Tirzepatide (Zepbound or Mounjaro) and semaglutide (Ozempic) are often referred to as “weightloss medications” that help those suffering from chronic obesity to lose weight. Both prescription medications are used to treat Type 2 diabetes. However, Zepbound is more likely to be prescribed to treat weight loss conditions than Ozempic.
Key Takeaways
According to recent studies on the effectiveness as a weight loss treatment between both drugs, “Weight loss with semaglutide ranged from 6 to 10 kg (13.2 to 22 lb). With tirzepatide, weight loss ranged from 7 to 13 kg (15.4 to 28.6 lb).”
In a 40-week Phase 3 trial with over 1,500 participants, Mounjary (or tizepatide) outperformed semaglutide (Ozempic) by providing A1C reduction of almost 2.3% when compared to semaglutide A1C reduction of only 1.9%.
Comparing the Effectiveness of Tirzepatide and Semaglutide to Treat Weight Loss in Patients
According to recent studies on the effectiveness as a weight loss treatment between both drugs, “Weight loss with semaglutide ranged from 6 to 10 kg (13.2 to 22 lb). With tirzepatide, weight loss ranged from 7 to 13 kg (15.4 to 28.6 lb).”
Based on this clinical trial (DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2107519) it would suggest that the effectiveness to treat weight loss is better done through the use of tirzepatide (Zepound or Mounjaro).
Tirzepatide
The bioavailability of the substance is 80%. It has an elimination half-life of five days. The excretion of the substance occurs through both urine and feces. The metabolism involves proteolytic cleavage, β-oxidation of the fatty diacid section, and amide hydrolysis.
Semaglutide
The bioavailability of the substance is 89%. Its duration of action is 63.6 hours. It has an elimination half-life of seven days. The metabolism involves proteolysis.
Comparing Phase-3 Trial Results of Tirzepatide and Semaglutide
According to a Phase 3, head-to-head study (SURPASS-2) comparing tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and semaglutide (Ozempic) the following results were discovered as part of the study:
Parameter | Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) | Ozempic (Semaglutide) 1 mg |
Study Duration | 40 weeks | 40 weeks |
Number of Participants | Over 1,870 | Over 1,870 |
Initial A1C | 8.3% | 8.3% |
Initial Weight | 94.1 kg (207 lb) | 94.1 kg (207 lb) |
2% to 2.3% | 1.9% | |
Weight Loss | 7.7 kg (17 lb) to 11.4 kg (25 lb) | 5.9 kg (13 lb) |
Side Effects | Similar to Ozempic | Similar to Mounjaro |
Serious Side Effects | 5.3% to 7% | 2.8% |
Comparison Note | FDA approved Ozempic 2 mg dose in March 2022 for type 2 diabetes; higher effectiveness may be possible with this dose | Not applicable |
Comparing Common Side Effects of Tirzepatide and Semaglutide
Just comparing the overall weight loss effectiveness of the two drugs may not be a sufficient way for you to determine the best path forward for yourself. Both drugs have negative side effects. Let’s take a look at how the three drugs often compare:
Side Effect | Zepbound | Ozempic | Rybelsus |
Nausea | 25% to 28% (vs. 8% placebo) | 16% to 20% (vs. 6% placebo) | 11% (7 mg), 20% (14 mg) |
Diarrhea | 19% to 23% (vs. 8% placebo) | 9% (vs. 2% placebo) | 9% (7 mg), 10% (14 mg) |
Belching/Burping | 4% to 5% (vs. 1% placebo) | ||
Vomiting | 8% to 13% (vs. 2% placebo) | 5% to 9% (vs. 2% placebo) | 6% (7 mg), 8% (14 mg) |
Constipation | 11% to 17% (vs. 5% placebo) | 3% to 5% (vs. 2% placebo) | 6% (7 mg), 5% (14 mg) |
Stomach Area Pain | 9% to 10% (vs. 5% placebo) | 6% to 7% (vs. 5% placebo) | 10% (7 mg), 11% (14 mg) |
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease | 4% to 5% (vs. 2% placebo) | ||
Heartburn | 9% to 10% (vs. 4% placebo) | 3% to 4% (vs. 2% placebo) | |
Other | Injection site reactions, tiredness, allergic reactions, hair loss | Hypoglycemia, injection site reactions, elevated amylase and lipase, cholelithiasis, increased heart rate, fatigue, dysgeusia, allergic reactions, dizziness | Decreased appetite: 6% (7 mg), 9% (14 mg) |
Out of the three drug treatment options above Rybelsus may have the lowest amount of negative side effects when compared to Zepbound (tirzepatide) or Ozempic (semaglutide).
