No items found.

Trulicity vs. Zepbound

Published on 
February 3, 2025
Virta Team

Trulicity and Zepbound share a GLP-1 agonist mechanism but target different conditions. Also, Zepbound is a GIP receptor agonist, too. Trulicity is primarily for type 2 diabetes management and cardiovascular risk reduction, while Zepbound focuses on chronic weight management. Trulicity achieves HbA1c reductions and modest weight loss, whereas Zepbound delivers more substantial weight loss. Both share nausea as a common side effect, with overlapping risks such as pancreatitis. Trulicity costs $875/month, while Zepbound’s cost is $1,125/month. Neither drug faces current shortages.

How Trulicity Works

Slows gastric emptying, reduces appetite, and enhances feelings of fullness, leading to lower calorie intake. It also stimulates insulin release and reduces glucagon secretion, improving blood sugar control.

Common Side Effects

Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, and decreased appetite.

Serious Potential Side Effects

Pancreatitis, thyroid tumors (potential risk), gallbladder issues, kidney problems, and serious allergic reactions

How Zepbound Works

Enhances the effects of both incretin hormones. GIP improves insulin sensitivity and enhances fat metabolism, while GLP-1 reduces appetite, delays gastric emptying, and promotes insulin secretion, making it effective for blood sugar control and weight loss.

Common Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and indigestion

Serious Potential Side Effects

Pancreatitis, thyroid tumors (potential risk), gallbladder issues, kidney problems, and serious allergic reactions

Brand Name

Trulicity
Zepbound

Generic Name

Dulaglutide
Tirzepatide

Overview

GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes that helps regulate blood sugar levels and may contribute to modest weight loss by slowing digestion and reducing appetite. Also used for cardiovascular event risk reduction in patients with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors.
Dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist for chronic weight management, showing promise in significant weight loss through appetite regulation and enhanced insulin sensitivity.

Year Approved

2014
2023

Category

GLP-1
Dual GIP and GLP-1

Indicated for

Type 2 diabetes management; reducing risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes, known cardiovascular disease, or multiple cardiovascular risk factors
Chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with related conditions

Administration type

Injectable
Injectable

Also used (but not approved) for

Weight Management
Weight Management

Frequency

Once / week
Once / week

Typical dose range

0.75–4.5 mg
2.5–15 mg

Average cost per month

$875
$1,125

Availability

No current shortages
No current shortages