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Compare Zepbound vs. Victoza

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

Key takeaways

Tirzepatide (Zepbound) and liraglutide (Victoza) are both injectable medications used to manage certain health conditions. They belong to the class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, which help control blood sugar levels and appetite. While both medications can aid in weight management, Zepbound is FDA-approved for weight loss and sleep apnea, whereas Victoza is approved for Type 2 diabetes and reducing heart-related risks in adults with diabetes. Zepbound is taken once a week, while Victoza is taken daily. Zepbound is a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 receptor agonist, while Victoza is solely a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Common side effects for both medications include nausea and diarrhea. Both medications carry a risk of thyroid cancer and pancreatitis, and they have similar interactions, which can include other diabetes medications, warfarin (Jantoven, Coumadin), and birth control pills. Zepbound is available only as a brand-name medication, while Victoza has a lower-cost generic available.

Zepbound (tirzepatide)
Victoza (liraglutide)
Zepbound (tirzepatide)
Victoza (liraglutide)
Summary of Zepbound vs. Victoza
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
Victoza (liraglutide) is a medication that's injected once a day. It helps lower blood sugar levels in people 10 years and older with Type 2 diabetes when used with a nutritious diet and regular exercise. It can also help lower the risk of heart-related problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Victoza (liraglutide) belongs to the drug class called GLP-1 agonists. The medication comes as single-dose prefilled pens and is injected under the skin. It can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Victoza (liraglutide) is available as both a brand-name and generic medication.
Indications of Zepbound vs. Victoza
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

•Type 2 diabetes in people age 10 and older, together with a balanced diet and exercise

•Lowering the risk of serious heart-related problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease
Pros and Cons of Zepbound vs. Victoza
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

•Lowers A1C by up to 1% over a year

•Can take with or without food at any time of day

•Available as an injectable pen

Cons

•Must inject once a day

•Might have uncomfortable side effects, like nausea, diarrhea, and headache

•Can slow down gut movement, which can affect how other medications get absorbed into the body
Common Side Effects of Zepbound vs. Victoza
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 (up to 20%)

•Diarrhea (up to 12%)

•Headache (up to 11%)

•Common cold symptoms (up to 10%)

•Lower appetite (up to 10%)

•Vomiting (up to 9%)

•Indigestion (up to 7%)

•Upper respiratory tract infection (up to 7%)

•Constipation (5%)
Warnings of Zepbound vs. Victoza
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 of thyroid cancer

•Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)

•Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

•Kidney damage

•Allergic reactions

•Gallbladder problems

•Lung problems during general anesthesia or deep sedation
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Compare Zepbound vs. Victoza

Key takeaways

Summary of Zepbound vs. Victoza

Indications of Zepbound vs. Victoza

Pros and Cons of Zepbound vs. Victoza

Common Side Effects of Zepbound vs. Victoza

Warnings of Zepbound vs. Victoza

Prices with our coupons for Zepbound vs. Victoza

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