Which GLP-1 Medication Is Right for You? Here’s How Providers Decide

This article is part of a Q&A series in which a healthcare professional answers your frequently asked questions.

We asked Tama Porter, M.D., an endocrinologist at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, to share her insight into how doctors decide which GLP-1 medication is right for each unique person.

There are several different types and brands of GLP-1s. What are the main differences between the various types?

Dr. Porter: There are a few main differences between GLP-1 medications:

• What they’re for: Each type of GLP-1 is approved for either type 2 diabetes or obesity, so the right one largely depends on your diagnosis. Some GLP-1s reduce cardiovascular risks, and one has an indication for sleep apnea in people with obesity.
• Frequency of dosing: Some are to be taken daily. Others are taken weekly.
• How they're administered: There are both oral and injectable forms.
• Single or dual treatment: Some of these medications include only GLP-1. Others are GLP-1/GIP combo medications. GIP is an additional hormone that helps boost insulin product and helps with fat metabolism.

Are certain GLP-1 medications considered more effective than others?

Yes, some are generally more effective than others based on their trial data, but each person can respond differently to each medication. There are no predictors for which medication someone will respond to most effectively.

Are certain GLP-1 medications less likely to cause side effects than others?

Generally, oral GLP-1 medications are less likely to cause side effects than injectables.

[At the time of this article’s publishing, oral GLP-1s are only FDA approved for type 2 diabetes.]

What factors will a healthcare provider consider when choosing which GLP-1 medication to prescribe?

Choice of GLP-1 medication will depend on the person’s:

• Diagnosis
• Need or preference for oral vs. injectable administration (for people with type 2 diabetes)
• Insurance coverage
• Past history of GLP-1 use
• Kidney function
• Presence of cardiovascular disease

Cost may also be a consideration.

If someone is having trouble with their GLP-1 medication and wonders if they should switch to another, what should they do?

Discuss any concerns you have with your provider. New indications for FDA approval for different GLP-1s have come out recently and so there may be another option for you to try.