Are Foundayo and Zepbound the same medicine in different forms?

No. They are different molecules: orforglipron in Foundayo, tirzepatide in Zepbound. The tablet is not an oral version of the injection; each has its own label, dosing and trial program.

Do both need dose escalation?

Yes, both labels describe stepwise escalation with at least a set interval on each dose: Foundayo in daily-tablet steps from 0.8 mg up to a possible 17.2 mg, Zepbound in weekly-injection steps from 2.5 mg to maintenance dosages of 5, 10 or 15 mg.

Which one covers sleep apnea?

Zepbound. Its label lists moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity as a separate indication. The Foundayo label covers weight management only.

Weight lossTwo labels compared

Foundayo vs Zepbound

Foundayo and Zepbound are both Eli Lilly medications approved for weight management, and there the overlap narrows. Foundayo is orforglipron, a once-daily tablet acting on one receptor. Zepbound is tirzepatide, a once-weekly injection acting on two, with a second indication Foundayo does not have. This page compares the two labels.

Foundayo

Ingredient: Orforglipron
Approved for: Weight managementcovers weight loss
Supply: Prescription
Boxed warning: WARNING: RISK OF THYROID C-CELL TUMORS
Pharmacy cost: $20.65 per tablet, capsule or pen, brandwhat pharmacies pay to buy it, not the price at the counter

Eli Lilly and Company. Label version 10, effective 29 July 2026.

Zepbound

Ingredient: Tirzepatide
Approved for: Weight management, and obstructive sleep apnea in obesitycovers weight loss
Supply: Prescription
Boxed warning: WARNING: RISK OF THYROID C-CELL TUMORS
Pharmacy cost: $525.86 per milliliter, brandwhat pharmacies pay to buy it, not the price at the counter

Eli Lilly and Company. Label version 38, effective 22 April 2026.

01From the FDA label

Side by side, straight from the labels

Generated from the two source labels, not typed out by hand, so it cannot drift from what the regulator approved. Rows where both labels say exactly the same thing are marked.

