GLP-1 medications & forms
Each profile covers how the medication works, available forms and brands, typical dosing, FDA status, and what the clinical evidence shows.
| Medication | Class | Form | FDA status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Once-weekly subcutaneous injection (Ozempic, Wegovy); once-daily oral tablet (Rybelsus); compounded injectable and sublingual forms | FDA-approved (Ozempic 2017, Rybelsus 2019, Wegovy 2021). Compounded and sublingual versions are not FDA-approved. |
| Tirzepatide | Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist | Once-weekly subcutaneous injection (pens or vials); compounded injectable and sublingual forms | FDA-approved (Mounjaro 2022 for type 2 diabetes, Zepbound 2023 for weight management). Compounded and sublingual versions are not FDA-approved. |
| Sublingual semaglutide | GLP-1 receptor agonist (compounded form) | Rapid-dissolve tablet (RDT) or drops held under the tongue, typically once weekly; some formulations add vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) | Not FDA-approved. Compounded formulation available by prescription from licensed compounding pharmacies. |
| Sublingual tirzepatide | Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist (compounded form) | Rapid-dissolve tablet (RDT) held under the tongue, typically once weekly | Not FDA-approved. Compounded formulation available by prescription from licensed compounding pharmacies. |
| Oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Once-daily swallowed tablet, taken fasting with a sip of water 30 minutes before food | FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (2019). Weight-management use is off-label at current doses; a higher-dose obesity version is under regulatory review. |
| Liraglutide | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Once-daily subcutaneous injection | FDA-approved (Victoza 2010, Saxenda 2014). Generic liraglutide became available in 2024, making it the first GLP-1 with a generic. |
| Retatrutide (investigational) | Triple GIP/GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist | Once-weekly subcutaneous injection (in trials) | Not FDA-approved. In phase 3 trials (TRIUMPH program); earliest plausible approval 2026–2027. |
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
Semaglutide
The most-prescribed GLP-1 for weight management. Produces roughly 15% average body-weight loss in trials and is the reference molecule against which newer options are measured.
- Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist
Tirzepatide
The most effective GLP-1-class medication currently approved, activating both GIP and GLP-1 receptors. Trial participants lost up to 21% of body weight — the highest of any approved option.
- GLP-1 receptor agonist (compounded form)
Sublingual semaglutide
A needle-free compounded form of semaglutide absorbed under the tongue. Popular with needle-averse patients; absorption differs from injections, so doses are not 1:1 and evidence is far thinner.
- Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist (compounded form)
Sublingual tirzepatide
A needle-free compounded form of the dual-incretin tirzepatide, absorbed under the tongue. The newest of the alternative forms — appealing for needle-averse patients, with the least published evidence.
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
Oral semaglutide (Rybelsus)
The only FDA-approved GLP-1 in pill form. A swallowed daily tablet approved for type 2 diabetes, with modest weight loss at current doses and a higher-dose obesity version on the way.
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
Liraglutide
The first-generation GLP-1 for weight loss — a daily injection with roughly 8% average weight loss. Now available as a lower-cost generic, it mainly matters today as a budget or adolescent option.
- Triple GIP/GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist
Retatrutide (investigational)
The most-watched pipeline molecule — a "triple agonist" that produced about 24% average weight loss in phase 2, the largest ever reported for a medication. Not yet available; beware of anyone selling it.