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Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide: 7 Differences To Know About

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide medications have a few differences including the dosage, cost, and indications. Learn more about what sets them apart here.

Read on

Both Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are popular medications that have been utilized for their abilities as type 2 diabetes treatments, as well as weight loss aids. You might be more familiar with them when discussed as their brand names. Semaglutide is the active ingredient inside of the brand name medications Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. Tirzepatide is the active ingredient found in the brand medications Zepbound and Mounjaro.

In general, these two medications have more similarities than differences. But, when it comes to selecting one over the other, it may be the differences that help you choose what’s best for you.

Below, we will outline some of the key differences between Semaglutide and Tirzepatide medications.

1. They work differently in the body

While they are both in the same class of medications, GLP-1 receptor agonists, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide work a little bit differently inside of the body.

Semaglutide works to stimulate the GLP-1 receptor to help reduce appetite, while Tirzepatide stimulates both the GLP-1 receptor and GIP receptors. So, Tirzepatide may be doing a little bit more in the body when it comes to appetite suppression.

2. One may give better results than the other

According to some studies, this extra receptor that Tirzepatide works on just might be giving it a leg up when it comes to type 2 diabetes and weight loss results. 

This study showed significantly greater improvements in weight loss for the group using Tirzepatide vs the group using Semaglutide at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. Although, it’s important to mention that both the Semaglutide and Tirzepatide groups had significant weight loss success.

3. The dosages are different

How much Semaglutide or Tirzeptide you will be using to start out, as maintenance dosages, and as the max dosages are different. While both are normally listed out in how many milligrams (mg) you will be using each injection, since they are different chemicals, this is different between them.

For Semaglutide, the general starting dosage is 0.25 mg injected once weekly. This can be titrated up as needed every 4 weeks. Semaglutide has a maximum dosage of 2.4 mg per weekly dose. 

For Tirzepatide, the usual starting dosage is 2.5 mg injected once weekly. This is also usually titrated up as needed every 4 weeks. The maximum dosage for Tirzepatide is 15 mg per weekly dose.

If you are unsure about your starting dose, or titration plan, speak with your doctor. Your exact regimen may differ from someone else based on your response, any side effects you are experiencing, and your ultimate goals with treatment.

4. The side effects may be slightly different

Since these medications are so similar, and work in similar ways in the body, the side effects are likely to be about the same. However, Semaglutide has been out for longer than Tirzepatide, so we have a little more information on the possible side effects. It is also possible that since Tirzepatide works on an additional receptor, that it may have a slightly different side effect profile as compared to Semaglutide.

For the full story on differences in side effects between Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, we will need to stay tuned. But, for now, it is likely that they are pretty similar.

For both of these medications, the most common side effects are gastrointestinal in nature. That means that some people can experience nausea, vomiting, indigestion, diarrhea, or constipation. Talk with your doctor if any side effects are severe, bothersome, or don’t improve as your body gets used to the medication.

5. One is not approved for use in children

Tirzepatide medications are currently not approved for use in children for any indication. While the Semaglutide medication Wegovy is currently approved for use in children ages 12 or older to be used as a weight loss aid, when appropriate.

While use of either of these medications in children is not extremely common at the moment, if one is used, it will likely be Semaglutide. 

6. One is not indicated for heart disease prevention (yet)

The Semaglutide medications, Ozempic and Wegovy, are currently indicated for use as heart disease prevention medications. This is an indication that came about after its initial release after the studies confirmed this benefit for heart disease.

Currently, as of Nov 2024, Tirzepatide medications do not carry these same indications for heart disease prevention. Although, this is likely due to the medication being newer. Since they are very similar, it is likely that Tirzepatide will be found to have these same heart disease prevention benefits in time.

7. The costs or insurance coverage may differ

The amount that you need to pay for your medication can play a big role in you or your doctor selecting one over the other. While it’s not cut and dry, the costs of Semaglutide and Tirzepatide may differ. This could mean that your out of pocket costs are higher for one or the other. If you are planning to get these medications with cash, not using your insurance, you might want to do a little shopping around to see which one fits your budget better. 

If you do wish to use your insurance to get one of these medications, keep in mind that not all insurances may approve of these, or may only allow one or the other. Call your insurance to see what the best route is for you here.

Compounding pharmacies may also be an option for you. Since the availability of these medications can be an issue, some compounding pharmacies are able to make Semaglutide or Tirzepatide medications up for you, if they have the capability. One other aspect to this, is the price point may be better. Online telehealth services, like us here at Strut Health, utilize compounding pharmacies to improve the availability of Semaglutide and Tirzepatide medications – and our price points are often very competitive.

Strut Health compounded Semaglutide and Tirzepatide medications prescribed online and shipped free

Learn more about the compounded Semaglutide and Tirzepatide medications that we offer here at Strut Health. We carry oral and injection options, to help you find the route and medications that best suit your needs and goals.

To get started, simply select a medication and complete a free online questionnaire-based telemedicine consultation in under 15 minutes. A U.S. licensed doctor will review your information and make sure this treatment is appropriate for you. If it is, you will be charged and a U.S. compounding pharmacy will make your medication and ship it to your front door with our free shipping.

If you need dosage adjustments or have questions, or customer service team and your prescribing doctor are available for free and unlimited follow-ups as needed.

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