Label section	FoundayoOrforglipron	ZepboundTirzepatide
Active ingredient	FoundayoOrforglipronGLP-1 receptor agonist	ZepboundTirzepatideGIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist
Approved for	FoundayoWeight management	ZepboundWeight management, and obstructive sleep apnea in obesity
Supplysame in both	FoundayoPrescription	ZepboundPrescription
What pharmacies payAcquisition cost, not retail	Foundayo$20.65 per tablet, capsule or pen, brand	Zepbound$525.86 per milliliter, brand
Boxed warningsame in both	FoundayoWARNING: RISK OF THYROID C-CELL TUMORS	ZepboundWARNING: RISK OF THYROID C-CELL TUMORS
What the FDA approved it for	Foundayo FOUNDAYO™ is a GLP-1 receptor agonist indicated in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in adults with obesity or adults with overweight in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition. Limitations of Use Concomitant use with another GLP-1 receptor agonist is not recommended.	Zepbound ZEPBOUND is a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist indicated in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity: to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in adults with obesity or adults with overweight in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition. to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity. Limitations of Use ZEPBOUND contains tirzepatide. Coadministration with other tirzepatide-containing products or with any glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist is not recommended.
Forms and strengths	Foundayo FOUNDAYO tablets are available as orforglipron: 0.8 mg: pink round tablet debossed with "L" on one side and "G1" on the other side 2.5 mg: light yellow round tablet debossed with "L" on one side and "G2" on the other side 5.5 mg: grayish purple round tablet debossed with "L" on one side and "G3" on the other side 9 mg: pink modified oval tablet debossed with "Lilly" on one side and "G4" on the...	Zepbound Injection: Clear, colorless to slightly yellow solution in pre-filled single-dose pens, single-dose vials, multi-dose vials, or single-patient-use KwikPens, each available in the following strengths. The multi-dose vials and single-patient-use KwikPen each contain 4 doses: Injection: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, or 15 mg per 0.5 mL in single-dose pen or single-dose vial Injection: 10 mg/2.4 mL (4.17 mg/mL) for four 2.5 mg/0.6 mL doses, 20 mg/2.4 mL (8.33 mg/mL) for four 5 mg/0.6 mL doses, 30 mg/2.4 mL (12.5 mg/mL) for four 7.5 mg/0.6 mL doses, 40 mg/2.4 mL (16.7 mg/mL) for four 10 mg/0.6 mL doses, 50 mg/2.4 mL (20.8 mg/mL) for four 12.5 mg/0.6 mL doses, or 60 mg/2.4 mL (25 mg/mL) for four 15 mg/0.6 mL doses in a multi-dose vial or single-patient-use KwikPen ®
How the label says it is taken	Foundayo Take FOUNDAYO orally once daily, with or without food. Swallow tablets whole. Do not break, crush, or chew. Do not take more than one tablet per day. Starting dosage is 0.8 mg once daily. After at least 30 days, increase dosage to 2.5 mg once daily. After at least 30 days on the 2.5 mg dosage, increase dosage to 5.5 mg once daily. Dosage may be increased to the next dosage level (9 mg, 14.5 mg, or 17.2 mg once daily) after at least 30 days on the current dosage, based on treatment response and tolerability.	Zepbound Recommended Dose Escalation Schedule The recommended starting dosage is 2.5 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly for 4 weeks. Increase the dosage in 2.5 mg increments after at least 4 weeks until recommended maintenance dosage is achieved. Consider treatment response and tolerability when selecting the maintenance dosage. Recommended Maintenance and Maximum Dosage Weight Reduction and Long-Term Maintenance: 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly. Obstructive Sleep Apnea: 10 mg or 15 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly. Maximum Recommended Dosage: 15 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly. Administration Instructions Refer to the Full Prescribing Information for additional important administration instructions about ZEPBOUND presentations.
Most common adverse reactions	Foundayo Most common adverse reactions, reported in ≥5% of patients treated with FOUNDAYO, are nausea, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, headache, abdominal distension, fatigue, eructation, gastroesophageal reflux disease, flatulence, and hair loss.	Zepbound most common adverse reactions, reported in ≥5% of patients treated with ZEPBOUND are: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, injection site reactions, fatigue, hypersensitivity reactions, eructation, hair loss, gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Warnings and precautions	Foundayo Acute Pancreatitis: Has been observed in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, including FOUNDAYO. Discontinue if pancreatitis is suspected. Severe Gastrointestinal Reactions: Use has been associated with gastrointestinal adverse reactions, sometimes severe. FOUNDAYO is not recommended in patients with severe gastroparesis. Acute Kidney Injury Due to Volume Depletion: Monitor renal function in patients reporting adverse reactions that could lead to volume depletion. Hypoglycemia: Concomitant use with insulin or an insulin secretagogue may increase the risk of hypoglycemia, including severe hypoglycemia. Reducing the dosage of insulin or insulin secretagogue may be necessary. Inform all patients of the risk of hypoglycemia and educate them on the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia. Hypersensitivity Reactions: Serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema) have been reported with GLP-1 receptor agonists. If suspected, advise the patient to promptly seek medical attention and discontinue FOUNDAYO. Diabetic Retinopathy Complications in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Has not been studied in patients with diabetic retinopathy and/or macular edema requiring acute treatment. Monitor patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy for progression. Acute Gallbladder Disease: Has been reported in clinical trials. If cholecystitis is suspected, gallbladder studies and clinical follow-up are indicated. Pulmonary Aspiration During General Anesthesia and Deep Sedation: Has been reported in patients receiving GLP-1 receptor agonists undergoing elective surgeries or procedures. Instruct patients to inform healthcare providers of any planned surgeries or procedures.	Zepbound Severe Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions: Use has been associated with gastrointestinal adverse reactions, sometimes severe. ZEPBOUND is not recommended in patients with severe gastroparesis. Acute Kidney Injury Due to Volume Depletion: Monitor renal function in patients reporting adverse reactions that could lead to volume depletion. Acute Gallbladder Disease: Has been reported in clinical trials. If cholecystitis is suspected, gallbladder studies and clinical follow-up are indicated. Acute Pancreatitis: Has been observed in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, or ZEPBOUND. Discontinue if pancreatitis is suspected. Hypersensitivity Reactions: Serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema) have been reported postmarketing with tirzepatide. If suspected, advise patients to promptly seek medical attention and discontinue ZEPBOUND. Hypoglycemia: Concomitant use with insulin or an insulin secretagogue may increase the risk of hypoglycemia, including severe hypoglycemia. Reducing dose of insulin or insulin secretagogue may be necessary. Inform all patients of the risk of hypoglycemia and educate them on the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia. Diabetic Retinopathy Complications in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Has not been studied in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy requiring acute therapy, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, or diabetic macular edema. Monitor patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy for progression. Pulmonary Aspiration During General Anesthesia or Deep Sedation: Has been reported in patients receiving GLP-1 receptor agonists undergoing elective surgeries or procedures. Instruct patients to inform healthcare providers of any planned surgeries or procedures.
Contraindications	Foundayo FOUNDAYO is contraindicated in patients with: A personal or family history of MTC or in patients with MEN 2. Known serious hypersensitivity to orforglipron or any of the excipients in FOUNDAYO. Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, have been reported with GLP-1 receptor agonists. Personal or family history of MTC or in patients with MEN 2	Zepbound ZEPBOUND is contraindicated in patients with: A personal or family history of MTC or in patients with MEN 2. Known serious hypersensitivity to tirzepatide or any of the excipients in ZEPBOUND. Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, have been reported with tirzepatide. Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2
Drug interactions	Foundayo Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors: The maximum dosage of FOUNDAYO is 9 mg once daily when used concomitantly with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor. Avoid concomitant use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors that also inhibit OATP1B. CYP3A4 Inducers: Avoid concomitant use with strong CYP3A4 inducers. Monitor FOUNDAYO effectiveness and escalate dosage as needed when used concomitantly with moderate CYP3A4 inducers. Simvastatin: Do not exceed simvastatin 20 mg once daily when used concomitantly with FOUNDAYO. FOUNDAYO delays gastric emptying and has the potential to impact the absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications.	Zepbound ZEPBOUND delays gastric emptying and has the potential to impact the absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications.
Label version	Foundayo29 July 2026	Zepbound22 April 2026

