Mounjaro Vs Ozempic: Dosing, Price & Which Is Better?

In the UK alone, it is estimated that 1 in 4 adults are obese. Obesity is a difficult disease to manage, especially in those who have type-2 diabetes. Obesity is characterised by a certain amount of excess fat that increases the risk of the person developing severe health conditions such as type-2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol levels.

Both Mounjaro and Ozempic are prescription medications used alongside lifestyle changes in adults with type-2 diabetes when other treatment options are not suitable. These medications help lower and control blood sugar levels, while Mounjaro also suppresses appetite.

In this article, we compare Ozempic vs Mounjaro so that you can better understand different weight loss treatment options, empowering you in your weight loss journey.

Mounjaro Overview: How does Mounjaro work?

Mounjaro injections are the latest treatment options available for type-2 diabetes and weight loss. Mounjaro, in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and other lifestyle changes, is an effective and safe option for weight loss.

Mounjaro is approved for use in:

• Type-2 diabetes patients
• Patients with obesity (a BMI of 30kg/m2 or more)
• Those who are overweight (a BMI between 27 and 30kg/m2) and have weight-related health conditions such as prediabetes, high cholesterol, heart problems, or high blood pressure

The active ingredient in Mounjaro is tirzepatide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, and a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor. These receptors behave the same as two hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, which are made by the body. The two hormones (GLP-1 and GIP) are released from the gut when food is eaten and help balance blood sugar levels.

Tirzepatide (GLP-1 and GIP receptors) works by attaching to the receptors of the two hormones, telling the brain that it is full (reducing appetite) and lowering blood sugar levels by increasing the amount of insulin released from the pancreas. Tirzepatide also slows down the rate at which the stomach empties (absorbs food), resulting in a reduced appetite for longer.

Ozempic Overview: How does Ozempic work?

As of 2024, Ozempic, also known as semaglutide, is only licensed in the UK for adults with type-2 diabetes. Instead, Wegovy, which contains the same active ingredient, semaglutide, has been approved for use in adults for weight loss.

Ozempic is a prescribed weekly injection that helps lower blood glucose (sugar) levels. To get an Ozempic prescription in the UK, you need to meet the following criteria:

• Have poorly managed type-2 diabetes
• Metformin is not a suitable treatment option
• Have a BMI of 30 or over
• Have no family history or a previous diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, or pancreatitis

The active ingredient, semaglutide, is a GLP-1 analogue, which increases the levels of a hormone called incretins. This hormone helps the body create and release more insulin when you eat, resulting in a lower blood sugar level. semaglutide also reduces the amount of glucose (sugar) made by the liver.

Although Ozempic has previously been prescribed for off-label use to treat weight loss, no clinical studies provide sufficient data proving that Ozempic is safe as a weight loss treatment.

What’s the difference between Mounjaro vs Ozempic?

Mounjaro vs Ozempic active ingredients

The active ingredient in Mounjaro is tirzepatide, a dual-acting GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. tirzepatide attaches to the incretin hormones GIP and GLP-1, decreases appetite, and lowers blood sugar levels.

The active ingredient in Ozempic is semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that attaches to GLP-1 receptors and promotes insulin release from the pancreas when the body needs it.

While these two medicines have different active ingredients, they should not be taken together.

How long do Mounjaro and Ozempic take to work?

Research suggests that Mounjaro users begin to notice weight loss as early as four weeks into their treatment. Consistent and further weight loss was recorded until the study ended at 40 weeks.

The manufacturer of Ozempic noted that it takes 4-5 weeks of a once-weekly dose to reach a steady state in the body. The effectiveness of this medication and how much weight a patient loses varies from person to person due to their age, weight, kidney or liver function, other medications being taken, body fluid, and if they have other health conditions.

Mounjaro vs Ozempic dosing and usage recommendations

Mounjaro has different strengths: 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, and 15mg. The typical starting dose for patients is 2.5mg. The patient journey on Mounjaro typically looks like this:

• Month 1 - Starting dose of 2.5mg
• Month 2 - Maintenance dose (5mg)
• Month 3 - 7.5mg
• Month 4 - Maintenance dose (10mg)
• Month 5 - 12.5mg 
• Month 6 - Maintenance dose (15mg)

Ozempic is available in 4 different dose pens: 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, and 2mg. The starting dose for patients is 0.25mg. The typical patient journey on Ozempic looks like this:

• Month 1 - Starting dose of 0.25mg 
• Month 2 - 0.5mg can be increased to 1mg 
• Month 3 - 1mg dose, which can be increased to 2mg 

How does it feel after taking Mounjaro vs Ozempic?

After taking your first dose of Mounjaro, you may experience a loss of fluids (dehydration) due to side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. If left unattended, this may lead to kidney damage. Talk to your doctor if side effects persist after starting Mounjaro.

After taking the first dose of Ozempic, unpleasant side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, may be present. Talk to your doctor if side effects persist after taking Ozempic.

Mounjaro vs Ozempic side effects

As with any medication, there are reported side effects that may occur, although not everyone will experience them. Below, we highlight the side effects of Mounjaro and Ozempic. If you would like the full list of side effects for each medication, please refer to the respective patient information leaflets.