Comparing Common Out-of-Pocket Costs of Tirzepatide and Semaglutide
Here are the common out-of-pocket costs between tizepatide prescriptions and semaglutide prescriptions:
Medication | Dosage Form | Cost |
Ozempic | 2 mg/3 mL subcutaneous injection | $1,029 |
Wegovy | 2.4 mg/3 mL subcutaneous injection | $1,430 |
Rybelsus | 7 mg oral tablet (30 tablets) | $1,029 |
Medication | Dosage Form | Cost |
Mounjaro | 5 mg/0.5 mL subcutaneous injection | $1,135 |
Zepbound | 5 mg/0.5 mL subcutaneous injection | $1,125 |
Other Considerations
Both tizepatide and semaglutide products can be quite expensive. With the average out-of-pocket cost of Zepbound being over $1,000. And Ozempic being an out-of-pocket cost of around $935 on average.
A key difference between Zepbound (tizepatide) and Ozempic (semaglutide) is that Zepbound is more often prescribed for those who are going to a primary care physician who are attempting to treat obesity or weight loss. However, Ozempic (semaglutide) is more often only prescribed for those who are dealing with Type 2 diabetes.
The process for getting your prescription may vary greatly depending on what you’re looking treat, your health insurance coverage, the primary care physician you have at your disposal, your age, your overall health condition, and much more.
Find Affordable Brand-Name and Generic Drugs at Drugmart.com At Drugmart.com, we pride ourselves on our affordability, exceptional quality and ease of use when our patients shop for both brand-name and generic drugs. We work closely with the world's most reputable pharmacies to provide high-quality medications from Canada and other tier 1 international sources at unmatched prices, so you can get the treatment you need without worrying about affordability.
Sources
FDA Approves First Treatment to Reduce Risk of Serious Heart Problems Specifically in Adults with Obesity or Overweight. FDA. June 2, 2024. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-treatment-reduce-risk-serious-heart-problems-specifically-adults-obesity-or
Frías JP, Davies MJ, Rosenstock J, et al; for the SURPASS-2 Investigators. Tirzepatide versus semaglutide once weekly in patients with type 2 diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2021;385(6)(suppl):503-515. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2107519
Karagiannis T, Avgerinos I, Liakos A, et al. Management of type 2 diabetes with the dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist tirzepatide: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Diabetologia. 2022 Aug;65(8):1251-1261. doi: 10.1007/s00125-022-05715-4
Azuri J, Hammerman A, Aboalhasan et al. Tirzepatide versus semaglutide for weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A value for money analysis. Diabetes Obes Metab.2023;25:961–964
Related Articles
Check your pen and attach a new needle. Make sure your pen contains clear and colorless Ozempic®. Screw on a new needle and pull off both needle caps. Check the flow with each new pen, turn the dose selector to select the flow...
Obesity affects more than 42% of the United States population. Medicare eligibility begins at the age of 65. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “The prevalence of obesity among those...
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Ozempic
Blue Cross Blue Shield does cover Ozempic and in 2024 had Ozempic on its “balanced drug list,” however, Ozempic is not a drug that is prescribed for either weight loss or without prior condition on...
