Mounjaro and Ozempic are different drugs, although they work in a similar way. Mounjaro is a GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist. Ozempic acts only on GLP-1. They're both approved to lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes in combination with a healthy diet and exercise.
While Mounjaro is known for effectively reducing A1C levels and weight, Ozempic also addresses cardiovascular risks associated with Type 2 diabetes. Several studies have shown that Mounjaro is more effective than Ozempic for blood sugar control and weight loss.
In addition, some of Mounjaro's side effects may increase your risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). These side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration. In turn, severe dehydration can cause AKI. Symptoms of AKI include weakness, less frequent urination, and confusion.
Official answer. Yes, you can switch between Ozempic and Mounjaro under the supervision of a healthcare provider. The best way to transition depends on factors such as your current dosage, reason for switching, and how long you have been on the medication.
Common side effects
Both Ozempic and Mounjaro have their share of side effects, and most are pretty similar. These are the most common ones, reported by at least 5% of people taking these meds: Nausea. Diarrhea.
Mounjaro works by increasing GLP-1 and GIP hormone levels, which help regulate appetite and food intake. When the medication is discontinued, these hormone levels decrease, leading to increased hunger and potential weight gain. Lifestyle factors also contribute to weight regain.
About 6% to 7% of people in the clinical studies experienced constipation while taking Mounjaro. More recent studies also suggest that people taking Mounjaro are more likely to experience constipation than people taking glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, like Ozempic (semaglutide).
Mounjaro is more effective for weight loss than Ozempic.
Ozempic rebound refers to when a person regains weight after using Ozempic. After stopping these drugs, individuals may experience an increase in appetite, which can lead to weight regain. A 2022 study notes that doctors prescribe Ozempic alongside lifestyle changes, such as increased physical activity or diet changes.
Per the research, on average, an individual can expect to lose 20% total body weight loss in a little over a year of taking Mounjaro in combination with a healthy lifestyle." Velazquez added that Mounjaro is safe to take for weight loss, although as with any medication, there are possible side effects.
Regular Exercise and Fitness Routines
In addition to her dietary changes, Kelly incorporated regular exercise into her daily routine. Her workout regimen included a mix of cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises, each of which contributed to her overall fitness and weight loss success.
You need to take Mounjaro for up to a year in order to see its full effects—an average of 21% body weight loss. Along the way, there may be hiccups, whether that's lapsing back into old ways, or even hitting the so-called weight loss plateau (when your body stops losing weight and may even start putting it back on).
The reasons why you're not losing weight on Mounjaro might be that you're not eating in a calorie deficit, you've hit a temporary weight-loss plateau, or the current dose that you're on isn't high enough to lower your hunger to the point where you're eating less.
For Type 2 diabetes, Rybelsus (semaglutide) is an oral Ozempic alternative that contains the same active ingredient. Trulicity (dulaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are also once-weekly injections that work in a similar way.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription medication that's FDA approved to treat Type 2 diabetes. Without insurance, the average monthly cost of Mounjaro is between $1,000 to $1,200, depending on the pharmacy.
Although you can do this, it's not recommended as you would increase the likelihood of experiencing uncomfortable side effects. Always consult with our clinical team if you'd like to reduce your dose or come off Mounjaro. They will be able to help you manage a smooth and safe transition off the medication.
Ozempic face is a colloquial term, not a medically recognized condition. It describes the facial changes that can accompany rapid weight loss when using medications like Ozempic or another version of the same drug (generic name semaglutide) FDA-approved for weight-loss treatment.
It has been shown that if you stop Mounjaro, it is likely that you will gain at least some of the weight that you have lost back. However, those who implemented a healthy lifestyle whilst losing weight and those who continue that lifestyle will have better long-term weight loss.
Mounjaro has been reported to cause abdominal bloating and loss of appetite. These side effects were not reported in the clinical trials for Ozempic. Ozempic may be a safer treatment option than Mounjaro for people with gastroparesis or other severe stomach problems.
Hair loss is also not listed as an adverse effect in the package insert for Mounjaro (tirzepatide). However, a clinical study from 2022 reported that hair loss (alopecia) occurred in 4.9% to 5.7% of people using a 5 mg to 15 mg dose of Mounjaro, compared to 0.9% of those using the placebo.
New prescription weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound are currently in the spotlight for their fast, dramatic results. Indeed, these medications are helping people lose a lot of weight. Plus, they're enjoying a better quality of life and can do more with greater confidence.
Mounjaro can slow down stomach motility and how fast food moves through your digestive tract, which may cause or worsen constipation.
Key takeaways:
That's your average blood glucose (sugar) levels over 3 months. People taking Mounjaro also lost more weight than those taking Ozempic. If you're taking Ozempic, it's possible to switch to Mounjaro (or vice versa). But the two medications aren't interchangeable.
Yes, Ozempic can cause constipation. And it's pretty common. Save an average of $235 on FDA-approved GLP-1s like Ozempic and Zepbound. In clinical trials, constipation was one of the most commonly reported side effects among people taking the medication.