What’s the Difference Between Zepbound™ and Wegovy®?
As weight loss drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide gain popularity, it is essential to recognize that there are significant differences between these medications that may influence which one is most suitable for your individual needs.
While both drugs offer potential benefits in managing weight, understanding their distinct characteristics can help you make informed decisions about which option may be the best fit for your weight loss journey.
Wegovy is a groundbreaking weight loss medication that has garnered significant attention in recent years. It is an injectable form of semaglutide – a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and appetite. Approved by the FDA in 2021, Wegovy has shown promising results in helping individuals achieve substantial weight loss.
Similarly, Zepbound is also an injectable medication that has been FDA-approved (2023) for chronic weight management. Its main ingredient is tirzepatide.
While Wegovy and Zepbound are both prescribed to overweight or obese individuals with one or more weight-related comorbidity, the medications are not exactly the same.
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 agonist weight loss medication. Tirzepatide is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist that offers additional benefits beyond glycemic control – potentially making it a more comprehensive option for weight management.
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Duration of action and Dosage
Semaglutide has a long half-life, which allows for once-weekly dosing. Wegovy is offered in five different doses, ranging from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg, with a once-weekly dosing schedule. The injection is administered subcutaneously, meaning it is injected into the layer of tissue just beneath the skin.
Tirzepatide is being studied for both once-weekly and once-daily dosing regimens, indicating potentially different durations of action.
Currently, the recommended initial dosage of tirzepatide is 2.5 mg administered subcutaneously once a week. After four weeks, the dosage should be increased to 5 mg. If further dose escalation is required, it can be done in increments of 2.5 mg after a minimum of four weeks on the current dose. The recommended maintenance dose can range from 5 mg to 15 mg, to be injected once weekly.
Safety and Side Effects
Tirzepatide and semaglutide share similar side effects, possibly due to their comparable mechanisms of action.
Common moderate side effects of both medications may include:
Constipation or diarrhea
Upset stomach, nausea
Vomiting
Headaches
Abdominal pain
Fatigue
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
In more severe cases, both tirzepatide and semaglutide have been associated with potential side effects such as vision changes, pancreatitis, kidney failure, gallbladder issues, and allergic reactions.
Key Point: FDA Boxed Warning for Wegovy and Zepbound
It is important to note that both medications carry boxed warnings from the FDA regarding the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors.
A boxed warning signifies the most serious warning issued by the FDA.
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Cost of Zepbound vs. Cost of Wegovy
The rise of antidiabetic medications FDA-approvals for chronic weight management has surged a demand among Americans. Health experts recognize that – combined with lifestyle changes such as exercise and a calorie-deficit diet – drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound are not only innovative, they are also effective.
This being said, Wegovy comes with a steep price tag – usually around $1,349 every four weeks.
On the other hand, Zepbound is initially priced at approximately $1,060, according to the information provided by Eli Lilly.
The reason for this gap in price between semaglutide and tirzepatide is due to the extensive clinical trials for the development of semaglutide. As competitors, tirzepatide developers did not have to go through the extensive and costly testing process to prove their drug was effective or safe.
Limitations of Use for Zepbound and Wegovy | ||
|---|---|---|
Zepbound | Wegovy | |
Age | On Zepbound’s label, the FDA notes that the safety and effectiveness of Zepbound have not yet been established in teens or adolescents. | Wegovy is FDA-approved for pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with an initial BMI at the 95th percentile or greater standardized for age and sex (obesity). |
Pregnancy | Zepbound may harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while using Zepbound. Discontinue Zepbound if you are planning a pregnancy. | When pregnancy is recognized, discontinue Wegovy. Discontinue Wegovy in patients at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy. Wegovy may cause fetal harm. |
Contraindications | Do not use Zepbound if you have had a serious allergic reaction to tirzepatide. Do not use Zepbound if you or your family has ever had a type of thyroid cancer called MTC. Zepbound is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MEN 2. | Wegovy is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with MEN 2, and in patients with a prior serious hypersensitivity reaction to semaglutide or to any of the excipients in Wegovy. |
Interactions | Using bexarotene with tirzepatide may increase the risk of pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas. Gatifloxacin can affect blood glucose levels and should not be used in patients with diabetes. Both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia have been reported. | When starting Wegovy, consider reducing the dose of insulin to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia Wegovy causes a delay of gastric emptying and has the potential to impact the absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications. |
Coadministration | Zepbound contains tirzepatide and should not be used with other tirzepatide-containing products or any GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines. | Wegovy contains semaglutide and should not be coadministered with other semaglutide-containing products or with any GLP-1 receptor agonist. |
Consult with a Healthcare Professional
While both semaglutide and tirzepatide can be effective tools for weight management, it's important to take a comprehensive approach to achieve weight loss. That’s why LifeMD provides clinical oversight, metabolic testing, and ongoing support from licensed healthcare providers to help you lose weight and feel healthier overall with a GLP-1 medication.
To learn more about GLP-1 medications for chronic weight management, visit LifeMD and find out if you qualify for the Weight Management Program. Answer a few questions about your medical history, weight loss goals, and current weight to find out if you prequalify for a GLP-1 medication. Then, you’ll have a virtual appointment with a licensed medical professional to further discuss if a GLP-1 is right for you.
If you are prescribed weight management medication, regular follow-up appointments with a healthcare professional are essential to monitor your progress, assess its effectiveness. These check-ins allow for adjustments in treatment plans, if necessary, and provide an opportunity to discuss any challenges or successes during your weight loss journey.
If you experience side effects while using semaglutide or tirzepatide, a licensed medical professional can help you manage these changes to your body to ensure your safety. Sometimes, asking questions and getting reassurance from a healthcare professional is the peace of mind you need with new medications.
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