Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide — Side-by-Side
Understand the practical differences between the two medications for personal record-keeping.
Both semaglutide and tirzepatide are weekly injectables used for weight management and (in some products) type 2 diabetes. They differ in mechanism, dosing ladder, and how the unit math works in compounded form. This is a side-by-side reference, not a recommendation.
| Attribute | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide |
|---|---|---|
| Branded products | Wegovy, Ozempic | Mounjaro, Zepbound |
| Mechanism | GLP-1 receptor agonist | GLP-1 + GIP receptor agonist (dual) |
| Frequency | Weekly subcutaneous | Weekly subcutaneous |
| Starter dose | 0.25 mg | 2.5 mg |
| Highest approved dose | 2.4 mg (Wegovy) · 2.0 mg (Ozempic) | 15 mg |
| Typical compounded conc. | 2.5 – 10 mg/mL | 10 – 40 mg/mL |
| Average weight-loss benchmark (clinical trials) | ~14.9 % at 68 weeks (STEP-1) | ~20.9 % at 72 weeks (SURMOUNT-1, 15 mg) |
| Common side effects | Nausea, constipation, fatigue, reflux | Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue |
| Pepio dose calculator | Open | Open |
| Pepio titration schedule | Open | Open |
What people commonly track on each
Semaglutide users tend to log
- Reflux and burping (often peaks days 2–3 post dose)
- Fatigue waves around dose escalations
- Constipation drift over multiple weeks
- Cravings rebound at end of week before next shot
Tirzepatide users tend to log
- GI symptoms most pronounced in first week of each new dose
- Stronger early appetite suppression vs sema
- Lower-frequency reflux relative to sema
- Energy / sleep changes through escalation steps
Source: aggregated patient-reported experience patterns; not a clinical claim.
FAQs
For self-tracking and educational organisation only
Pepio's free tools help you organise your own records. They do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, treatment guidance, or dosing recommendations. Always follow instructions from your licensed clinician, pharmacist, or medication label.
Compounded and research-labelled products may carry additional safety and regulatory considerations. Pepio does not verify product quality or recommend protocols. If you experience severe symptoms, contact your clinician or seek urgent medical care.