Injectable Medications (Non-Insulin)

CCS EDUCATION | 2 MIN READ

Injectable Medications (non-insulin)

If your diabetes cannot be managed with diet and exercise, you may need medication. Diabetes medications can be taken by mouth or injected through the skin. All medications for diabetes work differently. You may be on more than one medication.

NOTE: While people with type 1 diabetes must take insulin, there are times when additional therapies may play a role

The following medication lists may not be inclusive of all diabetes medications, depending on FDA approval times. Please consult with your healthcare provider regarding any medications or the use of additional therapies.

type 2 injected medications (non-insulin)

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Brand Name	Generic Name	Drug Class	How It Works	Side Effects
Trulicity Byetta Victoza Ozempic	Dulaglutide Exenatide Liraglutide Semaglutide	GLP-1 receptor agonists	Helps release insulin when blood glucose is high and lower the amount of glucose produced by the liver.	Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Mounjaro	Tirzepatide	GIP & GLP-1 RA	Increases insulin secretion and slows gastric emptying.	Nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, constipation, indigestion; pancreatitis

Always take your medication as prescribed. Talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist to understand how to use your prescription medications safely and effectively. According to ADA, glucose targets are individualized based on patient age and with presence of diabetes related complications.

Medications for Weight Management (Non-Diabetes)

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Brand Name	Generic Name	Drug Class	How it Works	Route of Administration	Side Effects
Wegovy	Semaglutide	GLP-1 RA	Helps the pancreas to release the right amount of insulin, when blood sugars are high, and slows the emptying of the stomach and may decrease appetite.	Oral or Injection	Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, fatigue, low blood glucose if taking a glucose lowering agent such as insulin or a sulfonylurea. Speak with your provider if you have a history (or family history) of Medullary Thyroid cancer or MEN 2, pancreatitis, gastroparesis, or certain types of kidney disease.
Zepbound	Tirzepatide	GIP/GLP-1 RA (dual agonist)	Helps the pancreas to release the right amount of insulin, when blood sugars are high, and slows the emptying of the stomach and may decrease appetite.	Injection	Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, fatigue, low blood glucose if taking a glucose lowering agent such as insulin or a sulfonylurea. Speak with your provider if you have a history (or family history) of Medullary Thyroid cancer or MEN 2, pancreatitis, gastroparesis, or certain types of kidney disease.
Saxenda (brand being discontinued 2027; generic still available)	Liraglutide	GLP-1 RA	Helps the pancreas to release the right amount of insulin, when blood sugars are high, and slows the emptying of the stomach and may decrease appetite.	Injection	Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, fatigue, low blood glucose if taking a glucose lowering agent such as insulin or a sulfonylurea. Speak with your provider if you have a history (or family history) of Medullary Thyroid cancer or MEN 2, pancreatitis, gastroparesis, or certain types of kidney disease.
Xenical, Alli	Orlistat	Lipase Inhibitor	Reduces the amount of fat your body absorbs from the foods you eat.	Oral	Oily or fatty stools, urgent or frequent need to have a bowel movement, stomach pain.
Qsymia	Phentermine- Topiramate	Anorectic + anticonvulsant	Helps you feel less hungry and may help you feel full sooner when eating.	Oral	Tingling in hands and feet, dizziness, change in taste, constipation, dry mouth. Do not take if pregnant; may cause birth defects. DO NOT suddenly stop taking the medication without talking with your doctor, as you may experience seizures. May cause difficulty falling or staying asleep if taken at night.
Contrave	Naltrexone- Bupropion	Opioid antagonist + antidepressant	These medications work on two areas of the brain, the hunger center and the reward system, to reduce appetite and help control cravings.	Oral	Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, headache, dizziness, sweating, ringing in the ears, seizures, hypoglycemia with use of certain antidiabetic medications. Not approved for use in major depressive disorder or other psychiatric disorders. May increase suicidal thoughts, especially in young adults. Do not take with opioid pain medicines.
Foundayo	Orforglipron	GLP-1 RA	Helps the pancreas to release the right amount of insulin when blood sugars are high, slows the emptying of the stomach, and may decrease appetite.	Oral	Nausea, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, indigestion, headache, fatigue, hair loss, and low blood glucose if taking a glucose lowering agent such as insulin or a sulfonylurea. Speak with your provider if you have a history (or family history) of Medullary Thyroid cancer or MEN 2, pancreatitis, gastroparesis, or certain types of kidney disease.