Zepbound (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are brand-name subcutaneous injections. They're both prescribed for weight loss and weight management. Each drug can also be prescribed for other uses.This article explains the main similarities and differences between Zepbound and Wegovy. If you're considering taking one of these drugs, discussing this information with your doctor can help you decide whether one of these treatments may be right for you.Note: For more comprehensive information about these two drugs, you can refer to our Zepbound and Wegovy articles.Key differences between Zepbound and WegovyThese are a few of the main differences between Zepbound and Wegovy:Conditions treated: Zepbound and Wegovy are both used for weight loss and weight management. But each drug also has other uses. (See the 'Uses of Zepbound vs. Wegovy' section for details.)Dosage: Both drugs are used once per week, but Zepbound and Wegovy have different strengths. (See the 'Dosage, forms, and administration' section for more information.)Side effects: Wegovy may cause certain side effects that Zepbound does not. (See the 'Side effects of Zepbound vs. Wegovy' section for details.)Generics: Zepbound and WegovyHere's information about the generic status for Zepbound and Wegovy, as well as details on their active ingredients.ZepboundWegovyGeneric availablenonoActive ingredientstirzepatidesemaglutideDrug classdual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 receptor agonistGLP-1 receptor agonistUses of Zepbound vs. WegovyZepbound and Wegovy have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the following:Both Zepbound and Wegovy are FDA approved to:help with weight loss and weight management in adults who have obesity or overweight and have weight-related health conditions, such as high cholesterolZepbound is also FDA approved to treat:moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesityWegovy is also FDA approved to:reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack, in adults with cardiovascular disease who have obesity or overweight»Learn more about Wegovy for weight loss. Zepbound or Wegovy and childrenZepbound is not approved for use in children. Wegovy is approved to help with weight loss and weight management in children ages 12 years and older who have childhood obesity.Note: For more information about the drugs' uses, see our articles about Zepbound and Wegovy.Dosages, forms, and administrationHere's a quick look at the dosage and administration of Zepbound and Wegovy for the conditions they treat.Dosage for weight loss and weight managementBelow are the dosages of Zepbound and Wegovy for weight loss and weight management. Strengths are listed in milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL).Zepbound for weight loss and managementWegovy for weight loss and managementFormssolution in the following forms, each given as a subcutaneous injection:• single-use vial, used with a needle and syringe• single-use injection pensolution inside a single-use injection pen, given as a subcutaneous injectionStrengths• 2.5 mg/0.5 mL• 5 mg/0.5 mL• 7.5 mg/0.5 mL• 10 mg/0.5 mL• 12.5 mg/0.5 mL• 15 mg/0.5 mL• 0.25 mg/0.5 mL• 0.5 mg/0.5 mL• 1 mg/0.5 mL• 1.7 mg/0.75 mL• 2.4 mg/0.75 mLDose2.5 mg for 4 weeks, followed by 5 to 15 mg after that0.25 mg for 4 weeks, followed by 0.5 to 2.4 mg after thatFrequencyonce per weekonce per weekGiven byselfselfYour doctor will show you how to inject Zepbound or Wegovy under the skin of your abdomen or thigh. They can also show a caregiver how to inject either drug under the skin of your upper arm.Note: For more information about dosage, see our Zepbound dosage and Wegovy dosage articles.»MORE:Learn about Zepbound's injection sites.Side effects of Zepbound vs. WegovyZepbound and Wegovy are both used for weight loss and weight management. These drugs can cause some of the same side effects, as well as different ones. Some of the side effects reported in clinical trials of these drugs are listed here.For more details about side effects of these two drugs, see our Zepbound side effect and Wegovy side effect articles. You can also refer to the Zepbound prescribing information and Wegovy prescribing information.Mild side effectsThe following table lists some of the more commonly reported mild side effects of Zepbound and Wegovy. The table may also include mild side effects that are less common.Mild side effectsZepboundWegovyfatigue✓✓dizziness✓ ✓headache✓changes in taste✓✓ anxiousness✓common cold✓stomach flu✓hair loss✓✓digestive side effects, such as diarrhea, constipation, and nausea or vomiting✓✓injection site reactions, such as changes in skin color✓✓These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. If they last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.Serious side effectsThe following table lists reported serious side effects of Zepbound and Wegovy.Serious side effectsZepboundWegovyrisk of thyroid cancer*✓✓diabetic retinopathy (an eye condition) in people with type 2 diabetes✓hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)✓✓low blood pressure✓✓increased heart rate✓✓acute pancreatitis (sudden inflammation of the pancreas)✓✓acute gallbladder disease, such as gallstones or cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)✓✓severe digestive side effects, which may lead to dehydration and kidney problems✓✓If you have serious side effects while using Zepbound or Wegovy, call your doctor immediately. If the side effects feel life threatening or you believe you're having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.