Ozempic and Mounjaro are two medications for managing type 2 diabetes and weight loss. Find out how these two drugs compare in this guide.
Originally approved for only type 2 diabetes, Ozempic and Mounjaro are two well-known brands that garnered attention for their high efficacy in weight loss.
These two injectable medications are known as incretin mimetics, as they increase insulin secretion and lower blood sugar levels. Although both drugs have demonstrated good results in weight management, they differ in their mechanisms of action, effectiveness, and cost.
In this article, we'll look at the similarities and differences between Ozempic and Mounjaro and the factors that affect your choice of either drug.
Ozempic is an antidiabetic drug that lowers blood sugar. Its active ingredient is semaglutide. Semaglutide is available in two other other brands: Wegovy and Rybelsus. Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight loss, while Ozempic and Rybelsus are FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes.
Semaglutide belongs to a class of drugs known as the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. This medication mimics GLP-1 and causes the release of insulin. Semaglutide also reduces appetite and slows gastric emptying, giving you a sense of fullness. This medication has found usefulness in managing type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Mounjaro is an antidiabetic drug containing tirzepatide as its active ingredient. This medication was approved in 2022 to treat type 2 diabetes. Zepbound is a brand of tirzepatide approved for weight management.
Tirzepatide, the active ingredient of Mounjaro, has a dual agonist action. The drug acts on two different receptors in the body: the GLP-1 receptor and the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor. Typically, Mounjaro is used in managing type 2 DM. However, your healthcare provider can also prescribe Mounjaro off-label for weight loss.
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a marker of your blood sugar levels over two to three months. With good glycemic control, your HbA1c levels should be within the normal range. HbA1c shows a clearer picture of how well-controlled your blood sugar is in the long term. Ozempic and Mounjaro have sugar-lowering effects that normalize your blood HbA1c levels.
Ozempic acts on the GLP-1 receptor, while Mounjaro acts on both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors. These drugs increase the release of insulin, regulate appetite, and slow down the digestion of food in the stomach. These actions can reduce your blood sugar levels and give you a good HbA1c profile.
Various clinical trials compare Ozempic and Mounjaro. The SURPASS-2 trial compared both medications and showed that Mounjaro is more effective in weight loss than Ozempic.
A meta-analysis was presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) meeting in 2023. This study compared the effectiveness of Ozempic vs Mounjaro while including the maximum Ozempic dose (2 mg) this time. Mounjaro still came out on top as more effective than even the ceiling dose of Ozempic.
Some studies have shown that Mounjaro is more effective in reducing HbA1c than Ozempic by up to 4%. One phase 3 trial also showed that Ozempic reduced the HbA1c levels by 1.9% to 2.2% after 40 weeks of use.
While Ozempic and Mounjaro are primarily used in treating type 2 diabetes, both drugs are also effective in weight management. Your healthcare provider can prescribe these drugs off-label after assessing you.
The SURMOUNT- 3 trial showed that Mounjaro caused up to a 24.3% reduction in weight after 72 weeks of use. A study showed that Ozempic reduced body weight by an average of 15% after 68 weeks of use.
Many phase 3 trials have been conducted to compare the effectiveness of Ozempic vs Mounjaro. A study by Truveta showed that Mounjaro is more likely to cause up to 15% reduction in weight over one year.
A systematic review by Karagiannis showed that Mounjaro reduced HbA1c levels by 1.60% to 1.96%, while Ozempic reduced HbA1c by 1.09% to 1.59%. The same review showed that Mounjaro caused a 5.27 kg to 9.5 kg reduction in weight, while Ozempic caused a 2.52 kg to 4.97 kg reduction in weight. This study showed that the newer drug, Mounjaro, is more effective than Ozempic in managing type 2 DM and weight loss.
The SURPASS-2 study was conducted in 2021 to compare the effectiveness of Mounjaro (5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg) and Ozempic (1 mg) in lowering HbA1c after 40 weeks. All participants had type 2 DM with HbA1c levels higher than normal (average of 8.3%). The study showed that Mounjaro reduced HbA1c by 2.0% to 2.3%, while Ozempic reduced HbA1c by 1.9%. Hence, Mounjaro was found to be more effective in lowering A1c. A notable fault in the SURPASS-2 trial is that the maximum dose of Ozempic was 1 mg compared to the maximum of 2 mg.
