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Compare Zepbound vs. Metformin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Tirzepatide (Zepbound) and metformin (Glumetza) are both medications used to help manage conditions related to weight and insulin resistance. While tirzepatide is a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used for weight loss and sleep apnea, metformin is a biguanide primarily used for Type 2 diabetes. Tirzepatide is administered as a weekly subcutaneous injection, whereas metformin is taken orally, usually once or twice a day. Tirzepatide is available only as a brand-name medication, while metformin is available in both brand-name and generic forms. Common side effects of tirzepatide include nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain; metformin can also cause diarrhea and nausea. Tirzepatide can interact with diabetes medications, warfarin (Jantoven, Coumadin), and birth control pills; metformin can also interact with other diabetes medications, as well as alcohol. Additionally, tirzepatide has a risk of thyroid cancer and pancreatitis, while metformin carries a risk of lactic acidosis and low vitamin B12 levels.

  • Zepbound (tirzepatide)
    Metformin
  • Zepbound (tirzepatide)
    Metformin

  • Summary of Zepbound vs. Metformin

    Summary for GIP and GLP-1 agonist
    Prescription only

    Zepbound (tirzepatide) is an injectable medication that's used along with diet and exercise. It helps with weight loss in adults who meet criteria for weight management therapy. It's also approved to treat moderate-to-severe sleep apnea. This medication belongs to the drug class called GIP and GLP-1 agonists. The dosage is 1 injection under the skin once a week. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and injection site reactions. Zepbound (tirzepatide) is only available as a brand-name medication.

    Summary for Biguanide
    Prescription only

    Immediate-release metformin is an oral diabetes medication. It's approved for people 10 years of age and older with Type 2 diabetes. The medication belongs to the drug class called biguanides. It works best to lower blood sugar levels with a diabetes-friendly diet and exercise plan. Immediate-release metformin comes as a tablet and an oral solution. You take this medication by mouth usually two to three times a day. It's recommended to take each dosage with food to help lessen side effects like diarrhea and nausea.

  • Indications of Zepbound vs. Metformin

    Indications for

    In addition to a balanced diet and exercise plan:

    •Weight loss and long-term weight management in adults considered obese or overweight with at least one weight-related condition (e.g., high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes)
    •Moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults considered obese
    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes in people ages 10 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Zepbound vs. Metformin

    Pros and Const for GIP and GLP-1 agonist
    Pros
    •Injected once a week
    •Can take with or without food
    •Different strengths available, so it's adjustable depending on your needs
    Cons
    •Must be injected under the skin
    •Can cause bothersome side effects, like nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain
    •Can't use with other tirzepatide products (Mounjaro) or with other GLP-1 agonists
    Pros and Const for Biguanide
    Pros
    •One of the first-choice options for Type 2 diabetes
    •Works well at lowering blood sugar levels (can lower your A1C by up to 1.5% in a few months)
    •Unlikely to cause weight gain
    •Available as a liquid for people who have trouble swallowing tablets
    Cons
    •Typically need to take a couple times per day
    •Can cause stomach upset, including diarrhea, nausea, gas, and stomach cramping
    •Not a good choice for people with severe kidney problems
    •Not recommended for people with liver problems

  • Common Side Effects of Zepbound vs. Metformin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (25-29%)
    •Diarrhea (19-23%)
    •Constipation (11-17%)
    •Vomiting (8-13%)
    •Stomach pain (9-10%)
    •Indigestion (9-10%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (53%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (26%)
    •Gas (12%)
    •Weakness (9%)

  • Warnings of Zepbound vs. Metformin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of thyroid cancer
    •Stomach problems
    •Kidney damage
    •Gallbladder problems
    •Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
    •Allergic reactions
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Eye problems in people with Type 2 diabetes (diabetic retinopathy)
    •Possible risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Lung problems during general anesthesia or deep sedation
    Common Side Effects for
    •Lactic acidosis
    •Low vitamin B12 levels
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when taken with certain other diabetes medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Zepbound vs. Metformin

    Learn more about Zepbound
    Learn more about Metformin

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