{"id":631694,"date":"2025-03-18T13:59:52","date_gmt":"2025-03-18T17:59:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=631694"},"modified":"2025-12-02T14:24:56","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T19:24:56","slug":"semaglutide-with-tirzepatide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/semaglutide-with-tirzepatide\/","title":{"rendered":"Can you take semaglutide with tirzepatide?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Semaglutide and tirzepatide\u2014these 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\u2019ll explain why.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is semaglutide?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in two brand-name injectable drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). <\/span>Ozempic<\/span><\/a> is FDA approved for blood sugar control in people with <\/span>Type 2 diabetes<\/span><\/a>, as well as cardiovascular risk reduction in people with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It is often prescribed <\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a> (for a non-FDA-approved use) for <\/span>weight loss<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>Wegovy<\/span><\/a> 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 <\/span>glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists<\/span><\/a>. It works on parts of the brain involved with appetite regulation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>How long can you take semaglutide?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

What is tirzepatide?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Tirzepatide is the active ingredient in two FDA-approved brand-name injectable drugs. <\/span>Mounjaro<\/span><\/a> is FDA approved as a Type 2 diabetes medication and is often prescribed off-label for weight loss. The second drug, <\/span>Zepbound<\/span><\/a>, is FDA approved for weight loss and long-term weight management as well as for <\/span>obstructive sleep apnea<\/span><\/a>. While semaglutide is a GLP-1 agonist, tirzepatide is known as a dual <\/span>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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare semaglutide vs. tirzepatide<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nSemaglutide<\/b><\/td>\nTirzepatide<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/strong><\/td>\nGLP-1 agonist<\/span><\/td>\nGIP\/GLP-1 agonist<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standard dosage and forms<\/strong><\/td>\nOzempic: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg<\/span><\/p>\n

(once-weekly injection)<\/span><\/p>\n

Wegovy: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, 2.4 mg (once-weekly injection)<\/span><\/td>\n

Mounjaro: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg (once-weekly injection)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Zepbound: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg<\/span><\/p>\n

(once-weekly injection)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Risks and restrictions to consider<\/strong><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Do not take if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)<\/span><\/li>\n
  • While it is unknown if this drug causes thyroid cancer in humans, it has caused thyroid cancer in animal studies. If you use this medicine, call your healthcare provider right away if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, hoarseness, or a lump in the neck.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Serious side effects may include allergic reactions, pancreatitis, vision problems, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), kidney problems, and gallbladder problems.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Consult a healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding. This medicine should\u00a0 typically be stopped two months before you try to become pregnant.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Before using this drug, tell your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, medical history, and any medications you take.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • Do not take if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)<\/span><\/li>\n
  • While it is unknown if this drug causes thyroid cancer in humans, it has caused thyroid cancer in animal studies. If you use this medicine, call your healthcare provider right away if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, hoarseness, or a lump in the neck.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Serious side effects may include allergic reactions, pancreatitis, vision problems, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), kidney problems, and gallbladder problems<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Consult a healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding. This medicine should\u00a0 typically be stopped two months before you try to become pregnant.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • This medicine may make birth control pills less effective. Discuthis ss with your healthcare provider ithis is a concern.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Before using this drug, tell your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, medical history, and any medications you take.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Side effects<\/strong><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Nausea\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Stomach pain<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Diarrhea\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Constipation\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • Nausea\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Stomach pain<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Diarrhea\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Constipation\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Indigestion\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Decreased appetite\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Average cost without insurance<\/strong><\/td>\n$1,200\u20131,400 for a one-month supply, depending on the product and dosage<\/span><\/td>\n$1,500 for a one-month supply, depending on the product and dosage<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare coupon<\/strong><\/td>\nGet Ozempic coupon<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Get Wegovy coupon<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n

Get Mounjaro coupon<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Get Zepbound coupon<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Learn more<\/strong><\/td>\nMore Ozempic details<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

More Wegovy details<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n

More Mounjaro details<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

More Zepbound details<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Can you take semaglutide with tirzepatide?<\/span><\/h2>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, the <\/span>Wegovy prescribing information<\/span><\/a> notes, \u201c<\/span>Coadministration with other semaglutide-containing products or with any other GLP-1 receptor agonist is not recommended.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Similarly, the <\/span>Zepbound prescribing information<\/span><\/a> notes, \u201cCoadministration with other tirzepatide-containing products or with any GLP-1 receptor agonist is not recommended.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Side effects of taking semaglutide with tirzepatide\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How can you boost weight loss with semaglutide or tirzepatide?<\/span><\/h2>\n

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 \u201c<\/span>food noise<\/span><\/a>,\u201d essentially reducing cravings and making it easier to focus on healthier choices.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While using semaglutide or tirzepatide, <\/span>try to incorporate<\/span><\/a> lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet. Eating enough <\/span>protein<\/span><\/a> and drinking plenty of <\/span>water<\/span><\/a> will also help minimize <\/span>muscle loss<\/span><\/a>. 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.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Although you should always check with your healthcare provider before beginning a new exercise program, here are some <\/span>general exercise guidelines for adults<\/span><\/a>:<\/span><\/p>\n