Mounjaro vs. Ozempic: 5 Differences You Should Know About

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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.

For one thing, you may see a greater impact on your blood glucose (sugar) levels with Mounjaro. And you may lose more weight during treatment, too. But Ozempic has been proven to lower the risk of serious cardiovascular events in certain people.

So how do you choose between Mounjaro and Ozempic? Your treatment goals, risk factors, and preferences may make one a better fit than the other. We cover five differences between Moujaro and Ozempic below.

1. Ozempic and Mounjaro work in similar but different ways

Ozempic belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists. It works by mimicking GLP-1, a gut hormone involved in regulating digestion and blood glucose levels. This can cause side effects like nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and upset stomach.

Like Ozempic, Mounjaro mimics GLP-1. But it also acts like a second gut hormone called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). It's the first medication in a class called dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists. Mounjaro's side effects are similar to those caused by Ozempic.

Both Ozempic and Mounjaro stimulate your pancreas to release insulin after you eat, reduce glucose production in your liver, and slow down how fast your stomach empties. They also work in the area of the brain that regulates appetite. But Mounjaro's GIP and GLP-1 effects work together to have an even greater impact.

However, Ozempic has proven benefits for people with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. So, it's also approved to lower the risk of serious cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death) in this population. Mounjaro is being studied for this benefit, but it hasn't been approved yet.

Can you take Ozempic and Mounjaro together?

No, you'll typically be prescribed either Ozempic or Mounjaro - not both.

If you're not getting the results you need from Ozempic or Mounjaro, your prescriber will likely increase your dose. But if you're already taking the maximum Ozempic dose, they may consider switching you to Mounjaro. More on that later.

2. There are several differences between Ozempic and Mounjaro injection pens

Ozempic and Mounjaro are given as subcutaneous (under the skin) injections. You can pick one of three areas to inject your dose: stomach, upper arm, and thigh. Both medications are available as injection pens, but there are a few differences between them.

Ozempic injection pens contain more than one dose. So, you'll need to attach a new needle each time you inject. And you also have to dial up your specific dose. Unopened Ozempic pens should be stored in the refrigerator. In-use pens can be stored at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 56 days.

Mounjaro comes in single-use injection pens. This means you'll throw the pen away after injecting your dose. Unopened Mounjaro pens should be stored in the refrigerator until their expiration date. If needed, you can store them at room temperature for up to 21 days.

If you have arthritis or difficulty seeing, you may need some assistance with the Ozempic pen to ensure you get the right dose. The Mounjaro pen just needs to be unlocked before injecting. So, it may be easier for some people to use.

3. Mounjaro works better to lower A1C compared to Ozempic

Mounjaro and Ozempic have been studied in a head-to-head clinical trial. The trial compared three Mounjaro doses (5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg) to the 1 mg Ozempic dose over 40 weeks (about 9 months).

People receiving any dose of Mounjaro had a greater reduction in hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C or A1C) compared to people receiving Ozempic. A1C is your average blood glucose levels over 3 months. If you need more help lowering your A1C, Mounjaro can be a good choice.

But it's important to note that at the time of the trial, the maximum Ozempic dose was 1 mg. In March 2022, the 2 mg Ozempic dose was approved. This higher Ozempic dose has not been studied against Mounjaro.

4. Mounjaro may result in greater weight loss compared to Ozempic

Mounjaro and Ozempic aren't approved for weight loss, but people taking them tend to lose weight. And people taking Mounjaro have been shown to lose more weight than those taking Ozempic.

During the same head-to-head trial mentioned above, people taking Mounjaro lost an average of 16 lbs to 25 lbs, depending on their dose. This is compared to people in the Ozempic group who lost an average of about 12 lbs.

What's more, more than 1 out of every 3 people receiving the highest Mounjaro dose lost at least 15% of their starting body weight. This is compared to less than 1 out of every 10 people in the Ozempic group achieving this amount of weight loss.

Weight loss approvals

Wegovy, a higher-dose version of Ozempic, is approved for weight loss in certain people ages 12 and older. During clinical trials, people taking Wegovy lost about 15% of their starting body weight, on average.

Zepbound is the version of tirzepatide that's approved for weight loss. Both Zepbound and Mounjaro come in the same doses and follow a similar dosage schedule until you reach the right dose for your goals. During clinical trials, people taking Zepbound lost almost 21% of their starting body weight, on average.

5. Mounjaro and Ozempic aren't interchangeable

Mounjaro and Ozempic can't be used interchangeably because there are differences in how they work and their dosages. And if you've been prescribed Ozempic for its cardiovascular benefits, these haven't been confirmed with Mounjaro yet.

Your treatment goals, risk factors, and preferences may influence whether Mounjaro or Ozempic is right for you.

Can you switch from Ozempic to Mounjaro?

Yes. It's possible to switch from Ozempic to Mounjaro. But there's no official Ozempic to Mounjaro conversion chart. Your prescriber may have you start at the beginning (or at the lower end) of your new medication's dosing schedule. This can help minimize side effects and allow you to find the best dose to meet your needs.

Does Mounjaro have more side effects than Ozempic?

As mentioned above, Mounjaro and Ozempic work in similar ways and can cause similar side effects. But Mounjaro's effects may be enhanced due to how it mimics GIP and GLP-1. So it's possible that side effects may be more likely with Mounjaro in some people. However, everyone responds differently to medications. And the likelihood of experiencing side effects may also depend on your dose of either medication.

How to save on Mounjaro and Ozempic

Mounjaro and Ozempic are both available as brand-name medications. There are a few ways to save on your prescription, including manufacturer copay savings cards and patient assistance programs.

If you're eligible, you could pay as little as $25 for Ozempic with a copay savings card. Keep in mind that you may need a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis to qualify. A patient assistance program is also available.

There's also a copay savings card available for Mounjaro. If you're eligible, you could pay as little as $25 for your prescription. Similar to Ozempic, you may need a diabetes diagnosis to qualify.

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