GLP-1 comparison: India brands, uses and costs side by side

Dr Nisha Dahiya
Medically reviewed by Dr Nisha Dahiya · Written by PharmEasy Medical Team · Published on 21 August 2026 | Updated on 21 August 2026

Five major GLP-1 medicines are available in India. These include Mounjaro and Yurpeak (tirzepatide), and Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus (semaglutide), alongside a growing number of generic semaglutide brands.

These medicines differ in their active ingredient, approved indications, dosage form, dosing schedule, and price. It is also important to understand that there is no single 'best' GLP-1 medicine. The right choice of medicine between these options depends on your medical condition, treatment goals, and your doctor's recommendation.1,2,5,6

This page compares the GLP-1 medicines currently available in India, helping you understand what each medicine is, what it is approved for, how it is taken, and its approximate price.1,5,6 It is intended for educational purposes and does not recommend one medicine over another. For more detailed information, see the individual medicine guides and head-to-head comparisons linked throughout this page.

Prescription required: All GLP-1 medicines listed on this page require a valid doctor's prescription and cannot be purchased over the counter.1

Compare any two, side by side

Pick two medicines to see how they differ on molecule, approved use, dosing and price. This tool is for education only - it does not recommend one medicine over another.

First medicine
Second medicine
Mounjaro
Tirzepatide
Wegovy
Semaglutide
Molecule
Tirzepatide
Semaglutide
How it works
Dual GIP + GLP-1 receptor agonist
GLP-1 receptor agonist
Form
Injection (vial & KwikPen)
Injection (FlexTouch pen)
Dosing
Once weekly
Once weekly
Approved use in India
Type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management
Chronic weight management
Strengths
2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15 mg
0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.7, 2.4 mg
Approx. MRP (Aug 2026)
Vial from ₹3,281; KwikPen ₹13,125-₹25,781
~₹5,660/month (starter) to ~₹16,400 (2.4 mg)
Common side effects
Mostly digestive (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation)
Mostly digestive (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation)
Prescription
Required - Schedule H
Required - Schedule H

Mounjaro and Wegovy differ in both active ingredient and approved use in India. Using a medicine outside its approved indication is an off-label decision only a doctor can make.

Consult a doctor

GLP-1 medicines in India compared

The table below provides a quick comparison of the GLP-1 medicines currently available in India, including their active ingredient, how they work, dosage form, dosing schedule, approved indications, available strengths, approximate price, and common side effects.

Before comparing medicines, pay particular attention to two points: the approved indication in India and the price. Medicines that contain the same active ingredient may be approved for different conditions, and differences in dosage form and dosing schedule. This means that prices are not always directly comparable.1,5,6

Medicine Molecule Mechanism Form Dosing Approved use in India Strengths (mg) Approx. MRP (August 2026) Common side effects
MounjaroTirzepatideDual GIP + GLP-1 receptor agonistInjection (vial & KwikPen)Once weeklyType 2 diabetes and chronic weight management2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15Vial from ₹3,281; KwikPen ₹13,125-₹25,781Mostly digestive
WegovySemaglutideGLP-1 receptor agonistInjection (FlexTouch pen)Once weeklyChronic weight management0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.7, 2.4From ~₹5,660/mo (starter) to ~₹16,400 (2.4 mg)Mostly digestive
OzempicSemaglutideGLP-1 receptor agonistInjection (pre-filled pen)Once weeklyType 2 diabetes only0.25, 0.5, 1~₹5,660 to ₹9,100/moMostly digestive
RybelsusSemaglutide (oral)GLP-1 receptor agonistOral tabletOnce daily, empty stomachType 2 diabetes only3, 7, 14₹2,972 to ₹3,628 per strip of 10 tabletsMostly digestive
YurpeakTirzepatideDual GIP + GLP-1 receptor agonistInjection (KwikPen)Once weeklyType 2 diabetes and chronic weight management2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15KwikPen ₹13,125 to ₹25,781Mostly digestive

The prices above are the Maximum Retail Prices (MRPs) in India as of August 2026.5 MRP is the maximum retail price, and the actual selling price may be at or below the MRP. As prices may change over time, always check the latest price on the product page before purchasing.

