock everywhere?

Information for pharmacists

At this stage there is adequate supply of Ozempic for these patients, but stock shortages may continue with increased demand due to off-label prescribing for use in the management of obesity.

Which is better Jardiance or Ozempic?

Jardiance has an average rating of 5.2 out of 10 from a total of 306 ratings on Drugs.com. 39% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 44% reported a negative effect. Ozempic has an average rating of 5.9 out of 10 from a total of 1001 ratings on Drugs.com.

How do I get Ozempic for $25 a month?

If you have private or commercial insurance, such as insurance you receive through an employer, you may be eligible to pay as little as $25 for a 1-, 2-, or 3-month prescription (maximum savings of $150 per 1-month prescription, $300 per 2-month prescription, or $450 per 3-month prescription).