Mounjaro and Ozempic Comparison

Mounjaro®(tirzepatide)	Ozempic®(semaglutide)
Prescription Only Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes to effectively lower blood sugar levels (blood glucose). Administered as a once-weekly injection, Mounjaro is...	Prescription Only Ozempic (semaglutide) is a once-weekly injection that helps improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It also reduces the risk of major cardiovascular...
Administration
Subcutaneous . Learn more.	Subcutaneous. Learn more.
Dosing
2.5 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly * After 4 weeks, increase to 5 mg injected SC once weekly Increase the dosage in 2.5 mg increments after at least 4 weeks on the current dose. if needed. Max dosage is 15 mg weekly.. Learn more.	0.25 mg SC injection q/week for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, increase to 0.5 mg SC q/week. • If more control needed after 4 weeks on 0.5 mg, increase to 1 mg SC q/week • If further control needed after 4 weeks on 1 mg, increase to 2 mg SC q/week (max dose). . Learn more.
Latin Shorthand
Start: 2.5 mg SC weekly Wk 4: Increase to 5 mg SC weekly If more control needed, ↑ by 2.5 mg after ≥4 wks Max: 15 mg SC weekly Weekly dosing, any time, w/wo meals SC injection: abd, thigh, upper arm. Learn more.	0.25 mg SC injection q/week for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, increase to 0.5 mg SC q/week. • If more control needed after 4 weeks on 0.5 mg, increase to 1 mg SC q/week • If further control needed after 4 weeks on 1 mg, increase to 2 mg SC q/week (max dose). . Learn more.
Out-Of-Pocket Costs With Copay Card
$25. Learn more.	$25. Learn more.
Annual Cap
$1800. Learn more.	$150 for 1 month supply; $300 for 2 month supply; $450 for 3 month supply. Learn more.
Assistance Expiration
12/31/2023. Learn more.	24 months. Learn more.
Generics
No lower-cost generic available	No lower-cost generic available
Adverse Reactions
The most common adverse reactions, reported in ≥5% of patients treated with MOUNJARO are: nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, dyspepsia, and abdominal pain.. Learn more.	The most common adverse reactions, reported in ≥5% of patients treated with OZEMPIC® are: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and constipation.. Learn more.
Mechanism of Actions (MoA)
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists. Learn more.	GLP-1 Receptor Agonists. Learn more.
Special Populations
What are the risks associated with MOUNJARO use during pregnancy? Available data with MOUNJARO use in pregnant women are insufficient to evaluate for a drug-related risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations). Based on animal reproduction studies, there may be risks to the fetus from exposure to tirzepatide during pregnancy. MOUNJARO should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. In pregnant rats administered tirzepatide during organogenesis, fetal growth reductions and fetal abnormalities occurred at clinical exposure in maternal rats based on AUC. In rabbits administered tirzepatide during organogenesis, fetal growth reductions were observed at clinically relevant exposures based on AUC. These adverse embryo/fetal effects in animals coincided with pharmacological effects on maternal weight and food consumption (see Data). The estimated background risk of major birth defects is 6–10% in women with pre-gestational diabetes with an HbA1c >7% and has been reported to be as high as 20–25% in women with an HbA1c >10%. The estimated background risk of miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2–4% and 15–20%, respectively. What are the clinical considerations regarding pregnancy and MOUNJARO use? Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risk Poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy increases the maternal risk for diabetic ketoacidosis, pre-eclampsia, spontaneous abortions, preterm delivery and delivery complications. Poorly controlled diabetes increases the fetal risk for major birth defects, stillbirth, and macrosomia-related morbidity. What animal data is available regarding MOUNJARO use during pregnancy? In pregnant rats given twice weekly subcutaneous doses of 0.02, 0.1, and 0.5 mg/kg tirzepatide (0.03-, 0.07-, and 0.5-fold the MRHD of 15 mg once weekly based on AUC) during organogenesis, increased incidences of external, visceral, and skeletal malformations, increased incidences of visceral and skeletal developmental variations, and decreased fetal weights coincided with pharmacologically-mediated reductions in maternal body weights and food consumption at 0.5 mg/kg. In pregnant rabbits given once weekly subcutaneous doses of 0.01, 0.03, or 0.1 mg/kg tirzepatide (0.01-, 0.06-, and 0.2-fold the MRHD) during organogenesis, pharmacologically-mediated effects on the gastrointestinal system resulting in maternal mortality or abortion in a few rabbits occurred at all dose levels. Reduced fetal weights associated with decreased maternal food consumption and body weights were observed at 0.1 mg/kg. In a pre- and post-natal study in rats administered subcutaneous doses of 0.02, 0.10, or 0.25 mg/kg tirzepatide twice weekly from implantation through lactation, F1 pups from F0 maternal rats given 0.25 mg/kg tirzepatide had statistically significant lower mean body weight when compared to controls from post-natal day 7 through post-natal day 126 for males and post-natal day 56 for females. What are the risks associated with