Evidence-anchoredFact-table driven4 brands · 7 comparisons

Compare GLP-1 medications, side by side.

Same molecule family, different indications, doses, and prices. They are not interchangeable. Insurance treats them as separate drugs even when the active ingredient is identical.

§ 01Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound

cited · DailyMed + ClinicalTrials.gov

Prices checked October 3, 2026.

Attribute	HIGHLIGHTED Ozempic semaglutide	Wegovy semaglutide	Mounjaro tirzepatide	Zepbound tirzepatide
Active ingredient	semaglutide	semaglutide	tirzepatide	tirzepatide
Manufacturer	Novo Nordisk	Novo Nordisk	Eli Lilly	Eli Lilly
Drug class	GLP-1 receptor agonist	GLP-1 receptor agonist	Dual GIP / GLP-1 receptor agonist	Dual GIP / GLP-1 receptor agonist
FDA approved	December 2017	June 2021	May 2022	November 2023
Indication	Type 2 diabetes (adults). Also lowers heart and kidney risks in type 2 diabetes with heart or kidney disease	Chronic weight management (BMI ≥ 30, or ≥ 27 with comorbidity; ages 12+ with obesity). Also lowers heart risk in adults with heart disease, and treats MASH	Type 2 diabetes (adults and ages 10+). Also lowers heart risk in type 2 diabetes at high risk	Chronic weight management (adults) and moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity
Dose schedule	Subcutaneous injection · Once weekly	Subcutaneous injection · Once weekly	Subcutaneous injection · Once weekly	Subcutaneous injection · Once weekly
Available doses	0.25 mg · 0.5 mg · 1 mg · 2 mg	0.25 mg · 0.5 mg · 1 mg · 1.7 mg · 2.4 mg · 7.2 mg	2.5 mg · 5 mg · 7.5 mg · 10 mg · 12.5 mg · 15 mg	2.5 mg · 5 mg · 7.5 mg · 10 mg · 12.5 mg · 15 mg
Mechanism	Semaglutide is a GLP-1 analog with 94% homology to native human GLP-1. It binds the GLP-1 receptor, augmenting glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing appetite via central nervous system pathways.	Wegovy is the same molecule as Ozempic, semaglutide, titrated to a higher 2.4 mg maintenance dose. It binds the GLP-1 receptor, augmenting glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing appetite via central nervous system pathways.	Tirzepatide is a first-in-class single molecule that activates both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors. The dual incretin action augments glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite. It produces larger average HbA1c and weight reductions than GLP-1 agonism alone in head-to-head trials.	Tirzepatide is a first-in-class single molecule that activates both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors. The dual incretin action slows gastric emptying and reduces appetite via central nervous system pathways while improving glucose handling. It produces larger average weight loss than single GLP-1 agonists in its obesity trials.
Common side effects	Nausea (15.8 to 20.3%), diarrhea (8.5 to 8.8%), vomiting (5 to 9.2%) at 0.5 mg and 1 mg. Most reports came during dose escalation	Nausea (44%), diarrhea (30%), and vomiting (24%) are more frequent than at Ozempic doses	Nausea (12 to 18%), diarrhea (12 to 17%), vomiting (5 to 9%) at 5 mg to 15 mg. Most reports came during dose escalation	Nausea (25 to 29%), diarrhea (19 to 23%), vomiting (8 to 13%) at 5 mg to 15 mg. Most reports came during dose escalation
Cost range	List price $1,027.51 a month. Self-pay pen $349 to $499 through Novo Nordisk. As little as $25 with commercial insurance and the savings card	List price $1,349.02 a month. Self-pay pen $349 to $399 through Novo Nordisk. As little as $25 with commercial insurance and the savings card	List price $1,112.16 a month. Self-pay pen $499 through Lilly. As little as $25 with commercial insurance and the savings card	List price $1,086.37 a month. Self-pay KwikPen $299 to $699 by dose through Lilly, vial from $299. As little as $25 with commercial insurance and the savings card