Mounjaro Vs Ozempic: How Do They Compare?

What Is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro, with the active ingredient tirzepatide, is a once-weekly injection that you inject under your skin. It is FDA-approved to treat high blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes in combination with diet and exercise. FDA approval is granted based on evidence of clinical benefit seen in large research trials. Mounjaro helps lower blood sugar levels, decrease food intake, and reduce body weight in patients with type 2 diabetes.¹ It works on two hormones in the gut, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). These hormones are released in the body when carbohydrates are eaten, leading to the release of insulin.

Mounjaro can also be used off-label for weight loss in adults who are overweight or obese. An off-label use of a medication is a use that is not FDA-approved. Prescribers can decide to use a medication off-label because, in their professional judgment, they believe it may offer a benefit to someone.

What Is Ozempic?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is also a once-weekly injection for adults with type 2 diabetes. Unlike Mounjaro, it only works on one gut hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Ozempic helps lower blood sugar levels, slows the emptying of the stomach, and reduces body weight in patients with type 2 diabetes.²

Ozempic is an FDA-approved medication indicated to treat high blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes in combination with diet and exercise. Ozempic is also FDA-approved to reduce the risk of major heart events in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Ozempic can be used off-label for weight loss in adults who are overweight or obese and also for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH is defined by fat in your liver in addition to signs of inflammation and liver cell damage.²

Key Differences Between Mounjaro & Ozempic

Mounjaro and Ozempic are both once-weekly injectable prescription medications that are FDA-approved for controlling blood sugars in adults with type 2 diabetes. Although they produce similar effects, they contain different ingredients, have different dosing instructions, and work differently in the body.^{1, 2}

Differences Between Mounjaro & Ozempic

How Do Ozempic Vs. Mounjaro Work?

Ozempic and Mounjaro mimic the hormones in our body that control our appetite and make us feel full. These medications work by slowing down the digestive tract, causing someone to feel full sooner during meals and after eating. This causes a person to decrease the amount of food they eat over time and leads to weight loss.^{1, 2}

Are Mounjaro & Ozempic the Same Thing?

Mounjaro and Ozempic are different medications that contain different active ingredients. They are both once-weekly injectable prescription medications that are used to control blood sugars in adults with type 2 diabetes. Although they produce similar effects, they contain different ingredients, have different dosing instructions, and work differently in the body.^{1, 2}

Different medications can work differently in people. It’s important to discuss what the most appropriate medication is and why with a healthcare professional. 

Can You Switch From Ozempic to Mounjaro?

Yes, you can switch from Ozempic to Mounjaro. Individuals may want to switch from Ozempic to Mounjaro (or the other way around) for various reasons, including cost, tolerability, desired effects, or patient preference. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which medication is best for you before making any changes to your medication regimen.^{1, 2}

Which Is More Effective, Ozempic or Mounjaro?

In trials comparing Mounjaro and Ozempic, Mounjaro was more effective than Ozempic in lowering A1c (a measure of blood sugar control over a 3-month period) in addition to being more effective in reducing weight in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, both medications have shown they can be effective for blood sugar control and weight loss.³

Different medications can work differently in people. It’s important to discuss what the most appropriate medication is and why with a healthcare professional. 

Does Mounjaro Work Better Than Ozempic?

Mounjaro has shown to be more effective than Ozempic in controlling blood sugar and reducing weight, but some patients and providers may prefer Ozempic due to cost, and FDA approval and prevention of worsening heart disease in patients who have type 2 diabetes. The best way to determine which medication is best for you is to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the pros and cons of both medications.³

Different medications can work differently in people. It’s important to discuss what the most appropriate medication is and why with a healthcare professional.

Mounjaro Vs. Ozempic Dosages

Ozempic and Mounjaro should be injected once weekly. Your provider will likely start you with a lower dose so you can begin adjusting to the medication. From there, your provider can increase your dose as needed based on your blood sugar response and your side effects. Doses will vary for each individual, and there are no standard doses recommended for weight loss since the medications are being used off-label. It is important to take your medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.^{1, 2}

Mounjaro Form & Dosages

Mounjaro injection pens are intended to be used once before being thrown away. Each individual will require a different dose based on the health issue being treated, their age, other medications, and other factors. Mounjaro has a maximum recommended dose of 15 milligrams weekly.¹

Ozempic Form & Dosages

Ozempic pens are intended to be used multiple times before being thrown away. Ozempic pens are typically filled with enough medication to be used 4 times, lasting one month. Each individual will require a different dose based on the health issue being treated, their age, other medications, and other factors. Ozempic has a maximum recommended dose of 2 milligrams weekly.²

Can You Take Mounjaro & Ozempic at the Same Time?

These medications have not been studied together, so their safety and effectiveness are not known. It is currently not recommended to use Mounjaro and Ozempic at the same time since they both work on the hormone GLP-1 in the body. However, your doctor may want you to use these medications alongside other medications that are used to treat type 2 diabetes.

