Ozempic
semaglutide · Novo Nordisk
Zepbound
tirzepatide · Eli Lilly
Side by side
| Ozempic | Zepbound | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | semaglutide | tirzepatide |
| Maker | Novo Nordisk | Eli Lilly |
| Class | GLP-1 receptor agonist | GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Approved for | Type 2 diabetes | Weight management |
| How you take it | once weekly injection | once weekly injection |
| Starting dose | 0.25 mg | 2.5 mg |
| Highest dose | 2 mg | 15 mg |
| Main trial result | A1C fell about 1.5 to 1.8 points at 1 mg, with average weight loss of roughly 10 to 14 lb in most trials | 20.9% avg loss (SURMOUNT-1, 15 mg, 72 wk) |
| Nausea (label) | 16% to 20% vs 6% placebo | 25% to 29% vs 9% placebo |
| Missed-dose window | 5 days | 4 days (96 hours) |
| Out of the fridge | Up to 56 days after first use at 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C) | Up to 21 days at or below 86°F (30°C) |
| List price | $998/mo | $1,086/mo |
| Lowest self-pay | $349/mo | $299/mo |
Prices compiled mid-2026 from manufacturer announcements; re-checked monthly.
Key differences
- Different molecules. Ozempic is semaglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist); Zepbound is tirzepatide (GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist).
- Different approvals. Zepbound is approved for weight management; Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes. That shapes insurance coverage.
- Head-to-head data. In SURMOUNT-5, a 72-week head-to-head trial published in 2025, adults with obesity lost an average of about 20.2% on tirzepatide vs about 13.7% on semaglutide. That's the only direct comparison; other figures come from separate trials.
Trial weight loss
Which one fits you
That's a decision for you and your prescriber. The factors that usually decide it:
- Your diagnosis, which decides the approved option and often the coverage
- Whether your plan covers one and not the other
- A shot or a pill, weekly or daily
- How you tolerate side effects
- Cost if you pay yourself: see the cost index
How to use it
- Enter your numbers. Switch between US and metric units at any time.
- Results update as you type, and the formula is shown so you can check it.
- Copy the link, save the plan on this device, or print it for your next appointment.
These are estimates, not a diagnosis. A clinician can account for your health history and medicines.
Common questions
Is Ozempic the same as Zepbound?
No. They contain different medicines: semaglutide and tirzepatide.
Which works better for weight loss, Ozempic or Zepbound?
In SURMOUNT-5, a 72-week head-to-head trial published in 2025, adults with obesity lost an average of about 20.2% on tirzepatide vs about 13.7% on semaglutide. That's the only direct comparison; other figures come from separate trials.
Can I switch from Ozempic to Zepbound?
Only with your prescriber. Switching usually means a new starting dose, not a direct swap.
Which is cheaper, Ozempic or Zepbound?
List prices are $998/mo and $1,086/mo a month; lowest self-pay options we track are $349/mo and $299/mo. Coverage usually matters more.
Sources
Clinician review pending. Drafted from primary sources and waiting for sign-off by a licensed clinician (MD, DO or PharmD) before launch. Every number is checked against its source. Drug facts are re-checked quarterly, prices monthly and whenever a label changes. How we review · Report an error