02Written by us

A tablet against an injection, from the same company

The Foundayo label describes a tablet taken once daily, with or without food, swallowed whole. The Zepbound label describes a subcutaneous injection taken once weekly. Both are dosed in escalating steps: Foundayo starts at 0.8 mg daily and may rise stepwise to 17.2 mg; Zepbound starts at 2.5 mg weekly with maintenance dosages of 5, 10 or 15 mg for weight reduction.

03Written by us

One receptor against two

Orforglipron is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Tirzepatide is described by its label as an agonist of both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors, the only such combination in this category. Both labels describe effects on appetite and food intake.

04Written by us

Zepbound holds one indication Foundayo does not

Both labels cover reducing excess body weight and maintaining that reduction long term, in adults with obesity or with overweight plus at least one weight-related condition. Zepbound separately covers moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity; the Foundayo label has no equivalent.

Both carry the boxed warning of the class on thyroid C-cell tumors, with the same contraindication for medullary thyroid carcinoma history and MEN 2, and both state that use with another GLP-1 receptor agonist is not recommended.

05Written by us

What this page does not tell you

It does not say which product a person should take or whether a tablet is better than an injection. The two were approved on separate trial programs, and their labels do not compare them. That choice belongs to a prescriber.

06Written by us

Common questions

Are Foundayo and Zepbound the same medicine in different forms?: No. They are different molecules: orforglipron in Foundayo, tirzepatide in Zepbound. The tablet is not an oral version of the injection; each has its own label, dosing and trial program.
Do both need dose escalation?: Yes, both labels describe stepwise escalation with at least a set interval on each dose: Foundayo in daily-tablet steps from 0.8 mg up to a possible 17.2 mg, Zepbound in weekly-injection steps from 2.5 mg to maintenance dosages of 5, 10 or 15 mg.
Which one covers sleep apnea?: Zepbound. Its label lists moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity as a separate indication. The Foundayo label covers weight management only.

Sources

Every fact above comes from one of these documents. The date is the effective date of the label version this page was built from.

FDA prescribing information for Foundayo
Eli Lilly and Company. Label version 10, effective 29 July 2026.
Full label on DailyMed Approval record NDA220934
FDA prescribing information for Zepbound
Eli Lilly and Company. Label version 38, effective 22 April 2026.
Full label on DailyMed Approval record NDA217806

Each stripe is one section of the label, each division in a stripe one entry in that section. The red bar marks a boxed warning.

Other comparisons in this category

Page last updated 29 August 2026

Compiled by the HealthyStudy editorial team from FDA source documents. No medical reviewer is credited on this page, because none reviewed it.