Mounjaro vs. Ozempic: Differences, similarities, and side effects

Drug overview & main differences | Conditions treated | Efficacy | Insurance coverage and cost comparison | Side effects | Drug interactions | Warnings | FAQ

Mounjaro and Ozempic are two brand-name medications commonly prescribed for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Both drugs come as injectable medications that are administered under the skin (subcutaneously). They are not typically considered first-line treatments and should be used along with a diet and exercise plan to improve blood sugar levels. 

Both Mounjaro and Ozempic belong to a class of drugs known as incretin mimetics, which work by improving the body’s insulin secretion and decreasing blood sugar (glucose) production. Although both medications have shown promising results in managing blood sugar levels, they differ in their mechanisms of action, benefits, and potential side effects. 

Read on to learn more about the differences between Mounjaro and Ozempic and when a healthcare provider might prescribe one over the other. 

What are the main differences between Mounjaro vs. Ozempic?

The main difference between Mounjaro and Ozempic lies in their active ingredient. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, while Ozempic contains semaglutide. In addition, the two drugs have differences in how they work. 

Mounjaro works as a dual-action GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, targeting both glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors. In contrast, Ozempic solely acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, activating just the GLP-1 receptors. This dual action of Mounjaro may lead to improved blood sugar control.

In addition, the medications have different dosages. Mounjaro is started at 2.5 mg injected once weekly and then increased to 5 mg after four weeks. The dosage of Mounjaro may be increased to a maximum of 15 mg once weekly. Ozempic is started at 0.25 mg once weekly and then increased to 0.5 mg after four weeks. The maximum dosage of Ozempic is 2 mg once weekly. 

Conditions treated by Mounjaro vs. Ozempic

Mounjaro and Ozempic are both approved to manage Type 2 diabetes, a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. These medications can help the body make more insulin in response to food, prevent the liver from making glucose, and slow down digestion. These actions can help reduce appetite, reduce food intake, and result in lower blood sugar levels. 

Ozempic is also FDA approved to reduce the risk of heart-related problems, such as heart attack and stroke, in people with Type 2 diabetes and diagnosed heart disease. Currently, Mounjaro is not approved for this indication. 

Mounjaro and Ozempic may sometimes be prescribed off-label for weight loss. However, they are not approved for this use. Instead, the active ingredients of these drugs are available under different brand names for weight loss: Zepbound (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide).

Is Mounjaro or Ozempic more effective?

Both Mounjaro and Ozempic are effective medications when used as prescribed by a healthcare provider. However, Mounjaro may be more effective than Ozempic for managing blood sugar levels. In any case, the most effective medication will be determined by a healthcare provider after assessing the patient’s overall medical history. 

In a 40-week study, researchers compared tirzepatide and semaglutide. They tested tirzepatide at three different doses (5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg) against 1 mg of semaglutide in 1,879 patients with Type 2 diabetes. The study found that tirzepatide was more effective than semaglutide at reducing blood sugar levels, reducing blood sugar levels by 2.01%, 2.24%, and 2.30% for the 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg doses, respectively, versus a 1.86% reduction with semaglutide. 

Tirzepatide also helped patients lose more weight. Tirzepatide users lost more weight compared to semaglutide users, with losses averaging 1.9 kg (4.2 lbs), 3.6 kg (7.9 lbs), and 5.5 kg (12.1 lbs) for the three dosages.

Coverage and cost comparison of Mounjaro vs. Ozempic

The costs of Mounjaro and Ozempic will depend on different factors, such as insurance coverage and market prices. Mounjaro and Ozempic are brand-name drugs that may be covered by some Medicare and private health insurance plans. However, the copay or coinsurance amounts may still be high. These medications are typically only covered for people with Type 2 diabetes. 

For many people, the costs of Mounjaro and Ozempic may be high even with insurance. Using a prescription discount card like the SingleCare card may offer savings on the cash price of prescription drugs like Mounjaro and Ozempic. 

