Mounjaro vs Ozempic - Which is Best??
Managing type 2 diabetes and achieving weight loss has become easier with the introduction of GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic (Semaglutide) and the newer dual-action drug Mounjaro (Tirzepatide).
Weekly injections of the MHRA-approved prescription drugs Mounjaro and Ozempic are administered. They focus on helping eligible persons manage their weight and blood sugar levels. Both belong to a drug class called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which influence specific hormonal functions in the body.
Overview of Mounjaro and Ozempic
|
|
Mounjaro |
Ozempic |
|
Manufacturer |
Eli Lilly |
Novo Nordisk |
|
Approval |
Approved by the FDA in 2022 for type 2 diabetes |
Approved by the FDA in 2017 for type 2 diabetes |
|
Mechanism of Action |
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptor agonist |
GLP-1 receptor agonist
|
|
Dosing |
Weekly injection (2.5mg to 15mg) |
Weekly injection (0.25mg to 2mg) |
|
Benefits |
Stronger blood sugar control, significant weight loss |
Moderate weight loss and effective blood sugar management |
|
Active Ingredient |
Tirzepatide |
Semaglutide |
|
Injections |
1 per week |
1 per week |
|
Weight Loss Upto |
20% |
15% |
How Can Ozempic and Mounjaro Help in the Management of Diabetes?
Both medications aid in the control of Type 2 diabetes. Mounjaro provides complete diabetic care by inhibiting glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels termed GLP-1. Ozempic also reduces blood sugar and increases feelings of fullness.
A combined GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, Mounjaro improves blood sugar regulation and appetite. Compared to drugs that target GLP-1, this combined effect may result in more weight loss. Mounjaro is more expensive and may have more side effects, even though studies show it is more effective for controlling blood sugar and promoting weight loss.
Is Ozempic Less Effective Than Mounjaro?
The best drug for you will depend on your particular requirements. Mounjaro is well-known for its ability to lower weight and A1C levels, but Ozempic also addresses the cardiovascular concerns that come with Type 2 diabetes.
Numerous research have demonstrated that Mounjaro is superior to Ozempic in terms of blood sugar regulation and weight reduction.
Tirzepatide was more effective than semaglutide at lowering A1C levels in the SURPASS-2 trial. Semaglutide's 1.86 reduction at the 1 mg dose was surpassed by the A1C reductions of 2.01, 2.24, and 2.30 at the 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg doses of tirzepatide, respectively.
Mechanism of Action:
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide): Type 2 diabetes mellitus is treated with Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a dual agonist of the Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide (GIP) and Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors. It functions by imitating the functions of the hormones GIP and GLP-1, which are essential for the metabolism of glucose. GLP-1 receptor activation reduces hepatic glucose synthesis by suppressing glucagon release and increasing insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. It also helps control weight by slowing stomach emptying, which increases satiety and decreases food intake. Insulin production, insulin sensitivity, and fat metabolism are all further enhanced by GIP receptor activation. Compared to conventional GLP-1 receptor agonists alone, Mounjaro provides better glycemic management and weight loss by integrating the benefits of both incretin pathways.
Ozempic (Semaglutide): Ozempic, also known as semaglutide, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that is used to treat type 2 diabetes and control body weight. It functions by imitating the natural GLP-1 hormone, which controls hunger and blood sugar levels. Ozempic decreases hepatic glucose synthesis by increasing glucose-dependent insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells and inhibiting glucagon release from alpha cells when the GLP-1 receptor is activated. It also slows down the emptying of the stomach, which results in longer periods of satiety and less food consumption, both of which help people lose weight. For long-term metabolic health, Ozempic significantly decreases blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin sensitivity and decreasing postprandial glucose spikes.
How to use?
