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Mounjaro vs. Ozempic

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

Key takeaways

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and semaglutide (Ozempic) are both medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes and belong to the class of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. However, tirzepatide is unique as it also acts as a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist, making it the first in a new class of medications. Both medications are injected under the skin once a week and are available only as brand-name products. Tirzepatide comes in another injectable form for weight loss (Zepbound) and semaglutide comes in two other forms—injectable Wegovy for weight loss and oral Rybelsus for Type 2 diabetes. Tirzepatide's starting dose is 2.5 mg, which can be increased to a maximum of 15 mg weekly, while semaglutide starts at 0.25 mg and can go up to 2 mg weekly. Common side effects for both include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Both medications carry a risk of thyroid cancer and pancreatitis and may affect birth control effectiveness, requiring additional precautions.

Mounjaro

(tirzepatide)

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Ozempic

(semaglutide)

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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

Summary for Ozempic

Prescription only

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist used with diet and exercise to help adults manage Type 2 diabetes. It can also lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in some people with Type 2 diabetes. It comes as a once-weekly injection under the skin and as a tablet taken by mouth once a day. The injection is also approved to help slow worsening kidney problems in people with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Indications for Ozempic

Injection:

Tablets:

Pros and Cons for Ozempic

Pros

  • Only given once per week
  • Might help you lose weight
  • Helps lower the risk of heart problems and kidney problems in people with type 2 diabetes
  • Available as an injection and an oral tablet

Cons

  • Commonly causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
  • Risk of low blood sugar if taken with certain diabetes medications
  • Can't be used for Type 1 diabetes
  • Interacts with medications taken by mouth

Common Side Effects for Ozempic

Note: Side effects listed above are for Ozempic (semaglutide) injection

Warnings for Ozempic

  • Risk of thyroid tumors
  • Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
  • Eye problems
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when taken with certain diabetes medications
  • Kidney damage
  • Severe stomach problems
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Gallbladder problems
  • Lung problems during anesthesia or deep sedation

Prices with our coupons for Mounjaro vs. Ozempic

Price Card Drug Icon
Mounjaro1 carton / 4 pens of 2.5mg/0.5ml
$1,087.84$1,667.57
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Price Card Drug Icon
Ozempic30 tablets / 1.5mg
$149.00$1,211.99
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