Zepbound vs. Jardiance
See how Zepbound and Jardiance compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Zepbound is a weekly injection approved for chronic weight management and moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea, while Jardiance is a daily pill approved for type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease.
Zepbound produces substantially more weight loss than Jardiance, but it costs roughly $1,050 to $1,100 a month compared with $350 to $620 for Jardiance.
These drugs work through entirely different mechanisms and treat different conditions, so some people with both obesity and type 2 diabetes end up taking both under a doctor's care.
Zepbound vs. Jardiance Drug Summary
Zepbound
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist given as a once-weekly injection. It is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight plus a weight-related condition, and for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity. Dosing starts low and increases every four weeks to a maintenance dose.
Jardiance
Jardiance (empagliflozin) is an SGLT2 inhibitor taken as a once-daily oral tablet. It is FDA-approved to help control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, reduce cardiovascular death in adults with diabetes or heart failure, and slow chronic kidney disease progression. Most patients start on one daily dose that may be increased if more control is needed.
Zepbound vs. Jardiance Side Effects
Zepbound
Jardiance
Zepbound vs. Jardiance Dosage
Zepbound
Jardiance
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 2.5 mg once weekly | Weeks 1-4 |
| Maximum dose | 15 mg once weekly | Week 21 onward |
| Dose changes | 5 increases | Every 4 weeks |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 10 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 25 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
Zepbound
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 2.5 mg once weekly | Weeks 1-4 |
| Maximum dose | 15 mg once weekly | Week 21 onward |
| Dose changes | 5 increases | Every 4 weeks |
Jardiance
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 10 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 25 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
Zepbound vs. Jardiance Indications
Zepbound
Zepbound is approved for long-term weight management and for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity, always alongside diet and exercise changes. It is not FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes, even though its active ingredient tirzepatide is also sold separately as Mounjaro for that purpose.
Chronic weight management in adults with obesity
Weight management in overweight adults with a related condition
Moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea with obesity
Used with reduced-calorie diet and increased exercise
Jardiance
Jardiance treats type 2 diabetes and, separately, reduces cardiovascular death risk in adults who have heart failure or existing cardiovascular disease. It is also approved to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease, regardless of diabetes status.
Blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes (age 10+)
Reduce cardiovascular death risk with heart disease
Reduce death and hospitalization risk in heart failure
Slow chronic kidney disease progression
Zepbound vs. Jardiance Pros and Cons
Zepbound
Zepbound produces substantial weight loss and is the only medication also approved for obstructive sleep apnea. It requires a weekly injection and is often not covered by insurance when prescribed for weight loss alone.
Pros
Also FDA-approved for obstructive sleep apnea
Produces greater average weight loss than oral options
Dual GIP/GLP-1 action may curb appetite more strongly
Once-weekly dosing schedule
Cons
Common GI side effects like nausea and diarrhea
Requires self-injection rather than a pill
Roughly $1,050 to $1,100 a month without insurance, before savings programs
Not approved to directly treat diabetes
Jardiance
Jardiance has over a decade of real-world safety data and covers several serious conditions beyond diabetes, including heart failure and kidney disease. Its weight loss effect is modest compared with Zepbound.
Pros
Once-daily oral tablet, no injections needed
Also approved for heart failure and kidney disease
Long track record since its 2014 approval
Roughly $350 to $620 a month before insurance, less than Zepbound
Cons
Only modest weight loss, not a primary use
Raises risk of genital and urinary infections
Rare risk of diabetic ketoacidosis
Rare risk of Fournier's gangrene
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