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Trulicity vs. Mounjaro

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

Key takeaways

Trulicity (dulaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are both once-weekly injectable medications used to manage Type 2 diabetes. However there are some important differences. Trulicity is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, while Mounjaro is both a GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist. Trulicity is approved for people 10 years and older, while Mounjaro is only approved for adults. Trulicity also has an additional FDA-approved indication to lower the risk of heart problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes who have heart disease or risk factors. The starting dose for Trulicity is 0.75 mg, with a maximum of 4.5 mg weekly for adults, whereas Mounjaro starts at 2.5 mg and can go up to 15 mg weekly. Both are only available as branded medications. Common side effects for both include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea and an increased risk of thyroid cancer and pancreatitis. They should not be used by people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2.

Trulicity

(dulaglutide)

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Mounjaro

(tirzepatide)

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Summary for Trulicity

Prescription only

Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist that helps control blood sugar in people 10 years and older with Type 2 diabetes. It's also approved to lower the risk of heart problems like heart attacks, strokes, and heart-related death in certain adults with Type 2 diabetes. The medication is injected under the skin once a week. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. When taken with certain diabetes medications like insulin, there's a higher risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Indications for Trulicity

  • Manage Type 2 diabetes in people 10 years and older, along with diet and exercise
  • Lower the risk of heart problems like heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with Type 2 diabetes who have heart disease or heart-related risk factors

Pros and Cons for Trulicity

Pros

  • Works well at lowering A1C
  • Comes as a ready-to-use injectable pen
  • Only used once a week
  • Helps with weight loss

Cons

  • Commonly causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain
  • Potential risk for thyroid tumors
  • Can cause problems in the pancreas, kidney, and gallbladder
  • Not recommended for people with stomach problems

Common Side Effects for Trulicity

  • Nausea (12-21%)
  • Diarrhea (7-13%)
  • Vomiting (6-13%)
  • Stomach pain (7-9%)
  • Low appetite (5-9%)
  • Fatigue (4-6%)
  • Indigestion (3-6%)

Warnings for Trulicity

  • Thyroid cancer
  • Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
  • Low blood sugar when used with certain diabetes medications
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Kidney damage
  • Severe stomach-related side effects
  • Worsening eye problems in people with diabetic retinopathy
  • Gallbladder problems
  • Breathing fluid into your lungs 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 Trulicity vs. Mounjaro

Price Card Drug Icon
Trulicity1 carton / 4 pens of 0.75mg/0.5ml
$985.69$1,509.99
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Price Card Drug Icon
Mounjaro1 carton / 4 pens of 2.5mg/0.5ml
$1,087.84$1,667.57
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