Mounjaro vs. Ozempic: which is right for you?

Did you know that over 40% of Americans in the U.S. have obesity, and over 38 million people have type 2 diabetes? As these numbers continue to rise, GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro have become increasingly popular for managing blood sugar levels and aiding in weight loss.

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Ozempic (semaglutide) are popular injectable medications used to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes and off-label for chronic weight management in people with obesity (body mass index of 30 or more) and overweight (body mass index of 27 or more) with other weight-related conditions.

Both work by mimicking hormones in the body that regulate blood sugar and appetite, making them effective options for people looking to control their diabetes and lose weight. They are similar medications with some key differences.

Mounjaro vs Ozempic: Which is better for you? Compare their uses, effectiveness, and side effects to make the right choice for weight loss or diabetes.

What are Mounjaro and Ozempic?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription injectable medication approved by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) in 2022 to help lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is also prescribed off-label for weight loss in people with obesity or overweight, combined with diet and exercise.

Ozempic (semaglutide) is an FDA-approved glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist made by Novo Nordisk to lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes and is also used off-label for weight loss in people with obesity and overweight.

Ozempic is also FDA-approved for reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke) in adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease and for reducing the risk of worsening kidney disease and cardiovascular death in adults with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes.

Mounjaro

Mounjaro is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist manufactured by Eli Lilly. It works by activating two different receptors in the body: glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). By targeting both of these receptors, Mounjaro lowers blood sugar and reduces appetite more than GLP-1 receptor agonists do. This dual action means better blood sugar control and weight loss.

As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, it increases insulin release when blood sugar is high and lowers blood sugar. It slows down digestion, reduces glucose spikes after meals and suppresses appetite, so you feel fuller for longer and eat less. Mounjaro also reduces glucose production in the liver, which helps keep blood sugar levels stable.

Ozempic

Ozempic (semaglutide) is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist made by Novo Nordisk.

Ozempic works like a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1. It makes your pancreas release insulin when your blood sugar goes up, which lowers your blood sugar back to normal so you reach blood sugar stability with type 2 diabetes.

Ozempic also slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach, so food stays in your stomach longer and prevents too much sugar from getting into your bloodstream. It also makes you feel less hungry, so you eat less. These effects on hunger and food intake are why Ozempic is sometimes used for weight loss, even though it’s approved for type 2 diabetes.

Key differences between Mounjaro and Ozempic

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Ozempic (semaglutide) are both popular injections for type 2 diabetes. They work in similar ways, but there are some key differences between them.

FDA-approved uses and indications

Both Mounjaro and Ozempic are FDA-approved for managing type 2 diabetes. While both medications also help with weight loss, Ozempic is prescribed off-label for this purpose. Wegovy is a brand-name weight loss drug containing the same active ingredient as Ozempic (semaglutide).

Mounjaro is approved for:

• Improving glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet and exercise

Although Mounjaro is not FDA-approved for weight loss, Zepbound—a similar medication produced by the same manufacturer—is FDA-approved for chronic weight management. Mounjaro and Zepbound share the same active ingredient, tirzepatide, and are made by the same company, Eli Lilly.

Ozempic is approved for:

• Helping control blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes
• Reducing the risk of serious heart problems, like heart attack, stroke, and death, in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease
• Reducing the risk of worsening kidney disease and cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease

Although Ozempic isn’t FDA-approved for weight loss, your healthcare provider may prescribe it off-label to help with weight management. Alternatively, your healthcare provider may prescribe Wegovy, which is FDA-approved for chronic weight management and contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic.

Mechanism of action

Mounjaro is a dual agonist, meaning it activates two receptors: GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). This dual action helps regulate blood sugar and manage weight more effectively by increasing insulin release, slowing digestion, and reducing appetite.

In contrast, Ozempic is a single agonist, targeting only the GLP-1 receptor. While it also helps regulate blood sugar and reduce appetite, its effects may not be as strong as Mounjaro for weight loss and blood sugar control due to the lack of GIP involvement.

Mounjaro’s mechanism of action

Mounjaro works by activating two gut hormones: glucagon-like peptide-1 GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide GIP receptor in the brain and the pancreas.

Activating both GLP-1 and GIP receptors increases insulin secretion, decreases glucose production by the liver, reduces hunger and cravings, and promotes satiety, leading to less food intake and weight loss.

This helps regulate insulin after meals, controls blood sugar, slows stomach emptying, and reduces appetite, which leads to eating less and consequently losing weight.

