Frequently Asked Questions About GLP-1 Medications
What are GLP-1 medications?
GLP-1 medications are a group of prescription medicines used to help manage obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic conditions in appropriate patients. They work by mimicking hormones that help regulate appetite, slow stomach emptying, improve blood sugar control, and increase feelings of fullness. These medications are most effective when combined with healthy nutrition, regular physical activity, and long-term lifestyle changes.
What is semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that has been extensively studied and is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management in appropriate patients. It has become one of the most widely used medications for medical weight management worldwide.
What is tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is a newer medication that activates both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors. This dual mechanism has demonstrated excellent results in improving blood sugar control and supporting significant weight loss in eligible patients. Like semaglutide, tirzepatide has undergone extensive clinical trials and has been approved for appropriate medical indications in many countries.
What is retatrutide?
Retatrutide is an investigational medication currently being studied in large Phase 3 clinical trials. Unlike semaglutide and tirzepatide, retatrutide targets three hormone receptors:
- GLP-1
- GIP
- Glucagon
This is why it is often referred to as a triple agonist. Early clinical trial results have shown promising outcomes, but research is still ongoing to establish its long-term safety and effectiveness.
Is retatrutide approved?
No. As of July 2026, retatrutide has not been approved by major regulatory authorities, including the US FDA or the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). It remains an investigational medicine that is only available through approved clinical trials.
I've seen retatrutide being sold online. Is it safe?
No. Any product claiming to be retatrutide that is sold online should be approached with extreme caution. Because retatrutide has not yet been approved, products sold outside approved clinical trials cannot be guaranteed to contain the correct ingredients, strength, or quality. Counterfeit, contaminated, or incorrectly dosed products may pose serious health risks. Patients should only obtain prescription medications through legitimate healthcare providers and registered pharmacies.
Are there other new GLP-1 medications being developed?
Yes. Researchers are actively studying several next-generation medications that may offer additional treatment options in the future. However, many of these medicines remain in clinical trials and have not yet received regulatory approval. As new evidence becomes available and medications are approved, treatment options will continue to evolve.
Should I wait for retatrutide instead of starting treatment now?
Not necessarily. If you are medically eligible for treatment today, approved medications such as semaglutide or tirzepatide have extensive safety and effectiveness data and can provide meaningful health benefits now. Delaying treatment while waiting for future medications may postpone improvements in your health. The most appropriate treatment depends on your individual medical history, health goals, and overall metabolic health.
Is the newest medication always the best?
Not necessarily. Every medication has its own benefits, limitations, potential side effects, and suitability for different patients. The best treatment is not always the newest one—it is the one that is most appropriate for your individual health needs. Your doctor will consider your medical history, current health conditions, blood test results, treatment goals, and lifestyle before recommending the most suitable option.
Why doesn't Dr Govender prescribe every new GLP-1 medication that appears online?
Dr Govender believes in practising evidence-based medicine. We prescribe medications that have undergone rigorous clinical testing and have been approved by the appropriate regulatory authorities for safety, quality, and effectiveness.
Although investigational medications such as retatrutide have shown encouraging early results, they have not yet completed the full approval process. Once sufficient scientific evidence is available and a medication receives regulatory approval, it may become an appropriate treatment option for selected patients after a comprehensive medical assessment. Our priority is always to recommend treatments that are supported by the best available medical evidence while providing personalised care for each individual patient.
Approved Injectable GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 Medications
The table below summarises the injectable GLP-1 and dual GIP/GLP-1 medications that have received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and/or registration by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA).
| Active Ingredient | Brand Name | Medication Type | FDA Approved | Registered by SAHPRA | Available in South Africa | Primary Approved Indications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Semaglutide |
Ozempic® , Wegovy® |
GLP-1 receptor agonist |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
Diabetes, Weight Management
|
|
Tirzepatide |
Mounjaro® |
Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
Diabetes and chronic weight management
|
|
Tirzepatide |
Zepbound® |
Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist |
✅ |
❌ |
❌ |
Chronic weight management |
|
Liraglutide |
Saxendra® |
GLP-1 receptor agonist |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
Chronic weight management |
|
Liraglutide |
Victoza® |
GLP-1 receptor agonist |
✅ |
✅ |
Limited |
Diabetes Management |
|
Dulaglutide |
Trulicity® |
GLP-1 receptor agonist |
✅ |
✅ |
Limited |
Diabetes Management |
|
Exenatide |
Byetta® |
GLP-1 receptor agonist |
✅ |
Previously registered |
Availability varies |
Diabetes Management |
|
Exenatide |
Bydureon BCise® |
GLP-1 receptor agonist |
✅ |
Previously registered |
Availability varies |
Diabetes Management |
|
Lixisenatide |
Adlyxin® |
GLP-1 receptor agonist |
✅ |
❌ |
❌ |
Diabetes Management |
Important Information
- Retatrutide remains an investigational medicine and is currently available only through approved clinical trials.
- Approval and registration do not necessarily mean a medication is immediately available in every country or pharmacy.
- Medication availability may change because of manufacturing, importation, regulatory approvals, or supply constraints.
- Different countries approve medications for different indications. Always follow the advice of your treating healthcare professional.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider. Medication approvals, registered indications, product availability and clinical guidelines may change over time. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping or changing any prescription medication. This page reflects the best available information at the time of publication.
References
South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) – Medicines Online Directory.
SAHPRA: Frequently Asked Questions – Semaglutide.
SAHPRA: Position Statement on GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 Products.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prescribing information for Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, Zepbound®, Saxenda®, Victoza®, Trulicity®, Byetta®, Bydureon BCise® and Adlyxin.
Peer-reviewed clinical trials published in The New England Journal of Medicine, The Lancet, JAMA, and other internationally recognised medical journals.