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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)

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Wegovy

(semaglutide)

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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 Wegovy

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 for Wegovy

Injectable pens:

Tablets:

Pros and Cons for Wegovy

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

Common Side Effects for Wegovy

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

Warnings for Wegovy

  • 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
  • Lung problems during general anesthesia or deep sedation

Prices with our coupons for Zepbound vs. Wegovy

Price Card Drug Icon
Zepbound1 carton / 4 prefilled pens of 2.5mg/0.5ml
$1,063.08$1,290.94
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Price Card Drug Icon
Wegovy30 tablets / 1.5mg
$149.00$1,638.99
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