Their inclusion does not guarantee they will be prescribed to any individual, as treatment decisions are ultimately at the discretion of healthcare providers. Healthcare providers may prescribe other medications or recommend non-pharmacological treatment based on the patient’s unique health circumstances and needs. Read more
Highlights
- Tirzepatide and semaglutide are GLP-1 medications approved for weight loss, diabetes, and some other indications in the US. Each brand-name medication has different approved uses and approved ages for use.
- Each medication has specific doses that are unique to the brand name and indication. Patients typically start them at a low dose that is increased slowly over time.
- Both tirzepatide and semaglutide have side effects that are dose-related, but these effects vary from person to person. Discuss all possible side effects with your healthcare provider during your initial weeks of treatment.
Semaglutide and tirzepatide are two GLP-1 medications (glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists). They are two of many GLP-1s approved for either weight loss or treatment of diabetes, or both.
Semaglutide is the generic for Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus. Tirzepatide is the generic for Mounjaro and Zepbound. The names vary based on the company making the medication and the approved use and dosing.
Below, we will go through the key differences between tirzepatide and semaglutide, so you can have more informed communication about weight loss medications with your healthcare provider.
What Are Semaglutide and Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide and semaglutide are GLP-1 receptor agonists that have
Semaglutide is currently available as an injection under the brand names Wegovy (for weight loss) and Ozempic (for type 2 diabetes). Both are also indicated for the protection of the heart in patients who have excess weight or type 2 diabetes, respectively. Finally, under the brand name Rybelsus, semaglutide is also available as oral tablets taken daily for the treatment of diabetes.
Tirzepatide is currently available as an injection under the name Zepbound (for weight loss or sleep apnea) and Mounjaro (for type 2 diabetes).
|
Brand name |
Generic name |
Form |
Approved Uses |
Ages |
|
Ozempic |
Semaglutide |
Weekly injection |
Glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes, cardioprotection/kidney protection in patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular/kidney disease |
18 years or older |
|
Wegovy |
Semaglutide |
Weekly injection |
Weight loss, cardioprotection in patients with excess weight |
12 years or older |
|
Rybelsus |
Semaglutide |
Daily tablet |
Glycemic control in type 2 diabetes |
18 years or older |
|
Zepbound |
Tirzepatide |
Weekly injection |
Weight loss, sleep apnea in adults with obesity |
18 years or older |
|
Mounjaro |
Tirzepatide |
Weekly injection |
Glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes |
18 years or older |
Comparing Semaglutide and Tirzepatide
Uses
Semaglutide has different indications, depending on the brand name medication:
- Wegovy: Weight loss, cardioprotection in patients with excess weight
- Ozempic: Glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes, cardioprotection/kidney protection in patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular/kidney disease
- Rybelsus: Glycemic control in type 2 diabetes
Tirzepatide is approved for the following, depending on the brand name medication:
- Zepbound: Weight loss, sleep apnea in adults with obesity
- Mounjaro: Glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes
However, Ozempic and Mounjaro can also be prescribed for weight management off-label.
An “off-label” use means that the medication is not officially approved to treat that specific condition. The FDA has approved it for treating other conditions, but healthcare providers can prescribe it off-label if it has shown promise through research and clinical use.
Mechanism of Action
GLP-1 medications like tirzepatide and semaglutide work in multiple ways, including appetite suppression and improved insulin sensitivity — these lead to lower levels of glucose in the blood. The medications also delay gastric emptying, which can help a person to feel full sooner and for longer, leading to less calorie intake. Over time, appetite suppression and reduced caloric intake lead to weight loss.
Effectiveness
In studies of Ozempic (semaglutide) that involved participants with diabetes, an average weight loss was around 14lb at 40 weeks; it’s common for people taking this medication to lose more than 15% of their baseline body weight. Also,
Dosage and Administration
Both semaglutide and tirzepatide are taken as weekly subcutaneous injections. They are to be injected in a fatty area of the body just under the skin as described in each package insert. Remember to discuss the details with your healthcare provider as well to learn how to do it correctly.
