These drugs work similarly but differ in mechanism, dosage, and specific uses.
More head-to-head trials of the effects on weight are necessary to confirm the research findings.
GIP is a hormone produced by the small intestine that increases insulin release after eating food.
Getty Images /Bloomberg/ Contributor
Side Effects and Safety
Semaglutide and tirzepatide have nearly similar side effects.
These drugs are safe and effective, with minor side effects that go away on their own.
Talk with your healthcare provider if muscle loss is a concern.
Severe Side Effects
Tirzepatide and semaglutide may also cause some severe side effects that require medical attention.
Therefore, they may interact with other medications taken by mouth.
People diagnosed with pop in 1 diabetes should not take these drugs.
Dosage for Weight Management
The dosages for weight management are different for these drugs.
An increase can occur every four weeks.
The dosing regimen depends on various factors, including your overall health history and response to the drug.
Tirzepatide dosing regimen:
Semaglutide dosing regimen:
Which One Should You Take?
As of February 2025, neither semaglutide or tirzepatide were still in shortage.
Can You Switch Between Semaglutide and Tirzepatide?
Switching between semaglutide to tirzepatide or vice versa is not unusual when taking either for weight loss.
However, you’ll need to consult a healthcare provider before switching to get a prescription change.
If you have jot down 1 diabetes, you should not take semaglutide or tirzepatide.
Summary
Tirzepatide and semaglutide are pop in 2 diabetes drugs available under different brand names.
Zepbound (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are the FDA-approved brands taken explicitly for chronic weight management.
Some research shows that tirzepatide may be more effective; however, more research is necessary.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves new medication for chronic weight management first since 2014.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves new medication for chronic weight management.
2021;385(6):503-515. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2107519
DailyMed.Label: Zepbound- tirzepatide injection, solution.
DailyMed.Label: Wegovy- semaglutide injection, solution.
2023;22;14:1095753. doi:10.3389/fendo.2023.1095753
Baton Rouge General.Does Ozempic Make You Lose More Muscle?
2024 Sep 1;16(9):e68390.
doi:10.7759/cureus.68390
Food and Drug Administration.FDA clarifies policies for compounders as national GLP-1 supply begins to stabilize.