A few important points to keep in mind:

Same active ingredient, different brands

Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus all contain semaglutide, while Mounjaro and Yurpeak both contain tirzepatide. Yurpeak is manufactured by Eli Lilly and distributed in India by Cipla. It contains the same active ingredient as Mounjaro and is not a generic version of Ozempic.1,6

Generic semaglutide is now available

Following the expiry of the semaglutide patent in India on 20 March 2026, more than 26 generic semaglutide brands entered the market, with some priced from around ₹350 per week.5 Tirzepatide does not currently have generic versions available in India.2

Common side effects are usually gastrointestinal

Across the GLP-1 medicine class, the most commonly reported side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and stomach discomfort. These are usually most noticeable during the first few weeks of treatment and after dose increases.6,7,8

To learn more about the medicines themselves rather than individual brands, see our guides to semaglutide and tirzepatide.

Prices are not directly comparable across forms. Estimate the monthly cost of a specific dose instead. Cost calculator

Injectable vs oral

Most GLP-1 medicines available in India are once-weekly injections given under the skin (subcutaneously). This includes Mounjaro, Yurpeak, Wegovy, and Ozempic. Depending on the product, they are supplied as prefilled pens or single-dose vials. The needles are short and fine, and the injections are usually taken on the same day each week, with or without food, at any time of day.6

Important: It is very crucial to understand that neither option is inherently better. Some people prefer a daily tablet to avoid injections, while others find a once-weekly injection easier to fit into their routine. However, the choice depends not only on personal preference but also on the condition being addressed, the approved indication, and your doctor's recommendation.

By approved use: diabetes vs weight management

Approved indication is one of the most important differences between GLP-1 medicines. In India, each brand is approved for specific uses, and using a medicine outside its approved indication (off-label use) is a clinical decision that only a doctor can make.1,6 These medicines are approved for:

For type 2 diabetes

Ozempic and Rybelsus (semaglutide) are approved in India for type 2 diabetes. Mounjaro and Yurpeak (tirzepatide) are approved for type 2 diabetes as well. Which medicine is most appropriate depends on factors such as your blood sugar control, other medicines, medical history, and your doctor's assessment.

For chronic weight management

Wegovy (semaglutide) is approved specifically for chronic weight management in India. Mounjaro and Yurpeak (tirzepatide) are also approved for chronic weight management. Ozempic and Rybelsus are not approved for weight management in India, so using them for this purpose is an off-label decision that only a doctor can make.

GLP-1 medicines for chronic weight management are generally considered for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher, or 27 kg/m² or higher with a weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or obstructive sleep apnoea. However, these are general eligibility criteria rather than a self-assessment tool. Your doctor will determine whether treatment is appropriate based on your overall health.

Note: In December 2025, the World Health Organization recognised obesity as a chronic disease and published its first global guideline recommending GLP-1 therapies for eligible adults with obesity. However, the choice of medicine, brand, and dose is always a clinical decision made with your doctor.3,6

Comparing GLP-1 medicines

If you are deciding between two GLP-1 medicines, the guides below provide detailed, side-by-side comparisons of their active ingredients, how they work, approved indications, dosing, clinical evidence, side effects, and cost.

If you are looking for generic semaglutide brands rather than the original branded medicines, start with our semaglutide molecule page. To explore every GLP-1 medicine currently available in India, including branded and generic options, visit the GLP-1 hub home.

Which is right for you?

There is no single 'best' GLP-1 medicine. The right choice between any medicine depends on your diagnosis, treatment goals, medical history, how well you tolerate the medicine, your preferred dosing schedule, and cost. These examples are for general education only and are not a substitute for medical advice. Some common scenarios include:

If you have type 2 diabetes

Several GLP-1 medicines are approved in India for adults with type 2 diabetes, including Ozempic and Rybelsus (semaglutide), and Mounjaro and Yurpeak (tirzepatide). Your doctor will recommend the most appropriate option based on your blood sugar control, other medicines, and overall health.9

If your goal is chronic weight management

The GLP-1 medicines approved in India for chronic weight management are Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro or Yurpeak (tirzepatide). Remember that Ozempic and Rybelsus are approved for type 2 diabetes, not chronic weight management. Therefore, whether you are a suitable candidate for GLP-1 therapy is a clinical decision made by your doctor based on your overall health, not on BMI alone.

If cost is an important consideration

Treatment costs vary widely. Generic semaglutide brands are generally the most affordable options, while Rybelsus tablets, Mounjaro vials, and the various prefilled pens differ in price depending on the product and strength prescribed. The most appropriate comparison is the cost of the specific dose your doctor recommends, rather than a single headline price. For detailed pricing, see our Mounjaro price, Wegovy price, Ozempic price, Rybelsus price, and Yurpeak price pages.

