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Byetta vs. Mounjaro

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon BCise) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) are both injectable medications used to help control blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes. They are similar in that they both belong to the class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, although tirzepatide also acts as a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist. Exenatide is available in short-acting, twice-daily injection (Byetta) and long-acting, once-weekly injection (Bydureon BCise) forms, while tirzepatide is a once-weekly injection. Exenatide is approved for use in adults and children aged 10 and older (Bydureon BCise), whereas tirzepatide is only approved for adults. Both medications can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Both exenatide and tirzepatide may affect the absorption of other medications, and careful monitoring is required if you are taking medications like warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven). Both medications carry a risk of thyroid cancer and pancreatitis.

Exenatide

 

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Mounjaro

(tirzepatide)

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Summary for Byetta

Prescription only

Exenatide is an injectable medication used to lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. It should be used along with an appropriate diet and exercise plan. This medication comes in short-acting (Byetta) and long-acting (Bydureon BCise) versions.

Indications for Byetta

  • Type 2 diabetes, in combination with diet and exercise (adults) - Byetta only
  • Type 2 diabetes, in combination with diet and exercise (adults and children age 10 years and older) - Bydureon BCise only

Pros and Cons for Byetta

Pros

  • Can lower your A1c (average blood sugar over time)
  • Not as likely to cause very low blood sugar as other diabetes medications
  • Might help some people with weight loss
  • Bydureon BCise (once-weekly injections) can be taken any time of day, with or without food

Cons

  • Slows stomach emptying, which can affect how other medications are absorbed
  • Short-acting version (Byetta) must be used within 60 minutes before meals
  • Not safe for people with severe kidney problems
  • Brand-name only, so it can be expensive

Common Side Effects for Byetta

  • Nausea (Up to 44%)
  • Vomiting (Up to 18%)
  • Diarrhea (Up to 18%)
  • Headache (Up to 14%)
  • Injection-site lump (11%)
  • Constipation (Up to 10%)

Note: These side effects were reported by people taking either exenatide alone or with other diabetes medications. The side effects you experience might differ depending on what other diabetes medications you're taking.

Warnings for Byetta

  • Thyroid cancer - Bydureon BCise only
  • Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • Kidney problems
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Severe bleeding
  • Injection-site reactions
  • Gallbladder problems

Summary for Mounjaro

Prescription only

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription injection used to improve blood sugar control in people 10 years and older with Type 2 diabetes. It works best when you also follow a nutritious diet and exercise regularly. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) belongs to the drug class called GIP and GLP-1 agonists. The dosage is convenient because it's injected under the skin once a week. Some common side effects of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) include nausea and diarrhea. It can also lower your appetite, which might lead to some weight loss.

Indications for Mounjaro

Pros and Cons for Mounjaro

Pros

  • Given once weekly
  • Can lower A1C by an average of up to 2.3% in about 9 months
  • Has different forms some people can choose from (vials, single-dose injectable pens, multi-dose KwikPens)
  • Can use if you have liver or kidney problems

Cons

  • Must give as an injection given under the skin
  • Can cause unpleasant side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
  • Takes time to reach a dose that works well
  • Might not be safe during pregnancy

Common Side Effects for Mounjaro

  • Nausea (12-18%)
  • Diarrhea (12-17%)
  • Low appetite (5-11%)
  • Vomiting (5-9%)
  • Indigestion (5-8%)
  • Constipation (6-7%)
  • Stomach pain (5-6%)

Warnings for Mounjaro

  • Risk of thyroid cancer
  • Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when used with other diabetes medications
  • Allergic reactions
  • Stomach side effects
  • Kidney damage due to dehydration
  • Eye problems in people with diabetic retinopathy
  • Gallbladder problems
  • Lung problems during general anesthesia or deep sedation
  • Don't share Mounjaro KwikPens with anyone

Prices with our coupons for Byetta vs. Mounjaro

Price Card Drug Icon
Exenatide1 pen / 5mcg
$447.30$941.28
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Price Card Drug Icon
Mounjaro1 carton / 4 pens of 2.5mg/0.5ml
$1,087.84$1,667.57
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