When it comes to choosing a GLP-1 medication for weight loss, many patients are now weighing compounded liraglutide vs semaglutide and tirzepatide – not just in terms of effectiveness, but availability and affordability. With the FDA recently removing brand-name semaglutide and tirzepatide from the drug shortage list, compounded versions of these medications are no longer available for most patients. As a result, individuals who had relied on more affordable compounded options are now looking for alternatives that still deliver results without the high cost of brand-name drugs.
That’s where liraglutide comes in. While it may not receive as much attention as newer medications, this trusted GLP-1 agonist is still an effective option for weight loss. And in its compounded form, it may be a more accessible solution for patients looking to continue their weight loss journey with the help of a GLP-1 medication.
In this article, we’ll explore how liraglutide works, how it compares to semaglutide and tirzepatide, and why compounded liraglutide may be a viable option for those seeking a sustainable, affordable path forward.
Understanding Liraglutide
Liraglutide is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, short for glucagon-like peptide-1. Like semaglutide and tirzepatide, liraglutide helps regulate blood sugar, curb appetite, and support weight loss by mimicking the action of a natural hormone involved in glucose metabolism and satiety.
How Liraglutide Works
Liraglutide works by activating GLP-1 receptors in the body, which leads to a range of beneficial effects: it increases insulin secretion when blood sugar is high, reduces the amount of glucose released by the liver, and slows down gastric emptying to help you feel fuller longer. These mechanisms not only aid in managing type 2 diabetes, but also contribute to significant weight loss in many patients.
Originally approved by the FDA under the brand name Victoza® for type 2 diabetes, liraglutide was later approved in a higher dose as Saxenda® for chronic weight management. When used alongside a healthy diet and regular physical activity, liraglutide has been shown to help patients lose and maintain a healthy weight – especially when other weight loss methods have not been successful.
Liraglutide and Weight Loss
In clinical studies, patients taking liraglutide for weight management have experienced meaningful reductions in body weight. While results vary by individual, the average weight loss with Saxenda® is in the range of 5% to 10% of initial body weight over several months. For many, this level of weight loss can lead to noticeable improvements in energy, mobility, blood sugar control, and overall health.
Although liraglutide requires daily injections (unlike once-weekly semaglutide or tirzepatide) its long track record of safe and effective use makes it a practical option for patients exploring alternative GLP-1 treatments, especially when compounded forms are available at a more manageable cost.
Compounded Liraglutide: An Overview
As demand for GLP-1 medications has surged in recent years, compounded medications have offered an important alternative for patients who may not have access to, or cannot afford, brand-name drugs. Compounded liraglutide is prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies when a commercially available version is not a viable option—often due to cost, availability, or patient-specific needs.
What Is Compounded Liraglutide?
Compounded liraglutide refers to a version of the medication that is prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy, typically during periods when the brand-name drug is listed on the FDA’s drug shortage list. As of this writing, both Saxenda® and Victoza® are currently on this list. Under these circumstances, compounding provides a legal and necessary pathway to help patients maintain access to this medication when commercial supplies are limited or unavailable.
It’s important to understand that compounded medications are not reviewed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as commercially manufactured drugs are. However, compounding pharmacies must still follow strict guidelines set by state boards of pharmacy and adhere to USP (United States Pharmacopeia) standards for quality and safety.
Why Patients Choose Compounded Liraglutide
With compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide no longer widely available due to recent FDA decisions, compounded liraglutide is the only remaining option for most patients seeking an affordable GLP-1 alternative. For many, the appeal lies in three key areas:
- Cost savings: Compounded liraglutide can be significantly less expensive than brand-name Saxenda®, especially for patients paying out of pocket.
- Accessibility: Some patients who were previously taking compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide are now turning to compounded liraglutide to maintain continuity in their treatment.
- Efficacy and Safety: Liraglutide has been on the market longer than semaglutide and tirzepatide, with over a decade of clinical use for both diabetes management and weight loss. With a long-standing safety profile and proven results, both patients and providers can feel confident in liraglutide, especially when transitioning from another GLP-1 medication.
- Combination Therapies: For patients who have previously tried liraglutide or another GLP-1 without achieving their desired weight-loss results, combining compounded liraglutide with other medications can often enhance effectiveness. By approaching weight loss from multiple angles, whether adding an appetite suppressant or another metabolic agent, our providers can tailor a patient’s treatment to their evolving needs.
Liraglutide vs Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide
With several GLP-1 medications available, it’s natural to wonder how they compare, especially if you’re exploring alternatives due to changes in availability or cost. Let’s break down the differences between liraglutide vs semaglutide and liraglutide vs tirzepatide, so you can better understand how each medication works.
Liraglutide vs Semaglutide
Semaglutide (available under brand names like Ozempic® and Wegovy®) is widely known for its effects on blood sugar control and weight loss. It is the GLP-1 medication most people are familiar with, but liraglutide offers a well-established alternative. Liraglutide and semaglutide both mimic the GLP-1 hormone, but with some key differences:
- Weight Loss Efficacy: Both medications are effective for weight loss, but semaglutide has been shown in clinical trials to produce slightly greater average weight loss. Still, liraglutide and weight loss go hand in hand, with many patients achieving 5% to 10% reductions in body weight—an amount clinically proven to improve health outcomes like blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
- Dosing Frequency: Liraglutide is administered once daily via subcutaneous injection, while semaglutide is injected once weekly. For some patients, a weekly dose is more convenient and easier to maintain. However, others prefer daily dosing for its consistent routine and better control over managing side effects or missed doses.
