In the rapidly evolving landscape of diabetes treatment and weight loss therapies, two notable players have emerged - Ozempic and Mounjaro. Both have shown remarkable results in managing blood sugar levels and facilitating weight loss, albeit through distinct mechanisms and varying effects.
This article aims to comprehensively compare these two groundbreaking medications, with a special spotlight on Mounjaro, the latest entrant in the market for diabetes, soon-to-be-approved for weight loss too.
Whether you're a patient considering switching from Ozempic to Mounjaro or a healthcare provider looking to stay abreast of the latest advances, read on!
Related article: Does Mounjaro Need to Be Refrigerated & How to Store Your Injector Pens?
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a prescription medication used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is manufactured by Novo Nordisk.
Its active ingredient is semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that mimics the functions of the GLP-1 hormone in the body. GLP-1 is naturally produced in the intestines and helps control blood sugar levels by stimulating the release of insulin (which lowers blood sugar) when glucose levels are high after meals. It also reduces the amount of glucose produced and released by the liver.
Ozempic is typically used when diet and exercise alone aren’t enough to control blood sugar levels adequately. It can be prescribed alone or along with other anti-diabetic medications, like Metformin or insulin, for example.
Related article: Is Ozempic the Same as Insulin?
Ozempic is an injectable drug. It’s administered once weekly by subcutaneous injection (just under the skin). It comes in a pre-filled autoinjector pen that the patient uses to give themselves the injection at home.
Ozempic is also being studied for its potential benefits in weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction. But while semaglutide is FDA-approved as an anti-obesity medication for long-term weight management under the brand names Wegovy and Rybelsus, Ozempic isn’t approved for weight loss (yet).
Related article: How to Properly Store & Refrigerate Your Ozempic Pens?
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is the newest FDA-approved injectable drug used to treat type 2 diabetes. It’s manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company.
Its active ingredient, Tirzepatide, belongs to the GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist drug class.
Besides lowering blood sugar levels, Mounjaro injections, along with diet and physical exercise, significantly help decrease the risks of diabetes-related severe complications like heart disease, kidney disease, vision loss, and peripheral neuropathy.
Mounjaro is taken once weekly through subcutaneous injection (under the skin) with an easy-to-use single-dose injection device called an injector pen. Like Ozempic, patients are responsible for self-injecting the medicine at home.
While Mounjaro is showing excellent results in reducing patients' weight, currently, the only FDA-approved use of Mounjaro is for type 2 diabetes. However, the new medicine is currently under clinical trials for approval for weight loss purposes. Meanwhile, many U.S. doctors prescribe Mounjaro off-label to help their patients lose weight.
Related article: How to Inject Mounjaro and Use the Pen Correctly?
Mounjaro vs. Ozempic: How Do They Differ?
Both Ozempic and Mounjaro are drugs approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.They’re both injectable and administered weekly with user-friendly injector pens. They both help lower blood sugar levels, reduce the risks of diabetes-related complications, and promote weight loss. Now, here’s how they differ:
Different mechanisms of action
Mounjaro differs from other type 2 diabetes injections like Ozempic, Trulicity, Victoza, or Byetta.
Tirzepatide, the active component of Mounjaro, is designed to mirror the function of two naturally occurring hormones in the body: glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP).
While other medications like Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide) only replicate the actions of GLP-1, tirzepatide takes it a step further by emulating both hormones simultaneously.
This dual mimicry is thought to be the key behind Mounjaro’s highest efficacy in reducing blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss, as the two hormones it mirrors appear to work together synergistically.
Mounjaro vs. Ozempic: Efficacy for weight loss
As of today, neither Ozempic nor Mounjaro have been approved by the FDA for weight loss. However, considering their significant weight-loss effects on diabetics with overweight or obesity, both of them are currently under process for a possible new FDA approval.
A major study published by the New England Journal of Medicine comparing the weight loss effects of tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) clearly showed that Mounjaro was more efficient at reducing body weight and blood sugar levels than the other two. The results were:
- Mounjaro reduced the A1C (average blood glucose level) by 2% to 2.3% compared to a 1.9% reduction for Ozempic.
- Mounjaro led to weight loss of 7.7 kg (17 lb) to 11.4 kg (25 lb), on average, compared to 5.9 kg (13 lb) for Ozempic.
Related article: 10 Simple Ways to Increase Your Insulin Sensitivity Naturally!
