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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)

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Metformin

 

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Summary for Zepbound

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.

Indications for Zepbound

In addition to a balanced diet and exercise plan:

Pros and Cons for Zepbound

Pros

Cons

  • Must inject 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

Common Side Effects for Zepbound

  • Nausea (25-29%)
  • Diarrhea (19-23%)
  • Constipation (11-17%)
  • Vomiting (8-13%)
  • Stomach pain (9-10%)
  • Indigestion (9-10%)

Warnings for Zepbound

  • 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)
  • Lung problems during general anesthesia or deep sedation
  • Don't share Zepound KwikPens with anyone

Summary for Metformin

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 for Metformin

Pros and Cons for Metformin

Pros

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 for Metformin

  • Diarrhea (53%)
  • Nausea or vomiting (26%)
  • Gas (12%)
  • Weakness (9%)

Warnings for Metformin

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Zepbound1 carton / 4 prefilled pens of 2.5mg/0.5ml
$1,086.49$1,290.94
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Price Card Drug Icon
Metformin60 tablets / 500mg
$5.47$5.47
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