Key takeaways
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Trulicity (dulaglutide) are both injectable medications used to manage Type 2 diabetes in people 10 years and older. They belong to the same class of medications called GLP-1 agonists, which help control blood sugar levels. However, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is also a GIP agonist, making it a dual-action medication, while Trulicity (dulaglutide) is solely a GLP-1 agonist. Mounjaro is not FDA-approved for weight loss, but its active ingredient, tirzepatide, is approved for weight loss under the brand name Zepbound. Trulicity is also approved to lower the risk of heart problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes who have heart disease or risk factors. Mounjaro is available in various forms, including vials and pens, and has a maximum adult dose of 15 mg weekly, while Trulicity comes as a ready-to-use pen with a maximum adult dose of 4.5 mg weekly. Both medications can cause side effects like nausea and diarrhea, but Mounjaro may also affect birth control effectiveness and has a risk of thyroid cancer similar to Trulicity. Neither medication should be used if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2.
