Mounjaro vs. Ozempic: 5 Differences You Should Know About

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Ozempic (semaglutide) are both popular medications for Type 2 diabetes. Both belong to a group of medications known as incretin mimetics. But there are some important differences between them.

For example, Mounjaro and Ozempic contain different active ingredients and work slightly differently in the body. They also have different FDA-approved uses, age ranges, and dosage options. And while Ozempic is approved only for adults, Mounjaro is approved for children as young as 10 years old.

So, how do you choose between Mounjaro and Ozempic? Your treatment goals, medical history, and personal preferences may make one a better fit than the other. We cover five key differences between Mounjaro and Ozempic below.

1. Ozempic and Mounjaro work in similar but different ways

Ozempic belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It works by mimicking GLP-1, a gut hormone involved in regulating digestion and blood glucose (sugar) levels. This can cause side effects such as nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and upset stomach.

Like Ozempic, Mounjaro mimics GLP-1. But it also acts like a second gut hormone called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). It’s the first medication in a class called dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists. Mounjaro’s side effects are similar to those caused by Ozempic.

Both Ozempic and Mounjaro stimulate your pancreas to release insulin after you eat, reduce sugar production in your liver, and slow down how fast your stomach empties. They also work in the area of the brain that regulates appetite. But Mounjaro’s GIP and GLP-1 effects work together in certain ways to have an even greater impact.

2. Ozempic and Mounjaro come in different dosage forms and options

Both Ozempic and Mounjaro are available as once-weekly subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injections. But Ozempic is also available as an oral tablet that’s taken once daily.

For injections, Ozempic and Mounjaro offer different device options:

• Ozempic: It’s available as a multidose pen, which requires a new needle for each injection. Unused pens should be stored in the refrigerator. After first use, a pen can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 56 days.

• Mounjaro: It comes as a single-use pen and vial. The pen already has a needle attached. A syringe is used to draw up a dose from the vial. Both options last longest stored in the refrigerator but can be kept at room temperature for up to 21 days.

If you have arthritis or difficulty seeing, you may need some assistance with the Ozempic pen and Mounjaro vial to ensure you get the right dose. The Mounjaro pen just needs to be unlocked before pushing the injection button. So it may be easier for some people to use.

3. Ozempic and Mounjaro are approved for different uses and age groups

Both Ozempic and Mounjaro are FDA approved to improve blood sugar levels of adults living with Type 2 diabetes. But there are some key differences in their approved uses and age groups. Here’s how they compare.

Researchers are studying Mounjaro for cardiovascular and kidney-related benefits, but the FDA has not approved these uses yet. Depending on your age, medical history, and treatment goals, your prescriber may recommend one medication over the other.

4. Mounjaro and Ozempic both work well to lower A1C

Both Mounjaro and Ozempic work well at lowering hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C or A1C), which reflects your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. But studies suggest Mounjaro may lower A1C more than Ozempic for some people.

In a head-to-head clinical trial, three Mounjaro doses (5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg) were compared to Ozempic 1 mg injections over 40 weeks (about 9 months). People receiving any dose of Mounjaro had greater A1C reductions than those receiving Ozempic.

If lowering your A1C is a primary treatment goal, Mounjaro may have an advantage. But it’s important to note that the highest Ozempic dose available during the study was 1 mg. Since then, the FDA approved a 2 mg Ozempic injection dose. This dose hasn’t been directly compared to Mounjaro in head-to-head trials.

5. Mounjaro may result in greater weight loss compared to Ozempic

Mounjaro and Ozempic aren’t approved for weight loss, but people using them tend to lose weight. And, according to clinical trials, people using Mounjaro tend to lose more weight than those using Ozempic.

During the same head-to-head trial mentioned above, people receiving Mounjaro lost an average of 16 lbs to 25 lbs, depending on their dose. People in the Ozempic group lost an average of about 12 lbs.

More than 1 out of every 3 people receiving the highest Mounjaro dose lost at least 15% of their starting body weight. To compare, less than 1 out of every 10 people in the Ozempic group achieved this amount of weight loss. But, as mentioned above, the 2 mg Ozempic dose wasn’t included in this study.

Ozempic or Mounjaro? Test your knowledge!

6. Mounjaro and Ozempic aren’t interchangeable

Mounjaro and Ozempic can’t be used interchangeably. They have differences in how they work and their dosages. If you’ve been prescribed Ozempic for its cardiovascular or kidney benefits, these benefits haven’t been confirmed with Mounjaro yet.

Your treatment goals, risk factors, and preferences may influence whether Mounjaro or Ozempic is right for you.

Can you switch from Ozempic to Mounjaro?

Yes, it’s possible to switch from Ozempic to Mounjaro. But there’s no official Ozempic to Mounjaro conversion chart. Your prescriber may have you start at the beginning (or at the lower end) of your new medication’s dosing schedule. This can help minimize side effects and allow you to find the best dose to meet your needs.

Does Mounjaro have more side effects than Ozempic?

As mentioned above, Mounjaro and Ozempic work in similar ways and can cause similar side effects. But Mounjaro’s effects may be enhanced due to how it mimics GIP and GLP-1. So it’s possible that, for some people, side effects may be more likely with Mounjaro.

But everyone responds differently to medications. Some people may tolerate Mounjaro better, while others may tolerate Ozempic better. And the likelihood of experiencing side effects may also depend on your dose of either medication.

It’s also important to note that both medications have many of the same risks, including:

• Pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas)

• Gallbladder problems, including gallstones

• Severe gastroparesis (slowed stomach emptying)

• Increased risk of thyroid C-cell tumors

• Worsening of diabetes-related eye problems

Your healthcare team will consider these risks with your health history and other factors to determine if Mounjaro or Ozempic is appropriate for you.

How to save on Mounjaro and Ozempic

Mounjaro and Ozempic are both available as brand-name medications. There are a few ways to save on your prescription, including GoodRx coupons, manufacturer copay savings cards, and patient assistance programs.

• Save with GoodRx. With a free GoodRx coupon, you can access Ozempic injections starting at $199 and Ozempic pills starting at $149.

• Save with a copay card. If you have commercial insurance, you could pay as little as $25 for up to a 3-month supply of Ozempic injections or pills, or Mounjaro pens.

• Save with a patient assistance program. If you meet eligibility criteria, you could get Ozempic at no cost through the manufacturer’s patient assistance program.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

Reviewed by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts