Mounjaro Injections
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Mounjaro vs Ozempic
You might be uncertain whether Mounjaro or Ozempic is right for you. In this guide, we break down the differences between Mounjaro and Ozempic – from side effects, cost, dosages, reviews and more. After reading this guide, you’ll be able to go ahead and start your weight loss journey doubt-free.
Medically reviewed by
Dr Brenda IkejiLast reviewed: 25 Sept 2024
What's on This Page?
- 1. Mounjaro vs Ozempic
- 2. What is the difference between Mounjaro and Ozempic?
- 3. Is Mounjaro better than Ozempic?
- 4. Mounjaro vs Ozempic dosages
- 5. Comparing Mounjaro and Ozempic dosages
- 6. Mounjaro vs Ozempic Side Effects
- 7. Mounjaro vs Ozempic Cost
- 8. Mounjaro vs Ozempic reviews
- 9. Switching from Ozempic to Mounjaro
- 10. Mounjaro vs Ozempic – which should I pick?
- 11. Other alternatives
Mounjaro vs Ozempic
Mounjaro and Ozempic are both injectable medications that contain a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Mounjaro’s main active ingredient is tirzepatide, and Ozempic’s main active ingredient is semaglutide.
Ozempic is licensed in the UK to treat diabetes type 2. Mounjaro is licensed in the UK to treat both weight loss and type 2 diabetes.
Both medications are most effective when taken alongside a balanced healthy diet and exercise routine.
What is the difference between Mounjaro and Ozempic?
Mounjaro and Ozempic both contain GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) receptor agonists, however they each contain different active ingredients. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, and Ozempic contains semaglutide.
Both Mounjaro and Ozempic are able to help with weight loss, according to some studies. However, only Mounjaro is licensed to be used as a treatment for weight loss in the UK, whereas Ozempic is not.
Is Mounjaro better than Ozempic?
A range of clinical studies have assessed the effectiveness of tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and semaglutide (Ozempic) through a series of trials. Overall, tirzepatide (Mounjaro) has been found to be more effective for weight loss.
Effectiveness of Mounjaro (tirzepatide):
- 96.3% of people lose at least 5% of starting weight on the highest maintenance dose of 15mg after 72 weeks.
- 62.9% of people lose over 20% of their starting weight on the highest maintenance dose of 15mg after 72 weeks.
Effectiveness of Wegovy (semaglutide, the same active ingredient as Ozempic, but licensed for weight loss at a higher maximum maintenance dose):
- 89.4% of people lose at least 5% of starting weight on the highest maintenance dose of 2.4mg after 68 weeks.
- 30.2% of people lose over 20% of starting weight on the highest maintenance dose of 2.4mg after 68 weeks.
Mounjaro vs Ozempic dosages
Mounjaro dosages
You should take Mounjaro once a week for 4 weeks, at first with a starting dose of 2.5 mg. After 4 weeks, your doctor should increase your dose, following a dosage schedule, depending on how well you’ve tolerated your previous dose.
The standard Mounjaro dosage schedule is as follows:
| Week(s) | Dosage (mg) |
|---|---|
1-4 |
2.5 (starting dose) |
4-8 |
5 (maintenance dose) |
8-12 |
7.5 |
12-16 |
10 (maintenance) |
16-20 |
12.5 |
20-24 |
15 (maximum maintenance) |
The maintenance dosages for Mounjaro are 5 mg, 10 mg and 15 mg.
To use Mounjaro, you should follow the ‘Instructions for Use’ manual that should come with the medication. It is injected under the skin:
- on the stomach
- upper leg (thigh)
- upper arm
You may need help from someone else to take and inject your dose of Mounjaro.
Ozempic dosages
You should take Ozempic once a week for 4 weeks, initially. After 4 weeks your doctor may increase your dosage, following a dosing schedule and depending on how well you cope with your previous dose.
The dosing schedule for Ozempic is as follows:
| Week(s) | Dosage (mg) |
|---|---|
1-4 |
0.25 (starting dose) |
4-8 |
0.5 (maintenance) |
8-12 |
1 (maintenance) |
12-16 |
2 (maximum maintenance) |
To use Ozempic, you should follow the ‘Instructions for Use’ manual that should come with the medication. It is injected under the skin:
- at the front of your thighs
- at the front of your waist
- upper arm
Before you use Ozempic, your doctor or nurse should show you how to use it. It should also come with instructions in the patient information leaflet.
