You’re probably already familiar with Ozempic, the medication for type 2 diabetes that has also been used for weight management, taking the world by storm. But have you heard of Mounjaro? Mounjaro, like Ozempic, also has shown benefits in individuals with type 2 diabetes and those wanting to lose weight, but we understand it can be tricky to navigate the pros and cons of each without the need for extensive research. We’ve collated everything you need to know about these two medications (and how they compare to each other) — which may be a helpful aid when you’re in the process of choosing the right medication for your needs.
Key Takeaways
Mounjaro and Ozempic both mimic the GLP-1 hormone in our body.
Both medications regulate blood sugar levels and slow down gastric emptying, which is why they have been approved for type 2 diabetics and also prescribed off-label for weight loss.
Both Mounjaro and Ozempic have relatively similar side effects, but they have different active ingredients. Mounjaro contains Tirzepatide, and Ozempic contains Semaglutide.
While further research is still required, Mounjaro has been shown to have more potent effects on controlling blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss compared to Ozempic.
You can buy both Mounjaro and Ozempic from your local pharmacy or a reputable online pharmacy, but you’ll need a prescription from a healthcare provider. Some telehealth services, like Third Avenue, offer an easy and convenient prescription option — you’ll just need to fill in a quick online form before it gets checked off by a professional. No lengthy meetings are required!
Mounjaro: An Overview
Also referred to as Tirzepatide, Mounjaro is primarily used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise, Mounjaro is a once-weekly medication and works to improve blood sugar levels in individuals. It was created by the American pharma company Eli Lilli and Company.
Mounjaro is available in an injectable form and was approved by the US as safe for medical use in 2022. Since then, it’s also been approved by the EU, Canada, and Australia, making it an anti-diabetic medication used all over the world.
While Mounjaro was originally created for type 2 diabetics, weight loss is a common and often celebrated side effect of this medication. Because of this, it can also work as a weight loss medication, and while it’s still currently being reviewed by the FDA for weight management, many health providers have started to prescribe it as an off-label option for those who are overweight or obese.
How does it work?
Without delving too much into the science, it’s worth understanding a bit more about how Mounjaro even works to reduce weight and lower blood sugar. Essentially, Mounjaro works in two ways: it helps to decrease the amount of food that you consume and it also regulates your blood sugar levels without any unnecessary spikes.
We all know that eating less = decreased daily calories = weight loss, but for many of us it can be easier said than done! It’s tempting to add in an extra few desserts or two, snack continuously throughout the day, or order a bit too much when eating out, which can add up if it’s done consistently. Users of Mounjaro have stated that cravings, snacking, and feeling ravenous after a long day decrease when taking this medication, and for those who are consistently finding ways to distract from constant “food noise,” this can be a godsend.
Here are some of the overall ways that Mounjaro works in your body:
It helps the body release insulin when there are high levels of sugar in the blood.
It helps remove excess sugar from the blood and encourages the liver to stop releasing unnecessary amounts of sugar.
It helps slow down gastric emptying (which is how fast food leaves the stomach), leaving you feeling fuller and more satiated for longer.
Who is it for?
At the moment, Mounjaro has technically only been approved for type 2 diabetes and not for weight loss. However, most healthy adults would have no problem taking this medication, especially if it’s been prescribed for you by a health professional. It’s important to note that Mounjaro can have adverse side effects, and experts don’t recommend it to be taken if you fall under a specific range of individuals.
Children 18 years and under
Type 1 diabetics
Those who are allergic to Mounjaro or any of the ingredients in it
Those who have or are at risk of developing Pancreatitis
Those with kidney problems
Those who are pregnant or lactating
Those who have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2
Those who have or are at risk of developing thyroid cancer
This is why it’s important to have an in-depth discussion with your doctor or a health professional before you decide to give Mounjaro a try. They will be able to take a look at your overall health, any current medical conditions (or past personal and family medical history), and whether Mounjaro may interact with specific medications.
What are the side effects?