Depending on the brand name of the product and its treatment use, the doses will vary. All weight loss medications require patients to start with low doses and increase the dose not more than once each month. This is important to reduce the experienced side effects and ensure safe treatment.
Below is a table showing typical tirzepatide and semaglutide dosing schedules, with starting doses through maximum doses. A minimum effective treatment dose that all patients should at least achieve; after reaching this dose, patients should be directed by their doctor to increase the dose monthly as tolerated to no more than the maximum dose.
|
Medication |
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) |
Zepbound (tirzepatide) |
Ozempic (semaglutide) |
Wegovy (semaglutide) |
|
Starting dose |
2.5 mg |
2.5 mg |
0.25 mg |
0.25 mg |
|
Weeks 5–8 |
5 mg (minimum maintenance dose) |
5 mg (minimum maintenance dose) |
0.5 mg (minimum maintenance dose) |
0.5 mg |
|
Weeks 9–12 |
7.5 mg |
7.5 mg |
1 mg |
1 mg |
|
Weeks 13–16 |
10 mg |
10 mg |
2 mg (max. dose) |
1.7 mg (minimum maintenance dose) |
|
Weeks 17–20 |
12.5 mg |
12.5 mg |
— |
2.4 mg (max. dose) |
|
Weeks 21–24 |
15 mg (max. dose) |
15 mg (max. dose) |
— |
— |
Side Effects and Safety
Both medications have similar
In initial clinical trials, patients taking
There are specific boxed warnings for both medications. Also, patients who are pregnant or allergic to a GLP-1 should not take either tirzepatide or semaglutide. Finally, there are some warnings associated with the use of semaglutide or tirzepatide: those who have a history of pancreatitis should not use either medication.
Cost and Accessibility
The cash price of each medication varies. Wegovy is around $1600 for one month, Mounjaro is about $1300 per month, Ozempic is around $1000 per month, and Zepbound is up to about $1100 per month. Often, these are not the prices you will pay even if you don’t have insurance: some online coupons or manufacturer coupons can reduce the price by a few hundred dollars. If you do have insurance, the price will greatly depend on your plan details, including out-of-pocket responsibility.
Sometimes, patients get prescribed
Which Weight Loss Medication Is Right for You?
Both tirzepatide and semaglutide are meant to be used along with a change in lifestyle and a balanced diet. You can check with your insurance provider about coverage for a dietitian’s services to support your weight loss process.
Additionally, take the time before treatment to discuss your health history with your medical provider. This can help ensure safe treatment. If you get prescribed medication, talk about dose changes, side effects you may experience, what to do if you would like to stop treatment, and be sure to discuss any significant details of your health history.
If you have to change between medications for any reason, you must follow the direction of your healthcare provider. Each medication has specific dose requirements to reduce the risk of side effects when changing.
Online Medical Weight Loss at MEDvidi
Healthcare providers at MEDvidi can prescribe different weight loss medications based on the health assessment and the patient’s individual needs. You can book a virtual appointment with a licensed medical provider at affordable prices. There are no hidden membership fees, and the medication prescription can be sent to any pharmacy of your choosing if a healthcare provider prescribes it to you.
Conclusion
With all the GLP-1 options currently available, selecting the right one for you is an important step in successful treatment. Be aware that both semaglutide and tirzepatide are available under multiple brand names, each for a specific indication. Also, each has different doses, and individual responses vary, so following your specific schedule is crucial. See your healthcare provider to identify the best course of action for weight loss, book your online weight loss consultation today.
FAQs
Can you take semaglutide and tirzepatide together?
No, you should not be using both medications together. They have similar effects on the body, and it would be dangerous to take them at the same time.
Can I take semaglutide one week and tirzepatide the next?
No, it’s important to stick to the treatment plan created by your healthcare provider. There are also certain guidelines for changing weight loss medications. Switching them on your own, or back and forth, can cause either medication to not work as required and can be dangerous. Always consult with your provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.
Which is better for weight loss, semaglutide or tirzepatide?
Which is safer, semaglutide or tirzepatide?
Both carry risks of causing side effects and developing conditions like pancreatitis and kidney injury. There are also certain precautions to consider. Be sure to speak with your provider about your health history, preexisting conditions, and any medications you are taking beforehand.