It’s worth noting, there is a higher maximum dose of semaglutide (the active ingredient of Ozempic) when licensed for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy. In this case, the maximum maintenance dose is 2.4mg.
Comparing Mounjaro and Ozempic dosages
Although the way of taking Mounjaro and Ozempic is similar they do not follow the same dosages.
Ozempic dosages are tailored to treat diabetes, whereas Mounjaro dosages are more targeted to treating weight loss.
A comparison of the dosages of Mounjaro and Ozempic:
| Mounjaro dosage (mg of tirzepatide) | Ozempic dosage (mg of semaglutide) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | 2.5 (starting dose) |
0.25 (starting dose) |
| 4-8 | 5 (maintenance) |
0.5 (maintenance) |
| 8-12 | 7.5 |
1 (maintenance) |
| 12-16 | 10 (maintenance) |
2 (maximum maintenance) |
| 16-20 | 12.5 |
- |
| 20-24 | 15 (maximum maintenance) |
- |
Mounjaro vs Ozempic Side Effects
The side effects of Mounjaro and Ozempic are similar, this is because they both contain medication from the same drug group (GLP-1).
However, note that Ozempic side effects are targeted towards those with type 2 diabetes because it is not licensed in the UK to treat weight loss.
A comparison of the Common, Uncommon, and Rare side effects across Mounjaro and Ozempic
| Common side effects | Uncommon & rare side effects | |
|---|---|---|
| Mounjaro | May affect up to 1 in 10 users)
|
May affect up to 1 in 1,000 users)
May affect up to 1 in 10,000 users)
|
| Ozempic | May affect up to 1 in 10 users)
|
May affect up to 1 in 1,000 users)
May affect up to 1 in 10,000 users)
|
There is more information about the potential side effects of Mounjaro and Ozempic in the patient information leaflets which you can find with the medications.
What should I do if I get side effects?
Common side effects of Mounjaro and Ozempic should pass once your body gets used to the medication.
To manage common side effects at home we recommend:
- Staying hydrated: Keeping hydrated and sipping cold drinks regularly should ease symptoms of sickness or nausea and dehydration.
- Avoiding alcohol: Alcohol will make you more dehydrated and increase side effects.
- Making changes to your diet and exercise routine: Ozempic and Mounjaro are most effective and safe when you follow a well balanced diet and exercise plan. Speak with your doctor for personalised advice on fitness and nutrition.
- Avoiding fatty or greasy foods: Fatty and/or greasy foods can increase symptoms of sickness or nausea due to their richness. We recommend eating small, frequent, bland meals including rice, toast and crackers.
- Avoiding citrus, spicy and acidic foods: Sometimes when taking Ozempic or Mounjaro, you may have increased symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn. Avoiding citrus, spicy or acidic foods can minimise these symptoms.
If you begin to experience persistent or bothersome symptoms that do not go away and begin to affect your daily life, speak with your doctor. They may advise you to change your dose or that you stop taking the medication.
Mounjaro vs Ozempic Cost
Ozempic is not licensed to be sold as a weight loss treatment in the UK and is not available on the NHS for this purpose. So it is likely you would have to pay full price of the medication. If it’s prescribed for managing diabetes it can cost just the standard prescription fee if you normally have to pay for your prescription, or it can be free.
You can purchase Mounjaro pens at ZAVA UK with 4 weeks of doses in them:
| Dosage | Price (for 1 pen including 4 doses) |
|---|---|
2.5mg |
£139.00 |
5mg |
£139.00 |
7.5mg |
£169.00 |
10mg |
£189.00 |
12.5mg |
£204.00 |
15mg |
£204.00 |
Mounjaro vs Ozempic reviews
This comparison table reflects the reviews of Mounjaro and Ozempic on trusted medical patient review site, drugs.com:
*Note that because Ozempic is not licensed as a weight loss treatment in the UK, this rating is by patients who have type 2 diabetes.