This dual action may make Mounjaro more effective for weight management and blood glucose control than other GLP-1 medications that target only one receptor, like Ozempic and Wegovy, which contain the active ingredient, semaglutide.

Ozempic’s mechanism of action

Ozempic works by lowering blood sugar by mimicking a natural hormone called GLP-1 that your body makes after you eat. This helps your body release insulin and reduce sugar production, providing more effective blood sugar control. It also helps with weight loss by reducing appetite, slowing down digestion (gastroparesis), and making you feel fuller longer.

Mounjaro activates both GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptors, while Ozempic only targets the GLP-1 receptor. This dual action of Mounjaro may contribute to its greater weight loss in some studies as it helps with blood sugar control but has a stronger effect on appetite and metabolism. By activating both receptors, Mounjaro may lead to more weight loss than Ozempic, which only works on GLP-1 receptors.

Dosage form and strengths

Mounjaro and Ozempic come as pre-filled subcutaneous weekly injections taken on the same day of the week and can be taken with or without food.

Mounjaro dosage form and strengths

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) comes in a pre-filled pen for subcutaneous injection. It is available in six strengths: 2.5 mg (starting dose), 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg (maximum dose), with weekly doses. The dosage is typically adjusted based on individual needs and treatment goals.

Ozempic dosage form and strengths

Ozempic is available in four different pre-filled, multi-dose syringe pen doses including 0.25 mg (starting dose), 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, and 2 mg (maximum dose).

Ozempic comes as a prefilled pen with multiple doses, so you can reuse the pen for a month with a new needle each time. Your pharmacy will give you one pen and the needles.

Each pen has four different doses, which is a 30-day supply. The number of pens you get depends on your dose. The maximum dose is 2 mg once a week.

Administration

Ozempic and Mounjaro are are weekly injections administered under the skin (subcutaneously). You can inject the medication under the skin of your stomach, upper arm, or thigh.

Ozempic injection pens have more than one dose, so you’ll need to put on a new needle each time you inject and set your dose. Unopened pens should be kept in the fridge until their expiration date, and opened pens can be stored at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 56 days.

Mounjaro comes in single-use pens, so you’ll throw the pen away after each injection. Unopened pens should be kept in the fridge until they expire, but you can store them at room temperature for up to 21 days if needed.

Effectiveness for reducing HbA1c levels

In clinical trials, people taking Mounjaro had a bigger drop in A1C (average blood glucose levels over 3 months) than those taking Ozempic. If you need more help lowering your A1C, Mounjaro might be a better option.

Effectiveness for weight loss

A head-to-head trial comparing semaglutide and tirzepatide shows that tirzepatide promotes significantly more weight loss than semaglutide. People taking tirzepatide showed an average weight loss of 20.2% vs. 13.7% with semaglutide.

Taking Mounjaro can help you lose significant body fat and weight compared to Ozempic, and boost metabolism and fat burning. It also improves cholesterol and blood sugar, and reduces hunger and cravings.

Heart health benefits

Ozempic is proven to help people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease by lowering the risk of serious heart problems like heart attack, stroke, or heart-related death. Mounjaro is still being studied for this, but it hasn’t been approved for heart disease yet.

Cost and insurance coverage

Ozempic is slightly cheaper than Mounjaro. Without insurance, the cost of Ozempic is typically about $1,000 per month, while Mounjaro can be more expensive, with an estimated cost of about $1,100 per month.

The cost of Mounjaro and Ozempic varies based on your dose, insurance coverage, and whether you qualify for the manufacturer’s savings card program.

Insurance coverage varies by plan and some insurance providers may cover Mounjaro or Ozempic for type 2 diabetes but not for weight loss.

Both Ozempic and Mounjaro have savings programs to help reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible patients.

Mounjaro cost and insurance coverage

The list price of Mounjaro is $1,069.08 per fill, according to the manufacturer, Eli Lilly. Without insurance, the retail price is $1,000-$1,200 or more per month. Each fill includes 4 prefilled pens, which is a 28-day supply.

Many insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid will cover Mounjaro if used for type 2 diabetes. However, your copay will vary by plan and your out-of-pocket costs will be higher until you meet your deductible. Medicare Part D plans cover many diabetes medications, including Mounjaro.

The Mounjaro savings card is a copay assistance program offered by Eli Lilly that helps reduce the cost of the medication for people with commercial or private insurance. If you qualify, you can use the card to get Mounjaro for as little as $25/month.

There is currently no patient assistance program or generic alternative available for Mounjaro.

