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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)

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Saxenda

(liraglutide)

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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 Saxenda

Prescription only

Saxenda (generic name liraglutide) is a once-daily injection given under the skin that's used for weight loss. It's approved for certain adults and children ages 12 years and up. And it works best when used along with a balanced diet and exercise. This prescription weight loss medication is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist. It works by slowing down your gut and making you feel less hungry. Saxenda (liraglutide) comes as a prefilled pen you use to inject your dose. Some common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Indications for Saxenda

Pros and Cons for Saxenda

Pros

  • Can help you lose weight in addition to balanced nutrition and exercise
  • Can take with or without food, at any time during the day
  • Okay for children 12 years of age and older weighing more than 132 lbs with obesity

Cons

  • Must inject once a day
  • Can cause stomach upset
  • Doesn't come with pen needles (must get them separately)

Common Side Effects for Saxenda

Adults:

  • Nausea (39%)
  • Diarrhea (21%)
  • Constipation (19%)
  • Vomiting (16%)
  • Injection site reaction (e.g., redness, itching, rash; 14%)
  • Headache (14%)
  • Low blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes (13%)
  • Indigestion (10%)

Children 12 years and up:

  • Nausea (42%)
  • Vomiting (34%)
  • Diarrhea (22%)
  • Low blood sugar (15%)
  • Stomach inflammation (13%)
  • Dizziness (10%)

Warnings for Saxenda

  • Possible risk for thyroid cancer
  • Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
  • Gallbladder problems
  • Low blood sugar
  • Faster heart rate
  • Severe stomach side effects
  • Kidney problems due to dehydration
  • Allergic reactions
  • Lung problems during anesthesia or deep sedation

Prices with our coupons for Zepbound vs. Saxenda

Price Card Drug Icon
Zepbound1 carton / 4 prefilled pens of 2.5mg/0.5ml
$1,067.38$1,375.54
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Price Card Drug Icon
Liraglutide (Saxenda)1 carton / 5 pens of 18mg/3ml
$372.45$1,041.55
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