Like all medications, Mounjaro comes with a range of side effects. These can range from mild (pain at the injection site) to severe (kidney failure). However, if you are following the correct dosage and having regular check-ins with a health professional, this can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing some or any of these side effects.
Changes in bowel habits, like diarrhea or constipation
Nausea and vomiting
Pain in or near the abdomen
A decrease in appetite
Pain, irritation, or itching at the injection site
Low blood sugar
Dehydration and kidney problems from diarrhea or vomiting
Gallbladder problems
Swelling of the pancreas A strong allergic reaction after the first dose (swelling under your skin or around your mouth)
How do you take it?
The required dosage of Mounjaro that you need to take can vary from other people that are using the medication, which is why it’s so important to go over your dosage plan with a health professional. Mounjaro comes as a liquid solution in a “pen” that can be injected once a week at an area of your body under the skin.
Unlike typical vaccinations or injections that are administered on your upper arm, you can choose to inject at your arm, thigh, or abdomen. There’s no “right” time of day you should administer the medication, but doctors recommend doing it at the same time every day for the most consistency (an alarm set on your phone is a great idea).
Where can you get Mounjaro?
There are several ways you can get Mounjaro. The most convenient and accessible option is purchasing Mounjaro online. Mounjaro can sometimes be sold under its official “scientific” name, Tirzepatide, so keep that in mind when you’re perusing the internet.
Third Avenue is a telehealth company dedicated to providing FDA-approved medications developed by leading weight loss experts. They have a Tirzepatide treatment available that gets personalized depending on your needs. Best of all, Third Avenue offers a money-back guarantee within 30 days, so you can shop risk-free.
Mounjaro®️ on Third Avenue – Editor’s choice
Another way to get Mounjaro is by getting a prescription from a healthcare provider, either in-person or virtually. You can always discuss this with your doctor, but there are also numerous companies online that can connect you to doctors in your area. If eligible, write you a prescription, and you can get this filled by a pharmacy.
Ozempic: An Overview
It seems like everyone and their mother is on board the Ozempic craze at the moment! Just like Mounjaro, Ozempic is a medication originally approved for type 2 diabetics but is often prescribed off-label for those who are overweight or obese. Known by its generic name, semaglutide, Ozempic rose in popularity after its reported use in many Hollywood celebrities, who seemed to shed pounds overnight. Ozempic is also available as an injectable pen, but there’s also a semaglutide oral pill available on the market. Approved in 2017 by the FDA for type 2 diabetes, the stratospheric rise in demand for Ozempic led to some shortages across the US. Interestingly, Ozempic has also been approved to improve cardiovascular health in type 2 diabetics.
Unlike popular belief, Ozempic is not necessarily a “magic” drug that can whisk away fat in an instant. Individuals who are prescribed Ozempic will also need to follow a diet and exercise plan in conjunction with the medication for the best results.
How does it work?
Believe it or not, our hunger and satiety signals are controlled by more than just how much we’ve eaten for the day and the amount of food in our stomachs. Apart from regulating our sleep-wake cycle and our moods, our hormones can also affect our appetite (aka how hungry and full we get). Semaglutide (Ozempic) stimulates GLP-1, a hormone we all have in our bodies that regulates our blood sugar levels. When this occurs, blood sugar is lowered, and this encourages your body to produce more insulin. While this is all well and good for type 2 diabetics, what about those looking to try Ozempic for weight loss? Well, when GLP-1 is stimulated, this can also help to slow down food that’s exiting your stomach into your small intestine. By slowing down this process, Ozempic users have found that they get fuller quicker and don’t get hungry as fast. So, the fewer calories they consume over the course of a day, means that weight loss can occur.
Who is it for?
Before you think about purchasing Ozempic, it’s worth having a chat with a health professional to figure out if Ozempic is really the right move for you. They will most likely ask questions about your personal health, have a look through your medical records, and even check your family history.
While this may seem invasive (because who wants a doctor flipping through their medical files!?), it’s actually very necessary. Ozempic can have adverse interactions with other medications that you may be taking, and if you are at risk of developing certain conditions (due to family history), Ozempic can exacerbate this. Some individuals should not take Ozempic at all, and this will likely be explained by your health professional.
