GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
Diabetes and weight loss medications that mimic incretin hormones.
Mechanism of Action
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists work by mimicking a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1). When you eat, GLP-1 is released and tells your pancreas to make more insulin, which helps lower blood sugar. These medications also slow down how quickly food leaves your stomach, making you feel fuller longer. Additionally, they can reduce the amount of sugar your liver makes. This combination of effects helps control blood sugar levels, promotes weight loss, and can protect the heart.
Clinical Uses
This class of medications is primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes, helping to improve blood sugar control. Many of these drugs are also approved for weight management in adults who are overweight or obese, even without diabetes. They can be prescribed alone or with other diabetes medicines. Some GLP-1 Receptor Agonists have also been shown to reduce the risk of heart problems like heart attack and stroke in people with type 2 diabetes and existing heart disease.
Side Effects & Safety
The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, especially when first starting the medication or increasing the dose. Some people might also experience abdominal pain or indigestion. Rarely, more serious side effects can occur, such as pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), gallbladder problems, or kidney issues. A boxed warning exists for some medications in this class about a potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma, seen in animal studies, so they should not be used if you or your family have a history of this type of thyroid cancer.
Conditions Treated
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists medications are used to treat the following conditions:
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Medications (6)
Dulaglutide
Brand: Trulicity
Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a medication in a class called GLP-1 receptor agonists. It is used alongside diet and exercise to help adults and children aged 10 and older with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. Additionally, for adults with type 2 diabetes who have heart disease or risk factors, Trulicity can help lower their risk of serious heart problems like heart attack or stroke.
$900–$1,200/month/month
Exenatide
Brand: Exenatide
Exenatide (brand name: Exenatide) is a medication in the GLP-1 receptor agonist class, used to help adults with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. It works by mimicking a natural hormone in your body that helps release insulin when your blood sugar is high, thereby improving glycemic control when used with diet and exercise.
$600–$1,000/month/month
Liraglutide
Brand: Victoza
Liraglutide (Victoza) is a type of medicine that mimics a natural hormone in your body. It is prescribed to help adults and children aged 10 and older with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels, and it can also lower the risk of serious heart problems like heart attack or stroke in adults with type 2 diabetes and existing heart disease. It works by helping your body release insulin when needed and reducing the amount of sugar your liver makes.
$900–$1,200/month/month
Semaglutide
Brand: Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus
Semaglutide is a once-weekly (or once-daily oral) GLP-1 receptor agonist that lowers blood sugar and reduces body weight by mimicking the natural gut hormone GLP-1. It is sold under three brand names — Ozempic (injectable, type 2 diabetes), Wegovy (injectable, weight management), and Rybelsus (oral tablet, type 2 diabetes) — all manufactured by Novo Nordisk. Clinical trials show it reduces HbA1c by up to 2.0 percentage points and body weight by up to 15% at the highest injectable dose.
$935–$1,349/month/month
Semaglutide
Brand: Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy
Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes, weight management, and cardiovascular risk reduction. See the full semaglutide monograph for complete prescribing information.
$900–$1,200/month/month
Tirzepatide
Brand: Mounjaro, Mounjaro KwikPen, Zepbound
Tirzepatide is a once-weekly injectable prescription medication that activates both the GIP and GLP-1 hormone receptors — making it the first dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist approved by the FDA. It is sold as Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes and as Zepbound for chronic weight management and obstructive sleep apnea. Clinical trials show it reduces HbA1c by up to 2.58 percentage points and body weight by up to 20.9% at the highest dose.
$299–$1,112/month/month
Compare GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Prices
See typical monthly costs, generic availability, and savings options for all 6 GLP-1 Receptor Agonists medications side-by-side.
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Medical Disclaimer
The information on RxGuide is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.