Mounjaro vs Wegovy

Around 64% of the adult UK population suffers from obesity, making weight management solutions highly sought after. In response to the anticipated demand, many innovative solutions have surfaced to counter this issue. 

Mounjaro (active ingredient Tirzepatide) and Wegovy (active ingredient Semaglutide) are two of the most popular medications, offering innovative approaches to help individuals lose weight. Despite the transformative results, there are key differences between the two.

Both medications are aiding the UK population in shedding excessive weight. Similarly, they have a common mode of action to treat weight by influencing appetite regulation. The combination of GLP-1 receptor agonists in both Mounjaro & Wegovy reduces weight up to double digits on average. 

However, there are significant differences depending on the nature of consumers’ anatomy and other medical conditions. It is important to understand the Mounjaro vs Wegovy idea before deciding to use either. 

This article will cover all aspects including clinical, real-life considerations, and requirements for both medications. 

What are the key differences of Mounjaro and Wegovy?

Before you opt for Mounjaro or Wegovy, figure out the key differences between the two to get maximum results. Based on one's current medical condition, the doctor would recommend the best medication for weight management.

Mounjaro is a prescription drug by US pharmaceutical company, Eli Lilly And Company based in Indiana. While Wegovy is a slimming pen injector introduced by Novo Nordisk, a multinational Danish drug company. 

Due to their comparable results, many users find it confusing to choose between the two. However, choosing the right medication is critical for better long-term results. 

Here are the basic differences.

Active ingredients

Mounjaro has tirzepatide as its active ingredient. It works similarly to GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). These hormones are produced in the gut and target specific receptors in the body, like pancreas and brain.

Additionally, Mounjaro is the first dual receptor agonist, targeting both GIP and GLP-1 to swiftly lower blood sugar levels, and slow the food processing through the body.

Wegovy contains semaglutide as an active ingredient; which is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics the natural GLP-1 hormone in the body. This ingredient regulates appetite by increasing fullness, reducing food intake, hunger and craving. 

Wegovy also contains sodium phosphate dibasic dihydrate, sodium chloride and water to support GLP-1 activity. Semaglutide is a popular ingredient and used by numerous companies for producing weight management medications.

Dosage

Mounjaro starts with 2.5mg and goes up to 15 mg. Each of these doses comes in individual pens allowing for a broader dosing range while meeting user’s requirements. It is available in pens and vials, both having the same recommended dosages.

Typically, a 2.5mg dose is recommended once a week for the first four weeks, increasing to 5mg once a week starting from week five. Likewise, after week 9, the dosage increases to 7.5mg a week. The maximum recommended dosage is 15mg a week.

Wegovy starts with 0.25mg to 2.4mg. It comes in the form of pens and recommendations depend on individuals’ medical condition. All these doses come only in injectable pens. 

Usually, starting dosage is 0.25mg per week, and it increases gradually after a 4 weeks period to a maximum of 2.4mg per week. 

Always consult a doctor before increasing or reducing medication dosage. 

Mechanism of action

Mounjaro targets the GLP-1 and GIP receptors to aid in weight management. It will slow down the process of emptying your stomach, making you feel fuller for a longer period. Meaning, your calorie intake will reduce eventually. 

Furthermore, this medication also acts on certain brain parts that controls craving, thus lowering blood sugar levels to promote fullness, enhancing energy aiding in weight loss. It helps the body utilize stored fat as an energy source.

Wegovy has a GLP-1 receptor that will slow down digestion of food in the body known as gastric emptying. This slowness brings a sense of satisfaction in your body, thus helping to manage your weight.

Additionally, it will control your appetite, making you feel full more quickly, and less hungry after eating. Wegovy will also regulate your brain in a way to reduce your hunger, and release insulin when blood sugar levels are high.

Side effects

Weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy are popular among individuals seeking weight management but these come with side effects like other medications. Therefore, always discuss with your physician before proceeding to take medicines.

The side effects of both medicines could be mild to severe. Mild side effects would fade away with regular use. However, if they persist for a longer period or become severe, they’ll influence your health in the long term. So, you should consult your doctor about the under way complications. 

Here are side effects of the two drugs covering both mild to severe.

Mounjaro side effects

Regular use of Mounjaro takes away its side effects, and includes the following. 

• Nausea and Vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn
• Injection site reactions
• Gallbladder problems

Wegovy Side Effects

Wegovy can have both short and long-term side effects. Short-term side effects tend to diminish. The following are a few common side effects of Wegovy.

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Low blood sugar
• Indigestion 
• Headache 
• Appendicitis
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating 
• Hair loss

Is Mounjaro better than Wegovy?

The answer is not as simple as many factors have to be considered. However it is evident from both clinical records and user feedback that Mounjaro has shown better results than Wegovy in aiding weight loss. This could be the case because, Mounjaro targets both GLP-1 and GPI receptors, it may work better than other weight management medications, including Wegovy.

A 72-week clinical trial resulted in 96% of the individuals losing 5% or more of their starting body weight after consuming Mounjaro. Whereas, a similar trial resulted in 84% participants losing 5% or more weight who took Wegovy. Research suggests that Mounjaro supports an average of 25% weight loss in one year, compared to the 16% with Wegovy.

So, if you weigh 100kg at the start of taking weight loss medicine. Mounjaro will help you lose 25kg in one year, while Wegovy will only support shedding 16kg. 

Mounjaro is a better option than Wegovy as a significant difference in outcome exists between the two.

Can you switch from Wegovy to Mounjaro?

Yes, patients can switch from Wegovy to Mounjaro if they are not satisfied with the results.

Wegovy has a proven record of effective weight loss, so think it through before switching. However, it is possible to make a switch (if clinically appropriate).

If you are getting positive results from Wegovy with mild side effects, it could be a better option sticking to it. Contact a health care professional at Click Pharmacy for personalized advice, if you are not satisfied with the results and want to consider making a switch to Mounjaro. 

Our experts will help you switch to the better option after thoroughly examining your medical history. Further, our consultants will establish target weight loss through Mounjaro if you are prescribed  to use it. 

Get in touch if you want to make that switch from Wegovy to Mounjaro.

How to switch from Wegovy to Mounjaro?

The key point is to avoid taking Mounjaro and Wegovy at the same time. It can have serious side effects. Also, it would not increase benefits if you consume them together. Only if you are clinically approved to make a switch, take your first Mounjaro injection at least one week after you have stopped using your Wegovy injection.

However, stay in close contact with your health care professional when switching between Wegovy to Mounjaro. It will help avoid possible complications and make progress in your quest for weight loss

There are no standard recommendations to switch between Wegovy and Mounjaro. It is advisable to start with a low dosage of the new medication while making a switch.

Reference: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2812936