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.