Type 1 diabetics
Those under the age of 18
Those who have (or have a family history of) medullary thyroid carcinoma
Those who have (or have a family history of) Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome
Those who are allergic to Ozempic
Those who have or had problems with their kidney and pancreas
Those who are currently pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to conceive
Those who have or have a history of diabetic retinopathy
What are the side effects?
Unfortunately, side effects are just one of the things that have to be kept in mind when taking medication. Like Mounjaro, Ozempic also comes with a range of side effects — and there is a big overlap between the two, especially regarding changes in bowel habits and nausea.
Diarrhea or constipation
Nausea and vomiting
Pain in the abdominal area
Pancreatitis
Vision changes
Low blood sugar
Gallbladder problems
Kidney failure
An allergic reaction (at the injection site or throughout the body)
Since nausea and changes in bowel movements are the most common side effects, doctors advise starting off with more bland and plain foods when users first start taking Ozempic. Eating fried, spicy, or overly spiced food can trigger stomach pain.
How do you take it?
Just like Mounjaro, Ozempic will need to be administered once a week in a “pen form.” This allows you to inject the solution under your skin in the convenience of your own home. It can be hard to inject yourself, especially if you’ve never done it before, so doctors recommend getting confident with the instructions before you start. There are some in-depth explanations on the official Ozempic website. It’s important to take the dose every week and not miss doses for the best results. An easy way you can do this is by setting a phone alarm every week or incorporating the dose into your weekly routine (like every Saturday morning after your workout class).
Your doctor will be able to advise you on the correct dosage, but generally, you start at the lowest amount (0.25mg) for the first 4 weeks and then slowly increase until you get to the maximum amount (2mg).
Where can you get Ozempic?
If you think Ozempic is a great option for you, there are several ways you can easily get this medication, if prescribed. Online retailers can be the most convenient option, but it’s important to find one that is credible.
We love Third Avenue because their therapies are personalized exactly for your age, sex, medical history, and even personal preference. They even have a team of board-certified weight loss experts who can provide ongoing support and guidance. Third Avenue has a range of weight-loss medications available to be shipped to most states in the US.
Ozempic®️ on Third Avenue – Editor’s choice
Other ways to access Ozempic include getting a prescription from your doctor or booking a virtual appointment with a healthcare provider online. If prescribed, you will be able to pick up Ozempic at the pharmacy (although there is currently a shortage, so waiting times may be extended if you choose this option).
Mounjaro vs Ozempic: What are the key differences?
Now that we’ve covered the main information about both Mounjaro and Ozempic, you may have already clocked some similarities and differences in the sections.
For one, both Mounjaro and Ozempic work in a similar way to reduce appetite and stimulate weight loss — by slowing down gastric emptying from your stomach. Because the common side effects of both medications include nausea, this may also reduce your desire to eat or snack during the day. However, if we’re looking at Mounjaro or Ozempic, there are certainly differences that set the two apart. This relates to their dosage, their active ingredient, and even results from scientific studies. Active ingredient - The active ingredient in Mounjaro is Tirzepatide, and the active ingredient in Ozempic is Semaglutide. While they both mimic the GLP-1 hormone, which sends signals of “fullness” to the brain, they have a slightly different chemical structure.
FDA approval - While the FDA has approved both Mounjaro and Ozempic for treating type 2 diabetes, Ozempic has also been approved to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Dosages - Both medications come in different dosages, even though they are both once-a-week injections. Mounjaro is available in 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, and even 15mg doses, which is significantly higher than the doses available for Ozempic. Ozempic is currently only available in 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, and 2mg doses.
Weight loss benefits - While Ozempic may be popular around the world, recent scientific studies have actually shown that Mounjaro is more effective for weight loss, with a higher average amount of pounds lost in participants who were given Tirzepatide compared to Semaglutide.
Cost - Both Ozempic and Mounjaro are relatively similar price-wise, but in some cases, Mounjaro is seen to be slightly more expensive. This can also depend on whether you have health insurance and whether you buy it from an online retailer versus a pharmacy.
