Medication Comparison
Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide shows greater weight loss in head-to-head trials (~22% vs ~15%), but semaglutide has a longer track record and more availability. Cost is similar for compounded versions.
| Category | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide |
|---|---|---|
| Brands | Ozempic / Wegovy | Mounjaro / Zepbound |
| Class | GLP-1 RA | GLP-1/GIP dual agonist |
| Administration | Weekly injection | Weekly injection |
| Average weight loss | ~15% | ~22% |
| Compounded cost | $150-400/mo (compounded) | $150-450/mo (compounded) |
| Brand cost | $1,000-1,400/mo | $1,000-1,200/mo |
| Half-life | ~7 days | ~5 days |
| Dosing frequency | Once weekly | Once weekly |
| Key trial | STEP (16.9% weight loss) | SURMOUNT-1 (22.5% weight loss) |
Best for Semaglutide
Patients who want a well-studied medication with oral option
Best for Tirzepatide
Patients seeking maximum weight loss with dual-action mechanism
Semaglutide tradeoffs
Pros
- More data available
- Oral option exists
- Widely available
Cons
- Less weight loss than tirzepatide
- GI side effects common
Tirzepatide tradeoffs
Pros
- Greater average weight loss
- Dual mechanism (GLP-1 + GIP)
- May improve insulin sensitivity more
Cons
- Less long-term data
- No oral option yet
- Supply constraints
Common questions
Is tirzepatide better than semaglutide?
Clinical trials suggest tirzepatide produces more weight loss on average (~22% vs ~15%), but individual results vary. Both are effective GLP-1 medications.
Can you switch from semaglutide to tirzepatide?
Yes, with your doctor's guidance. Typically you'd start tirzepatide at the lowest dose even if you were on a high dose of semaglutide.
Which has fewer side effects?
Both have similar GI side effect profiles. Some studies suggest tirzepatide may cause slightly less nausea at equivalent efficacy doses.
Compare clinics that prescribe these medications
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