FDA Approves First-Ever Cheaper, Generic GLP-1 for Weight Loss
Weight loss just got a bit more accessible. On August 28, 2025, the FDA approved the first-ever generic GLP-1 injection for weight loss. Teva Pharmaceuticals now offers a cheaper version of liraglutide, the active ingredient in Saxenda®. This move could open the door for millions struggling with obesity to finally get the help they need, without draining their bank accounts.
The FDA signed off on Teva’s generic version of liraglutide. It is the same drug found in Saxenda, just without the name-brand markup. What is big here is that this is the first time a GLP-1 drug has been approved as a generic specifically for weight loss.
AJ News / This approval is straight-up for managing weight. That makes it a landmark move, especially for patients who have been priced out of weight loss injections.
Teva’s generic liraglutide is for adults with obesity (BMI of 30 or more), or those who are overweight (BMI of 27 or more) and have at least one health issue tied to their weight, like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.
Teens can also use it if they are between 12 and 17 years old, weigh more than 132 pounds, and are diagnosed with obesity. But no matter the age, the shot is supposed to be paired with real lifestyle changes, like eating fewer calories and moving more.
How Do You Take It?
This weight loss injection isn’t a one-and-done. It is taken once daily, using a prefilled pen. You inject it under the skin, usually in your stomach, thigh, or upper arm. It is the same delivery style and dosage as Saxenda.
That said, if you are looking for something with fewer injections, this might not be your top choice. Newer GLP-1s like Wegovy® and Zepbound® only need weekly shots. But the daily routine might work better for some people, especially if they want to build a habit.
Does It Work?
Yes, but temper your expectations. In clinical trials, adults lost about 12 pounds on average after using liraglutide for 56 weeks. Teens lost a bit less, closer to 10 pounds. That is when compared to people taking a placebo.
Yun / Unsplash / It is not as dramatic as the results from Wegovy or Zepbound, which can help people lose up to 22% of their body weight. Still, liraglutide has a proven track record, and for some, steady and safe is the better bet.
However, the drug comes with a boxed warning, the FDA’s strongest kind. There is a risk of thyroid tumors, including a rare type called medullary thyroid carcinoma. If you or anyone in your family has a history of thyroid cancer, this drug is off the table.
Other serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, kidney problems, and even suicidal thoughts. It is not a casual weight loss fix. You will need full medical supervision.
Common side effects are more manageable but still annoying, things like nausea, constipation, headaches, and fatigue. Some people get dizzy or feel sick after injecting. It can take time for your body to adjust.
What About Cost?
The brand-name Saxenda can cost over $1,300 a month without insurance. Teva’s generic? Much less. Expect to pay between $200 and $450 for a two-pen pack or up to $750 for three pens, depending on the pharmacy.
With insurance, it is even better. Some plans may knock that down to as little as $0 – $100 a month. Teva also has a savings program that offers up to 12 months with zero copay for eligible patients.