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch between using Mounjaro and Ozempic?
What if you’ve already tried Mounjaro before, didn’t find that it worked with your needs, and you want to see if Ozempic works for you (or vice versa)? The quick answer is yes; you can switch between using one or the other, but you can’t use both simultaneously.
Mounjaro and Ozempic work in relatively similar ways, but since the active ingredient is different, individuals may find that one medication gives them more side effects compared to the other — or they do not see the weight loss results from their current medication.
Mounjaro and Ozempic can also vary in cost and availability, depending on the state that you’re living in, your healthcare insurance, and other factors. For example, Ozempic has long been in high demand (resulting in low availability within the US) for both type 2 diabetics and those wanting to try it out for weight loss, so choosing to switch to Mounjaro may be an easier and more convenient option.
The best way to do so is to consult with a healthcare professional, as they will be able to advise you on the protocol for dosages, any new side effects you may experience, and whether switching from one to the other is even recommended at all!
However, many experts agree that it’s generally safe to switch from one medication to another if they’re for the same condition — which Mounjaro and Ozempic are.
What happens if I miss a dose of Mounjaro or Ozempic?
Let’s face it, we’re all human, and sometimes we forget to take our medications at the right time. When it comes to ones like paracetamol, getting creative with when we take it (aka whenever we need some pain relief) is fine, but for Mounjaro and Ozempic, you’ll want to ensure you’re taking the correct dosages at the right time.
For some who are particularly forgetful, setting up a dedicated alarm once a week could be the key to getting it right. But what if you’re away from home and you know you won’t have access to the medication for at least a few hours? Or what if you’ve forgotten to bring it with you on holiday? Luckily, health experts generally agree that it’s okay to take a dose of Mounjaro or Ozempic if you’ve missed it within 96 hours of the original dose (4 days). However, if it’s been more than 5 days, you should just skip that cycle and carry on as per normal for the subsequent weeks.
Generally, being late to take a dose once in a blue moon isn’t a cause for concern. But if it’s becoming a habit, this can affect the effectiveness of the medication and even increase the risk of developing nasty side effects. So, make it a part of your weekly routine to get the best results!
How do I know which medication is right for my needs?
As outlined in this article, Mounjaro and Ozempic are generally safe to take if you’re thinking about weight loss. They have similar benefits and side effects, and both are administered in the same way.
There are some key differences, but ultimately choosing the right medication for your needs will depend on your preferences, whether that medication is available for you, and in some cases, by the advice of your doctor.
You may also want to give both a try (again, not at the same time), but why try out one for 4-6 months and then switch over to the other one for a bit of trial and error? This gives you some time to figure out how the medication is working with your body and whether you’re slowly getting the results you want.
From there, you can evaluate both and decide which one you want to be on for a longer period of time. It’s important to note that in the first 1-2 months, you may experience side effects as your body gets used to the new medication, so by waiting a bit longer, you’ll be able to get a better view of its potential.
Is it painful to inject Mounjaro or Ozempic?
If you’ve never injected yourself before, it can be a strange (and even slightly painful) sensation to begin injecting medication on a weekly basis. Because both medications can be injected in your upper arm, thigh, or abdomen, you can try and figure out what area of your body has the least pain when administered an injection.
Generally, pain in the injection site is not one of the most reported side effects, but you may feel a slight prick or stinging feeling for a few seconds (almost as if someone is pinching you for a bit). For a few days, there may be some redness in the area, but this should subside with time.
Having nerves about injections is a very common thing, and your doctor will be able to understand your fears around this. They may be able to give you tips about how to position the needle or your arm so there’s as little pain as possible.
And if you’re still really queasy, you can always ask a loved one to be there for emotional support or get them to give you the shot instead. As with most things, practice makes perfect, so we’re sure that you’ll get comfortable with it the longer you use Mounjaro or Ozempic.
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The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. You should always consult with your doctor or a licensed healthcare provider before taking any medication or making decisions regarding your health.
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