The basics
What are GLP-1 medicines?
GLP-1 medicines mimic a natural gut hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. They are prescription medicines, used alongside nutrition and activity changes.
FDA-approved brands include:
- Semaglutide — Ozempic and Rybelsus (type 2 diabetes) and Wegovy (chronic weight management).
- Tirzepatide — Mounjaro (type 2 diabetes) and Zepbound (chronic weight management). Tirzepatide acts on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors.
How they work
These medicines slow how quickly the stomach empties, help the pancreas release insulin when blood sugar rises, and act on appetite signals in the brain, so many people feel full sooner and longer.
Common side effects
The most common side effects are digestive: nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting and reduced appetite, usually most noticeable when starting or increasing the dose. The prescribing information also lists serious warnings, so review your full history with your clinician.
Cost and insurance basics
Cost depends on the brand, the dose and your insurance. Coverage often depends on why the medicine is prescribed, and many plans require prior authorization. Ask your insurer whether the specific brand is on your formulary, and ask the manufacturer about any savings programs.
Finding a licensed prescriber in Colorado
- Start with your primary care clinician, or a licensed telehealth or weight-management practice.
- A telehealth prescriber generally must be licensed in the state where you are located.
- Expect a real medical evaluation: health history, current medicines and, often, lab work.
- Prescriptions should be filled by a state-licensed pharmacy you can name and verify.
Questions to ask your prescriber
- Is a GLP-1 medicine appropriate for my health history and other medicines?
- Which brand and dose would I start on, and how is the dose increased?
- What side effects should I watch for, and when should I call you?
- How often will we follow up, and what is the plan if I stop?
- Which pharmacy will fill the prescription, and what will it cost with my insurance?
Red flags with online sellers
- No prescription or no real medical evaluation required.
- Products labeled “for research use only” or “not for human use.”
- No named, licensed U.S. pharmacy filling the order.
- Prices that look too good to be true, or payment only by unusual methods.
The FDA has warned consumers about counterfeit GLP-1 products and about unapproved versions sold online.
