GLP-1 medications have become some of the most popular drugs for both diabetes management and weight loss. But each GLP-1 drug works differently, carries its own risks, and may have unique side effects. Whether you’re comparing these medications for personal use or researching safety concerns, this guide offers a clear and unbiased comparison.
This page covers how each drug works, effectiveness, dosage differences, side effects, safety warnings, and risks linked to severe complications like gastroparesis, pancreatitis, and kidney failure.
Overview Table: Compare GLP-1 Drugs at a Glance
| Drug | Active Ingredient | FDA Approved For | Weight Loss Effectiveness | Most Common Side Effects | Notable Severe Risks |
| Ozempic | Semaglutide | Type 2 diabetes | Moderate-high | Nausea, vomiting, constipation | Gastroparesis, pancreatitis, kidney injury |
| Wegovy | Semaglutide (higher dose) | Chronic weight management | Very high | GI distress, fatigue | Gallbladder issues, severe dehydration |
| Mounjaro | Tirzepatide | Type 2 diabetes (weight loss pending approval in some regions) | Highest | Nausea, diarrhea | GI paralysis, pancreatitis |
| Rybelsus | Oral semaglutide | Type 2 diabetes | Moderate | Nausea, stomach pain | Severe GI issues, dehydration |
Mechanism of Action: How These Drugs Work
Ozempic & Wegovy (Semaglutide)
- mimic GLP-1 hormone
- slow digestion
- regulate blood sugar
- reduce appetite
Wegovy uses a higher dose specifically for weight loss.
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)
- activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors
- increases insulin sensitivity
- suppresses appetite strongly
- often causes faster weight loss, but also more GI effects
Rybelsus (Oral Semaglutide)
- same ingredient as Ozempic
- absorbed orally with specialized technology
Effectiveness Comparison
Weight Loss Effectiveness (Average)
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide): Highest
Up to 20–22% average loss in trials - Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg): Very high
15% average loss - Ozempic (semaglutide up to 2.0 mg): High
10–14% average loss - Rybelsus (oral): Moderate
~6–8% average loss
Blood Sugar Control
Best to moderate effectiveness:
- Mounjaro
- Ozempic
- Rybelsus
Wegovy is not approved for diabetes.
Dosage Differences
| Drug | Format | Dosing Frequency | Typical Dose Range |
| Ozempic | Injection | Weekly | 0.25 mg → 2.0 mg |
| Wegovy | Injection | Weekly | 0.25 mg → 2.4 mg |
| Mounjaro | Injection | Weekly | 2.5 mg → 15 mg |
| Rybelsus | Oral tablet | Daily | 7 mg → 14 mg |
Common Side Effects (Across All GLP-1 Drugs)
All GLP-1 drugs commonly cause:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- constipation
- reduced appetite
- stomach pain
- bloating
- indigestion
- dehydration
- fatigue
Severe Side Effects: Which Drug Has the Highest Risk?
- Gastroparesis (Stomach Paralysis)
Most associated with:
- Ozempic
- Wegovy
- Mounjaro (risk emerging)
- Pancreatitis
Reported across all GLP-1 drugs but especially:
- Ozempic
- Mounjaro
➡️ Pancreatitis
- Kidney Injury & Failure
Most often linked to:
- Ozempic
- Wegovy
Usually triggered by severe dehydration or vomiting.
- Intestinal Obstruction
Possible when severe GI slowing becomes extreme.
- Gallbladder Disease
Most associated with rapid weight loss from:
- Wegovy
- Mounjaro
Black Box Warning (ALL GLP-1 Drugs)
All semaglutide and tirzepatide drugs carry a Black Box Warning for:
- thyroid C-cell tumors
- Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC)
Which GLP-1 Drug Is “Best”?
It depends on user goals and risk tolerance.
For weight loss:
Mounjaro → Wegovy → Ozempic → Rybelsus
For diabetes control:
Mounjaro → Ozempic → Rybelsus
For easiest use:
Ozempic and Mounjaro (once weekly)
Rybelsus is convenient but harder on the stomach.
For lowest GI side effects:
None — all GLP-1 drugs have significant GI impacts.
Who Should Avoid Certain GLP-1 Drugs?
Avoid ALL GLP-1 drugs if you have:
- personal/family history of MTC
- MEN-2 syndrome
- severe GI motility disorders
- chronic pancreatitis
- severe kidney disease
- active gallbladder disease
Lawsuit & Legal Information
Many patients taking Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have reported:
- gastroparesis
- intestinal obstruction
- pancreatitis
- kidney failure
- gallbladder removal
- severe dehydration
These injuries may qualify for compensation.
You may have a case if you:
- suffered a severe GLP-1 injury
- were hospitalized
- developed long-term complications
- were not properly warned
- missed work or income
➡️ Check eligibility:
👉 GLP-1 Drug Lawsuits
👉 Ozempic Lawsuit
Related Information
- GLP-1 Drug Overview
- Common Side Effects
- Severe Side Effects
- Long-Term Risks
- Black Box Warnings
- Ozempic
- Wegovy
- Mounjaro
GLP-1 drugs vary in effectiveness, dosing, and side effect profiles. While many users see substantial benefits, others experience significant — and sometimes severe — complications. Understanding the differences between these medications is essential for making informed health decisions and recognizing early warning signs of serious adverse effects.