Brand vs. Generic GLP-1 Names: Which Medications Share the Same Active Ingredient
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One of the most common points of confusion in this category: several brand-name GLP-1 medications contain the exact same active ingredient, just marketed under different names for different approved uses. This reference table shows every active ingredient and every brand name built on it, in one place.
| Active Ingredient | Brand Name | Manufacturer | Approved Use(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | Ozempic | Novo Nordisk | Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular risk reduction, kidney disease progression |
| Semaglutide | Wegovy | Novo Nordisk | Chronic weight management, cardiovascular risk reduction, MASH |
| Semaglutide | Rybelsus (discontinued) | Novo Nordisk | Type 2 diabetes; replaced by the Ozempic tablet in May 2026 |
| Tirzepatide | Mounjaro | Eli Lilly | Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular risk reduction (HFpEF) |
| Tirzepatide | Zepbound | Eli Lilly | Chronic weight management, obstructive sleep apnea |
| Liraglutide | Victoza | Novo Nordisk | Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular risk reduction |
| Liraglutide | Saxenda | Novo Nordisk | Chronic weight management |
| Dulaglutide | Trulicity | Eli Lilly | Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular risk reduction |
| Exenatide | Byetta (discontinued) | AstraZeneca | Type 2 diabetes; generic exenatide remains available |
| Exenatide (extended-release) | Bydureon BCise (discontinued) | AstraZeneca | Type 2 diabetes; generic exenatide remains available |
| Lixisenatide | Adlyxin | Sanofi | Type 2 diabetes |
| Orforglipron | Foundayo | Eli Lilly | Chronic weight management |
| Retatrutide | Not yet approved | Eli Lilly | Investigational, obesity and type 2 diabetes trials |
| Cagrilintide (+ semaglutide as CagriSema) | Not yet approved | Novo Nordisk | Investigational, chronic weight management |
Why the Same Drug Gets Two Different Names
Manufacturers market the same active ingredient under separate brand names when it's approved for genuinely different indications, most commonly type 2 diabetes versus chronic weight management. This isn't a marketing trick, the dosing schedules, approved patient populations, and sometimes the maximum dose differ between the two brands, even though the core molecule is identical. Insurance coverage also frequently differs between the two brands of the same drug, since a plan might cover the diabetes-indicated brand while excluding the weight-management one.
What This Means Practically
If your insurance denies one brand, it's worth knowing whether the same active ingredient is available under a different, differently-indicated brand name, though your provider would need to determine whether that alternate indication genuinely applies to your situation, not just request it for cost reasons. It also explains why someone might see wildly different pricing or availability between two medications that are, chemically, the same drug.
References
- FDA prescribing information for each listed brand medication
- Individual medication guides linked throughout this table, each with full source citations
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DietApp.com combines evidence-based GLP-1 medication education with practical treatment tracking tools. This table is for general informational purposes and is not medical advice. Medication availability and approved uses change over time, always verify current details with your provider or the FDA directly.
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