In this article, we look at Mounjaro vs Ozempic. What is the difference between these two diabetes medications, and is one better for you than the other?
*This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, opinion, treatment, or services. The article and the links contained in it provide general information for educational purposes only. The information provided in this article is not a substitute for medical care. Do not use it in place of the advice of your physician or registered dietitian.*
What is the difference between Ozempic and Mounjaro?
Ozempic and Mounjaro both mimic hormones that your body releases after eating food.
Ozempic
- Ozempic is a GLP-1 agonist.
- It helps control blood sugar levels for people with type 2 diabetes and promotes weight loss for many people. This is because GLP-1 not only tells your pancreas to release insulin, but it also signals your brain that you are eating and makes you feel full quicker.
Mounjaro
- Mounjaro is also a GLP-1 agonist. But, that’s not all Mounjaro does.
- Mounjaro also mimics glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, or GIP.
- Both GLP-1 and GIP function as hormones released after you eat food. Because of this, Mounjaro is usually more effective at managing blood sugar levels than Ozempic.
Ozempic vs Mounjaro
Let’s look at a comparison of semaglutide vs Mounjaro. (Semaglutide is the generic name for both Ozempic and Wegovy.)
| Ozempic (Semaglutide) | Mounjaro | |
| Who is it FDA approved to help? | People with type 2 diabetes | People with type 2 diabetes |
| What does it do? | Mimics GLP-1 hormone | Mimics GLP-1 and GIP hormones |
| How is it taken? | Injection | Injection |
| How often is it taken? | 1x/week | 1x/week |
| Multi-use or single use injection pens? | Multi-use (4 doses in one pen usually) | Single-use pens |
| What does it help with? | Lowers blood sugar levels and helps with weight loss | Lowers blood sugar levels and helps with weight loss |
| FDA approved to reduce risk of cardiovascular events? | Yes | No |
| Manufacturer offers cost-saving program | Yes | Yes |
Mounjaro side effects
Mounjaro may cause the following side effects in some people:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Upset stomach
- Low blood sugar
Ozempic side effects
Ozempic has many of the same side effects as Mounjaro. But, side effects are reported more often with Mounjaro than they are with Ozempic… especially gastrointestinal side effects.
If you experience side effects on either medication, it’s important to let your doctor know.
Mounjaro vs Ozempic cost
Generally speaking, Mounjaro costs slightly more than Ozempic when looking at cash prices, though they are very close. Both medications are around $1,000 for a one-month supply without insurance coverage.
For most people, Mounjaro vs Ozempic costs are going to depend on a variety of factors:
- Dosage
- Insurance carrier and coverage
- Whether or not you’re using a manufacturer cost-saving program (coupon)
Mounjaro vs Ozempic: Is Mounjaro better than Ozempic?
Mounjaro appears to be more effective at lowering blood sugar levels and HgbA1c in people with type 2 diabetes. But, Ozempic has FDA approval to reduce the risk of heart-related complications (heart attack, stroke, and death) in people with type 2 diabetes, and Mounjaro does not.
Ultimately, which medication, Mounjaro vs Ozempic, is best for you will depend on your unique situation. It’s important to have a conversation with your doctor about all of the factors that need to be considered:
- Medication effectiveness
- Your goals
- Possible side effects
- Cost and insurance coverage
Looking for more diabetes resources?
Looking for additional ways to manage blood sugar levels beyond these medications? Take a look at these popular resources:
- How Long Can Insulin Be Out of the Fridge?
- Types of Insulin for Diabetes Management
- Flying With Type 1 Diabetes: TSA & Insulin Tips
- Diabetes Supplies: Tips for Storage, Organization, and Travel
Sources
- Medline Plus, Tirzepatide injection.
- Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity, New England Journal of Medicine, 2021.
- Daily Med, OZEMPIC- semaglutide injection, solution.
- The Upcoming Weekly Tides (Semaglutide vs. Tirzepatide) against Obesity: STEP or SURPASS?, Journal of Obesity and metabolic Syndrome, 2022.
- How do prices of drugs for weight loss in the U.S. compare to peer nations’ prices?