Ozempic cost and insurance coverage

The list price of Ozempic is $997.58 for a 28-day supply without insurance, which is $249.40 per week or $11,970.96 per year.

Check with your insurance to see if they cover Ozempic. If you have type 2 diabetes, insurance coverage is more likely as most insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid do not currently cover weight loss medications.

The Ozempic Savings Card program can reduce the cost of Ozempic to as low as $25 per month. You must have private or commercial insurance to qualify for the program.

Eligible patients can receive free Ozempic through the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP). This program helps uninsured or underinsured patients access the medication for free if they meet certain criteria. Patients generally need to meet income and insurance criteria to qualify. However, the program is only for people with type 2 diabetes and not for weight loss. There’s currently no generic alternative available for Ozempic.

Mounjaro vs. Ozempic: Key differences

Similarities between Mounjaro and Ozempic

Mounjaro and Ozempic are similar medications in the following ways:

• Both are injectable medications used to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
• Both medications are injected under the skin (subcutaneously) once per week
• Both medications help with weight loss by slowing gastric emptying, which helps suppress appetite
• Both medications help lower blood sugar by increasing insulin release and reducing glucose production in the liver
• They are both GLP-1 receptor agonists, although Mounjaro also activates the GIP receptor.
• Both medications may cause similar gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea and diarrhea.

Effectiveness with blood sugar control

Both are effective in improving blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. In a study that compared Ozempic and Mounjaro, Mounjaro (in doses of 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg) worked more effectively than the 1 mg dose of Ozempic. Mounjaro improved blood sugar control and helped people lose more weight. For example, people taking the 15 mg dose of Mounjaro lost nearly twice as much weight as those on Ozempic.

Effective for weight loss

Both have proven to be effective in clinical trials for weight loss. A study found that over 18 months, people with type 2 diabetes who took 15 mg of tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro) lost an average of 18% of their body weight, compared to 12.4% for those taking 2.4 mg of semaglutide.

Another study compared the highest dose of Ozempic (2 mg) with the 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg doses of Mounjaro. Those on the higher doses of Mounjaro (10 mg and 15 mg) lost more weight and had better blood sugar control than those taking the 2 mg dose of Ozempic.

Potential cardiovascular benefits

Clinical trials have shown that Ozempic reduces the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including cardiovascular death, nonfatal heart attack and nonfatal stroke, in patients with Type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease. The SUSTAIN-6 trial showed a 26% reduction in MACE for those on semaglutide compared to placebo.

Mounjaro has shown promise in improving cardiovascular risk factors, such as weight loss and blood pressure reduction, but is not yet FDA-approved for cardiovascular benefits. The SURPASS-CVOT trial is ongoing to evaluate the cardiovascular outcomes of tirzepatide in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Side effects

Mounjaro and Ozempic work in similar ways and can cause similar side effects, but Mounjaro may cause stronger effects because it works with both GIP and GLP-1, and side effects might be more common for some people.

The most common side effects of Mounjaro and Ozempic include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation
• Indigestion
• Stomach pain

Frequency of side effects: Mounjaro vs. Ozempic

The most common Mounjaro side effects reported in clinical trials by participants using Mounjaro 10 mg weekly dose include:

• Nausea (18%)
• Diarrhea (17%)
• Decreased appetite (11%)
• Vomiting (9%)
• Constipation (7%)
• Fatigue (5%)
• Headache (4%)
• Heartburn (8%)
• Injection site reactions (4%)

The most common Ozempic side effects reported in clinical trials by participants using Ozempic 1 mg weekly dose include:

• Nausea (20%)
• Diarrhea (9%)
• Vomiting (9%)
• Abdominal pain (6%)
• Constipation (3%)
• Heartburn (3.5%)
• Other gastrointestinal issues (36%)

Serious side effects

Although rare, some people taking Ozempic or Mounjaro may experience:

• Severe allergic reaction
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Kidney problems
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Gallbladder problems

Warnings

Both drugs have a black box warning from the FDA for the risk of thyroid tumors or thyroid cancer.

You should not use Mounjaro if you:

• Are allergic to tirzepatide or any of the ingredients.
• Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• Are breastfeeding, as it is not known if Mounjaro passes into breast milk.
• Have serious kidney or liver problems.
• Have a severe gastrointestinal disease such as gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying).

You should not use Ozempic if you:

• Are allergic to semaglutide or any of the ingredients.
• Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• Are breastfeeding, as it is not known if Ozempic passes into breast milk.
• Have a severe gastrointestinal disease, such as gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying).
• Have diabetic ketoacidosis (a serious complication of diabetes).

