Mounjaro vs Ozempic: 5 Ways They Are Different

Type 2 diabetes is a condition that affects millions of people around the world. It’s a chronic disease that requires lifelong management, and if left untreated, can lead to serious complications. 

Mounjaro and Ozempic are two medications commonly prescribed to diabetics to help them manage their blood sugar levels. In addition to effectively stabilizing blood glucose levels, both medications can also result in significant weight loss. 

Keep reading to learn more about Mounjaro vs Ozempic and which medication may be right for you. 

Mounjaro Vs Ozempic Differences

Both Mounjaro and Ozempic are injectable drugs used to help diabetic patients control their 

blood sugar levels. Though not intended to be weight loss drugs, both also can help overweight and obese patients lose a significant amount of weight. 

So, what makes these drugs different from one another? 

1. How They Work

Mounjaro and Ozempic both work by mimicking the effects of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone helps your body produce more insulin, which controls blood sugar levels. Essentially, Mounjaro and Ozempic increase your body’s insulin sensitivity, which in turn helps reduce glucose levels in your blood.

However, the way these two medications work is slightly different. While Mounjaro works by increasing insulin secretion, Ozempic works by slowing down digestion. This means that Ozempic helps your body release glucose more slowly into your bloodstream, which can result in more stable blood sugar levels throughout the day.

2. The Exact Active Ingredient

Though both drugs produce similar benefits, their chemical makeup is slightly different.

Ozempic is a drug known as a semaglutide, or GLP-1 receptor agonist. It works by binding to GLP-1 receptors in the body to stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas to help control glucose levels in the blood. It also slows down digestion, which can help you feel fuller longer and reduce how much you eat.

Mounjaro is a drug known as tirzepatide. Tirzepatide is both a GLP-1 receptor agonist and GIP agonist, increasing the effect of these natural hormones found in your body that control appetite and food intake. Together, these hormones lower fasting and post-meal blood sugar concentration and decrease appetite. 

3. Dosage

Another difference between Mounjaro vs Ozempic is their dosages. Mounjaro is typically administered as a once-weekly dose starting at 2.5mg and up to a maximum of 15mg over time. 

Ozempic, on the other hand, starts as a once-weekly injection of 0.25mg up to a maximum of only 2mg. Mounjaro is a much stronger dose which may produce more weight loss benefits. However, not everyone may tolerate higher dosages well and may experience more side effects from Mounjaro. 

4. Side Effects

As with any medication, Mounjaro and Ozempic can cause side effects. Some of the most 

common side effects of both medications include nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. However, Ozempic has been found to have a lower risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) compared to Mounjaro.

Additionally, Mounjaro has been associated with an increased risk of pancreatic and thyroid cancer. However, the risk is still relatively low, and the benefits of the medication often outweigh the risks.

5. Cost

The cost of Mounjaro vs Ozempic can vary depending on your insurance coverage and where you live. Generally speaking, Mounjaro may be slightly more expensive than Ozempic.

However, if you have insurance, your out-of-pocket costs for each medication might differ. Make sure to talk to your doctor and insurance provider to understand what your costs might be for each medication.

Other Things to Consider

It’s important to note that while both Mounjaro and Ozempic can help you lose weight, they are not approved as weight loss drugs. Some doctors may prescribe either medication off-label to help patients lose weight, but they are designed to be used by people to manage diabetes. As of now, Wegovy is the only semaglutide medication approved as a weight loss drug. 

It’s also important to consider that while side effects from either medication are rarely serious, they are common. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are most often reported and can be frustrating. Lifestyle changes like eating healthy, exercising, and drinking more water can help relieve some of these symptoms, but dietary supplements may also help. 

PeptideVite is a multi-nutrient supplement that uses all-natural ingredients studied for their effectiveness in reducing symptoms like nausea, bloating, and constipation.* Taking a supplement like PeptideVite alongside Ozempic or Mounjaro may help reduce certain symptoms and make your experience more tolerable.*

Mounjaro Vs Ozempic - The Bottom Line

Both Mounjaro and Ozempic are effective treatment options for people with type 2 diabetes. The choice between the two medications ultimately depends on factors such as your lifestyle, medical history, and insurance coverage. 

It’s important to work with your doctor and weigh the pros and cons of each option to find the medication that’s right for you.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.