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Zepbound vs. Rybelsus

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

Key takeaways

Tirzepatide (Zepbound) and semaglutide (Rybelsus) are both medications used to help manage weight and treat conditions related to obesity, and they work in a similar way. Tirzepatide is a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, while semaglutide is solely a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Both medications can help with weight loss, but only tirzepatide is FDA-approved for weight management and sleep apnea, whereas semaglutide is approved for Type 2 diabetes. Tirzepatide is administered as a weekly injection, while semaglutide is taken orally once a day. Common side effects for both include nausea and diarrhea, but tirzepatide may also cause injection site reactions. Both medications can lead to low blood sugar if combined with certain diabetes medications. Neither medication is available in a generic form. Additionally, both tirzepatide and semaglutide carry a risk of thyroid cancer, and you should avoid them if you have a personal or family history of thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

Zepbound

(tirzepatide)

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Rybelsus

(semaglutide)

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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 Rybelsus

Prescription only

Rybelsus (semaglutide) is a brand-name GLP-1 agonist that helps lower blood sugar in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It's also FDA approved to help reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in people with Type 2 diabetes who are at risk for these events. You take it as a pill once a day, at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other medicatons by mouth. It’s used along with diet and exercise, and might also help with weight loss. Common side effects include nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea.

Indications for Rybelsus

Pros and Cons for Rybelsus

Pros

  • Only needs to be taken once per day
  • First GLP-1 agonist in pill form
  • Helps lower blood sugar and might also support weight loss

Cons

  • Must be taken on an empty stomach
  • Stomach side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain are common
  • Can't be used for Type 1 diabetes

Common Side Effects for Rybelsus

  • Nausea (11-20%)
  • Stomach pain (10-11%)
  • Diarrhea (9-10%)
  • Lower appetite (6-9%)
  • Vomiting (6-8%)
  • Constipation (5-6%)

Warnings for Rybelsus

  • Risk of thyroid tumors
  • Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
  • Eye problems
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when taken with certain diabetes medications
  • Kidney damage
  • Severe stomach side effects
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Gallbladder problems
  • Lung problems during anesthesia or deep sedation

Prices with our coupons for Zepbound vs. Rybelsus

Price Card Drug Icon
Zepbound1 carton / 4 prefilled pens of 2.5mg/0.5ml
$1,067.38$1,375.50
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Rybelsus30 tablets / 3mg
$1,004.02$1,540.78
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