What Is The Difference Between Tirzepatide and Ozempic?

Tirzepatide and Ozempic are the brand names of two medications—tirzepatide and semaglutide—that were approved for weight management in 2023. The two medications belong to the same class of medication called GLP-1s. While they share many similarities and are administered nearly identically, they are separate medications. Let’s look more into the differences and similarities between Tirzepatide and Ozempic to understand how they work and which may work best for you.

What Do Tirzepatide & Ozempic Do?

Tirzepatide and Ozempic—as previously mentioned—belong to a class of medications called GLP-1s. These medications mimic the effects of the GLP-1 hormone which helps regulate appetite, digestion, and insulin release from the pancreas. It is a vital hormone for metabolic health and can be difficult to balance and regulate on your own. Natural GLP-1 does not last long in the body, and thus, neither do its effects. This is where Tirzepatide and Ozempic can help.

When tirzepatide or semaglutide are injected under the skin, they act as a synthetic version of the hormone which causes the body to respond by reducing hunger cues, slowing digestion, and stimulating the release of insulin. In practical, everyday life, this helps patients feel fuller sooner when eating meals and stay full longer between them.

While GLP-1s are best combined with diet and exercise, they can help take the struggle and mental anguish out of making major lifestyle changes so quickly. It allows patients to make strategic, slow changes that are easier to stick with and incorporate into their habits. This provides a fantastic opportunity for patients to undergo medical weight loss without surgery.

What’s The Difference Between Ozempic & Tirzepatide?

The major difference between the two medications is that Ozempic only mimics the GLP-1 hormone while Tirzepatide mimics both the GLP-1 hormone and another metabolic hormone called GIP. This has shown to be highly effective for weight loss and it may even provide fewer side effects than semaglutide for some patients.

How Ozempic Works

Semaglutide—or Ozempic—works by synthesizing the effects of the GLP-1 hormone and causing its effects to last longer in the body. This helps reduce appetite, improve metabolic health, and can lead to significant health benefits and weight loss. Like many other similar medications, the most common way to administer it is through weekly injections. Though, semaglutide does also offer a daily pill version. No significant differences in efficacy between the injectable and oral forms are evident.

How Tirzepatide Works

The first part of Tirzepatide works the same as semaglutide. It synthesizes and extends the effects of the GLP-1 hormone. The dual action approach of tirzepatide also repeats these effects for the GIP hormone which is also related to the metabolism and appetite. Targeting two hormones versus one may make Tirzepatide a better option for some people. Tirzepatide generally only comes in an injectable form.

Similarities Between Tirzepatide & Ozempic

Ozempic and Tirzepatide are extremely similar medications. Not only do they work in similar ways and belong to the same class of medications, but they also have many practical similarities. Some of the most notable similarities between Tirzepatide and Ozempic include:

• Most commonly administered through weekly injections
• Improve metabolic health
• Lower blood sugar and A1C
• FDA-approved for weight loss
• Have a history of treating type II diabetes
• Evidence of significant weight loss
• Synthesize GLP-1 hormones
• May cause nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting as temporary side effects
• Insurance coverage varies widely when prescribed only for weight loss
• No currently available generic version
• Cannot take with other GLP-1 drugs
• Injected in the same areas: stomach, thigh, or upper arm
• Injections can be self-administered at home
• May help improve overall health including lowering the risk of certain cardiac conditions and anything related to the patient’s weight

It is important to note that while Ozempic and Tirzepatide are very similar, they are not interchangeable and the dosages are completely different. Patients may switch from one to the other, but should never take them together. Additionally, the dose given on one medication will be different from the dose prescribed on the other.

Patients are encouraged to try both if they do not see the results expected from the original medication prescribed. Due to biological differences between people, one medication may work more effectively than the other for some.