MOUNJARO use during lactation? There are no data on the presence of tirzepatide in animal or human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for MOUNJARO and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from MOUNJARO or from the underlying maternal condition. How does MOUNJARO use affect oral hormonal contraceptives? Use of MOUNJARO may reduce the efficacy of oral hormonal contraceptives due to delayed gastric emptying. This delay is largest after the first dose and diminishes over time. Advise patients using oral hormonal contraceptives to switch to a non-oral contraceptive method, or add a barrier method of contraception for 4 weeks after initiation and for 4 weeks after each dose escalation with MOUNJARO. Is MOUNJARO safe and effective for pediatric patients? Safety and effectiveness of MOUNJARO have not been established in pediatric patients (younger than 18 years of age). Are there age-related differences in MOUNJARO use for geriatric patients? In the pool of seven clinical trials, 1539 (30.1%) MOUNJARO-treated patients were 65 years of age or older, and 212 (4.1%) MOUNJARO-treated patients were 75 years of age or older at baseline. No overall differences in safety or efficacy were detected between these patients and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out. Is dosage adjustment necessary for patients with renal impairment using MOUNJARO? No dosage adjustment of MOUNJARO is recommended for patients with renal impairment. In subjects with renal impairment including end-stage renal disease (ESRD), no change in tirzepatide pharmacokinetics (PK) was observed [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Monitor renal function when initiating or escalating doses of MOUNJARO in patients with renal impairment reporting severe adverse gastrointestinal reactions. Is dosage adjustment necessary for patients with hepatic impairment using MOUNJARO? No dosage adjustment of MOUNJARO is recommended for patients with hepatic impairment. In a clinical pharmacology study in subjects with varying degrees of hepatic impairment, no change in tirzepatide PK was observed.	What is the risk of using OZEMPIC® during pregnancy? Limited data exist on the use of semaglutide in pregnant women, making it challenging to determine the potential drug-associated risk for adverse developmental outcomes. Poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy poses risks for both the mother and fetus. OZEMPIC® should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks. What are the potential risks to the fetus from exposure to semaglutide during pregnancy? Based on animal studies, there may be potential risks to the fetus from exposure to semaglutide during pregnancy. In pregnant rats, exposure to semaglutide during organogenesis led to embryofetal mortality, structural abnormalities, and growth alterations. Similar findings were observed in rabbits and cynomolgus monkeys. What is the estimated background risk of birth defects and miscarriage in pregnant women? In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. For women with pre-gestational diabetes, the estimated background risk of major birth defects is 6 to 10% with a peri-conceptional HbA1c >7 and can be as high as 20 to 25% with a peri-conceptional HbA1c >10. What are the disease-associated risks for pregnant women with poorly controlled diabetes? Poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy increases the risk of hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, pre-eclampsia, spontaneous abortions, preterm delivery, and delivery complications. It also increases the fetal risk for major birth defects, stillbirth, and macrosomia-related morbidity. What do the animal data reveal about the effects of semaglutide exposure during pregnancy? Animal data indicate that exposure to semaglutide during pregnancy in rats, rabbits, and cynomolgus monkeys can result in embryofetal mortality, structural abnormalities, and alterations in growth. These effects were observed at various dose levels and exposures in different animal species. What is known about semaglutide exposure during lactation? There is no information available regarding the presence of semaglutide in human milk or its effects on breastfed infants or milk production. Semaglutide was detected in the milk of lactating rats, but the clinical relevance of these findings is not clear. Should OZEMPIC® be discontinued in women planning a pregnancy? OZEMPIC® should be discontinued in women at least 2 months before planning a pregnancy due to the long washout period required for semaglutide. Is OZEMPIC® safe for pediatric use? Safety and efficacy of OZEMPIC® have not been established in pediatric patients (younger than 18 years). Is OZEMPIC® safe for geriatric use? No overall differences in safety or efficacy have been detected between older and younger patients in clinical trials. However, caution should be exercised in geriatric patients. Is OZEMPIC® safe for patients with renal impairment? No dose adjustment of OZEMPIC® is recommended for patients with renal impairment. Semaglutide pharmacokinetics have not shown clinically relevant changes in subjects with renal impairment, including end-stage renal disease. Is OZEMPIC® safe for patients with hepatic impairment? No dose adjustment of OZEMPIC® is recommended for patients with hepatic impairment. Semaglutide pharmacokinetics have not shown clinically relevant changes in subjects with varying degrees of hepatic impairment.

