Key takeaways
- Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are brand-name drugs used to help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Mounjaro is approved for use in adults and children ages 10 years and older, while Ozempic is only approved for use in adults.
- Neither drug is approved for weight loss or weight management. However, weight loss is a common and intended effect of how they work.
- Both drugs are safe and effective treatment options for managing blood sugar. However, studies suggest that Mounjaro may be slightly more effective for both weight loss and type 2 diabetes.
This article explains the main similarities and differences between Ozempic and Mounjaro. If you’re considering taking one of these drugs, discussing this information with your doctor can help you decide whether one of these treatments may be right for you.
Key differences between Ozempic and Mounjaro
These are a few of the main differences between Ozempic and Mounjaro:
- Conditions treated: Ozempic and Mounjaro both treat type 2 diabetes. Doctors also prescribe Ozempic to reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular problems or worsening kidney disease in certain people.
- Side effects: Ozempic and Mounjaro may cause some of the same digestive side effects, such as nausea and vomiting. Mounjaro may also cause other digestive side effects.
Here’s information about the generic status for Ozempic and Mounjaro, as well as details on their active ingredients.
| Ozempic | Mounjaro | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic available | no | no |
| Active ingredient | semaglutide | tirzepatide |
| Drug class | glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist | dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and GLP-1 receptor agonist |
Ozempic and Mounjaro have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the following uses.
- Both Ozempic and Mounjaro are FDA approved to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. Mounjaro is also approved for this use in children ages 10 years and older.
- Ozempic is also FDA approved to:
- reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular problems in adults with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease
- reduce the risk of worsening kidney disease and serious heart-related problems in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic (long-term) kidney disease
In addition to the drugs’ approved uses, Ozempic and Mounjaro may be prescribed off-label for weight loss. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it for.
It’s important to note that similar medications are specifically FDA approved for weight loss. Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) contain the same active ingredients as Ozempic and Mounjaro, respectively. Your doctor will likely prescribe one of these alternatives instead of Ozempic or Mounjaro for weight loss.
To learn more about using Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, or Zepbound for weight loss, talk with your doctor.
Here’s a quick look at the dosage and administration of Ozempic and Mounjaro for the condition both drugs treat.
Dosage for type 2 diabetes
Here are the dosages of Ozempic and Mounjaro for managing blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. Strengths are given in milligrams (mg) or milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL).
| Ozempic for type 2 diabetes | Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes | |
|---|---|---|
| Form | • solution in a multidose pen, given as a subcutaneous injection • tablet that you swallow | solution in a single-dose pen or vial, given as a subcutaneous injection |
| Strengths | Injections: • 2 mg/3 mL • 4 mg/3 mL • 8 mg/3 mL Tablets: • 1.5 mg • 4 mg • 9 mg | • 2.5 mg/0.5 mL • 5 mg/0.5 mL • 7.5 mg/0.5 mL • 10 mg/0.5 mL • 12.5 mg/0.5 mL • 15 mg/0.5 mL |
| Dose | Injections: • 0.25 mg for 4 weeks, followed by 0.5 mg to 2 mg after that Tablets: • 1.5 mg once daily for 30 days, followed by 4 mg to 9 mg after that | 2.5 mg for 4 weeks, followed by 5 mg to 15 mg after that |
| Frequency | Injection: • once per week Tablets: • once per day | once per week |
| Given by | self | self |
Your doctor will show you or a caregiver how to inject Ozempic or Mounjaro at home. You can inject either drug under the skin of your upper arm, abdomen, or thigh.
Although one Ozempic pen contains multiple doses, you should never share your injection pen with another person.
Both Ozempic and Mounjaro treat type 2 diabetes. Some of Ozempic’s side effects are the same as those of Mounjaro, while others differ. Examples of side effects reported in the clinical trials of these drugs are listed here.
For more details about the side effects of these drugs, see the prescribing information for Ozempic and Mounjaro.
Mild side effects
The following table lists some of the more commonly reported mild side effects of Ozempic and Mounjaro. The table also includes some less common mild side effects that might concern you.
| Mild side effects | Ozempic | Mounjaro |
|---|---|---|
| abdominal bloating | — | ✓ |
| abdominal pain | ✓ | ✓ |
| constipation | ✓ | ✓ |
| diarrhea | ✓ | ✓ |
| flatulence (gas) or burping | ✓ | ✓ |
| indigestion | ✓ | ✓ |
| nausea and vomiting | ✓ | ✓ |
| loss of appetite | — | ✓ |
| injection site reactions, such as discomfort or discoloration around the injection area | ✓ | ✓ |
| delayed stomach emptying | ✓ | ✓ |
These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. If the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious side effects
The following table lists the reported serious side effects of Ozempic and Mounjaro.