Common side effects while using Ozempic include:
Studies show that 33 to 36% of patients on Ozempic experience gastrointestinal side effects. However, side effects vary from patient to patient. For instance, only a small percentage of people on Ozempic experience fatigue. Less common side effects include allergic reactions, pancreatitis, renal failure, and others. If you experience any of these less common side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
The side effects of Mounjaro are similar to those of Ozempic. However, Mounjaro tends to have a higher rate of side effects than Ozempic. Some of these side effects include:
Studies have shown that about 37 to 44% of patients on Mounjaro experience gastrointestinal adverse effects. As with Ozempic, individuals on Mounjaro may experience less common and severe side effects such as pancreatitis or gallbladder issues. Contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
Both Ozempic and Mounjaro have similar safety concerns due to their actions on GLP-1. Mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues are most commonly reported with both drugs. Several studies are ongoing to assess the safety profile of both drugs.
There are some medical conditions that may prevent you from using either Ozempic or Mounjaro. Some of these disorders include:
Also, some medications can interact with Ozempic or Mounjaro, and your healthcare provider may need to make adjustments where necessary. For instance, if you take insulin or other antidiabetic drugs, your doctor may reduce your dosage. Here are lists of medications that can interact with Mounjaro and Ozempic.
Ozempic injections are available as multi-use pens that come in 2 mg, 4 mg, or 8 mg doses. So, if you are on a 0.5 mg weekly dose of Ozempic, a 2 mg pen will last you for one month. Regardless of strength, a one-month supply of Ozempic costs about $1029. Our compounded semaglutide starts at $249 per month. Some insurance types may cover Ozempic while others may not, especially for weight loss.
Mounjaro injections are prefilled single-use pens with varying strengths of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg. A one-month supply usually contains four pens and costs about $1135. Note that the price of a one-month supply is the same regardless of dosage. Our compounded tirzepatide starts at $349 per month. Price will vary depending on your location and insurance coverage. You may need to pay out of pocket if your insurance does not cover Mounjaro.
Here are some tips that can help you reduce the cost of Ozempic and Mounjaro:
These cost-saving opportunities can go a long way in facilitating your treatment on Ozempic or Mounjaro. Coupons offer varying degrees of discount depending on the dose of drugs and the company providing them. Patient assistance programs can reduce the cost of drugs significantly more than coupons. You may not need to pay out of pocket if you qualify for these programs.
Both Mounjaro and Ozempic are effective in managing type 2 DM and obesity. Below is a guide to help you choose the right medication:
Your doctor will evaluate you clinically and factor in your medical history to guide you in choosing the right medication. Additionally, you can discuss with your healthcare provider whether you prefer Ozempic or Mounjaro regarding cost or potential adverse effects.
Ozempic and Mounjaro are beneficial in managing diabetes and weight loss. Mounjaro is slightly more effective, but Ozempic has been around longer and has cardiovascular benefits. Mounjaro is also more expensive than Ozempic. Balancing the effectiveness and cost of these medications is important.
Both medications have long-term benefits. If cost is a concern in the long run, consider cost-reducing options like patient assistance programs.
Both Ozempic and Mounjaro have immense benefits in managing type 2 DM and weight loss. Mounjaro is slightly more effective in weight loss than Ozempic. However, Ozempic has more cardiovascular benefits. The right medication for you depends on your health, personal needs, medication cost, and your healthcare provider's opinion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clinical trials have shown that semaglutide can help you lose up to 10 to 15% of your body weight over 68 weeks. The rate you lose weight also depends on your lifestyle modifications and overall health.
Psyllium husk, or metamucil, is a fiber supplement known as the poor man's Ozempic. Many people believe psyllium husk is as effective as semaglutide in weight loss - this is false! Its main function is to support your digestive tract and relieve constipation.
Both drugs have their individual perks, and the choice depends on your medical needs. Both are used to manage type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, Semaglutide shows better results in weight management. Also, individuals with cardiovascular disorders will benefit more from semaglutide.
No! Semaglutide is a synthetic medication that mimics GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone in your body.
Eating moderate amounts of sugar while on Ozempic may not cause significant changes. However, high sugar consumption can cause spikes in your blood sugar levels and reduce Ozempic's efficacy.
Off-Label Use: When discussing off-label uses, such as using Ozempic for weight loss, make it clear that this is not FDA-approved for that purpose. For example, you can add a disclaimer like: “While Ozempic is primarily approved for treating Type 2 diabetes, some healthcare providers may prescribe it off-label for weight loss. However, this use is not FDA-approved.”
Medical Advice Disclaimer: Clearly state that the article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Encourage readers to consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new medication.
Our team can help. Answer a few quick questions about yourself, and we'll guide you to the most suitable treatment option.
Weight Loss
Top 9 Food to Avoid While Taking Mounjaro
.jpeg)
Weight Loss
Best Weight Loss Injections of 2024
Semaglutide
Does Semaglutide Lower Blood Pressure?