Mounjaro side effects

Common side effects of Mounjaro include:

• Low blood sugar
• Allergic reaction
• Dizziness
• Stomach pain
• Indigestion
  Reflux or heartburn
• Stomach bloating
• Fast pulse
• Hair loss
• Feeling tired
• Gallstones
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation

Severe side effects of Mounjaro include:

• Inflamed pancreas (acute pancreatitis)
• Severe allergic reactions

Ozempic side effects

Common side effects of Ozempic include:

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Low blood sugar
• Flatulence (gas)
• Dizziness
• Indigestion
• Gastritis (inflamed stomach)
• Stomach pain
• Constipation
• Gall stones
• Burping
• Tiredness
• Fast pulse
• Injection site reactions

Severe side effects of Ozempic include:

• Severe allergic reaction
• Complications of diabetic eye disease
• Inflamed pancreatitis (acute pancreatitis)

If you experience any severe side effects or an allergic reaction to either medication, seek immediate medical attention or phone 999.

Mounjaro vs Ozempic: Key differences

In the UK, Mounjaro is approved for use in both patients with type-2 diabetes and in obese or overweight patients. The active ingredient, tirzepatide, is a dual-acting GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Mounjaro is available in 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, and 15mg doses.

Ozempic is only approved for use in patients with type-2 diabetes. Its active ingredient, semaglutide, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Ozempic is available in 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, and 2mg dose pens. Other brands that contain the active ingredient semaglutide include Wegovy and Rybelsus tablets.

Mounjaro vs Ozempic’s interactions with other medications

Mounjaro

Tirzeparide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro) slows stomach emptying and may impact how fast other medications are absorbed. Reduced stomach emptying can alter how effective other medications are, especially if they need to pass through the stomach quickly. Oral contraceptives and paracetamol interact with Mounjaro.

Ozempic

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any prescription, herbal remedies, supplements, or vitamins that you take. Tell your doctor if you take medications with any of the following ingredients:

• Warfarin
• Insulin

Mounjaro vs Ozempic Price

Cloud Pharmacy, a UK-registered online prescribing service, stocks Mounjaro injection pens, with the starting dose (2.5mg) starting from £158.99.

Ozempic pens start from £179.99 and are available from high-street retailers. You will not be able to purchase Ozempic for weight loss purposes in the UK.

Mounjaro vs Ozempic customer reviews

The majority of Mounjaro’s reviews are positive, with users finding they successfully lost weight when taking Mounjaro in conjunction with an improved diet, exercise schedule, and other lifestyle changes.

Mounjaro users reported that they experienced side effects such as nausea, mild headache, and tiredness when they first started the treatment. They reported that side effects eased and did not reoccur again during the treatment course.

Ozempic customer reviews are mixed. Type-2 diabetes patients taking Ozempic reported they were grateful Ozempic became available as Metformin no longer worked sufficiently. They reported that they experienced side effects (nausea, headache, fatigue, and constipation) when they first began treatment.

Mounjaro vs Ozempic: Which is better?

According to research, Mounjaro is highly effective in helping obese and overweight patients lose weight. But does Mounjaro work better than Ozempic?

SURPASS-2, a phase 3, open-label, global clinical trial, was conducted over 40 weeks with 1,879 adult patients. Patients on an optimal dose of Mounjaro (15mg) experienced an average of 11% weight loss. Patients experienced consistent weight loss over the 40 weeks.

Therefore, Mounjaro is the more effective treatment for both type-2 diabetes and weight loss; however, it may cause more serious gastrointestinal side effects.

Ozempic is only licensed for use in patients with uncontrolled type-2 diabetes. However, it is effective in lowering blood glucose levels, aiding weight loss and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in people with heart disease.

Both Mounjaro and Ozempic may increase the risk of thyroid cancer.

What alternatives to Mounjaro and Ozempic are there?

Saxenda

Saxenda is a prescription-only medication that helps when other weight loss efforts have not worked. The active ingredient is Liraglutide, which is a GLP-1 agonist. Saxenda is suitable for:

• Adults with a BMI over 27, with weight-related health conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type-2 diabetes
• Adults with a BMI over 30

Wegovy

Wegovy is a prescription-only medication used for weight loss. It contains the active ingredient semaglutide, and unlike Ozempic, it is approved for use for weight loss in the UK. Wegovy is suitable for:

• Adults with a BMI over 30
• Adults with a BMI over 27 and weight-related health conditions such as type-2 diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), or high cholesterol.

Final thoughts

Mounjaro is an effective weight loss aid for those who are obese, overweight or have uncontrolled diabetes. Mounjaro is available to purchase with a prescription in the UK.

Ozempic is a prescription medication that is only licensed for use in people with type-2 diabetes — you cannot purchase Ozempic in the UK for weight loss.

Cloud Pharmacy is a UK-registered online prescribing service offering weight loss medications like Mounjaro. After a short online assessment to determine eligibility, you will have a free online consultation with a pharmacist to determine if Mounjaro is the correct medication for you. It will then be dispensed discreetly with next-day delivery to your UK address.

Cloud Pharmacy also provides patients on their weight loss journey with confidential follow-ups and advice.

FAQs 

What is a Cheaper Alternative to Ozempic? 

Wegovy is the UK version of semaglutide that has been approved for weight loss. Pricing starts from £159.00. 

What Medicine is Comparable to Ozempic? 

Other weight loss medications similar to Ozempic include Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda. 

Can I switch from Ozempic to Mounjaro? 

You can switch from Ozempic to Mounjaro; however, guidance and careful consideration from your doctor or healthcare provider are required. 

Is there anything better than Ozempic?

Mounjaro is more effective for weight loss and reducing A1C levels. However, it may have more severe gastrointestinal side effects compared to Ozempic. Talk to your doctor about which medication is the most suitable for your weight loss journey.