Pre-filled injection pens are used to administer the self-administered drugs Ozempic and Mounjaro. This is an explanation of how to use:
|
Feature |
Mounjaro |
Ozempic |
|
Injection |
Given once a week as a subcutaneous injection. Depending on tolerance and individual response, the dosage may be changed. |
Using a prefilled pen with a fine needle, apply once a week under the skin (arm, thigh, or stomach). |
|
Dosage |
Starts at 2.5 mg each week and progressively increases to 15 mg. |
Increases to a maximum of 2 mg each week after starting lower at 0.25 or 0.5 mg. |
|
Preparation |
Keep refrigerated; remove half an hour prior to injection. |
Before using, store in the refrigerator; after using, store for up to six weeks at room temperature (below 30°C). |
|
Disposal |
It is recommended to dispose of used needles in a designated sharps container. |
It is recommended to dispose of used needles in a designated sharps container. |
Side Effects of Mounjaro and Ozempic
Both Mounjaro and Ozempic have the same side effects such as:
· Nausea
· Vomiting
· Constipation
· Diarrhea
· Fatigue
· Indigestion
· Abdominal Pain
However, because of its dual action, Mounjaro may initially produce slightly greater discomfort in the gut.
Dose Titration of Mounjaro and Ozempic:
Mounjaro: Starting Dose: 2.5 mg once weekly for four weeks; this is merely an introductory dose and is not therapeutic.
For at least four weeks, increase to 5 mg once weekly.
The dosage may be raised further if further glycemic control is required:
For at least four weeks, take 7.5 mg once a week.
For at least four weeks, take 10 mg once a week.
12.5 mg once a week for a minimum of four weeks
Ozempic: Starting Dose: 0.25 mg once weekly for four weeks; this is merely an introductory dose and is not therapeutic.
For a minimum of four weeks, increase to 0.5 mg once weekly.
The dosage may be raised further if more glycemic control is required:
For at least four weeks, take 1 mg once a week.
Weekly maximum dose: 2 mg
What Should You Choose?
|
Goal |
Best Choice |
|
Greater Weight Loss |
Mounjaro |
|
Better Diabetes Control |
Mounjaro |
|
Milder Side Effects |
Ozempic |
|
Lower Cost |
Ozempic |
Selecting the Right Medication?
Although both of these medications are highly effective and cutting-edge treatments for type 2 diabetes and weight loss, the final decision over which medication to use must be made after consulting a healthcare provider.
It is essential to speak with a healthcare provider because they can create individualized treatment regimens according to your unique requirements. They are the ones with experience in controlling blood sugar levels, avoiding issues, and modifying drugs or lifestyle choices as needed, but everyone is free to compare Mounjaro and Ozempic on their own. Frequent visits can also help identify problems early, encourage healthy decisions, and guarantee that you obtain the most recent information and treatments, all of which will improve your general health and quality of life.
Disclaimer:
This blog is based on news reports about Mounjaro's approval in India. The drug's release and accessibility in the nation have not been verified by Apothecare.in or its affiliates. It is not recommended that readers change their medication or lifestyle based only on the information in this article.
References:
1. Stones G. Mounjaro vs. Ozempic: Finding the better of two.
2. Chandrapala T, Settipalli A. Mounjaro vs Ozempic–Differences, Similarities & Side Effects.
3. Tardner P. Ozempic vs Mounjaro For Weight Loss.
4. Eli Lilly. (2023). Mounjaro Is Proven To Lower A1C in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes. Retrieved from https://www.mounjaro.com/
5.Novo Nordisk. (2023). Ozempic (Semaglutide) Injection — Compelling Weight Loss Across Doses. Retrieved from https://www.novomedlink.com/diabetes/products/treatments/ozempic/efficacy-safety/ozempic-and-weight.html
6. Eli Lilly. (2023). Mounjaro Is the First in a New Class for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes. Retrieved from https://www.mounjaro.com/hcp/how-mounjaro-works
7. Eli Lilly. (2023, July 27). Tirzepatide Demonstrated Significant and Superior Weight Loss Compared to Placebo in Two Pivotal Studies. Retrieved from https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/tirzepatide-demonstrated-significant-and-superior-weight-loss
8.Novo Nordisk. (2023). Safety Profile For Once-Weekly Ozempic (Semaglutide) Injection. Retrieved from https://www.novomedlink.com/diabetes/products/treatments/ozempic/efficacy-safety/safety-profile.html
9. Northrop, A. (2024, February 13). Ozempic for Weight Loss: Cost, Side Effects and Efficacy. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/health/weight-loss/ozempic-for-weight-loss/
10. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022, May). Mounjaro Label. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/215866s000lbl.pdf
