Metformin vs Tirzepatide
Metformin and Tirzepatide are compared here on the things that actually differ between them: what class each belongs to, what each acts on, how each is supplied and what each costs per milligram. Where the registry has no figure for one of them the row is left out rather than filled in.
Side by side
| Metformin | Tirzepatide | |
|---|---|---|
| Class | Biguanide | Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Acts on | Reduces hepatic gluconeogenesis and improves peripheral insulin sensitivity, largely through AMPK-dependent and mitochondrial complex I mechanisms. Also studied extensively in longevity research. | Agonist at both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors, a mechanism distinct from single-receptor GLP-1 agonists such as semaglutide. |
| Supplied as | Oral tablet, frequently extended-release. | Lyophilised vial or pre-filled pen. |
| Half-life | Approximately 6 hours for immediate-release. | Approximately five days in published pharmacokinetics. |
| Storage | Cool, dry. | Refrigerated, protected from light. Not to be frozen. |
| Listings | 2 | 4 |
| Price from | £12 | £110 |
What actually differs
The clearest difference is class: Metformin is a biguanide, Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist. They are not supplied the same way. Metformin comes as an oral tablet, frequently extended-release, Tirzepatide as a lyophilised vial or pre-filled pen. Half-life differs as well: Approximately 6 hours for immediate-release for Metformin against Approximately five days in published pharmacokinetics for Tirzepatide.
Metformin 1000mg (20 Tabs)in stock£12
Metformin 1000mg (100 Tabs)in stock£40
Quanta Pharma Tirzepatide 30mg + Free BWin stock£110- SerenQ Tirzepatidein stock£175
Quanta Pharma Tirzepatide 60mg + Free BWin stock£185
VLS Tirzepatide Penin stock£185
Availability checked 2026-09-09. The product page carries live stock.