GLP-1 comparison
Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide: which GLP-1 is right for you?
Reviewed by the FaroRx clinical team · Updated September 2026
The short answer
Semaglutide is a single GLP-1 receptor agonist; tirzepatide acts on two gut hormone receptors (GIP and GLP-1). In clinical trials tirzepatide produced greater average weight loss, but semaglutide has the longer safety record and costs less. On FaroRx, compounded semaglutide starts at $159/mo and compounded tirzepatide at $249/mo — both weekly injections, both with provider review, supplies and shipping included.
Side-by-side
| Compounded Semaglutide | Compounded Tirzepatide | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Dual GIP + GLP-1 agonist |
| Dosing | One injection per week | One injection per week |
| Typical trial weight loss | Around 15% of body weight over 68 weeks | Around 20% of body weight over 72 weeks |
| FaroRx price | From $159/mo | From $249/mo |
| Best for | First GLP-1, budget-conscious starts | Higher starting weight or a semaglutide plateau |
How to choose
Most people starting their first GLP-1 do well beginning on semaglutide: it is gentler on the budget, the dose ladder is well understood and side effects are predictable. Tirzepatide is often the better pick if you have a higher starting weight, a large amount to lose, or if you plateaued on semaglutide at a full dose.
- Start with semaglutide if cost matters and you are new to GLP-1s.
- Consider tirzepatide if you have more than 50 lb to lose or stalled on semaglutide.
- Either way, dose escalation is gradual — you do not start at the top dose.
- Switching between them later is possible with provider approval.
Side effects to expect
Both medications share the same side-effect profile because they act on the same pathway: nausea, constipation, reflux, fatigue and injection-site reactions, usually worst in the first weeks after a dose increase and easing as your body adapts. Both carry a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumours in rodents and should not be used if you or a family member has had medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2.
The FaroRx safety note
FaroRx medications are prescription-only. A licensed provider reviews your intake, medical history and medication list before anything is prescribed, and can decline if a treatment is not appropriate for you. Nothing here is medical advice.
Common questions
Is tirzepatide better than semaglutide?
In head-to-head trial data tirzepatide produced more average weight loss, but "better" depends on your starting point, tolerance and budget. Many people reach their goal on semaglutide alone.
Can I switch from semaglutide to tirzepatide?
Yes, with provider approval. Your provider will set an appropriate starting dose for tirzepatide rather than matching your semaglutide dose.
Which is cheaper?
Semaglutide. On FaroRx compounded semaglutide starts at $159/mo versus $249/mo for compounded tirzepatide, both all-inclusive.
See which GLP-1 you qualify for
Complete a short online visit and a licensed provider will review whether treatment is right for you.
This guide is for information only and is not medical advice. Compounded medications are prepared by a licensed U.S. pharmacy and are not FDA-approved products.