Scott Weaver
Updated at: September 02, 2024 · 5 min read
Is Mounjaro or Ozempic better?
When it comes to managing weight loss and type 2 diabetes, selecting the right medication is crucial. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about Mounjaro and Ozempic, two medicines with different uses. We will look into what they are used to treat, compare their effectiveness, how they are used and will also clarify what type of medications they are. It is important to note that Mounjaro is licensed for weight loss in the UK, while Ozempic is approved only for treating type 2 diabetes. This means comparing the two can be difficult.
Key Takeaways
Here are the top 5 takeaways from this article about Mounjaro and Ozempic:
Mounjaro and Ozempic are licensed to treat different conditions.
Mounjaro aids in weight loss whereas Ozempic treats type 2 diabetes.
Weight loss is a side effect of Ozempic.
Both Mounjaro and Ozempic are self-injected medications.
Both medications are effective in lowering A1C levels, which measure average blood glucose over the past two to three months.
Mounjaro vs Ozempic Comparison
Below is a handy table with all you need to know about Mounjaro and Ozempic.
Feature | Mounjaro | Ozempic |
| Active Ingredient | Tirzepatide | Semaglutide |
| How is it used? | Once-weekly self-injection | Once-weekly self-injection |
| What is it used for? | Weight Management | Type 2 Diabetes |
| Who can use it? | Adults who have a BMI over 30, or who are overweight with a weight-related health condition | Adults who require type 2 diabetes medication |
| Can it be used for weight loss? | Yes | No |
| How does it work? | Manages blood sugar levels and helps suppress appetite | Manages blood sugar levels |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, diarrhoea, decreased appetite, indigestion, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, decreased appetite, indigestion, constipation, abdominal discomfort, fatigue |
| Serious Side Effects | Rare cases of pancreas inflammation, gallbladder disease, allergic reactions. Warning about potential thyroid tumours from animal studies | Rare cases of gallbladder disease, severe pancreas inflammation, vision changes, kidney injury, allergic reactions. Warning about potential thyroid tumours from animal studies |
What is Mounjaro licensed to treat?
Mounjaro, which contains the active ingredient tirzepatide, is licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to treat weight loss in adults over the age of 18. It was first approved by the MHRA on the 8th of November 2023 for this purpose. According to new draft NICE guidelines, it is recommended as a treatment for individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or for individuals who are overweight and also have additional medical conditions related to obesity.
What is Ozempic licensed to treat?
Ozempic is used to manage blood glucose levels and HbA1c in people with type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is a GLP-1 analogue medication that increases the levels of incretins, a hormone that helps the body produce more insulin when needed. It also suppresses the amount of glucose produced by the liver, making it an effective treatment for maintaining blood sugar control in individuals with type 2 diabetes (Twenefour, 2024).
Is Mounjaro better than Ozempic as a weight loss treatment?
Mounjaro is generally considered better than Ozempic as a weight loss treatment, primarily because it is licensed for this purpose in the UK. Mounjaro injections are recommended for individuals who are obese or have a weight-related medical condition as it can help them to lose weight. Ozempic is not licensed for weight loss but is used to manage type 2 diabetes. Therefore, a doctor in the UK may prescribe Mounjaro for patients seeking weight loss treatment, as it is specifically approved for both weight loss and type 2 diabetes management.
Is Ozempic better than Mounjaro as a diabetes treatment?
Ozempic is generally considered better than Mounjaro as a treatment for diabetes as it is specifically licensed for diabetes management. Ozempic is a GLP-1 analogue medication licensed in the UK for managing blood glucose levels and HbA1c in people with type 2 diabetes. Its proven efficacy in enhancing insulin production and reducing glucose production by the liver makes it a preferred choice for diabetes management. A doctor in the UK may prescribe Ozempic injections for patients needing effective diabetes treatment, as it is specifically approved and licensed for this purpose.
Can you lose weight with Ozempic?
Yes, you can lose weight with Ozempic. One of the side effects of Ozempic is a reduction in appetite, which can lead to weight loss in many people with diabetes who use the drug (Nguyen, 2024). However, it is important to note that Ozempic is not licensed for weight loss treatment in the UK. For those specifically seeking a medication for weight loss, Wegovy, another branded form of semaglutide, is licensed for this purpose in the UK.
Are Mounjaro and Ozempic given in the same way?
Yes, Mounjaro and Ozempic are both administered in the same way. Both medications are given as once-weekly self-injections. They come in pre-filled pens that patients use to self-administer the injections, typically in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. This convenient method ensures consistent dosing and helps manage either weight loss with Mounjaro or blood glucose levels with Ozempic in people with type 2 diabetes.
Are Mounjaro and Ozempic in the same drug class?
Mounjaro and Ozempic are both classified as incretin mimetics but differ in their specific mechanisms of action. Mounjaro acts on both GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptors, making it a dual-acting receptor agonist. On the other hand, Ozempic acts solely on GLP-1 receptors. It stimulates insulin release from the pancreas when needed and slows the rate at which food moves through the digestive tract. While both medications are effective treatments for type 2 diabetes, they should not be used together or with any other GLP-1 or GIP receptor agonists due to their overlapping mechanisms of action (Anderson, 2024).
Do Mounjaro and Ozempic both lower the levels of A1C?
Yes, both Mounjaro and Ozempic lower the levels of A1C. A1C, also known as HbA1c, is a blood test that measures the average level of blood sugar (glucose) over the past two to three months. Mounjaro and Ozempic are both effective at reducing A1C levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC reference no: 7151419
LinkedIn
Website
Sources
Mounjaro vs Ozempic: How do they compare? - Drugs.com
Mounjaro - PIL (EMC)
Ozempic 0.25 mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen - Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) - (emc)
MHRA authorises diabetes drug Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for weight management and weight loss - GOV.UK
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