This page gives general facts from the medicine label. It is not medical advice. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about your treatment.
Four names, two medicines. Ozempic and Wegovy contain semaglutide. Mounjaro and Zepbound contain tirzepatide. This page shows how they differ, from their labels.
Two medicines, four names
| Name | Medicine | Maker |
|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | Semaglutide | Novo Nordisk |
| Wegovy | Semaglutide | Novo Nordisk |
| Mounjaro | Tirzepatide | Eli Lilly |
| Zepbound | Tirzepatide | Eli Lilly |
Semaglutide acts on one hormone receptor: GLP-1. Tirzepatide acts on two: GIP and GLP-1.
What each is approved for
- Ozempic: blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It also lowers the risk of some heart problems in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart or blood vessel disease, and of some kidney problems in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
- Mounjaro: blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes, in adults and in children 10 years and older. It also lowers the risk of some heart problems in adults with type 2 diabetes who are at high risk.
- Wegovy: weight loss and weight control over a long time, for adults with obesity, adults with overweight and a related health problem, and children 12 years and older with obesity. It also lowers heart risk in adults with heart disease and overweight or obesity. The shot also treats a liver disease called MASH in some adults.
- Zepbound: weight loss and weight control over a long time, for adults with obesity, or with overweight and at least one related health problem. It also treats moderate to severe sleep apnea in adults with obesity.
The labels give the full conditions. Your doctor decides which medicine is right for you.
Doses
| Name | Start | Highest |
|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | 0.25 mg | 2 mg |
| Wegovy | 0.25 mg | 7.2 mg (adults, for weight) |
| Mounjaro | 2.5 mg | 15 mg (adults), 10 mg (children) |
| Zepbound | 2.5 mg | 15 mg |
The doses go up in steps of at least 4 weeks. The dose schedule article shows each step.
Tablets
Semaglutide also comes as a daily tablet: Rybelsus and Ozempic tablets for type 2 diabetes, and Wegovy tablets for weight. The tablets need an empty stomach and a wait of 30 minutes. See how to take Rybelsus.
How long each stays in the body
The half-life of semaglutide is about 1 week. The half-life of tirzepatide is about 5 days. See half-life in plain words.
Sources
- Ozempic injection, prescribing information (DailyMed, June 2026)
- Wegovy injection and tablets, prescribing information (DailyMed, June 2026)
- Mounjaro, prescribing information (DailyMed, September 2026)
- Zepbound, prescribing information (DailyMed, September 2026)
- Rybelsus and Ozempic tablets, prescribing information (DailyMed, August 2026)