Highlights
- Zepbound (injections) and Wegovy (tablets or injections) are both prescription medications commonly used for weight loss.
- Reasons you may switch from Wegovy to Zepbound include experiencing persistent, intolerable side effects or inadequate treatment results.
- Your healthcare provider will consider many factors before recommending a switch from Wegovy to Zepbound. It’s important to determine a safe and appropriate option for you.
- There are no published guidelines for switching from Wegovy to Zepbound, but your healthcare provider will choose the safest, personalized option and guide you through the process.
You’ve been prescribed Wegovy for weight management, but have read that Zepbound has a double-action and better results in some people. Should you consider switching?
This article will help you understand the similarities and differences between the two medications, if it’s safe to switch, when to consider such a change, and, finally, how to switch from Wegovy to Zepbound smoothly.
Wegovy and Zepbound: What Are They?
Wegovy (available as once-weekly injections and once-daily tablets) and Zepbound (once-weekly injections) are both prescription-only medications. They are FDA-approved for:
- Weight loss in adults with obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30).
- Weight loss in adults with overweight (BMI ≥ 27) plus at least one weight-related comorbid condition.
- Treatment of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity.
Both medications work by mimicking certain hormones in the body’s incretin system. This system regulates metabolism, slows gastric emptying, controls appetite, and stimulates insulin release in response to food intake.
Wegovy and Zepbound: What Makes Them Different?
The two important incretin hormones are GLP-1 and GIP.
Both Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) are GLP-1 receptor agonists, but Zepbound has the
When it comes to unique uses of Wegovy compared to Zepbound, these
- Weight loss in pediatric patients aged 12 years and older who have obesity.
- Risk reduction of heart attacks and strokes in adults with established cardiovascular disease (heart or blood vessel disease) who are obese or overweight.
- Treatment of specific liver diseases.
Why Would You Switch From Wegovy to Zepbound
Although these two medications work similarly for weight loss, your body’s response to them might differ. Here are some reasons people may consider switching to another one.
Not Reaching Weight Loss Goals
About
In the same trial,
Persistent Side Effects
Another reason for switching to a different weight loss medication is experiencing severe side effects that don’t improve.
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhea or constipation
- abdominal pain
- headache
- fatigue or dizziness
- indigestion and bloating
- belching or flatulence
- heartburn
- a rapid heart rate
- sore throat
These side effects are usually dose-dependent, meaning they are worse at higher doses. Doctors get around this by starting on a low Wegovy dose and slowly increasing it, allowing the body to get used to it. Usually, these side effects are temporary, but some people just can’t tolerate semaglutide and may feel better with tirzepatide. However, note that tirzepatide has side effects too.
Before Switching From Wegovy to Zepbound
Make the Necessary Lifestyle Changes
“… indicated in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.”
Consult With Your Provider
You can switch from Wegovy to Zepbound if a healthcare professional thinks it’s safe and appropriate, and only under their supervision. Before making the switch, they will carefully consider your medical history and other current medications.
Find Out if You’re on the Therapeutic Dose
Semaglutide is started at a low dose that increases very slowly; some people might not see results until reaching the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg once weekly.
Consider the Cost
Cost is important if you need to self-pay or if your insurance company only covers a specific weight loss medication. Generally, Wegovy costs less than Zepbound:
- 2.4 mg weekly dose = $349 per month
- 7.2 mg weekly dose = $399 per month
- 5 mg weekly dose = $399 per month
- 10 mg weekly dose = $449 per month
- 15 mg weekly dose = $449 per month
Another budget consideration is that, for both of these medications, the longer you take them, the better the results will be.
The Process: Switching From Wegovy to Zepbound
Currently, there are no specific guidelines for switching from Wegovy to Zepbound, but let’s look at what a healthcare professional might consider.
Do You Need to Take a Break Between the Medications?
If your healthcare provider agrees that the switch is appropriate, their priority will be your safety, so that each case might be slightly different.
- If severe side effects of Wegovy are the trigger: Your provider may suggest a medication-free period of 2 to 4 weeks, until you settle, before starting Zepbound.
- If you’re not losing weight despite being on the maximum Wegovy dose and don’t have side effects: Your provider may recommend starting Zepbound immediately instead of your next scheduled Wegovy injection. Note that you shouldn’t change the medication immediately unless instructed to do so.
Will You Switch to an ‘Equivalent’ Zepbound Dose?
There is no published Wegovy-to-Zepbound conversion chart, and because both these medications are associated with a high risk of side effects, a healthcare professional might be ultra-cautious during the switching process, following the recommended Zepbound dose guidelines:
- Starting with a low dose (2.5 mg) for at least 4 weeks.
- Slowly increasing to higher doses.
- Staying on each new dose for at least four weeks, until reaching an appropriate, therapeutic, maintenance dose of either 5, 10, or 15 mg.
After stopping Wegovy and during Zepbound titration (the process of adjusting the dosage gradually), you might experience an increased appetite and cravings for sugar and carbs.
Get personalized recommendations throughout your weight loss journey and receive your prescriptions online, if appropriate.
After the Switch From Wegovy to Zepbound
Zepbound is not a quick fix despite its dual action,so patience is the key. Always follow your provider’s guidance and take the medication as prescribed.
Follow-up Consultations
Schedule follow-ups at least every 4 weeks while your provider is increasing your Zepbound dose. At these visits, they will monitor your weight loss dynamics and ask about side effects in order to find your ideal maintenance dose.
Make Note of Side Effects
Although Zepbound is generally well tolerated, some people may experience allergic or adverse reactions.
As with Wegovy, there are often
Tips to Manage Mild Side Effects at Home
GIT side effects are the most common. The good news is that they are usually temporary, but may reappear with each dose increase. Here are some simple dietary tips to help manage them.
- Nausea: avoid greasy foods and eat smaller meals, more often.
- Constipation: drink more water and eat fiber-rich foods.
- Diarrhea: increase fluids to stay hydrated, and eat boiled chicken breasts, white rice, white bread toast, bananas, and peeled, grated apple, for a more solid stool.
- Heartburn and Indigestion: Avoid fatty, spicy, and acidic foods, alcohol, caffeine, and don’t eat for at least 3 hours before bedtime.
For these or any other side effects that are severe, or not settling, contact your doctor immediately for advice.
Remember, Lifestyle Change is Essential
Effective weight management is only possible when the medication is combined with a healthy lifestyle. Importantly, both prescribing instructions for Wegovy and Zepbound emphasize combining them with a balanced, reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise.
Stick With It
Conclusion
If you are currently using Wegovy for weight loss and dealing with side effects or are not satisfied with your results, there are other medication options available, one of which is Zepbound.
MEDvidi’s licensed healthcare providers are an online appointment away from re-evaluating your weight loss journey and safely adjusting your treatment plan. Book a virtual weight management consultation today.
FAQ
Is Zepbound better than Wegovy?
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is not necessarily better than Wegovy (semaglutide). Even though Zepbound showed higher efficacy in some trials, this does not mean everyone will lose more weight with tirzepatide than with semaglutide. The choice depends on many individual factors, so it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to find the right one.