Mounjaro®(tirzepatide)

Ozempic®(semaglutide)

Prescription Only

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes to effectively lower blood sugar levels (blood glucose). Administered as a once-weekly injection, Mounjaro is...

Prescription Only

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a once-weekly injection that helps improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It also reduces the risk of major cardiovascular...

Dosage & Administration

Administration

Subcutaneous . Learn more.

Subcutaneous. Learn more.

Dosing

2.5 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly * After 4 weeks, increase to 5 mg injected SC once weekly *Increase the dosage in 2.5 mg increments after at least 4 weeks on the current dose. if needed. * Max dosage is 15 mg weekly.. Learn more.

0.25 mg SC injection q/week for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, increase to 0.5 mg SC q/week. • If more control needed after 4 weeks on 0.5 mg, increase to 1 mg SC q/week • If further control needed after 4 weeks on 1 mg, increase to 2 mg SC q/week (max dose). . Learn more.

Latin Shorthand

Start: 2.5 mg SC weekly Wk 4: Increase to 5 mg SC weekly If more control needed, ↑ by 2.5 mg after ≥4 wks Max: 15 mg SC weekly Weekly dosing, any time, w/wo meals SC injection: abd, thigh, upper arm. Learn more.

Financial Assistance

Out-Of-Pocket Costs With Copay Card

$25. Learn more.

Annual Cap

$1800. Learn more.

$150 for 1 month supply; $300 for 2 month supply; $450 for 3 month supply. Learn more.

Assistance Expiration

12/31/2023. Learn more.

24 months. Learn more.

Generics

No lower-cost generic available

Physician Advisory

Adverse Reactions

The most common adverse reactions, reported in ≥5% of patients treated with MOUNJARO are: nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, dyspepsia, and abdominal pain.. Learn more.

The most common adverse reactions, reported in ≥5% of patients treated with OZEMPIC® are: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and constipation.. Learn more.

Mechanism of Actions (MoA)

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists. Learn more.

Special Populations

What are the risks associated with MOUNJARO use during pregnancy?

Available data with MOUNJARO use in pregnant women are insufficient to evaluate for a drug-related risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations). Based on animal reproduction studies, there may be risks to the fetus from exposure to tirzepatide during pregnancy. MOUNJARO should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. In pregnant rats administered tirzepatide during organogenesis, fetal growth reductions and fetal abnormalities occurred at clinical exposure in maternal rats based on AUC. In rabbits administered tirzepatide during organogenesis, fetal growth reductions were observed at clinically relevant exposures based on AUC. These adverse embryo/fetal effects in animals coincided with pharmacological effects on maternal weight and food consumption (see Data). The estimated background risk of major birth defects is 6–10% in women with pre-gestational diabetes with an HbA1c >7% and has been reported to be as high as 20–25% in women with an HbA1c >10%. The estimated background risk of miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2–4% and 15–20%, respectively.

What are the clinical considerations regarding pregnancy and MOUNJARO use?

Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risk Poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy increases the maternal risk for diabetic ketoacidosis, pre-eclampsia, spontaneous abortions, preterm delivery and delivery complications. Poorly controlled diabetes increases the fetal risk for major birth defects, stillbirth, and macrosomia-related morbidity.

What animal data is available regarding MOUNJARO use during pregnancy?

In pregnant rats given twice weekly subcutaneous doses of 0.02, 0.1, and 0.5 mg/kg tirzepatide (0.03-, 0.07-, and 0.5-fold the MRHD of 15 mg once weekly based on AUC) during organogenesis, increased incidences of external, visceral, and skeletal malformations, increased incidences of visceral and skeletal developmental variations, and decreased fetal weights coincided with pharmacologically-mediated reductions in maternal body weights and food consumption at 0.5 mg/kg. In pregnant rabbits given once weekly subcutaneous doses of 0.01, 0.03, or 0.1 mg/kg tirzepatide (0.01-, 0.06-, and 0.2-fold the MRHD) during organogenesis, pharmacologically-mediated effects on the gastrointestinal system resulting in maternal mortality or abortion in a few rabbits occurred at all dose levels. Reduced fetal weights associated with decreased maternal food consumption and body weights were observed at 0.1 mg/kg. In a pre- and post-natal study in rats administered subcutaneous doses of 0.02, 0.10, or 0.25 mg/kg tirzepatide twice weekly from implantation through lactation, F1 pups from F0 maternal rats given 0.25 mg/kg tirzepatide had statistically significant lower mean body weight when compared to controls from post-natal day 7 through post-natal day 126 for males and post-natal day 56 for females.

