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

Although both Mounjaro and Ozempic are effective treatments for Type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro may be more effective than Ozempic in managing blood sugar levels
Gerardo Sison medical writer headshot
By | Updated on Mar. 13, 2025
Rx injectable pens: Mounjaro vs. Ozempic

Key takeaways

  • Mounjaro uses a dual-action mechanism on GIP and GLP-1 receptors, while Ozempic targets only GLP-1 receptors, leading to differences in effectiveness.

  • Clinical studies show that Mounjaro may be more effective than Ozempic in managing blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss.

  • Ozempic is approved to reduce the risks of major cardiovascular events and complications from kidney disease, a benefit not shared by Mounjaro.

  • Both medications are long-term injectable treatments for Type 2 diabetes that are meant to be used alongside lifestyle changes like a balanced diet and exercise.

  • Mounjaro and Ozempic are brand-name drugs that may come with relatively high out-of-pocket costs depending on insurance coverage and pharmacy location.

In this article:

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). Doctors or healthcare providers typically prescribe them to be used alongside a diet and exercise plan. 

Mounjaro and Ozempic work similarly to mimic the effects of certain hormones called incretins. As a result, they help control blood sugar levels and manage weight. Although these medications are used for similar purposes, they may differ in several ways, such as their active ingredients, how they work, 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.

Main differences between Mounjaro vs. Ozempic
Mounjaro Ozempic
Drug class GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist GLP-1 receptor agonist
Brand/generic status Brand only Brand only
What is the generic name? Tirzepatide Semaglutide
What form(s) does the drug come in? Subcutaneous injection Subcutaneous injection
What is the standard dosage? 2.5 mg is injected under the skin once weekly for 4 weeks, then increased to 5 mg once weekly. 

Depending on the treatment response, the dosage may be increased in 2.5 mg increments after at least 4 weeks on the present dose up to a maximum of 15 mg once weekly.

 0.25 mg injected under the skin once weekly for 4 weeks. Then, the dosage is increased to 0.5 mg once weekly. 

Depending on the treatment response, the dosage may be increased to 1 mg once weekly after 4 weeks on the 0.5 mg dosage and then again to 2 mg once weekly after 4 weeks on the 1 mg dosage.
How long is the typical treatment? Long-term Long-term
Who typically uses the medication? Adults 18 years and older Adults 18 years and older

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. 

Mounjaro is part of a relatively new class of drugs called dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It targets both GIP and GLP-1 receptors to mimic the effects of key incretins. In contrast, Ozempic acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, activating just the GLP-1 receptors. The dual action of Mounjaro may lead to better blood sugar control than Ozempic.

Mounjaro and Ozempic also differ in their dosages. Mounjaro is started at 2.5 mg injected once weekly, which is then increased to 5 mg weekly 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 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 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, reduce the amount of glucose the liver makes, and slow down digestion. As a result, these medications can help lower blood sugar levels and reduce appetite. 

Ozempic is also approved to reduce the risk of heart-related problems, such as heart attack and stroke, in people with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. In addition, Ozempic is approved to reduce the risk of severe kidney problems, such as kidney failure, in adults with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Currently, Mounjaro has not been approved for these indications. 

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

Condition Mounjaro Ozempic
Type 2 diabetes Yes Yes
Lower the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke, and death Off-label Yes
Lower the risk of severe kidney complications, such as kidney failure and cardiovascular death Off-label Yes
Weight loss Off-label Off-label

Is Mounjaro or Ozempic more effective?

Both Mounjaro and Ozempic are effective medications when used as prescribed by a healthcare provider. However, clinical trials suggest Mounjaro may be more effective than Ozempic for managing blood sugar levels. 

In a 40-week study involving 1,879 patients with Type 2 diabetes, researchers compared the effectiveness of tirzepatide and semaglutide. Tirzepatide was tested in three doses: 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg, while semaglutide was given at a dose of 1 mg. The results showed that tirzepatide reduced blood sugar levels more effectively, with reductions of 2.01%, 2.24%, and 2.30% for the different doses versus a 1.86% reduction with semaglutide.

Tirzepatide also helped patients lose more weight than semaglutide. Patients lost an average of 2 kg (4.4 lbs) more with a 5 mg dose, 4 kg (8.8 lbs) more with a 10 mg dose, and 6 kg (13.2 lbs) more with a 15 mg dose.

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 will vary. 

These medications are covered only for their approved uses, including Type 2 diabetes and, for Ozempic, heart and kidney disease. They’re not typically covered for off-label uses such as weight management. 

