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Compare Zepbound vs. Wegovy

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

Key takeaways

Tirzepatide (Zepbound) and semaglutide (Wegovy) are both medications used to help with weight loss and belong to the class of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. However, they have some differences. Tirzepatide is a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 receptor agonist, while semaglutide is solely a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Tirzepatide is also approved to treat moderate-to-severe sleep apnea, whereas semaglutide is approved to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death due to heart problems in adults with heart disease. Both medications are injected under the skin once a week, but their dosing schedules differ. Tirzepatide starts at 2.5 mg and can go up to 15 mg, while semaglutide starts at 0.25 mg and can go up to 2.4 mg. Common side effects for both include nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Both medications have potential interactions with other medications, such as diabetes medications, warfarin (Jantoven, Coumadin), and birth controll pills. Both are not recommended for people with a history of certain thyroid cancers.

  • Zepbound (tirzepatide)
    Wegovy (semaglutide)
  • Zepbound (tirzepatide)
    Wegovy (semaglutide)

  • Summary of Zepbound vs. Wegovy

    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

    Wegovy (semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It comes in prefilled pens you use to inject the medication under the skin once a week. Wegovy (semaglutide) also comes as tablets that are swallowed once a day. This medication is approved for weight loss in some people. It can help lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death due to heart problems in adults with a larger body size and heart disease. The pens are also approved for certain adults with a liver problem called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). The medication works best when taken with a lower-calorie diet and regular exercise. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

  • Indications of Zepbound vs. Wegovy

    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

    Injectable pens:

    •

    Weight loss and long-term weight management in:

    •People ages 12 years and older who are considered obese
    •Adults considered overweight with at least one weight-related condition (e.g., high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol)
    •

    Lowering the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death due to heart problems in adults with a larger body size and heart disease

    •

    Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in adults with moderate-to-advanced liver scarring, but not cirrhosis

    Tablets:

    •Weight loss and long-term weight management in adults who are considered obese or overweight with at least one weight-related condition
    •Lowering the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death due to heart problems in adults with a larger body size and heart disease

  • Pros and Cons of Zepbound vs. Wegovy

    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
    •Available as once-weekly injectable pens and as once-daily pills
    •Injectable pens approved for weight loss in children ages 12 years and older considered obese
    Cons
    •Can cause stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea
    •Can't take with other semaglutide products (Ozempic, Rybelsus) or with other GLP-1 agonists

  • Common Side Effects of Zepbound vs. Wegovy

    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 (44%)
    •Diarrhea (30%)
    •Vomiting (24%)
    •Constipation (24%)
    •Stomach pain (20%)
    •Headache (14%)
    •Tiredness (11%)

  • Warnings of Zepbound vs. Wegovy

    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
    •Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
    •Gallbladder problems
    •Low blood sugar
    •Kidney damage
    •Allergic reactions
    •Eye problems in people with Type 2 diabetes (diabetic retinopathy)
    •Faster heart rate
    •Possible risk of self-harm
    •Lung problems during general anesthesia or deep sedation

  • Prices with our coupons for Zepbound vs. Wegovy

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