If you are unsure which medicine to choose

A comparison table can help you understand the differences, but it cannot tell you which medicine is right for you. For this, you should consult your doctor. Your doctor can consider the approved indication, expected benefits, side effects, dosing schedule, other medical conditions, and cost before recommending the most appropriate treatment.

Counterfeit GLP-1 medicines have been reported in India, so you should always buy against a valid prescription from a licensed pharmacy and check the packaging, batch number, expiry date, and seal before use.2 PharmEasy dispenses 100% genuine GLP-1 medicines from licensed pharmacies and ships temperature-sensitive products under recommended cold-chain conditions.

Not sure whether a GLP-1 medicine is right for you? Consult a doctor. They can assess your health, discuss the treatment options available in India, and prescribe a GLP-1 medicine if it is appropriate for you. A valid prescription is required for any GLP-1 medicine order.

Consult a doctor
Before your appointment, the self-check covers the criteria a doctor generally considers. Am I eligible?

FAQs

Which GLP-1 medicine is best?

None of the GLP-1 medicines are best or better than one another. The right choice depends on your medical condition, treatment goals, approved indication, preferred dosing schedule, side-effect profile, and cost. In India, Mounjaro and Yurpeak contain tirzepatide, while Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus contain semaglutide. Therefore, your doctor will recommend the most appropriate medicine based on your overall health and goals.1,4,6

What is the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide?

Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, while tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Yurpeak) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. They are different active ingredients with different approved indications, dosing schedules, and prices. See our semaglutide vs tirzepatide guide for a detailed comparison.4,6

Which GLP-1 is for weight loss and which for diabetes in India?

Ozempic and Rybelsus are approved in India for type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is approved for chronic weight management. Mounjaro and Yurpeak are approved for both type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management.1,6 Using any medicine outside its approved indication is an off-label decision that only a doctor can make.

Are all GLP-1 medicines injections?

Mounjaro, Yurpeak, Wegovy, and Ozempic are once-weekly injections. Rybelsus is currently the only oral GLP-1 medicine available in India and is taken once daily on an empty stomach. Some generic semaglutide products are also available as tablets.6,7

How much do GLP-1 medicines cost in India?

Prices vary depending on the medicine, strength, and formulation. Generic semaglutide brands start from around ₹350 per week. Rybelsus starts at approximately ₹2,972 per strip of 10 tablets, while branded injectable pens such as Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Yurpeak range from approximately ₹5,660 to ₹25,781, depending on the product and strength.5

Do I need a prescription to buy any of them?

All GLP-1 medicines available in India are Schedule H prescription medicines and cannot be purchased over the counter. A valid doctor's prescription is required before they can be dispensed.1

References

1.CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation) - Indian drug approval records. cdscoonline.gov.in
2.PIB (Press Information Bureau) - GLP-1 explainer, April 2026. pib.gov.in
3.WHO - first global guideline recommending GLP-1 therapies for adult obesity, 1 December 2025. who.int
4.NEJM - SURMOUNT programme (tirzepatide) and STEP programme (semaglutide) trials, including the SURMOUNT-5 head-to-head study. nejm.org
5.Pharmarack - India GLP-1 market data (MAT May 2026). biospectrumindia.com
6.Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk and Cipla - prescribing information per brand. pi.lilly.com
7.Semaglutide: uses, side effects, medicines and FAQs [Internet]. Mumbai: PharmEasy; [cited 2026 Jul 27]. pharmeasy.in/molecules/semaglutide-3625088
8.Tirzepatide: uses, benefits, side effects, dosage and precautions [Internet]. Mumbai; [cited 2026 Jul 27]. pharmeasy.in/molecules/tirzepatide-4386906
9.Kaneko S. Tirzepatide: A Novel, Once-weekly Dual GIP and GLP-1 Receptor Agonist for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes. touchREV Endocrinol. 2022 Jun;18(1):10-19. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Disclaimer

The information provided in this GLP-1 Library is intended solely to educate and inform users about GLP-1 medicines, their uses, benefits, risks, and other relevant considerations. The purpose of this content is to help users make informed decisions and have meaningful discussions with their healthcare professional. PharmEasy does not intend to promote or recommend any specific medicine, brand or treatment.

The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should not be considered a substitute for consultation with a qualified doctor or other healthcare professional. Before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or treatment, please consult your doctor or qualified healthcare professional. Your doctor can assess your individual health needs and determine whether a GLP-1 medicine is appropriate for you.