Semaglutide
The ingredient in Wegovy, Ozempic and other specific products; their forms and indications differ.
Tirzepatide
The ingredient in Zepbound and Mounjaro; prescribing and handling depend on the exact product.
Side-by-Side Comparison
In SURMOUNT-5, 751 adults with obesity without type 2 diabetes were assigned maximum tolerated weekly injections of tirzepatide (10 or 15 mg) or semaglutide (1.7 or 2.4 mg). Mean weight loss at 72 weeks was 20.2% versus 13.7%. This result does not compare oral semaglutide, Wegovy HD 7.2 mg, every dose or people with diabetes, and does not predict an individual's result.
Greater mean weight loss in the studied comparison. The result is not a ranking for every dose, condition or individual.
Semaglutide comes in different products and forms. Wegovy includes weekly injections, a 7.2 mg Wegovy HD injection for eligible adults, and daily tablets. Indications, starting doses, missed-dose instructions and storage depend on the exact product. A dose or rule for Ozempic cannot automatically be applied to Wegovy.
Zepbound is a weekly injection with a product-specific starting and escalation schedule. The label starts at 2.5 mg weekly for four weeks; that is an initiation dose, not a maintenance dose. Maintenance choices depend on indication and response, with a maximum of 15 mg weekly. Pens, single-dose vials and multi-dose presentations have different handling instructions.
The full cost depends on the exact medicine, dose, insurance, manufacturer self-pay or savings eligibility, and any separate care fee. A list price is not necessarily the amount you will pay. Compare the current program costs and manufacturer-direct options, then confirm the amount due and renewal terms before enrolling.
A starter offer, insurance copay and cash maintenance prescription are different price comparisons. Use the current cost guide below.
Use the exact product label to discuss contraindications, pregnancy, other medicines and serious warnings. Trial averages cannot predict your tolerance.
The SURMOUNT-5 weight-loss result does not mean every participant tolerated the medicine better.
Compounded GLP-1 drugs are not FDA-approved. FDA does not review them for safety, effectiveness or quality before they are marketed, and a pharmacy license or accreditation does not establish equivalence to an approved medicine. FDA recommends compounded drugs only when an FDA-approved drug cannot meet a patient's medical needs. Discuss the specific product with a licensed prescriber and pharmacist; this directory does not establish that it is safe for you.
Not automatically. A prescription and a pharmacy license alone do not establish compliance. FDA's April 1, 2026 policy update says semaglutide and tirzepatide are on neither its shortage list nor the 503B bulks list. Section 503A restricts routine compounding of essentially copies of commercially available drugs; a prescriber-documented change that makes a significant difference for an individual patient is one relevant exception. Check current FDA guidance and discuss the specific prescription with a licensed prescriber and pharmacist.
In SURMOUNT-5, 751 adults with obesity without type 2 diabetes were assigned maximum tolerated weekly injections of tirzepatide (10 or 15 mg) or semaglutide (1.7 or 2.4 mg). Mean weight loss at 72 weeks was 20.2% versus 13.7%. This result does not compare oral semaglutide, Wegovy HD 7.2 mg, every dose or people with diabetes, and does not predict an individual's result.
Use that result as one input to a prescribing discussion. It cannot choose between today's oral and injectable options, determine which indication applies to you, or replace a review of risks and coverage. Compare provider services separately from selecting a medicine.
Important Note
This comparison is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. The best medication for you depends on your individual health profile, medical history, and personal circumstances. Always consult with a healthcare provider who can evaluate your specific situation before starting any medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which caused more weight loss in the direct trial?
In SURMOUNT-5, 751 adults with obesity without type 2 diabetes were assigned maximum tolerated weekly injections of tirzepatide (10 or 15 mg) or semaglutide (1.7 or 2.4 mg). Mean weight loss at 72 weeks was 20.2% versus 13.7%. This result does not compare oral semaglutide, Wegovy HD 7.2 mg, every dose or people with diabetes, and does not predict an individual's result.
Does that mean tirzepatide is best for everyone?
No. A trial average does not identify the right prescription for an individual, and the trial did not test every current formulation. Health history, indication, risks, response and access all matter.
Is semaglutide only a weekly injection?
Semaglutide comes in different products and forms. Wegovy includes weekly injections, a 7.2 mg Wegovy HD injection for eligible adults, and daily tablets. Indications, starting doses, missed-dose instructions and storage depend on the exact product. A dose or rule for Ozempic cannot automatically be applied to Wegovy.
Which costs less?
The full cost depends on the exact medicine, dose, insurance, manufacturer self-pay or savings eligibility, and any separate care fee. A list price is not necessarily the amount you will pay. Compare the current program costs and manufacturer-direct options, then confirm the amount due and renewal terms before enrolling.
Can I switch or convert doses myself?
No universal conversion is provided here. Ask the prescriber to choose a transition and ask the pharmacist about the exact device and instructions.
Are compounded versions approved generics?
Compounded GLP-1 drugs are not FDA-approved. FDA does not review them for safety, effectiveness or quality before they are marketed, and a pharmacy license or accreditation does not establish equivalence to an approved medicine. FDA recommends compounded drugs only when an FDA-approved drug cannot meet a patient's medical needs. Discuss the specific product with a licensed prescriber and pharmacist; this directory does not establish that it is safe for you.