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Compare Saxenda vs. Mounjaro

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

Key takeaways

Liraglutide (Saxenda) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) are both medications used to help manage weight and blood sugar levels, but they have different primary uses and mechanisms of action. Both medications are injected under the skin and are not controlled substances. Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist approved for weight management in adults and children with a high body mass index (BMI). Tirzepatide is a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for Type 2 diabetes management. Saxenda is injected daily, whereas Mounjaro is injected weekly. Both medications are available as a brand-name medication only. Common side effects of both medications include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Both medications carry a risk of thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, and gallbladder problems, and they should not be used if you have a personal or family history of certain thyroid cancers. Mounjaro can also affect birth control effectiveness, so additional precautions may be needed.

Saxenda (liraglutide)
Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
Saxenda (liraglutide)
Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
Summary of Saxenda vs. Mounjaro
Summary for GLP-1 agonist
Prescription only
Saxenda (liraglutide) is used along with a balanced diet and exercise to help with weight loss in certain adults and children. This prescription weight loss medication is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It works by slowing down your gut and making you feel less hungry. Saxenda (liraglutide) is a prefilled pen of medication that's injected once daily under the skin on the stomach or thighs. You can inject Saxenda (liraglutide) at home by yourself after your healthcare professional (HCP) trains you on how to prepare and use it. Some common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Summary for GIP and GLP-1 agonist
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 of Saxenda vs. Mounjaro
Indications for

•To help with weight management along with a lower-calorie diet and exercise in:

•Adults with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2, or greater than 27 kg/m2 with a weight-related health problem (e.g., high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol)

•Children 12 years of age and older who weigh over 132 lbs and have a high BMI

Indications for

•Type 2 diabetes in adults and children 10 years of age and older
Pros and Cons of Saxenda vs. Mounjaro
Pros and Const for GLP-1 agonist
Pros

•Can help you lose weight in addition to balanced nutrition and exercise

•Can take with or without food

•Safe to use for children 12 years of age and older (with certain BMI)

Cons

•Must be given as once-daily injections under the skin

•Can cause stomach upset

•Not safe for use for people with personal or family history of thyroid cancer

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

•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

•Might not be safe during pregnancy
Common Side Effects of Saxenda vs. Mounjaro
Common Side Effects for
Adults:

•Nausea (39%)

•Diarrhea (21%)

•Constipation (19%)

•Vomiting (16%)

•Redness, itching, and other injection site reactions (14%)

•Headache (14%)

•Low blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes (13%)

•Indigestion (10%)

Children 12 years of age and older:

•Nausea (42%)

•Vomiting (34%)

•Diarrhea (22%)

•Low blood sugar levels (15%)

•Dizziness (10%)

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 Saxenda vs. Mounjaro
Common Side Effects for

•Possible risk for thyroid cancer

•Inflamed pancreas

•Gallbladder problems

•Low blood sugar

•Faster heart rate

•Kidney problems

•Serious allergic reactions

•Possible risk for self-harm

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
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Compare Saxenda vs. Mounjaro

Key takeaways

Summary of Saxenda vs. Mounjaro

Indications of Saxenda vs. Mounjaro

Pros and Cons of Saxenda vs. Mounjaro

Common Side Effects of Saxenda vs. Mounjaro

Warnings of Saxenda vs. Mounjaro

Prices with our coupons for Saxenda vs. Mounjaro

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