If GLP medication names feel confusing, that is because they are.
People hear:
- Ozempic
- Wegovy
- Mounjaro
- Zepbound
- Rybelsus
- Saxenda
- Victoza
- retatrutide
Then they try to figure out which names are drugs, which names are brands, and which ones are basically the same thing.
This guide clears that up.
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The Simple Rule
The drug name is not always the same as the brand name.
That is the whole game. One drug can have multiple brand names, and each brand may be approved for a different use (like diabetes vs weight loss) or come in a different form (like injection vs pill).
Semaglutide
Drug name: semaglutide
Brand names:
- Ozempic
- Wegovy
- Rybelsus
Quick version: Semaglutide is one of the best-known GLP-1 drugs. Ozempic and Wegovy are the names most people hear first. Rybelsus is the tablet version people often forget belongs in the same family.
All three contain the same active drug, but they have different FDA approvals and dose strengths. Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is approved for weight management. Rybelsus is a daily pill approved for type 2 diabetes.
Read more: Semaglutide Guide: Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus Explained
Tirzepatide
Drug name: tirzepatide
Brand names:
- Mounjaro
- Zepbound
Quick version: Tirzepatide is the drug behind Mounjaro and Zepbound. It works on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, which is why it tends to produce more weight loss than semaglutide in head-to-head trials.
Mounjaro is approved for type 2 diabetes. Zepbound is approved for weight management.
Read more: Tirzepatide Guide: Mounjaro and Zepbound Explained
Retatrutide
Drug name: retatrutide
Brand names:
- none approved yet
Quick version: Retatrutide is one of the most talked-about investigational drugs in this category. It targets three hormone receptors (GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon), which could make it even more effective than current options. But it does not have an approved retail brand name yet.
Read more: Retatrutide Guide: What It Is, How It Works, and Why People Are Watching It
Liraglutide
Drug name: liraglutide
Brand names:
- Saxenda
- Victoza
Quick version: Liraglutide is an older but still important GLP-1 medication. It requires a daily injection instead of weekly. It does not get as much online attention as semaglutide or tirzepatide now, but it still matters when you are trying to understand the full drug family.
Saxenda is approved for weight management. Victoza is approved for type 2 diabetes.
Read more: Liraglutide Guide: Saxenda and Victoza Explained
Other GLP-related Names You May Run Into
These matter less for most readers right now, but they are part of the bigger picture.
Dulaglutide
- Brand name: Trulicity
Exenatide
- Brand names: Byetta, Bydureon
Lixisenatide
- Brand name: Adlyxin
Why This Gets Confusing Fast
Because people often use the most famous brand name as shorthand for the whole category.
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That is why you hear people say:
- "Ozempic" when they really mean semaglutide
- "GLP-1" when they really mean semaglutide or tirzepatide
- "weight-loss shot" when they do not actually know which drug they mean
The Family-Tree Version
If you want the clean mental model, use this:
Semaglutide family
- Ozempic (diabetes)
- Wegovy (weight loss)
- Rybelsus (diabetes, daily pill)
Tirzepatide family
- Mounjaro (diabetes)
- Zepbound (weight loss)
Liraglutide family
- Saxenda (weight loss)
- Victoza (diabetes)
Retatrutide
- no approved brand name yet
Common Side Effects Across GLP-1 Medications
All GLP-1 medications share similar side effects because they work on the same digestive pathways. The most common include:
- Nausea — the most frequently reported side effect
- Sulfur burps — rotten-egg burps from slowed digestion
- Constipation — slowed GI motility
- Diarrhea — especially in the first weeks
- Headache and fatigue
Side effects are usually worst when starting or after a dose increase. For guidance on managing the ramp-up period, see GLP-1 Dosage Guide for Beginners.
Bottom Line
If you remember nothing else, remember this:
- Semaglutide = Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus
- Tirzepatide = Mounjaro, Zepbound
- Liraglutide = Saxenda, Victoza
- Retatrutide = no approved brand name yet
That one map will clear up a lot of confusion.
Work with your healthcare provider to determine which medication is right for you. Individual results and experiences vary.
