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Key takeaways
Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, while tirzepatide is the active ingredient in both Mounjaro and Zepbound. All of these are once-weekly injectable drugs that are approved by the FDA.
While semaglutide or tirzepatide can be very effective for weight loss, they should not be combined. Combining these drugs is not recommended and could increase the risk of side effects, some of which could be serious.
Combining semaglutide or tirzepatide with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise can help boost your weight loss results.
Consult your healthcare provider for more information and medical advice about weight loss medications.
Semaglutide and tirzepatide—these drugs are all the rage right now. You may know people who have had great success using one of these drugs for weight loss, and you may think, if one weight loss drug is so beneficial, should I try both at the same time? Is a tirzepatide semaglutide combination right for me? Unfortunately, these drugs are not meant to be combined. We’ll explain why.
What is semaglutide?
Semaglutide is the active ingredient in two brand-name injectable drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Ozempic is FDA approved for blood sugar control in people with Type 2 diabetes, as well as cardiovascular risk reduction in people with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It is often prescribed off-label (for a non-FDA-approved use) for weight loss. Wegovy is FDA- pproved for weight loss and long-term weight management, as well as cardiovascular risk reduction (in people with heart disease who are either overweight or have obesity). Semaglutide is part of a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists. It works on parts of the brain involved with appetite regulation.
RELATED: How long can you take semaglutide?
What is tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is the active ingredient in two FDA-approved brand-name injectable drugs. Mounjaro is FDA approved as a Type 2 diabetes medication and is often prescribed off-label for weight loss. The second drug, Zepbound, is FDA approved for weight loss and long-term weight management as well as for obstructive sleep apnea. While semaglutide is a GLP-1 agonist, tirzepatide is known as a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (GIP/GLP-1 agonist). It works in a similar way as semaglutide, but it has an additional mechanism of action that helps regulate food intake.
Compare semaglutide vs. tirzepatide |
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|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | Tirzepatide | |
| Drug class | GLP-1 agonist | GIP/GLP-1 agonist |
| Standard dosage and forms | Ozempic: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg
(once-weekly injection) Wegovy: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, 2.4 mg (once-weekly injection) |
Mounjaro: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg (once-weekly injection)
Zepbound: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg (once-weekly injection) |
| Risks and restrictions to consider |
|
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| Side effects |
|
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| Average cost without insurance | $1,346–1,844 for a one-month supply, depending on the product and dosage | $1,465–1,503 for a one-month supply, depending on the product and dosage |
| SingleCare coupon | Get Ozempic coupon | Get Mounjaro coupon |
| Learn more | More Ozempic details | More Mounjaro details |
Can you take semaglutide with tirzepatide?
While it may seem like using semaglutide and tirzepatide together could enhance or speed up weight loss, these drugs are not meant to be combined. The prescribing information specifically advises against using more than one of these medications at the same time.
For example, the Wegovy prescribing information notes, “Coadministration with other semaglutide-containing products or with any other GLP-1 receptor agonist is not recommended.”
Similarly, the Zepbound prescribing information notes, “Coadministration with other tirzepatide-containing products or with any GLP-1 receptor agonist is not recommended.”
Side effects of taking semaglutide with tirzepatide
Semaglutide and tirzepatide have long lists of potential side effects. Many of them are gastrointestinal (related to the stomach and intestines) in nature. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, stomach pain, indigestion, gas, and other stomach-related issues are common side effects of both drugs. Using both drugs together could potentially intensify or worsen these gastrointestinal side effects.
Additionally, both drugs are associated with possible serious side effects, such as kidney failure, inflammation of the pancreas, and vision problems. Combining them could increase the potential risks of these serious side effects.
How can you boost weight loss with semaglutide or tirzepatide?
Semaglutide and tirzepatide are typically recommended along with lifestyle changes, such as a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Using semaglutide or tirzepatide can help reduce “food noise,” essentially reducing cravings and making it easier to focus on healthier choices.
While using semaglutide or tirzepatide, try to incorporate lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet. Eating enough protein and drinking plenty of water will also help minimize muscle loss. Avoid foods that are sugary, fatty, greasy, or fried. This will be better for your health and can also help reduce stomach problems that are common with GLPs.
Although you should always check with your healthcare provider before beginning a new exercise program, here are some general exercise guidelines for adults:
- At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, such as brisk walking (can be broken up into smaller chunks, for example, taking a walk for 30 minutes a day, five days per week)
- Two days of strength training per week, which can also help prevent muscle loss
You can ask your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations on how to boost weight loss while using one of these drugs. Registered dietitians and fitness professionals can also help you reach your goals.
Can you switch from semaglutide to tirzepatide?
While either drug can be quite effective, a recent study has found that people taking Zepbound (tirzepatide) have had better results than people taking Wegovy (semaglutide). In a clinical trial called SURMOUNT-5, people who used Zepbound over 72 weeks lost 20.2% of their body weight, compared to 13.7% in people who used Wegovy.
If you are thinking about switching from semaglutide to tirzepatide, consult a healthcare provider who can take into account various individual considerations. For example, if you are using Wegovy and losing weight—and experiencing minimal or no side effects—it may be better to continue using Wegovy. However, if you are using Wegovy and not getting your desired results, you may benefit from trying Zepbound instead.
It is important to consult your healthcare provider for medical advice regarding the best treatment plan for your weight loss journey.
Bottom line
Two is not always better than one—while semaglutide or tirzepatide can be very effective for weight loss, the two drugs should not be used together. Always check with a healthcare provider for medical advice on your condition and treatment.
- Ozempic, DailyMed (2024)
- Wegovy, DailyMed (2024)
- Mounjaro, DailyMed (2024)
- Zepbound, DailyMed (2024)
- What is food noise? A conceptual model of food cue reactivity, Nutrients (2023)
- Taking a GLP-1? Here are foods to limit — and what to prioritize, Ohio State Health & Discovery (2024)
- Adult activity: An overview, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2023)
- SURMOUNT-5: Tirzepatide bests semaglutide in head-to-head weight loss trial, HCPLive (2024)