Side Effects of Mounjaro Vs. Ozempic

Mounjaro and Ozempic work similarly, so they have very similar side effects. Each individual responds to medications differently, so if a side effect is listed, it does not guarantee you will experience it. Commonly experienced side effects are often mild, though some side effects can be more serious and require medical attention.^{1, 2}

Common side effects of Mounjaro may include:*¹

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Indigestion
• Abdominal pain
• Injection site reactions

Serious side effects of Mounjaro may include:*¹

• Thyroid C cell tumors
• Pancreatitis
• Low blood sugar
• Hypersensitivity
• Acute kidney injury
• Diabetic retinopathy complications
• Acute gallbladder disease
• Severe gastrointestinal disease

Common side effects of Ozempic may include:*²

• Nausea

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Injection site reactions

Serious side effects of Ozempic may include:*²

• Thyroid C cell tumors

• Pancreatitis
• Low blood sugar
• Hypersensitivity
• Acute kidney injury
• Diabetic retinopathy complications
• Acute gallbladder disease

*All medications, including Mounjaro and Ozempic, have a risk of side effects, including serious side effects. This is not a complete list of side effects. You should talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the benefits and risks of any medication before starting treatment.

Warnings & Precautions for Mounjaro & Ozempic

Using Ozempic and Mounjaro for weight loss may be an effective option for some, but these medications still come with risks. It is important to use the medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. These medications may not be safe for everyone, depending on each individual’s medical history or if they are not used correctly.^{1, 2}

Risks to consider when taking Mounjaro and Ozempic include:^{1, 2}

• Allergic reactions: True allergic reactions are extremely rare but serious. If you experience difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the lips or tongue, it is important to seek medical care immediately.
• Risk of thyroid C cell tumors: Ozempic and Mounjaro can increase the risk of thyroid carcinomas. You should not take Ozempic or Mounjaro if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma.
• People with type 1 diabetes: Ozempic and Mounjaro are not indicated for use in patients with type 1 diabetes.
• Pancreatitis: Ozempic and Mounjaro have not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis. These medications can put you at an increased risk of developing pancreatitis.
• Hypoglycemia: Patients receiving Ozempic or Mounjaro in combination with insulin or insulin secretagogue (such as sulfonylureas like glipizide) may be at an increased risk for severe low blood sugar.
• Never share a pen between patients: Ozempic and Mounjaro pens should never be shared between different individuals, even if the needle is changed. All pens are intended to be used for a single patient to reduce the risk of spreading blood-borne diseases.

Potential Drug Interactions With Mounjaro & Ozempic

Mounjaro and Ozempic have the potential to interact with different foods, prescription medications, and over-the-counter supplements. It is important to update current medications with your doctor and pharmacist to make sure there are no unsafe drug interactions.^{1, 2}

Medications that interact with Mounjaro & Ozempic include:^{1, 2}

• Insulin or insulin secretagogue (e.g. sulfonylurea like glipizide): Ozempic or Mounjaro in combination with insulin or insulin secretagogue can increase your risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). You may require lower doses of these medications while on therapy with Ozempic or Mounjaro.
• Oral medications: Ozempic and Mounjaro slow down the digestive tract, so they may impact the absorption of oral medications when they are taken at the same time.

Disclaimer: Taking certain medications, herbs, or supplements alongside Mounjaro and Ozempic can change how these medications work in your body or increase the risk of serious side effects. This article does not consider all the possible interactions. Please let your doctor, psychiatrists, and pharmacists know about all the products you currently use, such as prescription medication, nonprescription drugs, and herbal supplements. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Mounjaro Vs Ozempic Cost

The average cost of Mounjaro in the United States is slightly higher than Ozempic, without insurance coverage. The cost of the medication varies based on your insurance coverage. Some insurance companies may not cover the medications, but discounts, savings programs, and coupons for Mounjaro and Ozempic may help you get the medication for as little as $25 a month. If you are concerned about the cost of your medications, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see if you are eligible for savings programs.^{1, 2}

Which Is Right for You: Mounjaro or Ozempic?

Many factors are considered when determining which medication is right for you, including your medical conditions, side effects, tolerability, insurance coverage, and cost. The best way to determine which medication is best for you is to talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of both medications.

How to Get a Prescription for Mounjaro or Ozempic

You will need a prescription sent to a pharmacy from your provider in order to get Mounjaro or Ozempic for weight loss. It is important to share your medical history, current prescription and over-the-counter medications, and health goals with your doctor. Together, you and your provider will determine if these medications are appropriate and safe for you.

Questions to Ask Your Health Team About Mounjaro & Ozempic

It is important to ask your doctor and pharmacist questions in order to feel educated and comfortable with your medications. You are able to best take care of yourself when you have an understanding of your health conditions and the medications used to treat them.

Questions to ask your prescriber about Mounjaro and Ozempic include:

• Is it safe to take Mounjaro or Ozempic with my other medications?
• Will Mounjaro or Ozempic be covered by my insurance?
• Does Mounjaro or Ozempic have the best results as a treatment for weight loss?
• How do I prevent the occurrence of Ozempic face or facial appearance changes due to rapid weight loss?
• Does my medical history increase my risk of side effects for either Mounjaro or Ozempic?
• How long can I expect side effects to last for Mounjaro or Ozempic?
• How often should I see you for checkups while taking Mounjaro or Ozempic?
• What should I do if I am unsure whether weight loss medications are right for me?
• How do I correctly inject Mounjaro or Ozempic?
• How long will the weight loss last after I stop taking Mounjaro or Ozempic?
• Are there alternatives to Ozempic or Mounjaro I can consider?
• What are the risks of taking Mounjaro or Ozempic while pregnant?
• What other peptides for weight loss may be effective?