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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)

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Mounjaro

(tirzepatide)

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Summary for Rybelsus

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. You take it as a pill once a day, at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other medicatons 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.

Indications for Rybelsus

Pros and Cons for Rybelsus

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

Common Side Effects for Rybelsus

  • Nausea (11-20%)
  • Stomach pain (10-11%)
  • Diarrhea (9-10%)
  • Lower appetite (6-9%)
  • Vomiting (6-8%)
  • Constipation (5-6%)

Warnings for Rybelsus

  • 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

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 Rybelsus vs. Mounjaro

Price Card Drug Icon
Rybelsus30 tablets / 3mg
$949.99$1,243.49
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Price Card Drug Icon
Mounjaro1 carton / 4 pens of 2.5mg/0.5ml
$1,056.63$1,335.00
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