- Side Effects: Both drugs share similar side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and decreased appetite. These effects are most common when beginning treatment and tend to subside over time. Some patients report that the more gradual titration of liraglutide makes it easier to tolerate compared to the more potent weekly dose of semaglutide.
- Cost and Availability: With compounded semaglutide no longer permitted due to its removal from the FDA drug shortage list, patients may find compounded liraglutide to be one of the most affordable and accessible GLP-1 options available. Brand-name Wegovy® can cost well over $1,000 per month out of pocket, while compounded liraglutide is often available at a fraction of the price.
Liraglutide vs Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide (available under the brand names Mounjaro® and Zepbound®) is a newer medication that acts on two receptors: GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). This dual mechanism enhances its weight loss effects. However, not all patients tolerate or require this more aggressive approach. For those seeking an effective, affordable, and well-tolerated option, consider the following differences:
- Weight Loss Efficacy: Tirzepatide has demonstrated slightly higher average weight loss in clinical trials, sometimes exceeding 15% of body weight. However, not every patient needs or tolerates such a rapid or aggressive approach. Liraglutide offers steady, sustainable weight loss, and its effects can be comparable when paired with lifestyle coaching and medical oversight.
- Dosing Frequency: Tirzepatide is administered once weekly, while liraglutide requires daily injections. While some patients prefer the convenience of a weekly shot, others benefit from the routine of daily use, especially when it reinforces consistent lifestyle choices.
- Side Effects: Liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide all share many of the same side effects commonly seen with GLP-1 medications. However, the more powerful dual mechanism and weekly dosing of tirzepatide may lead to stronger gastrointestinal symptoms compared to the single-mechanism daily dosing of liraglutide. As always, patient tolerance varies, and starting with a medication that has a longer track record, like liraglutide, can offer a more predictable experience, especially for those new to GLP-1 therapy.
- Cost and Availability: As with semaglutide, compounded tirzepatide has been restricted now that it’s off the FDA shortage list. This has made compounded tirzepatide unavailable in most cases, and the out-of-pocket cost for brand-name options can be prohibitively expensive. For many patients, this makes compounded liraglutide the only remaining choice for a cost-effective GLP-1 treatment.
Why Liraglutide May Be the Right Choice Now
If you were previously prescribed compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide, you’re not alone in feeling uncertain about what comes next. For many patients, the recent FDA decision to remove these brand-name medications from the drug shortage list has meant losing access to compounded versions that were more affordable and attainable. Now, with compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide largely unavailable, compounded liraglutide has emerged as one of the most accessible GLP-1 options.
- A Cost-Effective Option: One of the most compelling reasons to consider liraglutide is cost. Brand-name Saxenda®, which contains liraglutide, is often prohibitively expensive for those without insurance coverage. However, compounded liraglutide can provide a significantly lower-cost option – one that allows patients to continue benefiting from GLP-1 therapy without the financial burden. If you’ve been priced out of brand-name medications, compounded liraglutide may offer a sustainable solution.
- Proven and Well-Studied: Liraglutide isn’t a new or experimental drug. It’s been on the market for over 15 years, with extensive research supporting its safety and effectiveness for both diabetes management and weight loss. While newer drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide may promise greater weight loss for some, liraglutide offers a tried-and-true approach that has helped many patients reach and maintain a healthier weight.
- Personalized, Ongoing Support: At OVYVO, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to weight loss. We work closely with each patient to determine the most appropriate treatment, taking into account your goals, medical history, tolerance, and affordability. If liraglutide is the right fit, we’ll provide guidance on proper use, monitor your progress, and help you stay accountable along the way.
Final Thoughts
If you’re feeling discouraged by recent changes in access to compounded GLP-1 medications, you’re not alone. But you’re also not out of options. While semaglutide and tirzepatide may no longer be available in compounded form, compounded liraglutide is a trusted and effective alternative – especially for patients seeking a balance between results and affordability.
Whether you’re just beginning your weight loss journey or adapting your plan after losing access to previous medications, liraglutide could be the answer you’re looking for. It may not be the newest treatment on the market, but its proven track record, clinical benefits, and availability in compounded form make it a smart choice for many patients today.
At OVYVO, we’re here to help you evaluate your options, understand how each treatment works, and find the best path forward based on your needs and goals. If you’re curious about whether compounded liraglutide could be right for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our team.
Let’s find a solution that works – for your body, your goals, and your budget…
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making any changes to your diet or exercise program.
Disclaimer: Compounded medications are prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy for individual patients based on a valid prescription. These preparations are tailored to meet the unique needs of patients when commercially available medications do not suit their specific requirements or when there is a shortage of commercially available drugs. OVYVO Medical Weight Loss distributes compounded medications in accordance with state and federal regulations. Details about the pharmacy and the compounding process are available upon request. It is important to note that compounded medications are not reviewed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety or efficacy, and we make no claims regarding their safety or effectiveness for any particular condition. The safety and quality of compounded medications are regulated by state boards of pharmacy and other relevant authorities.