Skip to main content
glpverdict
Editorial medical reviewFDA & peer-reviewed sourcesUpdated weeklyMedically reviewed content
HomeCompareZepbound vs Wegovy

Medication comparison

Zepbound vs Wegovy

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jane Novak, MD, MPH 8 min read Fact checked Editorial integrityUpdated Jun 5, 2026

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

Find a provider for Zepbound or Wegovy →

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 Zepbound or Wegovy

Affiliate links — we earn commission on conversions; editorial ranking is independent.

Drug A

Zepbound

tirzepatide

GIP/GLP-1 dual receptor agonist

Eli Lilly

See full overview

Drug B

Wegovy

semaglutide

GLP-1 receptor agonist

Novo Nordisk

See full overview

Overview

PropertyZepboundWegovy
Generic nametirzepatidesemaglutide
Drug classGIP/GLP-1 dual receptor agonistGLP-1 receptor agonist
ManufacturerEli LillyNovo Nordisk
Brand namesZepboundWegovy

Approved uses

PropertyZepboundWegovy
Approved indicationsChronic weight management, Obstructive sleep apnea (adults with obesity)Chronic weight management

Dosing

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

Side effects & warnings

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

Special populations

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

Storage

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

Cost

PropertyZepboundWegovy
Avg monthly cost$1059.87$1349.02

FDA boxed warning

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).

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).

Already on Zepbound and considering Wegovy?

Tirzepatide → semaglutide — typically insurance, side effects, or cost-driven.

Read the switching guide

Frequently asked

What is the difference between Zepbound and Wegovy?

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

Is Zepbound or Wegovy 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 Zepbound and Wegovy?

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

Other GLP-1 head-to-head comparisons

Compare Zepbound or Wegovy against another GLP-1

More medication context

Tools and guides that pair with this comparison.

Affiliate disclosure: we earn commissions when readers sign up through our links. Editorial ranking is independent.