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Key takeaways
Mounjaro may help with greater weight loss than Wegovy, based on clinical trials showing an average of 7% more weight loss.
Mounjaro’s dual action on GLP-1 and GIP receptors may improve blood sugar control and weight loss.
When switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider to determine the right dosage and create a transition plan.
Insurance may cover Mounjaro if prescribed for diabetes, making it potentially more affordable than Wegovy for some people.
Switching weight-loss medications can be a big decision, especially if your current treatment isn’t working as well as you hoped. For example, you might be experiencing unwanted side effects from Wegovy (semaglutide) or finding that it’s become less effective over time. This can be frustrating and may lead you to start looking for other options. One possible alternative is Mounjaro (tirzepatide).
You might consider switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro because it may help you lose more weight or be more widely available in your area. This newer medication could be a good fit for those who need a change, offering potentially better results. Since these medications work differently, finding the one that suits you best may help make a difference in your weight-loss journey.
Are Wegovy and Mounjaro approved for the same thing?
Wegovy is a drug approved for chronic weight management in people with obesity or those who are overweight with weight-related conditions. It’s also used to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people with heart disease and who are either overweight or have obesity. Wegovy contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics a natural hormone in the body to help control appetite. Semaglutide is also the active ingredient in Ozempic and Rybelsus, which are FDA approved for Type 2 diabetes.
Mounjaro, like Ozempic and Rybelsus, is approved for managing Type 2 diabetes. It contains tirzepatide, a combination of a GLP-1 receptor agonist and another polypeptide. While Mounjaro is typically used for diabetes, it may sometimes be prescribed off-label to support weight loss, making it useful for people with both diabetes and obesity.
Both medications are used as weekly injections and may help reduce appetite and body weight. As GLP-1 drugs, they work similarly. But Wegovy focuses on weight loss, and Mounjaro is approved for diabetes management.
What are the benefits of switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro?
Switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro may offer helpful benefits for people trying to lose weight or manage Type 2 diabetes. These benefits may include more effective weight loss and possibly lower costs.
Potentially improved weight loss results
For some people, switching to Mounjaro might help them lose more weight. Clinical trials have examined how well Wegovy and Mounjaro’s active ingredients help people lose weight. One study involved over 18,000 adults who were overweight or had obesity, with results showing that people taking tirzepatide were more likely to lose at least 5% of their body weight than those taking semaglutide. Over 12 months, those using tirzepatide lost around 7% more weight on average.
Therefore, Mounjaro seems to have a stronger effect on weight loss, making it a possible option for those who aren’t meeting their weight loss goals with Wegovy. Switching to Mounjaro may be especially important for people who have hit a plateau in their weight management plan.
Different mechanisms of action
Mounjaro works differently from Wegovy when it comes to how it helps with weight loss and blood sugar control. Wegovy mainly targets a specific type of receptor called GLP-1, while Mounjaro goes a step further by also affecting GIP receptors. This action may help people with Type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels more effectively.
By acting on two different pathways in the body, Mounjaro could also help promote significant weight loss. For some people, using a medication that works in more than one way can make a big difference in their efforts to lose weight, especially if they’re also trying to control their diabetes.
RELATED: How long does it take for Mounjaro to work?
Possibly lower cost or better insurance coverage
You might consider switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro based on how much each medication costs. Both drugs require a prescription, but insurance coverage can differ from one plan to another. Many insurance plans don’t cover weight-loss drugs. However, insurance plans may be more likely to cover Mounjaro when it’s prescribed for its approved use, Type 2 diabetes.
Contact your insurance company to find out your coverage for these medications. Depending on your insurance plan, Mounjaro might be a cheaper choice. Without insurance, you may have to pay the full retail cost of these medications. Wegovy and Mounjaro are generally more expensive than generic options.
Wegovy vs. Mounjaro comparison chart |
||
|---|---|---|
| Wegovy | Mounjaro | |
| Usual dosage | 1.7 to 2.4 mg injected once weekly | 5 to 15 mg injected once weekly |
| Percentage weight loss at 3 months | 4% | 6% |
| Percentage weight loss at 6 months | 6% | 10% |
| Percentage weight loss at 12 months | 8% | 15% |
| Covered by insurance? | Not always | Yes, when prescribed for Type 2 diabetes |
| Average retail cost for a box* | $1,805 | $1,474 |
| SingleCare price* | $1,194 | $936 |
*Average price at the time of publication. Drug prices fluctuate and vary by pharmacy.
Who should not take Mounjaro?
Not everyone can use Mounjaro safely. Some people with certain health conditions may need to avoid this medication. Therefore, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider before starting Mounjaro. They can help you understand what’s recommended based on your health history.
You should not take Mounjaro if you have any of the following conditions:
- Type 1 diabetes: Mounjaro is not approved for those with Type 1 diabetes. Explore other treatments with a healthcare professional if you have this condition.
