| How it works |
Tirzepatide is an incretin-based medicine that activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors. It helps reduce appetite and cravings, increases feelings of fullness, and can slow gastric emptying, supporting weight loss when combined with diet and activity. |
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It acts on appetite centres in the brain to reduce hunger and increase fullness, and can slow gastric emptying, helping you eat less when combined with diet and activity. |
Lipase inhibitor capsule that reduces absorption of some dietary fat in the gut. |
| How you take it |
Once-weekly subcutaneous injection using a pre-filled pen. |
Once-weekly subcutaneous injection using a pre-filled pen. |
Capsule with each main meal that contains fat (up to 3/day). |
| Typical use |
Used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased activity with weekly dosing and gradual dose increases. In clinical studies, average weight loss was around 15–21% (and up to ~22.5% in some reports), though results vary. |
Used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased activity with weekly dosing and gradual dose increases. In clinical studies, average weight loss was around 10–15%, though results vary. |
Used alongside a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet to minimise side effects and support weight loss. Average weight loss is typically more modest (around 5–10% over time), and results vary. |
| Who it may suit |
Adults who prefer once-weekly dosing and are comfortable with injections. |
Adults who prefer once-weekly dosing and are comfortable with injections. |
Adults who prefer tablets and can maintain a lower-fat diet consistently. |
| Common side effects |
Nausea, reflux/indigestion, reduced appetite, constipation or diarrhoea (often settle as dose stabilises). |
Nausea, reflux/indigestion, reduced appetite, constipation or diarrhoea (often settle as dose stabilises). |
Oily stools, urgent bowel movements, flatulence - more likely with high-fat meals. |
| Key cautions |
Not for use in pregnancy/breastfeeding. Do NOT use if you or any family member have a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Can affect oral contraceptives during dose increases; use added protection as advised. |
Not for use in pregnancy/breastfeeding. Do NOT use if you or any family member have a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). |
Not for use in pregnancy/breastfeeding; avoid with chronic malabsorption or cholestasis. |
| Storage |
Keep pens refrigerated before first use (do not freeze). Once opened/in use, they can be kept in the refrigerator or at room temperature (up to 28°C) away from heat. Once opened, the pen must be discarded after 30 days. See the patient information leaflet. |
Keep pens refrigerated before first use (do not freeze). Once opened/in use, they can be kept in the refrigerator or at room temperature (up to 28°C) away from heat. Once opened, the pen must be discarded after 30 days. See the patient information leaflet. |
Store at room temperature away from moisture. |