Side effects
On the other hand, research suggests that Ozempic offers a superior safety profile when compared to Mounjaro. Indeed, a higher number of individuals seem to discontinue the use of Mounjaro due to side effects and various adverse incidents.
Ozempic common side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. Rare but severe ones can include thyroid tumors, gallbladder or kidney issues, and possibly pancreatitis.
Mounjaro's common side effects are about the same as Ozempic but seem more frequent. So, that’s definitely something to take into account when considering Mounjaro vs. Ozempic with your healthcare provider.
Costs
Regarding costs, Mounjaro and Ozempic are quite similar, although Mounjaro is slightly more expensive than Ozempic.
According to Drugs.com, on average, Mounjaro incurs a monthly out-of-pocket expense of approximately $1,100, whereas Ozempic costs around $1,000 monthly. Depending on your insurance coverage, either or both medications could be covered, meaning you would only be responsible for your copayment or deductible based on the specifics of your insurance plan.
Related article: How to Travel With Mounjaro: Safety Tips & Travel Coolers!
Is Mounjaro Better Than Ozempic?
The question "Is Mounjaro better than Ozempic?" is common, particularly given Mounjaro's recent emergence and subsequent buzz. However, it's critical to understand that this question has no universal answer.
The effectiveness of medication is not a one-size-fits-all scenario. The choice of a drug largely depends on an individual's specific medical history, overall health status, the severity of their condition, and their body's response to medication, among other factors. Moreover, potential side effects and a drug's interaction with other medications or conditions also play a pivotal role in choosing between Mounjaro or Ozempic, be it for diabetes or weight loss.
For example, while Mounjaro might prove highly effective for one person, Ozempic may yield better results for another, or vice versa. Similarly, one individual might tolerate Mounjaro's side effects better than Ozempic's, or the opposite might also be true.
Therefore, any decision concerning these medications should be made in close consultation with your healthcare provider. Doctors have the necessary knowledge and experience toweigh the potential benefits against the risks, taking into account the individual nuances of each patient's situation.
So, while Mounjaro and Ozempic both have shown effectiveness in managing type 2 diabetes and reducing body weight (although not yet FDA-approved for that purpose), there’s not one “better than the other”. At least not universally.
Related article: Wegovy vs. Mounjaro, Understanding the Differences in Diabetes and Weight-Loss Therapies.
FAQs About Mounjaro and Ozempic
Can you take Mounjaro and Ozempic together?
While it might be tempting to believe that doubling up could yield even better results, this is not always true.
While there is no contraindication between Mounjaro and Ozempic, healthcare providers advise not to take tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) together.
Taking more than one GLP-1 drug (or any combination thereof) is not recommended unless explicitly prescribed by your doctor. These drugs are designed for safety and long-term use but are not intended to be used in conjunction with one another.
If a specific drug isn't delivering the desired outcomes, consult your healthcare provider about possible alternatives.
Related article: Wegovy vs. Ozempic, Comparing 2 Semaglutide Injections.
Switching from Ozempic to Mounjaro
It's possible to switch from Ozempic to Mounjaro. Actually, many patients are currently making the move.
Transitioning between Mounjaro and Ozempic, or vice versa, might become recommended or necessary for various reasons. Financial considerations, insurance coverage, potential adverse reactions, accessibility of the medication, and its effectiveness could all contribute to an individual's decision to change their medication regime.
Remember that only your healthcare provider can help you switch from Ozempic to Mounjaro smoothly and safely. Both these medications are delivered only with a medical prescription and should never be taken without medical supervision.
Switching from Mounjaro to Ozempic implies careful consideration of your current dosage and blood sugar levels.
Given that both Mounjaro and Ozempic have a weekly administration schedule, the injection day and time will stay the same. For instance, if your Mounjaro injection was scheduled every Sunday, you would be able to start your first Ozempic injection the following Sunday (a week after your final dose).
You will have to monitor your blood sugar levels more closely. Mounjaro is known to have a stronger effect on reducing blood glucose and A1C than Ozempic, which can lead to a higher risk of hypoglycemia.
Always ask for your doctor’s advice before and during making a change in your diabetes treatment.
We'd love to hear from you! Have you tried the new Mounjaro injections for diabetes? Have you been prescribed it for weight loss purposes? Or you've switched from Ozempic to Mounjaro. We're keen to learn about your experiences and insights. Please feel free to share in the comments below. Your personal experiences could greatly benefit others in similar situations.
Related article: Does Insulin Need to Be Refrigerated?
