Tirzepatide vs. Semaglutide: What’s the Difference?

Tirzepatide and injectable semaglutide are two different drugs/compounds that are available in Canada. 

The key differences are:

1. Intended use
2. Dosage
3. Administration
4. Cost

Intended Use:

Both tirzepatide and injectable semaglutide function and work on the body in many similar ways. The pancreas secretes hormones that control blood sugar production— these medications mimic this natural hormone. Both medications help the body to better regulate blood sugar levels as well as slowing down digestion, reduces your appetite and helps to make your body feel “full.”

Semaglutide is an injectable drug that goes by two different brand names. One brand of this drug, Ozempic, is authorized for sale by Health Canada to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus while its counterpart, Wegovy, is indicated for long-term weight management. Both use the same semaglutide compound and work the same way on the body. Semaglutide is administered once a week using an injection pen that is pre-filled. 

Tirzepatide is also an injectable drug that goes by two different names. One form of this drug, Mounjaro, is authorized for sale by Health Canada to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus. Its counterpart, Zepbound, has recently been authorized for sale in Canada. Tirzepatide is administered once a week using a KwikPen.

Dosage:

Injectable semaglutide dosing for weight management is generally higher than the dosing for diabetes. Generally speaking, injectable semaglutide dosing starts at 0.25 milligrams (mg) every week. Dosing typically increases every 4 weeks depending on your body’s response to the medication. Once you reach a dosage of above 1mg, it starts to differ. 

The maximum injectable semaglutide dose for the treatment of diabetes is 1mg. The maximum weight management dose is 2.4mg. From 1mg, the dosage will generally be  increased to 1.7mg, then the maximum dose of 2.4mg. The goal of dose increases isn’t to reach the maximum dose available, but to find the lowest possible dose that provides effective results for you. This means that the dose that’s right for you may not be the same as someone else.

Tirzepatide dosing for weight management and for diabetes are the same and typically start at 2.5mg every week. Dosing generally increases every 4 weeks depending on your body’s response to the medication. The maximum tirzepatide dose for weight management and diabetes is 15mg.

Administration:

Both semaglutide and tirzepatide are injected subcutaneously (under the skin). However, semaglutide is administered using an injection pen that is pre-filled with your medication. You will need to select your dose using the dose selector on the pen before administering the injection. 

Tirzepatide is also administered using an injection pen that is pre-filled with the medication (also known as the KwikPen).

For full instructions on how to administer your medication, please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet that came with your shipment.

Cost:

The cost of tirzepatide and injectable semaglutide varies depending on medication brand and dose. Without insurance, the cost can range from approximately $320 to $889 per month. 

Potential costs for injectable semaglutide:

Please note that there are 4 doses in each Wegovy pen. The number of doses per Ozempic pen varies depending on the dose. Prices listed are per pen.

Potential costs for tirzepatide KwikPens:

Please note that there are 4 doses in one KwikPen, and one KwikPen per order. Prices listed are per pen.

Learn more about the financial assistance programs for Mounjaro and Zepbound.

*Prices shown do not reflect provincial or private insurance coverage and may vary by province. 

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