Zepbound appeals explainedWegovy appeals explainedOzempic appeals explainedMounjaro appeals explainedZepbound prior authorization denialsWegovy prior authorization denialsMounjaro prior authorization denialsOzempic prior authorization denialsWeight loss plan exclusions explainedStep therapy denials explainedPricingFAQMounjaro and Wegovy are two popular medications which can help you lose weight. However, they are approved for treating different health conditions, and they have different costs and side effects. Not sure which one is best for you? Here are 5 key differences to help you decide:
Mounjaro and Wegovy each rely on different active ingredients. Mounjaro uses tirzepatide, while Wegovy uses semaglutide.
Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro, is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. This means it works on two different receptors in the body to help control blood sugar and promote weight loss. Theoretically, this additional mechanism can lead to better weight loss outcomes and improved blood sugar control.
By activating GLP-1 receptors, Mounjaro slows down gastric emptying, which means food stays in the stomach longer, making you feel full sooner and for a longer period. This helps reduce your appetite. The activation of GIP receptors enhances insulin secretion and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It helps to regulate appetite and food intake, making it easier for people to lose weight. Semaglutide is also found in another medication called Ozempic, which is used to treat type 2 diabetes and help with weight loss.
Semaglutide works by mimicking the hormone GLP-1. Similar to Mounjaro above, Wegovy slows down gastric emptying, which makes you feel full sooner and helps reduce your appetite.
When it comes to helping people lose weight, both Mounjaro and Wegovy have shown promising results. Mounjaro has been found to lead to more weight loss compared to Wegovy. In separate studies, Mounjaro demonstrated greater weight loss than semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy. This has been supported by multiple analyses and head-to-head comparisons. However, Wegovy tends to have less intense side effects, especially if you have a sensitive stomach.
It's important to note that both medications, when combined with healthy lifestyle interventions, are effective ways of losing weight. While Mounjaro seems to have the edge in terms of losing weight, you may find Wegovy provides you with better quality of life due to its lower side effects. We recommend you learn about both options. It's always good to have more choices!
Mounjaro and Wegovy both operate similarly in your body, so it's not surprising that they share a lot of the same side effects.
The most common side effects reported for both Mounjaro and Wegovy include:
Because Mounjaro also acts on an additional chemical pathway which affects insulin secretion, another reported side effect of Mounjaro can be low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Both medications should be avoided if you have a personal history of pancreatitis, type 1 diabetes, diabetic retinopathy (a diabetes condition that affects eyesight), or a family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia.
Your healthcare provider will guide you on how to properly use these medications, ensuring you get the most benefit from your treatment.
When it comes to dosage and administration, Mounjaro and Wegovy are fairly similar.
Both Wegovy and Mounjaro can be injected into the following areas:
Without insurance, Wegovy generally costs more than Mounjaro. Mounjaro usually costs between $1,000 to $1,200 per month, while Wegovy usually costs between $1,300-$1,600 per month before insurance.
We've helped patients obtain insurance coverage for both of these medications. Some of our customers have emailed us to say they now pay as little as a $25 monthly copay for their monthly supply.
Both Mounjaro and Wegovy are FDA approved medications, but they are approved for treating different health conditions. The short answer is that Mounjaro is approved for treating Type 2 diabetes, and Wegovy is approved for weight loss.
Mounjaro is approved for the treatment of adults with Type 2 diabetes. It helps manage blood sugar levels effectively.
Wegovy is approved for use in individuals with obesity, particularly those with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or those with a BMI of 27 or higher who have at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.
In summary, while both Mounjaro and Wegovy are effective in aiding weight loss, Mounjaro is FDA approved for treating Type 2 Diabetes, while Wegovy is FDA approved as a weight loss drug. Mounjaro, with its dual-action mechanism, tends to result in greater average weight loss compared to Wegovy.
However, studies suggest that Wegovy produces less side effects, especially for people with sensitive stomachs. Both medications require a long-term commitment and should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider. It's essential to discuss with your doctor to determine which medication aligns best with your health needs and lifestyle.
Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, while Wegovy contains semaglutide. Both medications mimic hormones that control hunger. Mounjaro activates GLP-1 and GIP receptors, while Wegovy only activates GLP-1 receptors.
Studies suggest that Mounjaro may lead to more weight loss compared to Wegovy. On average, people using Mounjaro lost about 25% of their body weight in a year, while Wegovy users lost around 16%.
Both Mounjaro and Wegovy are easy to use. Each medication requires that you inject yourself once a week. The only real difference is that Wegovy stays stable at room temperature for slightly longer (28 days for Wegovy vs. 21 days for Mounjaro). Despite this, we recommend that you store both drugs in your fridge.
Wegovy is approved for weight management in adults and children aged 12 and older. Mounjaro is approved for adults 18 and older to manage blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes.
Switching between these medications is possible but should be done under a doctor's guidance to ensure it's safe and effective for you.
