As options for GLP-1 weight loss medications expand, how do you know which is right for you?
All forms of GLP-1 medications currently available have been clinically proven to help people lose weight. Medication selection will come down to your preferences, budget and how well you tolerate the side effects.
Learn more here about GLP-1 medication Zepbound® and its alternatives in head-to-head comparisons.
What is Zepbound®?
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is an injectable medication prescribed to help individuals with obesity lose weight.1 It belongs to a class of medications called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It helps users lose weight by slowing food movement through digestion and reducing appetite.2
Zepbound is prescribed as a weekly single-use injection pen or in a single-dose vial with a syringe. It starts with smaller doses and increases until the maintenance dosage is reached. A common course of dosing would be 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg and 15 mg.3
The average retail price without insurance is approximately $1,272 per month.4
Common side effects of Zepbound include:5
Nausea.
Diarrhea.
Vomiting.
Constipation.
Stomach (abdominal) pain.
Indigestion or heartburn.
Injection site reactions.
Feeling tired.
Allergic reactions.
Belching.
Hair loss.
Achieve your health goals without breaking the bank.
We offer all-inclusive GLP-1 med programs starting at $189/month with flat-rate pricing – no cost increase based on dosage. See if you qualify with a quick and easy online assessment.
Get StartedWhat are alternative GLP-1 medications used for weight loss?
There are various GLP-1 medications available as alternatives to Zepbound. All the medications work similarly, but have some variations in availability, price, administration and side effects. Commonly prescribed medications fall into three categories: tirzepatide, semaglutide and liraglutide.
Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide belongs to the class of medications called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.
Under the brand name Mounjaro®, injectable tirzepatide is prescribed to lower blood sugar in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Under the brand name Zepbound, injectable tirzepatide is prescribed for weight loss in individuals with obesity. It works by slowing the movement of food through digestion and reducing appetite.6
Compounded tirzepatide is prescribed as a weekly injection and a daily oral tablet. It has the same active ingredient as the name brands. However, it is produced by a state-licensed compounding pharmacy instead of the brand name manufacturer.
In one clinical study of tirzepatide, participants lost an average of 20.9% of their body weight after 72 weeks.7
Some common side effects of tirzepatide include:8
Nausea.
Diarrhea.
Decreased appetite.
Vomiting.
Constipation.
Upset stomach.
Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 agonist prescribed to lower blood sugar in individuals with type 2 diabetes and to aid weight loss in individuals with obesity. Weekly injectable semaglutide is FDA approved under the brand name Ozempic® to treat type 2 diabetics and Wegovy® as a weight loss aid.9 Semaglutide is also available as a daily oral pill under the brand name RYBELSUS®.
Compounded semaglutide is produced in a state-licensed compounding pharmacy instead of by a brand name manufacturer. It is available as a weekly injection and as a daily oral tablet.
Semaglutide works for weight loss by slowing gastric emptying and reducing appetite. In a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, participants lost an average of 15% of their body weight after 68 weeks of semaglutide use.10
Some common side effects of semaglutide include:11
Nausea.
Vomiting.
Diarrhea.
Abdominal pain.
Constipation.
Heartburn.
Burping.
Liraglutide
Liraglutide is an injectable medication prescribed to lower blood sugar for type 2 diabetics and as a weight loss aid. It belongs to a class of medications called incretin mimetics. It slows gastric emptying and decreases appetite to help users lose weight.12
Liraglutide is produced under the brand name Saxenda®13 for weight management and under the brand name Victoza®14 for lowering blood sugar in type 2 diabetics.
In one clinical study of liraglutide, nearly 63% of participants lost more than 10% of their body weight over 52 weeks.15
Some common side effects of liraglutide include:16
Headache.
Constipation.
Heartburn.
Runny nose, sneezing or cough.
Tiredness.
Difficulty urinating, or pain or burning during urination.
Injection site rash or redness.
Tirzepatide Alternatives to Zepbound
Review head-to-head comparisons of tirzepatide alternatives to Zepbound.
Compounded Tirzepatide vs. Zepbound
Semaglutide Alternatives to Zepbound
Review head-to-head comparisons of semaglutide alternatives to Zepbound.
Wegovy vs. Zepbound
Compounded Semaglutide vs. Zepbound
Liraglutide Alternatives to Zepbound
Review head-to-head comparisons of liraglutide alternatives to Zepbound.
Saxenda vs. Zepbound
Zepbound Alternatives Comparison Chart
How RedBox Rx can help
RedBox Rx provides convenient, affordable telehealth services and prescription treatments for weight loss.
Benefits of RedBox Rx include:
Compounded tirzepatide injections starting at $429 per month and oral dissolvable tablets starting at $397 per month.
Compounded semaglutide injections and oral dissolvable tablets starting at $189 per month with a six-month subscription.
Flat-rate, no intro pricing — no cost increase based on dosage.
Online consultations with a U.S. licensed medical professional included in subscription price.
Unlimited provider follow-ups through messaging or video.
One FREE dietitian service overview session.
No insurance required. HSA and FSA eligible.
Free express shipping — get meds in five to seven days.
Start your weight loss journey today with an easy, quick online assessment to see if you qualify.