| Serious side effects | Ozempic | Mounjaro |
|---|---|---|
| diabetic retinopathy | ✓ | ✓ |
| severe digestive problems, which may lead to dehydration and acute (sudden) kidney injury | ✓ | ✓ |
| acute gallbladder disease, such as gallstones | ✓ | ✓ |
| hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) | ✓ | ✓ |
| pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) | ✓ | ✓ |
| risk of thyroid cancer | ✓ | ✓ |
Ozempic and Mounjaro have a boxed warning for the risk of thyroid cancer. To learn more, see the “Precautions for Ozempic and Mounjaro” section.
If you have serious side effects while using Ozempic or Mounjaro, call your doctor immediately. If the side effects feel life threatening or you believe you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
Allergic reaction
For some people, Ozempic and Mounjaro can cause an allergic reaction.
Allergic reaction was reported in clinical trials of Mounjaro. While this side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials of Ozempic, it has been reported since Ozempic was approved for use.
In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.
How much Ozempic or Mounjaro costs depends on the treatment plan your doctor prescribes, your insurance plan, and your pharmacy.
Both Ozempic and Mounjaro are brand-name drugs. Neither medication comes in a generic form. Brand-name medications are often more expensive than generics. If you have questions about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
It’s important to note that if you’re prescribed Ozempic or Mounjaro off-label for weight loss, your insurance provider may not cover it. This is because other forms of semaglutide and tirzepatide, such as Wegovy and Zepbound, are specifically approved for weight loss.
For a cost comparison of Ozempic versus Wegovy or Mounjaro versus Zepbound, talk with your doctor or insurance provider.
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Clinical studies showed that some strengths of Mounjaro may be more effective than Ozempic at managing blood sugar levels and weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes.
However, keep in mind that the results of research studies may not apply to your health situation. Your doctor can help determine whether Ozempic or Mounjaro may be right for you.
Ozempic and Mounjaro may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. The two drugs share some of the same precautions, but they also have different ones. Some of these precautions are mentioned in the following text.
Boxed warning: Risk of thyroid cancer
Ozempic and Mounjaro have a boxed warning for the risk of thyroid cancer. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
Animal studies have shown that using semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic) or tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro) may increase the risk of thyroid cancer.
However, animal studies do not always predict what happens with humans. The risk of thyroid cancer in humans using Ozempic or Mounjaro is not known for certain. Still, doctors typically won’t prescribe Ozempic or Mounjaro for people with health conditions that increase their risk of thyroid cancer or have a family history of such conditions. These include:
- a genetic (inherited) condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2)
- a rare type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid cancer
Symptoms of thyroid cancer include difficulty swallowing, a hoarse voice, and a lump in your neck.
If you have symptoms of thyroid cancer during treatment with Ozempic or Mounjaro, tell your doctor right away. They may do tests to check for thyroid cancer.
To learn more about this warning, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
In addition to boxed warnings, Ozempic and Mounjaro have other warnings.
If any of the following medical conditions or other health factors are relevant to you, talk with your doctor before using Ozempic or Mounjaro.
| Precaution | Ozempic | Mounjaro |
|---|---|---|
| if you’ve had an allergic reaction to either drug or any of its ingredients | ✓ | ✓ |
| if you’re pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant | ✓ | ✓ |
| if you’re breastfeeding or thinking about breastfeeding | ✓ | ✓ |
| if you have current or past pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) | ✓ | ✓ |
| if you have diabetic retinopathy | ✓ | ✓ |
| if you have kidney disease | ✓ | ✓ |
| if you have an upcoming medical procedure requiring sedation or general anesthesia | ✓ | ✓ |
| if you have a severe stomach problem, such as gastroparesis | ✓ | ✓ |
Switching between Ozempic and Mounjaro might be possible.
If you’d like to know more about switching between Ozempic and Mounjaro, talk with your doctor. They can give you additional details and help determine the best course of action for your personal situation. Even if two drugs treat the same condition or are in the same drug class, your body can still respond differently.
It is important that you do not stop, start, or switch any of your drug treatments without your doctor’s recommendation.
Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are similar drugs that are both proven to be safe and effective treatments for type 2 diabetes in adults. The best treatment for you will depend on personal factors, including your age (Mounjaro is approved for some children) and other health considerations (Ozempic is approved for additional uses). Ozempic is also available as a once-daily pill, so it may be a better option if you have difficulty with injections.
To learn more about the best treatment option for you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help you weigh the pros and cons of Ozempic versus Mounjaro.
Disclaimer: While Medical News Today strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.