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GLP-1 Dose Equivalence Chart: Every Medication Compared

The definitive dose equivalence reference for all GLP-1 medications — semaglutide, tirzepatide, and orforglipron. Based on clinical trial data.

Updated April 20265 min readClinically reviewed
8,400+ patients have used this switching guide

Quick Answer

There's no perfect 1:1 dose conversion between different GLP-1 medications because they have different mechanisms, potencies, and bioavailabilities. However, approximate equivalences can be estimated from clinical trial weight loss data. Use our interactive calculator for personalized dose mapping.

Approximate Dose Equivalence Table

Based on similar weight loss efficacy in clinical trials:

Efficacy Tier Ozempic Wegovy Zepbound Foundayo Rybelsus
Starter0.25mg0.25mg2.5mg0.8mg3mg
Low0.5mg0.5mg5mg2.5mg7mg
Medium1.0mg1.0mg7.5mg5.5-9mg14mg
High2.0mg1.7mg10mg14.5mg
Maximum2.4mg15mg17.2mg

⚠️ Important caveats:

  • These are approximate equivalences based on weight loss efficacy, not pharmacological equivalence
  • Different mechanisms mean different receptor activation patterns — a "dose equivalent" doesn't mean identical effects
  • Individual response varies significantly
  • Always start at the lowest dose when switching, regardless of this chart — see our safe GLP-1 switching guide

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Why There's No Direct Dose Conversion

Comparing GLP-1 doses directly is like comparing ibuprofen to acetaminophen — similar purpose, but different drugs with different potencies.

  • Semaglutide vs tirzepatide: Different mechanisms (GLP-1 only vs GIP/GLP-1 dual)
  • Semaglutide vs orforglipron: Peptide full agonist vs non-peptide small molecule agonist
  • Injectable vs oral: Vastly different bioavailability (oral semaglutide absorbs ~1%)

The equivalence chart above is based on clinical outcomes (how much weight patients lose), not on receptor binding or blood levels.

Oral GLP-1 tablets now available — from $99/mo

Done with injections? MEDVi offers GLP-1 pills and tablets alongside injectables. Take a 60-second quiz to see your options.

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Done with injections? Oral GLP-1 pills available.

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Quick Medication Profiles

Ozempic (semaglutide, injectable): Weekly injection. Doses: 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0mg. FDA-approved for diabetes, widely used off-label for weight loss. Switch guides: Ozempic to Foundayo, Ozempic to Zepbound.

Wegovy (semaglutide, injectable + oral): Available as weekly injection (up to 2.4mg) or daily pill. FDA-approved for weight management. The injectable provides higher efficacy. Compare: pill vs injection. Switch: Wegovy to Foundayo.

Zepbound (tirzepatide, injectable): Weekly injection. Doses: 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15mg. Dual GIP/GLP-1. Highest efficacy (~22.5% weight loss at max dose). Switch: Zepbound to Foundayo.

Mounjaro (tirzepatide, injectable): Same drug as Zepbound. FDA-approved for diabetes. Same doses. Compare: Ozempic vs Mounjaro.

Foundayo (orforglipron, oral): Daily pill. Doses: 0.8, 2.5, 5.5, 9, 14.5, 17.2mg. Non-peptide small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist. No food restrictions. Lowest cost. Titration schedule.

Rybelsus (semaglutide, oral): Daily pill. Doses: 3, 7, 14mg. Requires 30-min fasting. FDA-approved for diabetes. Compare: Foundayo vs Rybelsus. Switch: Rybelsus to Foundayo.

Step-by-Step: How to Make the Switch

1

Identify Your Current Medication and Dose

Know exactly what you're taking and at what dose. Check your prescription label.

2

Use the Equivalence Chart Above

Find your current medication and dose, then look across to see approximate equivalents on other medications.

3

Use Our Interactive Calculator

For a personalized switch plan with timeline, cost comparison, and side effect analysis, use the calculator below.

4

Discuss with Your Doctor

Share the equivalence data with your doctor. They'll determine the best starting dose for your new medication.

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Calculate Your Personalized Switch Plan

Enter your current medication and dose to get a detailed switching plan with dose mapping, timeline, and cost analysis.

Switch Calculator
Enter your current medication details to get a personalized switch plan

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this chart to switch medications on my own?

No. This chart is for educational reference only. All GLP-1 medications require a prescription, and switching should always be done under medical supervision. The chart helps you have an informed conversation with your doctor.

Why does the chart show Zepbound as more effective?

Tirzepatide (Zepbound/Mounjaro) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist, which clinical trials have consistently shown produces more weight loss than single-mechanism GLP-1 drugs. At its maximum dose (15mg), Zepbound shows about 22.5% body weight loss vs ~15-17% for semaglutide.

Which GLP-1 has the fewest side effects?

Tirzepatide (Zepbound) tends to have lower nausea rates than semaglutide despite greater weight loss. Foundayo (orforglipron) has a different pharmacological profile as a non-peptide small molecule. All GLP-1 medications cause similar types of side effects — the rates vary. See our <a href="/blog/foundayo-side-effects-week-by-week">Foundayo side effects guide</a>.

What's the cheapest GLP-1 medication in 2026?

Foundayo at $149-349/month (dose-dependent) is the most affordable FDA-approved GLP-1 at list price. With <a href="/blog/foundayo-savings-card-guide">Lilly's savings card</a>, insured patients pay $25/month. Zepbound via <a href="/blog/foundayo-lillydirect-guide">LillyDirect</a> is $499/month. See our <a href="/blog/best-glp-1-without-insurance-2026">best GLP-1 without insurance</a> guide.

How do I start switching between GLP-1 medications?

Start by identifying your current dose using this chart, then consult your doctor. Always begin the new medication at its lowest dose regardless of equivalence. See our <a href="/switch/switching-glp1-medications-safely">safe GLP-1 switching guide</a> for detailed step-by-step instructions and our <a href="/switch/injectable-to-oral-glp1-guide">injectable to oral guide</a> if switching formulations.

Sources & Citations

  1. SUSTAIN Clinical Trials (semaglutide — Ozempic data)
  2. STEP Clinical Trials (semaglutide — Wegovy data)
  3. SURMOUNT Clinical Trials (tirzepatide — Zepbound data)
  4. SURPASS Clinical Trials (tirzepatide — Mounjaro data)
  5. ATTAIN Clinical Trials (orforglipron — Foundayo data)
  6. PIONEER Clinical Trials (oral semaglutide — Rybelsus data)
  7. FDA Prescribing Information for all listed medications

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This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication. MedSwitcher does not prescribe medications or replace professional medical guidance.