Differences Between Tirzepatide & Ozempic

Tirzepatide (Tirzepatide) and semaglutide (Ozempic) do have notable differences. While prescribed for the same conditions and offering many of the same benefits, they are ultimately different drugs. Some of the differences include:

• Tirzepatide targets two hormones while Ozempic only targets one
• Semaglutide may cause more or more severe side effects in some people
• Tirzepatide may have fewer or less severe side effects in some people
• Semaglutide is available as both an injection and a pill
• Small differences in out-of-pocket costs (Tirzepatide tends to be slightly more expensive)
• Use different active ingredients: Ozempic uses semaglutide and Tirzepatide uses tirzepatide

Effectiveness

Each medication is effective for weight loss and one is not necessarily inferior to the other. Several factors impact whether Tirzepatide or Ozempic will work better for you, such as environment, genetics, medical history, biology, lifestyle, budget, and personal preference.

Some patients may find that one works better for them than the other. Tirzepatide has shown slightly more effectiveness for weight loss; however, this comes with the trade-off of potentially more severe or prolonged side effects. Though, for patients who experience significant side effects from semaglutide, or whose side effects do not improve or resolve in a specific period of time, tirzepatide may turn out to have fewer side effects.

Ultimately, it is important to consult with a medical provider to discuss which medication may work best for you based on the various factors mentioned above.

Cardiovascular Benefits

Ozempic has been shown to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. There are fewer published studies concerning these effects with Tirzepatide, but current studies are promising, and there is some indication that it may help lower blood pressure which would have a positive cardiovascular effect.

Losing weight, in general, can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. While people already at a significant genetic risk fo these events may not see a major difference, those who have an increased risk due to their weight will likely see that risk lower with weight loss from both semaglutide and tirzepatide.

Administration & Dose

Ozempic and Tirzepatide are most commonly administered through subcutaneous injections. They are given in areas with significant fatty tissue such as the stomach, thighs, and back of the arm. This allows for quicker dispersal of the medication and prevents hitting other structures.

The dosage of each medication depends on the patient. Ozempic has a dosage range of roughly 0.25 milligrams to 2.4 milligrams. Tirzepatide has a dosage range of roughly 2.5 milligrams to 15 milligrams. Most of the time providers will build up the dosage overtime to minimize uncomfortable side effects.

Cost

The out of pocket costs for Tirzepatide and Ozempic will vary based on availability, location, method of administration, and other factors. At Allure Esthetic, our pricing is as follows:

• Semaglutide Injections (Ozempic, Wegovy): $525 per month (includes medication, all supplies necessary, diet & exercise plan, and the consultation with monthly follow-up appointments)
• Semaglutide Tablets (Rybelsus): $700 per month (includes medication, diet, & exercise plan, and the consultation with monthly follow-up appointments)
• Tirzepatide (Tirzepatide): $750 per month (includes medication, all supplies necessary, diet & exercise plan, and the consultation with monthly follow-up appointments). We also offer Tirzepatide Tablets.

Allure Esthetic does not work with insurance for these injections. Patients can find affordable financing through Care Credit, Alphaeon, and United Medical Credit. Patients are also welcome to pre-pay for months in advance.

Which Is Better?

Ozempic and Tirzepatide are both highly effective medications for chronic weight management. Each has individual benefits and one may benefit a specific person more than another. It is important to acknowledge that medications affect individuals differently. Therefore, neither Ozempic nor Tirzepatide is objectively better than the other, but may better treat some patients based on various factors. Most patients will start off on semaglutide because it was the first available on the market, is slightly less expensive, and the dual-hormone approach is not needed for everyone. For those with inadequate results or severe side effects with semaglutide, they often respond better to tirzepatide.

Your provider at Allure Esthetic will review your medical history, goals, and several other factors to determine which medication may work best for you.

Conclusion

The newest GLP-1 medications have provided a completely new outlook for medical weight loss patients. Not only can it significantly reduce weight, but it can help patients curate a healthier lifestyle without discouragement from major setbacks. However, it is also not a magic pill and should not be treated as such. Patients should still make efforts to improve their diet and exercise routines.

Allure Esthetic offers consultations and same-day injections for qualifying patients. Patients can learn more and schedule a consultation by calling 206-209-0988. Patients can also reach out online via chat, contact form, or Price Simulator.