Head-to-head trials

Mounjaro and Ozempic were tested in a head-to-head clinical trial where three different Mounjaro doses (5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg) were compared to the 1 mg dose of Ozempic over 40 weeks (about 9 months).

People taking any dose of Mounjaro had a bigger drop in A1C (average blood sugar levels over 3 months) than those taking Ozempic. If you need more help lowering your A1C, Mounjaro could be a better option.

However, it is important to know that during the trial, the highest dose of Ozempic was 1 mg. In March 2022, a 2 mg Ozempic dose was approved, but this higher dose hasn’t been tested against Mounjaro.

Choosing between Mounjaro and Ozempic

Both medications are effective at controlling blood sugar and aiding in weight loss. There are several factors you should consider when deciding:

• Personalized factors to consider: If weight loss is the only goal, Mounjaro may have an edge, with studies showing 15-20% weight loss in higher doses causing more weight loss than Ozempic. If your primary goal is preventing heart complications, Ozempic might be a better option.
• Diabetes management: If diabetes management is the goal, Mounjaro may be more effective at lowering A1C compared to Ozempic, based on clinical trials. Mounjaro showed a bigger decrease in A1C and also more weight loss, which helps with blood sugar management. Ozempic has the added benefit of being approved to reduce cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes.
• Side effects and tolerability: Mounjaro and Ozempic have similar gastrointestinal side effects. Mounjaro may have more severe side effects in some people due to its higher doses and dual action on GIP and GLP-1 receptors. Tolerance varies by individual, so monitor side effects and talk to your doctor about any concerns to find the best one for you.
• Cost and insurance coverage: Insurance and savings programs may impact your decision. Without insurance coverage, both are expensive medications. Check with your insurance provider to determine if they cover Mounjaro or Ozempic for your health condition, and find out the associated copays for both drugs.
• Individualized treatment: Choose between Mounjaro and Ozempic based on your individual needs, medical history and treatment goals. Talk to a doctor to find the best option for you. They can consider blood sugar control, weight loss goals and any potential health risks for your individual situation.

Mounaro vs. Ozempic: which medication is better?

Deciding on which medication is better for you depends on your individual needs and treatment goals. While Mounjaro has proven to be more effective at lowering A1C (average blood sugar levels over three months) and weight loss, Ozempic is also FDA-approved to prevent heart complications in adults with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Mounjaro could also cause more side effects than Ozempic for some people and people who are susceptible to gastrointestinal side effects may prefer Ozempic to higher doses of Mounjaro.

Speak with your healthcare provider before deciding on which medication to take. They can help evaluate your medical history and treatment goals to decide which medication is right for you. You should also check your insurance coverage details to determine which medication is covered.

Frequently asked questions

Which medication is more effective for weight loss, Mounjaro or Ozempic?

Studies show that Mounjaro is more effective for weight loss compared to Ozempic. It works by activating both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, making it better at reducing hunger and helping with weight loss.

Which medication is better for managing blood sugar?

Mounjaro is generally more effective than Ozempic for managing blood sugar, as it targets two receptors and often results in better blood sugar control and more weight loss. However, Ozempic has been around longer, so more data is available supporting its use.

Is one medication more expensive than the other?

Mounjaro is usually slightly more expensive than Ozempic. The price difference can vary depending on insurance and where you buy the medication.

Can I switch from Ozempic to Mounjaro (and vice versa)?

Yes, you can switch from Ozempic to Mounjaro or the other way around, but it’s important to do so under the guidance of your doctor. Studies show that 25% of people switch from their initial blood sugar medication after the first year of treatment.

Can Mounjaro replace Ozempic?

Mounjaro can replace Ozempic if your doctor decides it’s a better option for you. They work similarly but with the additional benefit of targeting another hormone, which may be more effective for some people.

Are there major safety differences?

Both Mounjaro and Ozempic have similar safety profiles, but Mounjaro may have a slightly higher risk of certain side effects because it targets two hormones instead of one.

Bottom line

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Ozempic (semaglutide) are both weekly injections for adults with type 2 diabetes. They work similarly, but Mounjaro’s dual-action mechanism (GLP-1/GIP) could be more effective at lowering blood sugar and causing more weight loss than Ozempic.

Both medications regulate blood sugar and aid in weight loss, but the best choice depends on individual health goals, preferences, and medical history.

If you’re unsure whether Mounjaro or Ozempic is right for you, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you compare the benefits and risks of each to find the best option.