For many people, the costs of Mounjaro and Ozempic may be burdensome even with insurance. Without insurance, the average retail prices can vary based on the pharmacy location and dosage prescribed. Using a prescription discount card like the SingleCare card may offer savings on the retail cost of these drugs. 

Mounjaro Ozempic
Typically covered by insurance? Yes Yes
Typically covered by Medicare Part D? No Yes
Quantity 4 prefilled injection pens 1 prefilled injection pen
Typical Medicare copay Varies Varies
SingleCare cost $872 $811

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Common side effects of Mounjaro vs. Ozempic

The most common side effects for Mounjaro and Ozempic are gastrointestinal problems, such as: 

  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea

While both medications cause similar gastrointestinal 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 inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Those who experience severe side effects or other unusual symptoms should consult a healthcare professional immediately. 

Mounjaro Ozempic
Side Effect Applicable? Frequency Applicable? Frequency
Nausea Yes 12% Yes 16%
Vomiting Yes 5% Yes 5%
Constipation Yes 6% Yes 5%
Diarrhea Yes 12% Yes 9%
Indigestion Yes 8% Yes N/A
Stomach pain Yes 6% Yes 7%

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

The most common interactions with Mounjaro and Ozempic happen with drugs that also lower blood sugar, like insulin and some oral diabetes medications. When these drugs are taken together, there is a higher chance of low blood sugar, known as hypoglycemia, if not managed carefully. Because of this risk, healthcare providers might adjust the doses of insulin or other diabetes medications when a person is taking Mounjaro or Ozempic.

In addition, Mounjaro and Ozempic can delay stomach emptying, which might affect how well other oral medications are absorbed. Therefore, caution is recommended while taking Mounjaro or Ozempic with oral prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements. For example, warfarin and birth control pills can be affected by these medications, although Mounjaro is more likely to interact with birth control pills than Ozempic.

Drug Drug Class Mounjaro Ozempic
NovoLog (insulin aspart)

Humalog (insulin lispro)

Lantus (insulin glargine)

 Insulin  Yes Yes
Glucotrol (glipizide)

Amaryl (glimepiride)

 Sulfonylureas Yes Yes
Prandin (repaglinide)

Starlix (nateglinide)

 Glinides Yes Yes

Consult a healthcare professional for other possible drug interactions

Warnings of Mounjaro and Ozempic

Mounjaro and Ozempic carry a boxed warning, the most serious warning from the 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 a healthcare professional before starting these medications.

Mounjaro and Ozempic should not be used in people with a history of allergic reactions to either drug’s ingredients. 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 (diabetic retinopathy). These medications have been reported to cause pancreatitis, acute kidney injury, worsened diabetic retinopathy, and acute gallbladder disease in rare cases. 

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 is a brand-name drug developed by Eli Lilly that contains tirzepatide, while Ozempic is a brand-name drug developed by Novo Nordisk that contains semaglutide. Tirzepatide is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, while semaglutide is solely a GLP-1 receptor agonist.

Can I use Mounjaro vs. Ozempic while pregnant?

Mounjaro and Ozempic are medications that haven’t been extensively studied for safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Animal studies suggest that these drugs could be harmful to an unborn baby. Therefore, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk to a healthcare provider about safer treatment options. It’s also common for healthcare providers to recommend stopping these medications at least two months before trying to get pregnant.

Can I use Mounjaro vs. Ozempic with alcohol?

Alcohol is not known to directly interact with Mounjaro or Ozempic. However, drinking alcohol may lead to changes in blood sugar levels, which could affect how well these medications work. Drinking alcohol while using Mounjaro or Ozempic can also potentially worsen side effects like nausea and vomiting. Consult a 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?

Weight loss is common while taking Mounjaro, although it may take time to see results. In one study, people taking Mounjaro lost significant weight over 72 weeks. Around half of the people taking the 10 mg and 15 mg doses of Mounjaro lost 20% or more of their body weight, while only 3% of people taking the placebo achieved this level of weight loss. 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 a weekly injection 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?

Insurance usually only pays for Mounjaro when it’s used to treat Type 2 diabetes. Most health plans don’t cover weight loss medications because they see them as cosmetic or unnecessary. To find out if your insurance will pay for Mounjaro to help with weight loss, it’s best to ask your insurance company directly. Some plans might be more likely to cover a different medication called Zepbound for weight loss instead of Mounjaro.

What happens when you switch from Ozempic to Mounjaro?

If you’re switching from Ozempic to Mounjaro, you may experience temporary side effects depending on the new dosage you start on. Higher doses of Mounjaro may cause more side effects than your previous Ozempic dose, so you may need to start on a lower dose of Mounjaro. Common side effects might include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Consult your doctor to determine the appropriate dosage and monitor potential side effects.