The FDA has now approved both for use in weight loss. Both are prescription medications.
How does Semaglutide and Tirzepatide they work?
Both work by inducing satiety. This is the feeling of being satisfied or “full” and it suppresses the appetite. This is why it works for weight loss. It also helps the pancreas produce insulin, which is how it helps manage type 2 diabetes. Our body uses insulin to move the glucose (or blood sugar) we get from food inside cells, so we can use it as energy.
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide also work by mimicking the role of a natural hormone, called GLP-1 (glucagon like peptide-1) normally produced in response to detecting nutrients when we eat. GLP-1 is part of the signaling pathway that tells your body you have eaten and prepares it to use the energy that comes from your food.
Tirzepatide is a dual GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 receptor agonist (stimulates the receptor), meaning it acts on two receptors, not just one. This dual action provides potentially greater weight loss and blood sugar control.
Studies show that tirzepatide can lead to greater weight loss compared to semaglutide. In addition, Tirzepatide users report fewer side effects compared to those on Semaglutide.
Tirzepatide is typically more expensive than Semaglutide.
The most common side effects of Semaglutide and Tirzepatide include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach (abdominal) pain, and constipation.
Other rarer possible side effects include:
- inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis). Stop using Semaglutide and call your health care provider right away if you have severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without vomiting. You may feel the pain from your abdomen to your back.
- changes in vision. Tell your health care provider if you have changes in vision while taking Semaglutide.
- low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Your risk for getting low blood sugar may be higher if you use Semaglutide with another medicine that can cause low blood sugar, such as sulfonylurea or insulin. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include dizziness or lightheadedness, blurred vision, anxiety, irritability or mood changes, sweating, slurred speech, hunger, confusion or drowsiness, shakiness, weakness, headache, fast heartbeat, and feeling jittery.
- kidney problems (kidney failure). In people who have kidney problems, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration), which may cause kidney problems to get worse. It is important for you to drink fluids to help reduce your chance of dehydration.
- serious allergic reactions. Stop using Semaglutide and get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; problems breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fainting or feeling dizzy; or very rapid heartbeat.
- gallbladder problems. Gallbladder problems have happened in some people who take Semaglutide. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get symptoms which may include pain in your upper stomach (abdomen), fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or clay-colored stools.
Semaglutide may cause serious side effects, including:
- Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer. Tell your health care provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. In studies with rodents, Semaglutide caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if Semaglutide will cause thyroid tumors, or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people.
- Do not use Semaglutide if you or any of your family have ever had Medullary Thyroid Cancer, or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). MEN2 Syndrome usually causes tumors in the thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, or adrenal gland.
- Do not use Semaglutide if you are allergic to Semaglutide
Before using Semaglutide tell your health care provider if you have any other medical conditions, including if you:
Currently have or have had problems with your pancreas or kidneys
Have a history of diabetic retinopathy
Are pregnant or breastfeeding or plan to become pregnant or breastfeed. You should stop using Semaglutide 2 months before you plan to become pregnant.
Tell your health care provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal supplements, and other medicines to treat diabetes, including insulin or sulfonylureas.