- Thyroid cancer: Like Wegovy, Mounjaro may increase the risk of thyroid cancer, especially for people who have had thyroid cancer before or have family members with it. Those with a history of thyroid cancer or family members with this condition should avoid using Mounjaro.
- Pancreatitis: If you’ve had pancreatitis before, you may need to discuss with your healthcare provider whether this medication is appropriate for you.
- Hypersensitivity or allergy: To prevent severe allergic reactions, people with hypersensitivity or allergies to Mounjaro should avoid using this medication.
Make sure to consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about the safety of using Mounjaro. That way, you can get medical advice and explore alternatives if necessary.
How to switch from Wegovy to Mounjaro
Switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro may involve several steps. The following is an example of a step-by-step process for switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro.
- Consult your healthcare provider. Schedule an appointment to discuss switching medications. It’s important to get professional advice based on your health needs.
- Provide your healthcare provider with your complete medical history. Be sure to include any current medications you’re taking. They can then verify whether
- Work with your healthcare provider to find the right maintenance dose of Mounjaro. The right dosage will depend on how you respond to the medication and the side effects you experience.
- Work with your healthcare provider to create a timeline for tapering off Wegovy and starting Mounjaro. A clear schedule helps manage the switch effectively.
- Taper off Wegovy. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions, especially if they recommend gradually reducing your Wegovy dosage.
- Begin Mounjaro. Start taking Mounjaro as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Pay attention to how your body responds to the new medication.
- Monitor for side effects. After starting Mounjaro, document any side effects or reactions. This can help your healthcare provider make adjustments.
- Schedule a follow-up visit to assess your progress with Mounjaro. Your healthcare provider may make recommendations based on your treatment response.
The steps for switching medications may differ depending on your healthcare provider. Work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for you.
RELATED: How long does Wegovy stay in your system?
Other things to keep in mind before switching medications
You may also want to keep in mind other factors when switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro:
- Health history issues: Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any past health issues, especially medullary thyroid cancer or hormonal problems that can affect weight and blood sugar levels.
- Lifestyle adjustments: Improving your diet and exercise habits may help make the treatment more effective. For instance, adding more fruits and vegetables to your meals and getting at least 30 minutes of exercise most days may help boost your overall health.
- Potential drug interactions: Mounjaro has similar interactions to Wegovy. When starting Mounjaro, if you’re taking medications like sulfonylureas or insulin, your healthcare provider might suggest lowering the dose to avoid low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). In addition, Mounjaro can slow down how quickly your stomach empties, which might affect how well other oral medications work.
Side effects from stopping Wegovy and starting Mounjaro
Switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro can lead to some side effects. When you change medications, your body might react differently. Because both medications work in similar ways, you may experience similar side effects, such as stomach problems and changes in blood sugar levels.
Common side effects of Mounjaro include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Stomach pain
Serious side effects of Mounjaro include inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), low blood sugar, serious allergic reactions, gallbladder problems, kidney problems, and changes in vision.
How to minimize Mounjaro side effects
Because Mounjaro causes side effects similar to those of Wegovy, you may need to take similar precautions to reduce the risk of side effects. For example, gradually increasing the dosage under medical supervision may help reduce side effects.
To further reduce side effects, you may also try the following:
- Eat small, bland meals to ease the stomach.
- Stay hydrated to help with constipation.
- Monitor blood glucose levels regularly to manage any fluctuations.
Consult a healthcare professional for medical advice, as individual reactions can vary. Following these tips may help make the transition smoother and lessen the impact of side effects.
Can you take Mounjaro and Wegovy together?
Taking Mounjaro and Wegovy together is not recommended. Both of these medications work in similar ways and may cause overlapping side effects.
However, you may be able to switch from one medication to another under a healthcare provider’s guidance. If you start with Wegovy and then want to switch to Mounjaro, you may need to time the doses carefully. A healthcare provider should supervise this transition to make sure it’s safe and effective.
Other medications are available for diabetes or weight loss besides Mounjaro and Wegovy. For instance, Xenical (orlistat), Zepbound (tirzepatide), or Saxenda (liraglutide) may be appropriate alternatives for weight loss. These medications may work differently, so it’s important to choose one with your healthcare provider based on your health goals.
Sources
- Wegovy highlights of prescribing information, Novo Nordisk(2024)
- Mounjaro highlights of prescribing information, Lilly USA, LLC (2023)
- Semaglutide vs tirzepatide for weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity, JAMA Internal Medicine (2024)
- Tirzepatide, a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor co-agonist for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes with unmatched effectiveness regarding glycaemic control and body weight reduction, Cardiovascular Diabetology (2022)
- GLP-1 receptor agonists and the risk of thyroid cancer, Diabetes Care (2023)
