Can I switch to a new GLP-1?

Key takeaways

• Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) are medications that help manage blood sugar and support weight loss. Switching to a different GLP-1 may help if you’re experiencing unwanted side effects, not seeing desired results, or facing cost or supply issues.
• To switch GLP-1s, you’ll need to work with a healthcare professional who will determine the right timing and dosing. You’ll typically wait around 7 days after your last dose for the medication to leave your system before starting the new one.
• Oral GLP-1s like Wegovy pills can provide similar outcomes to injectable versions for weight loss and blood sugar management. They may be more accessible and easier to use because they don’t require needles.

Overview

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) are a group of medications that are effective for managing blood sugar and helping with weight loss. There are several different GLP-1s, including:

• Wegovy pill or injection
• Foundayo pill
• Zepbound injection
• Ozempic pill or injection

Everyone responds slightly differently to medications, so which GLP-1 is right for you may vary. It is possible to switch to a new GLP-1 if one isn’t working for you. Let’s take a look at how this process works.

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Why would I switch GLP-1s?

There are several reasons why you might wish to switch to a different GLP-1, including:

• desiring improved results
• experiencing unwanted side effects, which is the most common reason for stopping GLP-1s
• exploring different benefits of another GLP-1
• high costs, another very common reason for stopping
• insurance coverage changes
• supply shortages

If any of these reasons apply to you, you should feel empowered to discuss switching with your doctor. In fact, research suggests that taking a patient’s treatment preferences into account can lead to better medication adherence and overall outcomes.

Medical perspective

Can switching to a new GLP-1 help with negative side effects?

“Yes, it is possible that switching GLP-1 medications can help reduce negative side effects, as your body may tolerate one GLP-1 better than another. Consult your doctor on which GLP-1 may be best for you.”

— Philip Ngo, PharmD

Note: Quotes represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Learn more about the side effects of GLP-1s.

How to switch to a new GLP-1

You should only switch to a different GLP-1, like from Zepbound to Wegovy, with the supervision of a healthcare professional, who will decide the best timing and dosing schedule. The doctor may discuss the benefits and drawbacks of available GLP-1s with you to help you pick a new one.

Before switching, you will need to wait until the old medication leaves your system. This is usually around 7 days, although it may be longer if you were on a high dose. This is known as the washout period. Then a doctor will use the recommended starting dose of the new medication.

Once you restart on the new GLP-1, you might experience the side effects associated with the beginning of GLP-1 treatment, such as nausea and vomiting. These should go away with time.

Switching from an injectable to an oral GLP-1

Oral GLP-1s are newer versions of these medications, and they’re increasing in popularity.

In fact, oral semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) can provide similar outcomes to those of its injectable versions in both weight loss and blood sugar management for diabetes.

Oral GLP-1s also tend to be easier and less intimidating to use because you don’t need to use a needle, and they may make GLP-1 treatment more accessible for people who need it.

Similarly to switching between injectable GLP-1s, you will still need to wait until the old medication leaves your system before starting the new one.

Example switch

Here’s an example of if you’re switching from injectable Zepbound to oral Wegovy. The doctor will give you a prescription for Wegovy pills, which you should make sure to fill before you run out of Zepbound. Then, you should take your last Zepbound injection as scheduled.

Next, you should wait 7 days to ensure the Zepbound has left your system. Then you can start taking your Wegovy pills. You may be starting at a higher dose than the recommended minimum because your body is already used to a higher dose.

If weight loss stalls after the switch, it may be because your body isn’t absorbing the oral dose efficiently, so you may discuss a dose escalation with your provider after 30 days.

Transition checklist

Online care for GLP-1s

If a doctor has prescribed a GLP-1, it’s important to take the medication as directed for as long as your doctor recommends. However, some people might face barriers to accessing GLP-1s, including high costs and access to healthcare appointments.

With Optum Perks Online Care, you can request a new weight loss prescription, get a refill, or get help with an existing prescription. There’s no monthly membership needed — all you’ll pay is $39 for the appointment plus the cost of the medication.

With this service, you can submit an online form answering a few questions about your condition, and a licensed healthcare professional will respond soon after, without the need to make an in-person appointment.

Next steps

If you’re taking a GLP-1 but it isn’t right for you, whether because of side effects or because it isn’t working as well as intended, it is possible to switch. Here are the next steps to follow:

• Research other GLP-1s that you think might work for you.
• Reach out to a healthcare professional for advice. They might suggest a GLP-1 they think would be best to try.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions for starting a new GLP-1.
• Keep track of your side effects and results with the medication. Remember it may take some time to see results.

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