What are the risks associated with MOUNJARO use during lactation?

There are no data on the presence of tirzepatide in animal or human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for MOUNJARO and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from MOUNJARO or from the underlying maternal condition.

How does MOUNJARO use affect oral hormonal contraceptives?

Use of MOUNJARO may reduce the efficacy of oral hormonal contraceptives due to delayed gastric emptying. This delay is largest after the first dose and diminishes over time. Advise patients using oral hormonal contraceptives to switch to a non-oral contraceptive method, or add a barrier method of contraception for 4 weeks after initiation and for 4 weeks after each dose escalation with MOUNJARO.

Is MOUNJARO safe and effective for pediatric patients?

Safety and effectiveness of MOUNJARO have not been established in pediatric patients (younger than 18 years of age).

Are there age-related differences in MOUNJARO use for geriatric patients?

In the pool of seven clinical trials, 1539 (30.1%) MOUNJARO-treated patients were 65 years of age or older, and 212 (4.1%) MOUNJARO-treated patients were 75 years of age or older at baseline. No overall differences in safety or efficacy were detected between these patients and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

Is dosage adjustment necessary for patients with renal impairment using MOUNJARO?

No dosage adjustment of MOUNJARO is recommended for patients with renal impairment. In subjects with renal impairment including end-stage renal disease (ESRD), no change in tirzepatide pharmacokinetics (PK) was observed [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Monitor renal function when initiating or escalating doses of MOUNJARO in patients with renal impairment reporting severe adverse gastrointestinal reactions.

Is dosage adjustment necessary for patients with hepatic impairment using MOUNJARO?

No dosage adjustment of MOUNJARO is recommended for patients with hepatic impairment. In a clinical pharmacology study in subjects with varying degrees of hepatic impairment, no change in tirzepatide PK was observed.

What is the risk of using OZEMPIC® during pregnancy?

Limited data exist on the use of semaglutide in pregnant women, making it challenging to determine the potential drug-associated risk for adverse developmental outcomes. Poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy poses risks for both the mother and fetus. OZEMPIC® should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.

What are the potential risks to the fetus from exposure to semaglutide during pregnancy?

Based on animal studies, there may be potential risks to the fetus from exposure to semaglutide during pregnancy. In pregnant rats, exposure to semaglutide during organogenesis led to embryofetal mortality, structural abnormalities, and growth alterations. Similar findings were observed in rabbits and cynomolgus monkeys.

What is the estimated background risk of birth defects and miscarriage in pregnant women?

In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. For women with pre-gestational diabetes, the estimated background risk of major birth defects is 6 to 10% with a peri-conceptional HbA1c >7 and can be as high as 20 to 25% with a peri-conceptional HbA1c >10.

What are the disease-associated risks for pregnant women with poorly controlled diabetes?

Poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy increases the risk of hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, pre-eclampsia, spontaneous abortions, preterm delivery, and delivery complications. It also increases the fetal risk for major birth defects, stillbirth, and macrosomia-related morbidity.

What do the animal data reveal about the effects of semaglutide exposure during pregnancy?

Animal data indicate that exposure to semaglutide during pregnancy in rats, rabbits, and cynomolgus monkeys can result in embryofetal mortality, structural abnormalities, and alterations in growth. These effects were observed at various dose levels and exposures in different animal species.

What is known about semaglutide exposure during lactation?

There is no information available regarding the presence of semaglutide in human milk or its effects on breastfed infants or milk production. Semaglutide was detected in the milk of lactating rats, but the clinical relevance of these findings is not clear.

Should OZEMPIC® be discontinued in women planning a pregnancy?

OZEMPIC® should be discontinued in women at least 2 months before planning a pregnancy due to the long washout period required for semaglutide.

Is OZEMPIC® safe for pediatric use?

Safety and efficacy of OZEMPIC® have not been established in pediatric patients (younger than 18 years).

Is OZEMPIC® safe for geriatric use?

No overall differences in safety or efficacy have been detected between older and younger patients in clinical trials. However, caution should be exercised in geriatric patients.

Is OZEMPIC® safe for patients with renal impairment?

No dose adjustment of OZEMPIC® is recommended for patients with renal impairment. Semaglutide pharmacokinetics have not shown clinically relevant changes in subjects with renal impairment, including end-stage renal disease.

Is OZEMPIC® safe for patients with hepatic impairment?

No dose adjustment of OZEMPIC® is recommended for patients with hepatic impairment. Semaglutide pharmacokinetics have not shown clinically relevant changes in subjects with varying degrees of hepatic impairment.

Mounjaro® Alternatives