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Compare Zepbound vs. Saxenda

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

Key takeaways

Tirzepatide (Zepbound) and liraglutide (Saxenda) are both medications used to help with weight loss in adults, and they belong to the class of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. However, they have some differences. Tirzepatide is also a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist, while liraglutide is solely a GLP-1 agonist. Tirzepatide is approved for weight management and moderate-to-severe sleep apnea, whereas liraglutide is approved for weight management in adults and children over 12 years old. Tirzepatide is injected once a week, while liraglutide is injected daily. Both medications can cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and injection site reactions. Additionally, both tirzepatide and liraglutide have potential interactions with diabetes medications, warfarin (Jantoven, Coumadin), and birth control pills. Both medications are not recommended for people with a history of certain thyroid cancers.

Zepbound (tirzepatide)
Saxenda (liraglutide)
Zepbound (tirzepatide)
Saxenda (liraglutide)
Summary of Zepbound vs. Saxenda
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 GLP-1 agonist
Prescription only
Saxenda (liraglutide) is used along with a balanced diet and exercise to help with weight loss in certain adults and children. This prescription weight loss medication is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It works by slowing down your gut and making you feel less hungry. Saxenda (liraglutide) is a prefilled pen of medication that's injected once daily under the skin on the stomach or thighs. You can inject Saxenda (liraglutide) at home by yourself after your healthcare professional (HCP) trains you on how to prepare and use it. Some common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Indications of Zepbound vs. Saxenda
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

•To help with weight management along with a lower-calorie diet and exercise in:

•Adults with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2, or greater than 27 kg/m2 with a weight-related health problem (e.g., high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol)

•Children 12 years of age and older who weigh over 132 lbs and have a high BMI
Pros and Cons of Zepbound vs. Saxenda
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 GLP-1 agonist
Pros

•Can help you lose weight in addition to balanced nutrition and exercise

•Can take with or without food

•Safe to use for children 12 years of age and older (with certain BMI)

Cons

•Must be given as once-daily injections under the skin

•Can cause stomach upset

•Not safe for use for people with personal or family history of thyroid cancer
Common Side Effects of Zepbound vs. Saxenda
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
Adults:

•Nausea (39%)

•Diarrhea (21%)

•Constipation (19%)

•Vomiting (16%)

•Redness, itching, and other injection site reactions (14%)

•Headache (14%)

•Low blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes (13%)

•Indigestion (10%)

Children 12 years of age and older:

•Nausea (42%)

•Vomiting (34%)

•Diarrhea (22%)

•Low blood sugar levels (15%)

•Dizziness (10%)
Warnings of Zepbound vs. Saxenda
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

•Possible risk for thyroid cancer

•Inflamed pancreas

•Gallbladder problems

•Low blood sugar

•Faster heart rate

•Kidney problems

•Serious allergic reactions

•Possible risk for self-harm
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Key takeaways

Summary of Zepbound vs. Saxenda

Indications of Zepbound vs. Saxenda

Pros and Cons of Zepbound vs. Saxenda

Common Side Effects of Zepbound vs. Saxenda

Warnings of Zepbound vs. Saxenda

Prices with our coupons for Zepbound vs. Saxenda

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