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HomeCompareWegovy vs Zepbound

Medication comparison

Wegovy vs Zepbound

Wegovy and Zepbound are both prescription medications (GLP-1 receptor agonist vs GIP/GLP-1 dual receptor agonist) used for 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.

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This is general drug information, not medical advice. Talk to a licensed clinician before starting, stopping, or switching medication.

Overview

PropertyWegovyZepbound
Generic namesemaglutidetirzepatide
Drug classGLP-1 receptor agonistGIP/GLP-1 dual receptor agonist
ManufacturerNovo NordiskEli Lilly
Brand namesWegovyZepbound

Approved uses

PropertyWegovyZepbound
Approved indicationsChronic weight managementChronic weight management, Obstructive sleep apnea (adults with obesity)

Dosing

PropertyWegovyZepbound
Typical dosingTitrate to 2.4 mg (weekly SC injection)Titrate to 15 mg (weekly SC injection)

Side effects & warnings

PropertyWegovyZepbound
Top side effectsNausea (44.2%), Diarrhea (31.5%), Vomiting (24.8%)Nausea (29.6%), Diarrhea (23%), Vomiting (12.6%)
Contraindications
Boxed warningYesYes

Special populations

PropertyWegovyZepbound
PregnancyC — Discontinue at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy.C — Discontinue at least 1 month before a planned pregnancy.

Storage

PropertyWegovyZepbound
StorageRefrigerate before first use. After first use, room temperature up to 28 days.Refrigerate before first use. After first use, room temperature up to 21 days.

Cost

PropertyWegovyZepbound
Avg monthly cost$1349.02$1059.87

FDA boxed warning

Wegovy: 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).

Already on Wegovy and considering Zepbound?

Semaglutide → tirzepatide for weight loss — strongest head-to-head data favors tirzepatide.

Read the switching guide

Frequently asked

What is the difference between Wegovy and Zepbound?

Wegovy 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 Wegovy 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 Wegovy and Zepbound?

Yes — see our directional switching guide at /switching/wegovy-to-zepbound for FDA-label dose conversion and what to expect during the transition.

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