Wegovy vs. Mounjaro: Differences, similarities & side effects

Wegovy and Mounjaro are brand-name injectable medications. They work similarly, mimicking natural hormones that regulate blood sugar levels and suppress appetite. You may have come across them as popular options for managing health conditions tied to weight and blood sugar problems. Although they’re both effective medications, they’re meant to be used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise plan. 

Both medications share similarities in how they work, but there are some key differences to be aware of. For example, Wegovy and Mounjaro contain different active ingredients, have different approved uses, and may differ in dosage, cost, and side effects. For these reasons, it’s best to work with a healthcare provider to find the most appropriate treatment option. 

Read on to learn more about the differences and similarities of Wegovy and Mounjaro. 

Wegovy vs. Mounjaro: Key differences

Wegovy and Mounjaro are prescription drugs that differ in various ways. One major difference is that Wegovy contains the active ingredient semaglutide, while Mounjaro contains the active component tirzepatide. 

Both medications activate the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor. However, Mounjaro also activates the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor. Therefore, while Wegovy is classified as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, Mounjaro is classified as a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. GIP and GLP-1 are incretin hormones that help control blood sugar by increasing insulin secretion and also have an effect on reducing appetite.

Both Wegovy and Mounjaro are administered as once-weekly injections taken with or without food. However, Wegovy is started at a dosage of 0.25 mg weekly and gradually increased to a standard dosage of 2.4 or 1.7 mg weekly. In comparison, Mounjaro is started at 2.5 mg weekly and gradually increased to a standard dosage of 5 mg weekly. In addition, Wegovy is approved for adults and children ages 12 and older, while Mounjaro is only approved for adults 18 and older. 

Wegovy vs. Mounjaro: Conditions treated

Wegovy is approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for chronic weight management in adults who either have obesity or are overweight with at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. It is also approved to manage weight in children who have obesity and are 12 or older. While it’s not approved for Type 2 diabetes, some patients may experience benefits related to their blood sugar levels. 

Mounjaro is FDA approved to manage blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes. Although it’s not specifically approved for weight loss, some healthcare providers may prescribe Mounjaro off-label for this purpose. It may also be an option for people with Type 2 diabetes who may be struggling with obesity or being overweight. 

Is Mounjaro better than Wegovy?

Both Mounjaro and Wegovy are effective medications for their approved uses. The better option will depend on what is being treated and an individual’s overall condition. Still, some studies suggest that the active ingredient in Mounjaro may be more effective at reducing weight and controlling blood sugar levels than Wegovy’s. 

In a 68-week trial, patients using tirzepatide at doses of 10 and 15 mg lost up to 5.92% more weight than those taking 2.4 mg of semaglutide. In addition, more patients experienced a weight reduction of 5% or more with tirzepatide. Results showed that patients taking tirzepatide were over two times more likely to lose 5% or more of their body weight than those taking semaglutide.

In another clinical trial, tirzepatide was shown to lower blood sugar levels by up to 2.3%. It also resulted in significantly more weight loss than semaglutide, with differences ranging from 4.2 pounds (1.9 kg) to 12.1 pounds (5.5 kg) depending on the dose.

Consult your healthcare provider on the most appropriate treatment option. One medication may be preferred over the other depending on overall medical history, costs, and response to treatment. 

Wegovy vs. Mounjaro: Insurance coverage and cost comparison

Wegovy is not generally covered by most insurance and Medicare prescription drug plans, as they may consider weight loss medications nonessential. The average retail price is $1,807 for a month’s supply containing four pens. There is currently no low-cost, generic alternative to Wegovy.

RELATED: How to save on Wegovy

Mounjaro may be covered by some insurance and Medicare prescription drug plans. However, it may come with a copay or coinsurance amount. Without insurance coverage, the typical retail price is around $1,467 for a month’s supply consisting of four pens. 

With a SingleCare discount card, you may be able to save on the cash price of Wegovy or Mounjaro. 

RELATED: How to save on Mounjaro

Wegovy vs. Mounjaro side effects

Wegovy and Mounjaro share several of the same side effects, including gastrointestinal ones. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach or abdominal pain. In addition to these side effects, Wegovy may cause dizziness and common cold symptoms like runny nose or sore throat. 

Severe side effects are rare but possible while taking Wegovy or Mounjaro. Both medications may cause inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), kidney problems, or serious allergic reactions. 

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.

Sources: DailyMed (Wegovy, Mounjaro)

Drugs Wegovy and Mounjaro interact with

Wegovy and Mounjaro can both decrease blood sugar levels. Taking Wegovy or Mounjaro with insulin or other diabetes medications may lead to an increased risk of hypoglycemia. Therefore, the dosage of insulin or diabetes medications may need to be reduced while taking Wegovy or Mounjaro. 

Wegovy and Mounjaro can slow down how quickly the stomach empties food. As a result, they may slow down how the body absorbs other drugs taken by mouth. In addition, the drug label for Mounjaro specifically states that it may interfere with the absorption of oral birth control pills. A non-oral birth control method should be used for four weeks after starting treatment with Mounjaro, and for four weeks after each time the dosage is increased. 

Consult a healthcare professional for other possible drug interactions.

Wegovy and Mounjaro Drug warnings

Both Wegovy and Mounjaro carry a boxed warning, the most serious warning issued by the FDA. The warning states that, based on animal studies, these drugs may increase the risk of thyroid tumors. Therefore, people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or those with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) should avoid Wegovy and Mounjaro. 

In addition, Wegovy and Mounjaro may cause serious side effects, such as acute pancreatitis, hypoglycemia, acute kidney injury, and acute gallbladder disease. These medications may also cause vision problems, such as diabetic retinopathy, in people with diabetes. 

There’s a risk of allergic reactions while taking either drug. Seek medical attention immediately if signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction develop, such as hives, rash, swelling of the face or throat, and trouble breathing. 

Consult a healthcare provider before starting Wegovy or Mounjaro if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Wegovy and Mounjaro may cause harm to an unborn baby. If pregnancy is suspected, the medications should be discontinued.

Frequently asked questions about Wegovy vs. Mounjaro

Is Wegovy or Mounjaro more effective?

Wegovy and Mounjaro can both reduce blood sugar levels and support weight management. However, Wegovy is only FDA approved for weight management, while Mounjaro is only FDA approved to treat Type 2 diabetes. Some studies suggest that the active ingredient in Mounjaro, tirzepatide, is more effective for blood sugar control and aiding weight loss than the active ingredient in Mounjaro, semaglutide. However, the efficacy of either drug can depend on other factors, such as the dose given and the person’s overall condition. 

Will insurance pay for Wegovy or Mounjaro for weight loss?

Insurance coverage for Wegovy and Mounjaro may depend on the health insurance policy and whether the prescription is for FDA approved or off-label use. Many health insurance plans don’t consider weight-loss drugs essential medications, and they may require prior authorization before covering a weight-loss medication. Some plans may cover Mounjaro if it’s prescribed for Type 2 diabetes. 

Is it OK to switch from Wegovy to Mounjaro?

In some cases, a healthcare provider may recommend switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro. Switching medication from Wegovy to Mounjaro should be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider. They can assess the overall condition and recommend the appropriate dosage. They can also provide guidance on potential side effects and any changes that may affect blood glucose levels.