A plain-English reference to the names people search for: semaglutide, tirzepatide, Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound, Foundayo and more. A brand name and an active ingredient are not the same thing.
Quick reference: ingredients and brand names
| Active ingredient | Common U.S. brand names | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus | One active ingredient can appear under different brands with different approved uses, formulations and labeling. |
| Tirzepatide | Zepbound, Mounjaro | Acts at both GIP and GLP-1 receptors. The brands have different labeled uses. |
| Liraglutide | Saxenda, Victoza | An earlier GLP-1 medicine with different brands and indications. |
| Dulaglutide | Trulicity | A GLP-1 receptor agonist used in type 2 diabetes care. |
| Exenatide | Byetta, Bydureon BCise | An earlier GLP-1 medicine; formulation and labeled use matter. |
| Orforglipron | Foundayo | An oral GLP-1 receptor agonist approved by the FDA for eligible adults with obesity or overweight in April 2026. |
| Retatrutide | No FDA-approved brand | Investigational triple-receptor agonist, not an approved consumer medication as of this page’s update. |
Why can different brands contain the same ingredient?
Brands are marketed and approved for specific indications, formulations and patient populations. For example, Wegovy and Ozempic contain semaglutide but are not interchangeable names for identical prescribing instructions. Zepbound and Mounjaro both contain tirzepatide, yet their labeled indications differ. The name on a search result alone does not tell you whether a drug is appropriate for a particular person.
Are all these drugs “GLP-1s”?
People use “GLP-1” as a conversational umbrella term. Scientifically, the mechanisms differ. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Tirzepatide targets GIP and GLP-1 receptors. Retatrutide is being studied as a triple agonist targeting GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon receptors. “GLP-3” is an informal nickname, not an official scientific category. For a detailed breakdown, read our semaglutide vs tirzepatide comparison.
Which names are related to weight management?
In the United States, some products have FDA-labeled uses involving chronic weight management, while others are labeled for type 2 diabetes or other indications. A medication’s approval may expand over time. Use current FDA-approved labeling rather than influencer charts, copied dosing schedules or forum guesses.
What about compounds, online “research” labels and look-alike products?
FDA-approved medicines and compounded medicines are not equivalent categories. Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved, and the FDA warns about unapproved GLP-1 products sold online. Retatrutide is not FDA-approved and cannot legally be used in compounding under federal law. Do not assume a web listing is safe because it uses a familiar chemical name. See our retatrutide research and approval guide.
Questions worth asking when you encounter a brand name
- What is the active ingredient and exact formulation?
- Which indication is described in its current U.S. label?
- Is it an FDA-approved medicine, a compounded product or an investigational compound?
- Who is the licensed prescriber and dispensing pharmacy, if applicable?
- Which side effects, contraindications and interactions should be reviewed with a clinician?
- What is covered by insurance or a patient’s pharmacy benefit? Read the cost and insurance guide.
Explore related GLP-1 questions
New to the topic? Read Ozempic vs Mounjaro and the beginner’s guide. Want to compare experiences without mistaking anecdotes for evidence? Visit our medications and research forum.
Continue exploring: All GLP-1 guides · Beginner’s guide · Community discussions · Ask a question
Editorial note: Updated October 24, 2026. Information is for general education, not individualized medical advice. Medication approvals and labeling can change; check current FDA labeling and consult a qualified clinician.