Two options.
Your own next step.

The short answer

Both medications have been studied in large clinical trials; your clinician can walk you through the research and which fits you. These findings do not establish results for compounded products. Semaglutide costs less at Sommar Club. Both are once-weekly injections, and the right choice depends on your health history, budget and how your body tolerates them. A licensed provider makes that call with you.

At a glance

• How it works: semaglutide acts on one appetite hormone (GLP-1); tirzepatide acts on two (GIP + GLP-1).
• How you take it: both are once-weekly injections.
• Both medications have been studied in large clinical trials; your clinician can walk you through the research and which fits you.
• Most common side effects (both): nausea, constipation, diarrhea.
• Featured 12-week supplies: compounded semaglutide $387 billed every 12 weeks ($129 per 4 weeks equivalent); compounded tirzepatide $657 billed every 12 weeks ($219 per 4 weeks equivalent).
• Choosing a treatment: a clinician should consider your medical history, potential benefits, risks, tolerability and cost. Price or a hormone pathway alone does not determine suitability.

Trial results come from the brand-name medications (Zepbound and Wegovy). Compounded versions were not studied in these trials. See the section on compounded medications below.

How semaglutide and tirzepatide work

These medicines act on hormone receptors involved in appetite and food intake. GLP-1 receptor activity also slows stomach emptying. A medicine's mechanism does not predict an individual's response.

• Semaglutide acts on the GLP-1 receptor.
• Tirzepatide acts on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. The number of receptor targets alone does not establish which treatment is appropriate for you.

What the research can tell you

Clinical trials study particular products, doses and patient groups. Ask your clinician which evidence applies to your medical history and treatment options. The original trial and prescribing-information sources are linked below.

Research on brand-name Wegovy and Zepbound does not establish the safety, effectiveness or expected results of Sommar Club's compounded formulations. Individual response and side effects vary.

Side effects: what to expect

The side effects are similar for both. They're usually mild to moderate and most common in the first weeks and after each dose increase:

• Nausea
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Stomach discomfort or bloating
• Reduced appetite

Providers usually start with a low dose and increase it slowly so your body can adjust.

Get medical help right away if you have severe stomach pain (especially pain that spreads to your back), signs of an allergic reaction, or persistent vomiting. Neither medication is appropriate for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2, or during pregnancy. Your provider will review your full history before prescribing.

Why women often ask about these medications

• Perimenopause and menopause: weight changes in midlife can reflect aging, lifestyle, and hormonal changes. Discuss your symptoms and treatment goals with your clinician.
• Pregnancy planning: both medications should be stopped before trying to conceive. Ask your provider how far in advance.
• Birth control: tirzepatide can reduce the effectiveness of oral hormonal contraception. Zepbound’s prescribing information advises switching to non-oral contraception or adding a barrier method for 4 weeks after starting and 4 weeks after each dose increase. Discuss your contraception plan with your clinician.

GLP-1 cost without insurance: Sommar Club plans

• Compounded semaglutide: $149 for a 4-week supply, billed monthly; $387 for a 12-week supply, billed every 12 weeks ($129 per 4 weeks equivalent); $690 for a 24-week supply, billed every 24 weeks ($115 per 4 weeks equivalent).
• Compounded tirzepatide: $249 for a 4-week supply, billed monthly; $657 for a 12-week supply, billed every 12 weeks ($219 per 4 weeks equivalent); $1,194 for a 24-week supply, billed every 24 weeks ($199 per 4 weeks equivalent).

Week counts describe medication supply. Four-week amounts for 12- and 24-week supplies are comparison equivalents; the full plan total is charged each billing cycle. Plans renew at the same rate until canceled. Every plan includes medication, licensed provider review, ongoing care-team support, supplies, and free cold-packed shipping. There's no membership fee, and no insurance is needed. FSA/HSA cards are accepted. See the treatment pages for full plan details.

View semaglutide plans

View tirzepatide plans

What compounded means

Sommar Club offers compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide. A compounded medication is prepared by a state-licensed pharmacy for an individual patient's prescription. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved and are not the same as brand-name Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro or Zepbound. The trial results above come from the brand-name versions.

Which one is right for you?

Your clinician considers your medical history, current medicines, potential benefits, risks, tolerability and cost. A lower price or an additional receptor target does not determine suitability. Ask whether an FDA-approved option can meet your medical needs.

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Frequently asked questions

Is tirzepatide stronger than semaglutide?

Both medications have been studied in large clinical trials; your clinician can walk you through the research and which fits you. Your provider will consider side effects, cost and your history.

Can I switch from semaglutide to tirzepatide?

Often, yes. Message your care team, and your provider will review your progress and tolerance before deciding.

Which has fewer side effects?

Both medications have been studied in large clinical trials; your clinician can walk you through the research and which fits you. These findings do not establish results for compounded products.

Are compounded versions the same as Ozempic or Zepbound?

No. Compounded medications are prepared by licensed pharmacies for individual prescriptions and are not FDA-approved.

Sources

• Aronne LJ, et al. SURMOUNT-5. New England Journal of Medicine, 2025.
• Endocrine Society. Statement on Obesity — SURMOUNT-5 outcomes.
• FDA's Concerns with Unapproved GLP-1 Drugs Used for Weight Loss.
• Zepbound prescribing information — contraception guidance.
• The Menopause Society. Midlife Weight Gain.

This article is for educational purposes and isn't medical advice. Talk with a licensed provider about whether treatment is right for you.