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Compare Zepbound vs. Trulicity

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

Key takeaways

Tirzepatide (Zepbound) and dulaglutide (Trulicity) are both injectable medications used to help manage certain health conditions. They belong to the class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which help control blood sugar levels and can aid in weight loss. However, they have different FDA-approved uses. Zepbound is approved for weight loss and managing sleep apnea in adults, while Trulicity is approved for managing Type 2 diabetes in people 10 years and older and reducing the risk of heart problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes. Zepbound is a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 receptor agonist, while Trulicity is solely a GLP-1 agonist. Both medications are taken once a week, but their dosing differs: Zepbound starts at 2.5 mg and can go up to 15 mg, while Trulicity starts at 0.75 mg and can go up to 4.5 mg for adults. Common side effects for both include nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Both medications have risks of thyroid cancer, and they can interact with other diabetes medications, increasing the risk of low blood sugar. Neither medication is available in a generic form.

Zepbound (tirzepatide)
Trulicity (dulaglutide)
Zepbound (tirzepatide)
Trulicity (dulaglutide)
Summary of Zepbound vs. Trulicity
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
Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist that helps control blood sugar in people 10 years and older with Type 2 diabetes. It's also approved to lower the risk of heart problems like heart attacks, strokes, and heart-related death in certain adults with Type 2 diabetes. The medication is injected under the skin once a week. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. When taken with certain diabetes medications like insulin, there's a higher risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Indications of Zepbound vs. Trulicity
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

•Manage Type 2 diabetes in people 10 years and older, along with diet and exercise

•Lower the risk of heart problems like heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with Type 2 diabetes who have heart disease or heart-related risk factors
Pros and Cons of Zepbound vs. Trulicity
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

•Works well at lowering A1C

•Comes as a ready-to-use injectable pen

•Only used once a week

•Helps with weight loss

Cons

•Commonly causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain

•Potential risk for thyroid tumors

•Can cause problems in the pancreas, kidney, and gallbladder

•Not recommended for people with stomach problems
Common Side Effects of Zepbound vs. Trulicity
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

•Nausea (12-21%)

•Diarrhea (7-13%)

•Vomiting (6-13%)

•Stomach pain (7-9%)

•Low appetite (5-9%)

•Fatigue (4-6%)

•Indigestion (3-6%)
Warnings of Zepbound vs. Trulicity
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

•Thyroid cancer

•Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)

•Low blood sugar when used with certain diabetes medications

•Severe allergic reactions

•Kidney damage

•Severe stomach-related side effects

•Worsening eye problems in people with diabetic retinopathy

•Gallbladder problems

•Breathing fluid into your lungs during anesthesia or deep sedation
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Compare Zepbound vs. Trulicity

Key takeaways

Summary of Zepbound vs. Trulicity

Indications of Zepbound vs. Trulicity

Pros and Cons of Zepbound vs. Trulicity

Common Side Effects of Zepbound vs. Trulicity

Warnings of Zepbound vs. Trulicity

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