Zepbound and Ozempic are both prescription drugs part of the GLP-1 agonist drug class. While their uses are different, they do have some similarities, such as dosing schedule and form.
This article explains the main ways Zepbound and Ozempic are alike and different. Your doctor can discuss the benefits and risks of these and other treatment options based on your individual diagnosis and medical history.
For more information about these drugs, including details about their uses, see this Zepbound article and this Ozempic article.
While Zepbound and Ozempic are both prescription injections from the same drug class, they do have a few differences. See the following table for details.
| Zepbound | Ozempic | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | tirzepatide | semaglutide |
| Uses | • weight loss and long-term weight management, along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased exercise • treat obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity | • lower certain risks in people who have type 2 diabetes and heart disease, including heart attack and stroke • help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, along with lifestyle improvements in diet and exercise • prevent worsening kidney function and heart-related death in people who have type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease |
Both Zepbound and Ozempic are brand-name medications, so they may cost more than generic drugs. Since Zepbound is used for weight loss, it also may cost more than Ozempic, as some insurance companies may not cover as much of the cost for weight loss medications.
Talk with your doctor and insurance provider for more information on the cost of these drugs. For other resources that might help you save on the price of these drugs, see the Zepbound cost article and Ozempic cost article.
Note: Doctors may also prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss or weight management. (With off-label use, a drug that’s approved for certain conditions is prescribed for another purpose.) However, the drug is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this purpose.
Zepbound and Ozempic have a few similarities. See the following table for details.
| Zepbound and Ozempic | |
|---|---|
| Form | liquid solution inside prefilled, disposable pens that is given as an injection under your skin |
| Dosing schedule | once per week |
| Drug class* | glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists |
| Generic availability | no |
| Boxed warning | risk of thyroid cancer |
* While Zepbound is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, it is also glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist. Ozempic is only a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
Side effects of Zepbound and Ozempic are similar as well. The more common side effects for each are digestive system side effects, including nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation. For more information about possible side effects, see the Zepbound side effects article and Ozempic side effects article.
To learn more about the dosages for all conditions these drugs treat and how to use the medications, see the Zepbound dosage article and Ozempic dosage article.
While Zepbound and Ozempic are both GLP-1 agonist medications, given as injections once per week, they do have different approved uses.
If you have questions about using Zepbound or Ozempic, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.