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Compare Rybelsus vs. Mounjaro

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

Key takeaways

Rybelsus (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are both medications used to treat type 2 diabetes, but they belong to different classes. Rybelsus is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, while Mounjaro is a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Rybelsus is taken orally once a day, whereas Mounjaro is injected under the skin once a week. Both medications are only available as a brand-name products. Both Rybelsus and Mounjaro can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and have a warning about the risk of thyroid tumors or cancer. Mounjaro is the first medication in its class and can lower hemoglobin A1C levels more than Rybelsus. Both medications can interact with other diabetes medications, potentially causing low blood sugar, so it's important to monitor your blood sugar levels closely.

  • Rybelsus (semaglutide)
    Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
  • Rybelsus (semaglutide)
    Mounjaro (tirzepatide)

  • Summary of Rybelsus vs. Mounjaro

    Summary for GLP-1 agonist
    Prescription only

    Rybelsus (semaglutide) is a brand-name GLP-1 agonist that helps lower blood sugar in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It's also FDA approved to help reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in people with Type 2 diabetes who are at risk for these events. The medication comes as a pill that's taken by mouth once a day, at least 30 minutes before you eat, drink, or take any other medications by mouth. It’s used along with diet and exercise, and might also help with weight loss. Common side effects include nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea.

    Summary for GIP and GLP-1 agonist
    Prescription only

    Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription injection used to improve blood sugar control in adults 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 of Rybelsus vs. Mounjaro

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes
    •Lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in adults with Type 2 diabetes at high risk for these events
    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes, in addition to a balanced diet and routine exercise

  • Pros and Cons of Rybelsus vs. Mounjaro

    Pros and Const for GLP-1 agonist
    Pros
    •Only needs to be taken once per day
    •First GLP-1 agonist in pill form
    •Helps lower blood sugar and might also support weight loss
    Cons
    •Must be taken on an empty stomach
    •Stomach side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain are common
    •Can't be used for Type 1 diabetes
    Pros and Const for GIP and GLP-1 agonist
    Pros
    •Given once weekly
    •Can lower A1C by an average of up to 2.3% in about 9 months
    •Injections can be given with or without food
    •Comes in vials and ready-to-use injectable pens
    •Can use if you have liver or kidney problems
    Cons
    •Only available 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
    •Not approved for children
    •Might not be safe during pregnancy

  • Common Side Effects of Rybelsus vs. Mounjaro

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (11-20%)
    •Stomach pain (10-11%)
    •Diarrhea (9-10%)
    •Lower appetite (6-9%)
    •Vomiting (6-8%)
    •Constipation (5-6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (12-18%)
    •Diarrhea (12-17%)
    •Low appetite (5-11%)
    •Vomiting (5-9%)
    •Indigestion (5-8%)
    •Constipation (6-7%)
    •Stomach pain (5-6%)

  • Warnings of Rybelsus vs. Mounjaro

    Common Side Effects for
    •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 side effects
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Gallbladder problems
    •Lung problems during anesthesia or deep sedation
    Common Side Effects for
    •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

  • Prices with our coupons for Rybelsus vs. Mounjaro

    Learn more about Rybelsus
    Learn more about Mounjaro

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