Whilst taking Ozempic, it was reported that 51% of reviewers experienced a positive experience, while 26% reported a negative one. Negative experiences were typically associated with side effects, meanwhile positive experiences reported that they experienced weight loss.
Mounjaro on the other hand had 80% of reviewers reporting a positive experience, and only 7% reporting a negative one. Negative reviews state mainly that side effects were bothersome. Positive reviewers reflected on weight loss and feeling positive since taking the medication.
Everyone responds to medication differently. It is important that you find the right weight loss treatment for you. If you are unsure about what is right even after taking a look at trusted review sites, you should consult your doctor or a pharmacist.
Switching from Ozempic to Mounjaro
Can I switch from Ozempic to Mounjaro?
Yes, you can switch from Ozempic to Mounjaro, but you must only do so by following the specific instructions given by your doctor.
How do I switch?
When you consult your doctor to switch from Ozempic to Mounjaro, they will likely advise that you:
- Stop taking Ozempic after your last dose is finished (unless you are switching due to side effects).
- Wait at least 5 weeks before before starting Mounjaro. Your body needs time to get Ozempic out of your system. It needs to leave your system before you start new medication.
- Start taking Mounjaro and following its dosage schedule. Even if you were taking the highest dosage of Ozempic, you will need to begin with the starting dose of Mounjaro.
Is it safe to switch?
Yes, if you are taking Ozempic for diabetes 2, it is safe to switch to Mounjaro for weight loss as long as you follow the instructions of your doctor.
Your doctor should ensure you follow certain guidelines that make sure your previous medication is out of your system before you begin taking a new one.
Mounjaro vs Ozempic – which should I pick?
Since Mounjaro is licensed for weight loss for people without type 2 diabetes and Ozempic isn’t, unless you have type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro is a better choice.
Instead of Ozempic, you could consider Wegovy which has the same active ingredient but is licensed for weight loss. Then your choice would be between Wegovy and Mounjaro instead.
Comparing Wegovy and Mounjaro, Mounjaro has been shown to be more effective at helping people lose weight. Studies show that 96.3% of people lose at least 5% of starting weight on the highest Mounjaro maintenance dose of 15mg after 72 weeks. In comparison, 89.4% of people lose at least 5% of starting weight on the highest Wegovy maintenance dose of 2.4mg after 68 weeks.
Also, on drugs.com, Mounjaro is rated 9/10 for weight loss and Wegovy is rated 7.3/10.
Remember that if you try either Wegovy or Mounjaro first and it doesn’t work for you, you could switch to the other one with help from a doctor to see if it might work better.
If you are still unsure whether Mounjaro or Ozempic is right for you, be sure to speak with your doctor or a pharmacist and they should be able to advise according to your personal health needs.
Other alternatives
If you are uncertain about self-injecting weight loss medication, there are oral tablet form alternatives such as:
If you're unsure, you can get more information on weight loss treatments and explore all options available with us at ZAVA.
Brenda studied medicine at St Georges University of London and has most recently worked in John Radcliffe Oxford University Hospitals, covering acute and general medicine.
Last reviewed: 25 Sept 2024
Sources
Subcutaneously administered tirzepatide vs semaglutide for adults with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials, Diabetologia, National Library of Medicine, 2024 [accessed 8 August 2024]
Efficacy and safety of semaglutide on weight loss in obese or overweight patients without diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials, Frontiers, National Library of Medicine, 2022 [accessed 8 August 2024]
Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide for Weight Loss in Adults with Overweight or Obesity, JAMA Internal Medicine, National Library of Medicine, 2024 [accessed 8 August 2024]
Tirzepatide 10 and 15 mg compared with semaglutide 2.4 mg for the treatment of obesity: An indirect treatment comparison, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, National Library of Medicine, 2023 [accessed 8 August 2024]
Mounjaro, EMC [accessed 8 August 2024]
Ozempic, EMC [accessed 8 August 2024]
Mounjaro User Reviews & Ratings, Drugs.com [accessed 8 August 2024]
Ozempic User Reviews & Ratings, Drugs.com [accessed 8 August 2024]
Four-dose Mounjaro “KwikPen” approved by MHRA for diabetes and weight management, GOV.UK, [accessed 9 August 2024]
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