Key takeaways
- Zepbound (tirzepatide) is approved by the FDA for weight loss and weight management in adults with obesity or overweight, while Ozempic (semaglutide) is approved for other uses, including managing blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss.
- Studies suggest tirzepatide may be associated with more weight loss compared with semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity.
- Common side effects of both drugs include nausea, abdominal pain, and digestive issues. Both carry a boxed warning for possible thyroid cancer risk.
This article explains the main similarities and differences between Zepbound and Ozempic.
If you’re considering trying one of these drugs, discussing this information with your doctor can help you decide whether one of these treatments may be right for you.
Here’s information about the generic status for Zepbound and Ozempic, as well as details on their active ingredients:
| Zepbound | Ozempic | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic available | no | no |
| Active ingredient | tirzepatide | semaglutide |
| Drug class | dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 receptor agonist | GLP-1 receptor agonist |
The FDA has approved Zepbound and Ozempic for the following uses.
- Zepbound is FDA-approved to:
- help with weight loss and weight management in adults who have obesity or overweight and weight-related health conditions, such as high blood pressure
- treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity
- Ozempic is FDA-approved to:
- help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes
- reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack and stroke, in adults with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease
- reduce the risk of worsening kidney disease and serious heart-related problems in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease
Note: In some cases, your doctor may prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss. With off-label use, a doctor prescribes a drug for a use other than that approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Note: Ozempic contains semaglutide as its active ingredient (what makes a drug work). The drug Wegovy also contains semaglutide and is FDA-approved for weight loss and weight management. Your doctor may prescribe Wegovy as an alternative medication for weight loss instead of Ozempic.
How much Zepbound or Ozempic costs depends on the treatment plan your doctor prescribes, your insurance plan, and your pharmacy.
Both Zepbound and Ozempic are brand-name drugs. Brand-name medications often cost more than generics. However, there are currently no generic versions available for Zepbound or Ozempic.
You can visit these articles to learn about Zepbound’s cost and Ozempic’s cost.
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Zepbound and Ozempic can cause some of the same side effects, as well as different ones. Some of the side effects reported in clinical trials of these drugs are listed here.
For more details about the side effects of these two drugs, see our Zepbound side effects and Ozempic side effects articles. You can also refer to the Zepbound prescribing information and Ozempic prescribing information.
Mild side effects
The following table lists some of the more commonly reported mild side effects of Zepbound and Ozempic. The table may also include mild side effects that are less common.
| Mild side effects | Zepbound | Ozempic |
|---|---|---|
| abdominal pain | ✓ | ✓ |
| burping | ✓ | ✓ |
| changes in taste | ✓ | ✓ |
| dizziness | ✓ | ✓ |
| fatigue | ✓ | ✓ |
| injection site reactions, such as changes in skin color | ✓ | ✓ |
| indigestion | ✓ | ✓ |
| nausea and vomiting | ✓ | ✓ |
| mild allergic reaction | ✓ |
These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. If the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious side effects
The following table lists some reported serious side effects of Zepbound and Ozempic.
| Serious side effects | Zepbound | Ozempic |
|---|---|---|
| severe digestive side effects, which may lead to dehydration and kidney problems | ✓ | ✓ |
| sudden gallbladder disease, such as gallstones or cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) | ✓ | ✓ |
| sudden pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) | ✓ | ✓ |
| diabetic retinopathy | ✓ | |
| hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) | ✓ | ✓ |
| increased heart rate | ✓ | ✓ |
| low blood pressure | ✓ | |
| boxed warning: risk of thyroid cancer | ✓ | ✓ |
If you have serious side effects while using Zepbound or Ozempic, call your doctor immediately. If the side effects feel life threatening or you believe you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
Zepbound and Ozempic are both given as subcutaneous injections, meaning they are injected under the skin. Your doctor will show you or a caregiver how to inject either drug under the skin of your abdomen, upper thigh, or upper arm.
Ozempic is also available as an oral tablet that is taken once daily.
For more information about the dosages for conditions these drugs treat, see our Zepbound dosage and Ozempic dosage articles.
Keep reading to learn more about the effectiveness of Zepbound and Ozempic.
Comparison study: Zepbound and Ozempic have not been directly compared for weight loss in clinical trials. However, a
In a 2025 clinical trial, tirzepatide was also found to be more effective for weight loss compared with semaglutide in adults with obesity. It’s important to keep in mind that study results may not apply to your individual health situation.
Prescribing information: For details about how these drugs performed in separate clinical trials, see the Zepbound prescribing information and Ozempic prescribing information. Keep in mind that trial results may not apply to your individual health situation.
Treatment guidelines: Another way to determine whether a drug is considered effective is to look at treatment guidelines. When an organization includes certain drugs in treatment guidelines, this means research has shown the drug to be safe and effective.
Zepbound is recommended as a treatment option for people with obesity in guidelines from the American Gastroenterological Association. The American Diabetes Association recommends Ozempic as a treatment option for people with type 2 diabetes who also have weight loss or weight management as part of their treatment goal.
Zepbound and Ozempic may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These drugs have some of the same precautions, but they also have different ones. Some of these precautions are mentioned here.
Boxed warning: Risk of thyroid cancer
Zepbound and Ozempic have a boxed warning for the risk of thyroid cancer. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
Studies in animals have shown that tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Zepbound) and semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic) may increase the risk of thyroid cancer. However, results from animal studies don’t always predict what will happen in humans. It isn’t known for certain whether Zepbound or Ozempic raises the risk of thyroid cancer in humans.
To minimize this risk, doctors typically will not prescribe Zepbound or Ozempic for people with certain risk factors for thyroid cancer. These include having either:
- a rare genetic (inherited) condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2
- a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer
If you have symptoms of thyroid cancer while you’re using Zepbound or Ozempic, tell your doctor right away. Symptoms may include a lump in your neck, a hoarse voice, or difficulty swallowing. Your doctor may order tests to check for thyroid cancer.
Precautions
In addition to boxed warnings, Zepbound and Ozempic have other warnings.
If any of the following medical conditions or other health factors are relevant to you, talk with your doctor before starting Zepbound or Ozempic.
| Precaution | Zepbound | Ozempic |
|---|---|---|
| if you’ve had an allergic reaction to either drug or any of its ingredients | ✓ | ✓ |
| if you’re pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant | ✓ | ✓ |
| if you’re breastfeeding or thinking about breastfeeding | ✓ | ✓ |
| if you have diabetic retinopathy | ✓ | ✓ |
| if you have an upcoming medical procedure requiring sedation or general anesthesia | ✓ | ✓ |
| if you have a stomach problem, such as gastroparesis | ✓ | ✓ |
| if you’ve ever had a pancreas problem | ✓ | ✓ |
Note: For more information about the precautions of these drugs, you can refer to our Zepbound interaction and Ozempic interaction articles.
Switching between Zepbound and Ozempic is possible.
If you’d like to know more about switching between Zepbound and Ozempic, talk with your doctor. They can give you additional details and help determine the best course of action for your personal situation. Even if two drugs treat the same condition or are in the same drug class, your body can still respond differently.
It’s important that you do not stop, start, or switch any of your drug treatments without your doctor’s recommendation.
Choosing between Ozempic and Zepound depends on your specific health goals, the condition being treated, insurance coverage, and medical history. Talk with your doctor to determine which drug aligns best with your personal wellness journey.
Disclaimer: While Medical News Today strives for factual, comprehensive, and current drug information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.