Zepbound
tirzepatide · Eli Lilly
Saxenda
liraglutide · Novo Nordisk
Side by side
| Zepbound | Saxenda | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | tirzepatide | liraglutide |
| Maker | Eli Lilly | Novo Nordisk |
| Class | GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist | GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Approved for | Weight management | Weight management |
| How you take it | once weekly injection | once daily injection |
| Starting dose | 2.5 mg | 0.6 mg |
| Highest dose | 15 mg | 3 mg |
| Main trial result | 20.9% avg loss (SURMOUNT-1, 15 mg, 72 wk) | 8.0% avg loss (SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes, 3 mg, 56 wk) |
| Nausea (label) | 25% to 29% vs 9% placebo | 39% vs 14% placebo |
| Missed-dose window | 4 days (96 hours) | resume the next day (more than 3 days missed: restart titration) |
| Out of the fridge | Up to 21 days at or below 86°F (30°C) | Up to 30 days after first use at 59°F to 86°F |
| List price | $1,086/mo | $1,349/mo |
| Lowest self-pay | $299/mo | not offered |
Prices compiled mid-2026 from manufacturer announcements; re-checked monthly.
Key differences
- Different molecules. Zepbound is tirzepatide (GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist); Saxenda is liraglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist).
- Different routine. Zepbound is a once weekly injection; Saxenda is a once daily injection.
- Trial results. Zepbound's main trial averaged 20.9% loss vs 8.0% for Saxenda, but those were separate trials with different people and lengths.
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 Zepbound the same as Saxenda?
No. They contain different medicines: tirzepatide and liraglutide.
Which works better for weight loss, Zepbound or Saxenda?
Their main trials were separate, so a direct ranking isn't possible from that data. Your prescriber can weigh your history.
Can I switch from Zepbound to Saxenda?
Only with your prescriber. Switching usually means a new starting dose, not a direct swap.
Which is cheaper, Zepbound or Saxenda?
List prices are $1,086/mo and $1,349/mo a month; lowest self-pay options we track are $299/mo and not offered. 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