GLP-1 Medications Compared: Benefits and Differences

By: Noah W Chung | PharmD

GLP-1 medications have rapidly become some of the most influential treatments for Type 2 diabetes and weight loss. As more people look into these prescriptions, there is growing curiosity about how the medications compare, which ones work best, and how much they cost. Since most GLP-1 drugs are expensive, people often look for savings resources. SaveHealth.com can help individuals compare local pharmacy prices and reduce the cost of GLP-1 prescriptions, which can be especially helpful when options like Ozempic or Trulicity become costly or difficult to find.

This guide breaks down the most commonly used GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic and Trulicity, to help you understand their differences, benefits, and what to consider before starting a prescription.

How GLP-1 Medications Work

GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone which helps signal the body to release more insulin when blood sugar is high. This will slow the stomach to empty which acts on the brain to reduce appetite and increase fullness. This hormone plays a key role in regulating appetite, digestion, and insulin response. As a result, GLP-1 medications can improve blood sugar control and encourage weight loss.

Key effects of GLP-1 medications

• Encourage insulin release when blood sugar rises

• Slow stomach emptying to improve digestion and increase fullness

• Reduce appetite

• Lower post meal glucose spikes

• Support sustainable weight loss efforts

Because many GLP-1 drugs come with high monthly costs, people often check SaveHealth.com to get a sense of price ranges before deciding which option to pursue.

Most Common GLP-1 Medications

Below is a comparison of today’s most prescribed GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic and Trulicity, both widely used for Type 2 diabetes and increasingly discussed for weight support.

GLP-1 Medications

Patients choosing between these medications often look at factors such as cost, insurance coverage, dosing preference, and weight loss expectations. Because prices vary between pharmacies, many patients review options on SaveHealth.com before asking their provider for a specific prescription.

Ozempic GLP-1 Overview

Ozempic contains semaglutide and is one of the most well-known GLP-1 medications. It is FDA approved for Type 2 diabetes but is sometimes prescribed off label for weight loss.

Benefits

• Significant A1C reduction

• Reliable weekly dosing

• Strong weight loss results in many patients

• Heart health benefits for individuals with cardiovascular risk

Considerations

• High demand can affect availability

• Insurance may not cover it if prescribed for weight loss

• Side effects may occur when increasing the dose

Since Ozempic has become so popular, cost can fluctuate widely between pharmacies. Many users turn to SaveHealth.com to compare prices, get an Ozempic discount and locate lower cost pharmacies in their area.

Trulicity GLP-1 Overview

Trulicity, or dulaglutide, is another widely used GLP-1 medication for diabetes management. It is known for being very user friendly because of its single use weekly pen.

Benefits

• Simple dosing

• Mild titration schedule

• Good for long term glucose management

• Suitable for patients who prefer minimal dose changes

Considerations

• Not approved for weight loss

• Weight reduction is typically more modest than semaglutide or tirzepatide

• May cause nausea during dose increases

As with Ozempic, some pharmacies charge more than others for Trulicity. SaveHealth.com has Trulicity coupons and other discounts on GLP-1 prescriptions. to identify cost effective options.

GLP-1 Medications for Weight Loss

Several GLP-1 drugs have specific FDA approval for weight loss. Even those that are not specifically approved for weight loss, have shown significant effects even when the main concern is targeting diabetes.

Wegovy: Wegovy is the weight loss formulation of semaglutide. Studies show that many users achieve significant weight reduction. Its once weekly injections make it convenient.

Zepbound: Zepbound uses tirzepatide, which works on two hormone receptors instead of one. This may help with faster or greater weight loss compared to semaglutide for some individuals.

Saxenda: Saxenda contains liraglutide and is a daily injection. While effective, many users may find daily dosing to be less convenient than weekly GLP-1 medications.

Since cost is a major factor for weight loss specific medications, many patients research prices early. SaveHealth.com offers coupons and discounts on GLP-1 prescriptions.

GLP-1 Side Effects and Safety

GLP-1 medications share similar side effects. Many of these improve as the body adjusts to treatment.

Common side effects

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Fatigue

• Decreased appetite

• Gas / burping

• Abdominal cramping

Less common but more serious side effects

• Gallbladder issues

• Pancreatitis

• Severe digestive discomfort

• Kidney concerns in dehydrated individuals

Providers often start patients on low doses to improve tolerability. When reviewing dosage options, many people check SaveHealth.com to understand how pricing may vary between dose strengths.

GLP-1 Cost and Insurance Factors

GLP-1 medications can be costly, especially when used for weight loss. Insurance policies differ widely in how they cover these drugs.

Factors that influence cost

• Whether the medication is prescribed for diabetes or weight loss

• Brand availability

• Pharmacy location

• Dose and frequency

• General supply and demand

Some insurers require patients to try older diabetes medications first. Because of this, prescription discount websites such as SaveHealth.com can be instrumental in helping people plan ahead.

Choosing a GLP-1 Medication

The best GLP-1 option depends on your health conditions, goals, dose preferences, and what your insurance will cover.

Best choices depending on priorities

• Significant weight loss: Semaglutide or tirzepatide

• Simple weekly dosing: Trulicity , Ozempic, or Mounjaro

• Daily pill instead of injections: Rybelsus

• Long track record of use: Liraglutide options such as Victoza or Saxenda

Because monthly costs can vary hundreds of dollars, many people compare prices on SaveHealth.com before committing to a prescription.

How to Get a GLP-1 Prescription

GLP-1 prescriptions can be obtained through a provider visit, telehealth service, or weight management clinic.

What the process typically includes

• Review of your medical history

• Discussion of goals such as weight loss or glucose control

• Evaluation for risk factors

• Selection of the most appropriate medication

• Cost planning and pharmacy selection

Using SaveHealth.com during this process can help identify lower cost pharmacies before the prescription is sent.

GLP-1 Prescriptions

GLP-1 medications continue to reshape diabetes and weight management treatment. Whether you are comparing options like Ozempic, Trulicity, Wegovy, or Zepbound, understanding how they differ can help you make a confident decision. Since cost is a major barrier for many people, checking price comparison tools such as SaveHealth.com can make GLP-1 therapy more accessible and help you stay consistent with your treatment plan.

References

• Cleveland Clinic. GLP-1 Agonists Overview. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/13901-glp-1-agonists

• United States Food and Drug Administration. Concerns About Unapproved GLP-1 Drugs. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/fdas-concerns-unapproved-glp-1-drugs-used-weight-loss

• Intermountain Healthcare. Guide to GLP-1 Medications for Weight Loss. https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/your-friendly-guide-to-glp-1-weight-loss-what-works-what-doesnt-and-whats-next

• Capital Blue Cross. What to Know About GLP-1 Drugs for Weight Loss. https://www.capbluecross.com/wps/portal/cap/home/explore/resource/capital-journal/five-things-you-should-know-about-glp-1-drugs-for-weight-loss