Mounjaro (tirzepatide) alternatives: What can I take instead of Mounjaro?

In this article:

• What can I take in place of Mounjaro?
• Mounjaro alternatives
• Natural alternatives
• How to switch

In this article

• What can I take in place of Mounjaro?
• Mounjaro alternatives
• Natural alternatives
• How to switch

Treatments for Type 2 diabetes have improved greatly over the years. For example, a newer group of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists is now often used, especially for people with heart disease risks. These drugs help the body release more insulin to lower blood sugar levels and can also reduce appetite, leading to weight loss.

One of these medications is Mounjaro (tirzepatide), made by Eli Lilly. What makes Mounjaro different is that it not only works like other GLP-1 drugs but also affects another hormone called GIP. This dual action helps decrease appetite even more and improves the body’s use of energy.

While Mounjaro is an effective diabetes medication, it may not be the best choice for everyone. Some people may experience serious side effects that make using it difficult. Plus, without insurance, it can cost hundreds of dollars each week, which isn’t affordable for many. However, there are other options you can discuss with a doctor that can be just as effective as Mounjaro.

RELATED: What to do during the Mounjaro shortage

What can I take in place of Mounjaro?

Drugs like Mounjaro belong to a newer class of medications and are currently only available as brand-name drugs. Because they may be effective for both diabetes management and weight loss, they are often in high demand and might sometimes be hard to find at pharmacies.

There are various alternatives to Mounjaro for managing diabetes or helping with weight loss. For treating Type 2 diabetes, medications like metformin are widely used and have a long history of being safe and effective. Other diabetes treatments, such as SGLT2 inhibitors and DPP-4 inhibitors, have also been shown to be highly effective in controlling blood sugar levels. If you’re seeking a substitute specifically for weight loss, there are FDA-approved medications like Wegovy (semaglutide) that might be suitable options.

While exploring other options, you may want to consider factors like cost, availability, and how the medication is taken. Always talk to your healthcare provider to find the best treatment for your needs.

Other alternatives to Mounjaro

• Bydureon Bcise (exenatide)
• Byetta (exenatide)
• Saxenda (liraglutide)
• Adlyxin (lixisenatide)
• Actos (pioglitazone)
• Avandia (rosiglitazone)
• Prescose (acarbose)

Top 5 Mounjaro alternatives

Here are some common alternatives to Mounjaro. Many of these medications can be used together for more challenging or resistant cases of diabetes, so individuals may already be taking one or more of these types.

1. Other GLP-1 receptor agonists (with an indication for diabetes)

If the price of Mounjaro with or without insurance coverage is not sustainable, the first move might be to find a GLP-1 drug with a lower price tag or better coverage on an insurance plan. All GLP-1 agonists today are injectable drugs except for Rybelsus, the only oral option. Some GLP-1 agonists are also approved to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, in patients with Type 2 diabetes. For example, Victoza (liraglutide), Ozempic (semaglutide), and Trulicity (dulaglutide) have shown benefits in cardiovascular outcomes for people with heart disease.

Examples: Ozempic (semaglutide), Trulicity (dulaglutide), Victoza (liraglutide), Bydureon Bcise (exenatide), Byetta (exenatide), Adlyxin (lixisenatide), Rybelsus (semaglutide oral)

2. Oral biguanides

Metformin has been a long-standing first-line treatment for Type 2 diabetes. As an oral biguanide, it reduces glucose absorption in the intestines and improves insulin sensitivity. It is available as an immediate-release and extended-release tablet. It has been available generically on the market for quite some time and is affordable, even without insurance. A 30-day supply of metformin can be purchased for less than $5 at most participating pharmacies with a SingleCare coupon.

Examples: Glucophage (metformin), Riomet (metformin), Glucophage XR (metformin ER)

3. SGLT2 inhibitors

SGLT2 inhibitors are a class of medications that block proteins in the kidneys responsible for glucose absorption into the bloodstream. This results in better glucose control, lowering weight, and improving blood pressure. Unlike insulin therapy, this class of drugs carries a low risk of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. There are generic options available in this class, making them relatively affordable with prescription drug insurance.

Examples: Jardiance (empagliflozin), Invokana (canagliflozin), Farxiga (dapagliflozin), Steglatro (ertugliflozin)

4. DPP4 inhibitors

DPP-4 inhibitors are a type of medicine used to help people with Type 2 diabetes control their blood glucose levels. They work by blocking an enzyme in the body called DPP-4, which normally breaks down certain hormones that help manage blood sugar. By stopping this enzyme, DPP-4 inhibitors allow these hormones to stay active longer, which helps increase insulin secretion after eating and lowers the amount of sugar released into the blood.

Examples: Januvia (sitagliptin), Tradjenta (linagliptin), Onglyza (saxagliptin), Nesina (alogliptin)

5. Other GLP-1 receptor agonists (with an indication for weight loss)

While GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications originally created to help manage Type 2 diabetes, certain GLP-1 agonists have been approved for weight loss. Saxenda (liraglutide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are two examples. Clinical trials suggest these drugs help people lose weight by making them feel less hungry and more full after eating. They work by acting on the brain to control appetite and by slowing down how quickly food leaves the stomach.

Examples: Wegovy (semaglutide), Saxenda (liraglutide)

Natural alternatives to Mounjaro

There are no “natural” GLP-1 receptor agonists. Some evidence suggests that certain dietary supplements may boost the body’s production of GLP-1, such as curcumin, cinnamon, yerba mate, and soybean. High protein diets have also been linked to higher production of GLP-1. If you have diabetes and kidney problems, talk to a healthcare provider about a high-protein diet before beginning a GLP-1. Before starting any supplements, speak to a doctor or pharmacist to discuss the effects and interactions with current medications.

Some supplements have been linked to a positive outcome with blood glucose levels, though the jury is still out on whether there is a truly significant effect. There are limited clinical studies evaluating these effects.

Lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet and regular exercise plan remain a staple in treating and managing diabetes and obesity. When taking diabetes medications, eating nutritious foods regularly is important to lower the risk of low blood sugar. Skipping meals is not a safe way to control blood sugar levels.

RELATED: 20 Natural Remedies for Diabetes | Does exercise lower blood sugar?

How to switch to a Mounjaro alternative

If Mounjaro isn’t the right fit for you, whether due to cost or other reasons, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider before making any changes. Discontinuing Mounjaro without proper guidance may lead to increased blood sugar levels, so seek professional advice to ensure you have an appropriate treatment plan in place. 

When discussing your situation with your provider, be open about your experiences with Mounjaro. This includes any side effects you’ve experienced, your blood glucose readings, insurance coverage concerns, and any other factors that might affect your treatment choice. 

If cost or insurance coverage is the main issue, reach out to your insurance company or pharmacist for support. They can provide information about Mounjaro and potential alternatives. In addition, consider using a SingleCare prescription discount card, which may help you find the best possible price on medications for diabetes or weight management.