Common side effects of Mounjaro vs. Ozempic

The most common side effects for Mounjaro and Ozempic are gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation, and diarrhea. While both medications cause similar side effects, the severity and frequency of these effects may vary.

Serious side effects may occur with either drug, although they are less common. For example, severe abdominal pain could indicate pancreatitis. Patients who experience severe side effects or any other unusual symptoms should consult their healthcare professional immediately. 

Frequency is not based on data from a head-to-head trial. This may not be a complete list of adverse effects that can occur. Please refer to your doctor or healthcare provider to learn more.

Source: DailyMed (Mounjaro), DailyMed (Ozempic)

Drug interactions of Mounjaro and Ozempic

Because Mounjaro and Ozempic work in similar ways, they share similar drug interactions. The most common interactions for both drugs often involve medications that also affect blood sugar levels, such as insulin and other oral hypoglycemic agents. These interactions can lead to an increased risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) if not properly monitored and managed. Therefore, the dosage of insulin or other antidiabetic drugs may need to be lowered while taking Mounjaro or Ozempic. 

In addition, Mounjaro and Ozempic can delay gastric emptying, which can affect the absorption of oral medications. Therefore, caution is recommended while taking Mounjaro or Ozempic with other medications taken by mouth, such as prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements. 

Consult a healthcare professional for other possible drug interactions

Warnings of Mounjaro and Ozempic

Both Mounjaro and Ozempic carry a boxed warning, which is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The warning is related to the risk of thyroid cancer, specifically medullary thyroid carcinoma. Those with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma should not use these medications. Discuss any potential risk factors with your healthcare professional before starting these medications.

Mounjaro and Ozempic should not be used in people with a history of allergic reactions to ingredients in either drug. Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction may include severe rash, fainting, rapid heartbeat, swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing. Seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms develop. 

Before using Mounjaro or Ozempic, tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of kidney problems, issues with the pancreas, stomach problems, or eye disease caused by diabetes. 

Frequently asked questions about Mounjaro vs. Ozempic

Are Mounjaro vs. Ozempic the same?

Mounjaro and Ozempic work in similar ways but are not the same medication. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide and was developed by Eli Lilly, while Ozempic contains semaglutide and was developed by Novo Nordisk. Mounjaro is a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist, and Ozempic is solely a GLP-1 receptor agonist.

Can I use Mounjaro vs. Ozempic while pregnant?

The safety of Mounjaro and Ozempic during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been extensively studied. However, based on animal studies, these medications may cause harm to an unborn baby. The FDA label for Mounjaro explicitly recommends using a non-oral contraceptive in women taking an oral contraceptive for four weeks after starting treatment and for four weeks after increasing the dose. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their healthcare provider before using these medications.

Can I use Mounjaro vs. Ozempic with alcohol?

Alcohol is not known to directly interact with Mounjaro or Ozempic. However, drinking alcohol may increase the risk of hypoglycemia, especially when using medications for diabetes. Consult your healthcare provider to determine whether you can drink alcohol while using diabetes medications like Mounjaro or Ozempic.

What is the average weight loss on Mounjaro?

Some participants in trials have experienced weight loss of around 60 pounds, which translates to more than 20% of their body weight. However, the amount of weight lost can vary. Clinical trials and studies have shown average weight reductions ranging from 19.5% to 24.3% with different doses of tirzepatide, such as 10 mg and 15 mg. Still, Mounjaro is not approved for weight loss. Instead, the active ingredient tirzepatide is marketed under the name Zepbound for weight loss. 

Can you get Mounjaro without diabetes?

Mounjaro is approved and prescribed for people with Type 2 diabetes. Speak with your healthcare provider if you’re considering using Mounjaro for another reason, such as weight loss. The FDA approval for Mounjaro is specifically for diabetes control, and using it without professional medical guidance for another condition is not recommended.

Will insurance pay for Mounjaro for weight loss?

Since Mounjaro is FDA-approved for Type 2 diabetes, insurance companies may cover it for that specific condition. However, the extent of insurance coverage for Mounjaro can vary based on individual policies. Check with your insurance provider to determine if Mounjaro is covered.