What is the difference between Ozempic and Zepbound?

Ozempic is semaglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist) and Zepbound is tirzepatide (GIP/GLP-1 dual receptor agonist). They have different active ingredients and slightly different side-effect profiles.

Is Ozempic or Zepbound more effective for weight loss?

Head-to-head trial data favors tirzepatide-based medications (Mounjaro, Zepbound) over semaglutide-based medications (Ozempic, Wegovy) in average percent weight loss. SURMOUNT-1 reported ~20.9% mean weight loss on tirzepatide 15 mg; STEP 1 reported ~14.9% on semaglutide 2.4 mg over comparable timelines.

Can I switch between Ozempic and Zepbound?

Switching between GLP-1 medications requires re-titration when crossing active ingredients (semaglutide ↔ tirzepatide). Always coordinate with your prescriber before switching.

Ozempic vs Zepbound — Side-by-Side GLP-1 Comparison (2026)

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Overview

Property	Ozempic	Zepbound
Generic name	semaglutide	tirzepatide
Drug class	GLP-1 receptor agonist	GIP/GLP-1 dual receptor agonist
Manufacturer	Novo Nordisk	Eli Lilly
Brand names	Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus	Zepbound

Property	Ozempic	Zepbound
Approved indications	Type 2 diabetes (Ozempic), Chronic weight management (Wegovy)	Chronic weight management, Obstructive sleep apnea (adults with obesity)

Property	Ozempic	Zepbound
Typical dosing	Titrate to 2.4 mg (weekly SC injection)	Titrate to 15 mg (weekly SC injection)

Side effects & warnings

Property	Ozempic	Zepbound
Top side effects	Nausea (44.2%), Diarrhea (31.5%), Vomiting (24.8%)	Nausea (29.6%), Diarrhea (23%), Vomiting (12.6%)
Contraindications	—	—
Boxed warning	Yes	Yes

Property	Ozempic	Zepbound
Pregnancy	C — Discontinue at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy due to long half-life.	C — Discontinue at least 1 month before a planned pregnancy.

Storage

Property	Ozempic	Zepbound
Storage	Refrigerate 36-46°F (2-8°C) before first use. After first use, may be stored at room temperature 59-86°F (15-30°C) for up to 56 days. Protect from light. Do not freeze.	Refrigerate before first use. After first use, room temperature up to 21 days.

Ozempic vs Zepbound

Ozempic

Zepbound

Overview

Approved uses

Dosing

Side effects & warnings

Special populations

Storage

Cost

Frequently asked

More medication context

Ozempic full overview

Zepbound full overview

GLP-1 shortage tracker

Are you a candidate?

Prior auth letter generator

12-month price trends

Ozempic vs Zepbound

Ozempic

Zepbound

Overview

Approved uses

Dosing

Side effects & warnings

Special populations

Storage

Cost

Frequently asked

Compare semaglutide or Zepbound against another GLP-1

More medication context

Ozempic full overview

Zepbound full overview

GLP-1 shortage tracker

Are you a candidate?

Prior auth letter generator

12-month price trends