People switch GLP-1 medications for many reasons: insurance coverage changes, supply shortages, side effects, or a plateau in results. Some switches are simpler than they sound, and others need real care. Here is how they compare.
Same medicine, different name
Ozempic and Wegovy are both semaglutide, a weekly injection made by Novo Nordisk. Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes, and Wegovy for weight management and for lowering heart risk in people with heart disease. Their dose steps are not identical, and Wegovy goes higher.
Mounjaro and Zepbound are both tirzepatide, a weekly injection made by Eli Lilly. Mounjaro is approved for type 2 diabetes, and Zepbound for weight management and obstructive sleep apnea. They use the same dose steps.
Which brand your insurance covers usually depends on your diagnosis, not on the medicine itself.
Switching between semaglutide and tirzepatide
Moving from one medicine to the other is a true change. There is no official dose conversion between them, so your prescriber chooses a starting dose based on how you did on the current one, your side effects and your goals, and usually works up from there.
Missed doses and restarting
If you have been off a GLP-1 for more than a couple of weeks, restarting at your old dose can bring back strong nausea and vomiting. Many people need to restart lower and step back up.
Do not convert doses on your own
Dose charts online often mix up products and pens, and an error can mean days of severe side effects. Let your prescriber write the switch and walk you through the new pen or vial.
Get help from Hope Integrative Medicine
If your coverage changed or your current GLP-1 is not working, we can talk through your options and manage the switch. Our primary care team in West Ashley sees patients in person and by telehealth across South Carolina, and new patients are often able to be scheduled within a week of requesting an appointment. Request an appointment.
This article is general health information and does not replace advice from your own provider. Never start, stop or change a medication without talking with your prescriber.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, both are semaglutide made by Novo Nordisk. Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for weight management and heart risk reduction. Their dose steps differ, and Wegovy goes to a higher dose.
Yes, both are tirzepatide made by Eli Lilly, with the same dose steps. Mounjaro is approved for type 2 diabetes, and Zepbound for weight management and obstructive sleep apnea.
Yes, with your prescriber's guidance. There is no official dose conversion, so your prescriber picks a starting dose based on how you did on semaglutide and usually steps up from there.