* Zepbound and Wegovy have a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the 'Precautions for Zepbound and Wegovy' section.ALLERGIC REACTIONFor some people, Zepbound and Wegovy can cause an allergic reaction. In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.Ways to manageFor mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They'll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you've had a serious allergic reaction to Zepbound or Wegovy, your doctor may recommend a different medication instead.Common questions about Zepbound vs WegovyHere are answers to some common questions about Zepbound and Wegovy.What is the dosage when switching from Wegovy to Zepbound?If your doctor recommends switching from Wegovy to Zepbound, they'll recommend the right dosage for you.Both drugs are used once per week for weight loss and weight management. However, Zepbound and Wegovy come in different strengths. Your doctor can help determine which strength of Zepbound is most comparable to the Wegovy dose you've been using.If you have other questions about the dosage of Zepbound or Wegovy, talk with your doctor.How do Zepbound and Wegovy compare with Ozempic?Zepbound and Wegovy are both approved to help with weight loss and weight management in certain adults. Ozempic is not approved for weight loss, but some doctors may prescribe it off-label for this purpose. (With off-label use, a drug is prescribed for a use not approved by the FDA.)Ozempic and Wegovy both contain semaglutide as the active ingredient, but they're approved for different uses and come in different strengths.Zepbound contains a different active ingredient called tirzepatide, which works in a slightly different way to support weight loss.To learn more about whether Zepbound, Wegovy, or Ozempic may be right for you, talk with your doctor. »MORE:Learn how Ozempic compares with Wegovy. Effectiveness of Zepbound vs. Wegovy Keep reading to learn more about the effectiveness of Zepbound and Wegovy.Comparison study: A recent study found that Zepbound may be more effective than Wegovy for weight loss and weight management. But keep in mind that study results may not apply to your individual health situation.Prescribing information: For details about how these drugs performed in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Zepbound and Wegovy. Treatment guidelines: Another way to determine whether a drug is considered effective is to look at treatment guidelines. When an organization includes certain drugs in treatment guidelines, this means research has shown the drug to be safe and effective. Zepbound and Wegovy are recommended as a treatment option for people with obesity in guidelines from the American Gastroenterological Association.Cost of Zepbound vs. Wegovy How much Zepbound or Wegovy costs depends on the treatment plan your doctor prescribes, your insurance plan, and your pharmacy. Both Zepbound and Wegovy are brand-name drugs. Brand-name medications often cost more than generics. However, there are currently no generic versions available for Zepbound or Wegovy.»MORE:Search for your medication on Optum Perks to see available coupons and download a free Optum Perks discount card.Optum Perks is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.Precautions for Zepbound and Wegovy Zepbound and Wegovy may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These drugs have some of the same precautions, but they also have different ones. Some of these precautions are mentioned here.Boxed warning: Risk of thyroid cancerZepbound and Wegovy have a boxed warning for the risk of thyroid cancer. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the FDA. It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.Animal studies of tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Zepbound) and semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy) have shown an increased risk of thyroid cancer. However, animal studies don't always predict what will happen in humans. It isn't known for certain whether Zepbound or Wegovy increases thyroid cancer risk in humans.To reduce this risk, doctors typically will not prescribe Zepbound or Wegovy for people with certain risk factors for thyroid cancer. These include having either:a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC)a rare genetic (inherited) condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2)If you have symptoms of thyroid cancer during treatment with Zepbound or Wegovy, tell your doctor right away. Symptoms may include a hoarse voice, a lump in your neck, or difficulty swallowing. Your doctor may order tests to check for thyroid cancer.To learn more about this warning, talk with your doctor.Other precautionsIn addition to boxed warnings, Zepbound and Wegovy have other warnings. If any of the following medical conditions or other health factors are relevant to you, talk with your doctor before using Zepbound or Wegovy.PrecautionZepboundWegovyif you've had an allergic reaction to either drug or any of its ingredients✓✓ if you're pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant✓✓if you're breastfeeding or thinking about breastfeeding✓✓if you have a mental health condition or have ever had suicidal thoughts or behaviors✓✓if you have a pancreas problem✓✓if you have type 2 diabetes✓✓if you have severe gastroparesis✓✓if you have diabetic retinopathy ✓✓if you have a kidney problem✓✓if you have a planned procedure or surgery✓✓Note: For more comprehensive information about what conditions interact with these drugs, you can refer to our Zepbound and Wegovy interactions articles.Help is out thereIf you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.If you're calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.If you're not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.Switching between Zepbound and Wegovy Switching between Zepbound and Wegovy might be possible.If you'd like to know more about switching between Zepbound and Wegovy, talk with your doctor. They can give you additional details and help determine the best course of action for your personal situation. Even if two drugs treat the same condition or are in the same drug class, your body can still respond differently.It's important that you do not stop, start, or switch any of your drug treatments without your doctor's recommendation.Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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