Medication comparison
Ozempic vs Zepbound
Ozempic and Zepbound are both prescription medications (GLP-1 receptor agonist vs GIP/GLP-1 dual receptor agonist) used for Type 2 diabetes (Ozempic) and Chronic weight management. The table below compares FDA-approved indications, dosing, weight-loss outcomes, side effects, contraindications, and current pricing — all sourced from the manufacturer prescribing information.
Affiliate disclosure: we earn commission on signups. Editorial ranking stays independent.
This is general drug information, not medical advice. Talk to a licensed clinician before starting, stopping, or switching medication.
Top 3 providers prescribing Ozempic or Zepbound
See full ranking →- Best for brand-name
Ro
#1From $99.00/mo
Visit Ro LifeMD
From $249.00/mo
~3 hr· self-reportedVisit LifeMD- Best for fast start
Henry Meds
From $179.00/mo
~1.5 hr· self-reported- LegitScript
Affiliate links — we earn commission on conversions; editorial ranking is independent.
Drug A
Ozempic
semaglutide
GLP-1 receptor agonist
Novo Nordisk
See full overviewDrug B
Zepbound
tirzepatide
GIP/GLP-1 dual receptor agonist
Eli Lilly
See full overviewOverview
| 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 |
Approved uses
| Property | Ozempic | Zepbound |
|---|---|---|
| Approved indications | Type 2 diabetes (Ozempic), Chronic weight management (Wegovy) | Chronic weight management, Obstructive sleep apnea (adults with obesity) |
Dosing
| 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 |
Special populations
| 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. |
Cost
| Property | Ozempic | Zepbound |
|---|---|---|
| Avg monthly cost | $997.58 | $1059.87 |
FDA boxed warning
Ozempic: Risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Contraindicated in patients with personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Zepbound: Risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Contraindicated in patients with personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Frequently asked
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.
Other GLP-1 head-to-head comparisons
Compare semaglutide or Zepbound against another GLP-1
More medication context
Tools and guides that pair with this comparison.
Overview
Ozempic full overview
semaglutide mechanism, dosing, side effects, and pricing.
ReadOverview
Zepbound full overview
tirzepatide mechanism, dosing, side effects, and pricing.
ReadLive data
GLP-1 shortage tracker
Real-time FDA shortage status by drug and dose.
ReadFree tool
Are you a candidate?
FDA-criteria decision tree, flags contraindications.
ReadFree tool
Prior auth letter generator
Payer-ready PA letter your prescriber can sign.
ReadLive data
12-month price trends
How telehealth provider pricing has moved over the past year.
Read
Affiliate disclosure: we earn commissions when readers sign up through our links. Editorial ranking is independent.