When exploring GLP-1 medications for weight management, patients may compare compounded liraglutide* vs semaglutide and tirzepatide — especially as availability and affordability of GPL-1s continue to change. With the FDA recently removing brand-name semaglutide and tirzepatide from the drug-shortage list, compounded versions of those medications are no longer available for many patients. As a result, individuals who had relied on compounded options are now looking for medically supervised alternatives that remain accessible and affordable.
That’s where liraglutide may come in. While it may not be as new as other GLP-1 medications, this long-standing treatment has a well-established safety record when prescribed in its FDA-approved forms (Saxenda® and Victoza®). In certain cases where those products are unavailable or unsuitable, a provider may consider a compounded formulation prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy.
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 suitable treatment.
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. Similar to FDA-approved semaglutide and tirzepatide, FDA-approved liraglutide has been shown to help 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, FDA-approved 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 FDA-approved 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.
Compounded Liraglutide: What to Know
Compounded liraglutide is prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies for individual patients, typically when FDA-approved, commercially available versions are unavailable or unsuitable. As of this writing, brand-name Saxenda® and Victoza® are listed on the FDA drug-shortage list, which allows certain pharmacies to compound liraglutide in accordance with federal and state regulations. (See additional details below.)
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. Compounded medications are not intended to replace or be considered equivalents to FDA-approved products. However, they may provide a temporary or individualized option under physician supervision when brand medications cannot be obtained. 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.
Comparing 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 suitability. Let’s break down the differences between liraglutide vs semaglutide and liraglutide vs tirzepatide, so you can better understand how each medication works.
Please note: Clinical studies referenced in this article apply only to FDA-approved liraglutide (Saxenda®/Victoza®), semaglutide (Wegovy®/Ozempic®), and tirzepatide (Zepbound®/Mounjaro®). Compounded versions have not been reviewed or approved by the FDA for safety or effectiveness and are not considered equivalents to FDA-approved medications.
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 attainable. Now, with compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide less accessible, and with FDA-approved Saxenda® and Victoza® on the FDA’s shortage list, compounded liraglutide has emerged as one of the most accessible GLP-1 options.
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 widely available in compounded form, compounded liraglutide* is a noteworthy alternative.
At OVYVO, our physicians help patients understand all their options — including FDA-approved and, when appropriate, compounded medications. Your provider will review your medical history, discuss potential benefits and limitations of each approach, and guide you in a safe, supervised treatment plan that fits your goals, health, and budget.
Let’s find a solution that works – for your body, your goals, and your budget…