Semaglutide vs. tirzepatide: what's the difference?

Slimbee offers two once-weekly medications: compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide. Both are prescribed only if a licensed provider decides treatment is right for you. Here's a plain-English look at how they differ, so you know what to expect when you talk with your provider.

Semaglutide acts on one hormone pathway, called GLP-1. GLP-1 is a hormone your body makes naturally after you eat. It plays a part in how full you feel and how your body handles sugar.

Semaglutide is the active ingredient found in some brand-name medications. Ours is compounded by a licensed U.S. compounding pharmacy. It is not a brand-name product, and compounded medications are not FDA-approved.

Tirzepatide acts on two hormone pathways: GIP and GLP-1. Like GLP-1, GIP is a hormone your body releases after eating.

Tirzepatide is the active ingredient found in some brand-name medications. Ours is compounded by a licensed pharmacy. It is not a brand-name product, and compounded medications are not FDA-approved.

Both are a small shot under the skin, once a week, on the same day each week. Both start at a low dose. Your provider may increase the dose gradually, based on how you feel. Your dose is measured in units on your syringe, and you always follow the number on your prescription label.

• Compounded semaglutide: $199 a month, or $499 every 3 months.
• Compounded tirzepatide: $249 a month, or $649 every 3 months.
• The price is the same at every dose. Shipping, provider review and support are included.
• You're only charged if a provider approves your prescription. Plans renew automatically until you cancel.

The most common side effects for both are stomach-related: nausea, constipation, diarrhea and reduced appetite. They are usually mild and often improve over time. Neither is for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or by anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2.

That's a medical decision, and it's one your provider makes with you. They'll look at your health history and any medications you take. Your provider will recommend which fits you — and if neither is right for you, they'll tell you that too.