Mounjaro and Rybelsus Comparison

Mounjaro®(tirzepatide)	Rybelsus®(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 Rybelsus tablets (semaglutide) are used by adults with type 2 diabetes to manage blood sugar levels. Taken once daily, Rybelsus is combined with diet and exercise. It boosts...
Administration
Subcutaneous . Learn more.	Oral. 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.	Start RYBELSUS® with 3 mg once daily for 30 days. The 3 mg dosage is intended for treatment initiation. •After 30 days on the 3 mg dosage, increase the dosage to 7 mg once daily. •The dosage may be increased to 14 mg.. 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.	Initiate RYBELSUS® at 3 mg qd for 30 days. Then, escalate to 7 mg qd after 30 days. Consider up-titrating to 14 mg qd.. Learn more.
Out-Of-Pocket Costs With Copay Card
$25. Learn more.	$25. Learn more.
Annual Cap
$1800. Learn more.	$150 for a 1-month supply; $300 for a 2-month supply; $450 for a 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.	Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5%) are nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting 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 RYBELSUS® during pregnancy? The available data with RYBELSUS® use in pregnant women are insufficient to evaluate the drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Clinical considerations should be noted regarding the risks of poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy. How should RYBELSUS® be used during pregnancy? RYBELSUS® should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. What animal reproduction studies have been conducted with RYBELSUS®? In pregnant rats, embryofetal mortality, structural abnormalities, and alterations to growth occurred at maternal exposures below the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) based on AUC. Similar findings were observed in rabbits and cynomolgus monkeys at exposures below the MRHD. What is the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage? 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 a HbA1c >10. In the 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 for poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy? Poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy increases the maternal risk for 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. Is there any information on RYBELSUS® use during lactation? There are no data on the presence of semaglutide (active ingredient in RYBELSUS®) in human milk, its effects on the breastfed infant, or milk production. Semaglutide was detected in the milk of lactating rats. Due to species-specific differences, the clinical relevance of these data is not clear. What should be considered regarding lactation and RYBELSUS®? Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with RYBELSUS® due to potential accumulation of certain substances (such as SNAC) in breast milk. There are alternative formulations of semaglutide that can be used during lactation. When should RYBELSUS® be discontinued in relation to a planned pregnancy? RYBELSUS® should be discontinued in women at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy due to the long washout period for semaglutide. Is RYBELSUS® safe for pediatric use? The safety and effectiveness of RYBELSUS® have not been established in pediatric patients (younger than 18 years). How is RYBELSUS® affected by renal impairment? The safety and effectiveness of RYBELSUS® was evaluated in patients with moderate renal impairment, showing no clinically relevant change in semaglutide pharmacokinetics. No dose adjustment of RYBELSUS® is recommended for patients with renal impairment. How is RYBELSUS® affected by hepatic impairment? In subjects with different degrees of hepatic impairment, no clinically relevant change in semaglutide pharmacokinetics was observed. No dose adjustment of RYBELSUS® is recommended for patients with hepatic impairment.

Mounjaro®(tirzepatide)

Rybelsus®(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

Rybelsus tablets (semaglutide) are used by adults with type 2 diabetes to manage blood sugar levels. Taken once daily, Rybelsus is combined with diet and exercise. It boosts...

Dosage & Administration

Administration

Subcutaneous . Learn more.

Oral. 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.

Start RYBELSUS® with 3 mg once daily for 30 days. The 3 mg dosage is intended for treatment initiation. •After 30 days on the 3 mg dosage, increase the dosage to 7 mg once daily. •The dosage may be increased to 14 mg.. 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.

Initiate RYBELSUS® at 3 mg qd for 30 days. Then, escalate to 7 mg qd after 30 days. Consider up-titrating to 14 mg qd.. Learn more.

Financial Assistance

Out-Of-Pocket Costs With Copay Card

$25. Learn more.

Annual Cap

$1800. Learn more.

$150 for a 1-month supply; $300 for a 2-month supply; $450 for a 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.

Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5%) are nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting 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 RYBELSUS® during pregnancy?

The available data with RYBELSUS® use in pregnant women are insufficient to evaluate the drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Clinical considerations should be noted regarding the risks of poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy.

How should RYBELSUS® be used during pregnancy?

RYBELSUS® should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

What animal reproduction studies have been conducted with RYBELSUS®?

In pregnant rats, embryofetal mortality, structural abnormalities, and alterations to growth occurred at maternal exposures below the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) based on AUC. Similar findings were observed in rabbits and cynomolgus monkeys at exposures below the MRHD.

What is the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage?

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 a HbA1c >10. In the 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 for poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy?

Poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy increases the maternal risk for 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.

Is there any information on RYBELSUS® use during lactation?

There are no data on the presence of semaglutide (active ingredient in RYBELSUS®) in human milk, its effects on the breastfed infant, or milk production. Semaglutide was detected in the milk of lactating rats. Due to species-specific differences, the clinical relevance of these data is not clear.

What should be considered regarding lactation and RYBELSUS®?

Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with RYBELSUS® due to potential accumulation of certain substances (such as SNAC) in breast milk. There are alternative formulations of semaglutide that can be used during lactation.

When should RYBELSUS® be discontinued in relation to a planned pregnancy?

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

Is RYBELSUS® safe for pediatric use?

The safety and effectiveness of RYBELSUS® have not been established in pediatric patients (younger than 18 years).

How is RYBELSUS® affected by renal impairment?

The safety and effectiveness of RYBELSUS® was evaluated in patients with moderate renal impairment, showing no clinically relevant change in semaglutide pharmacokinetics. No dose adjustment of RYBELSUS® is recommended for patients with renal impairment.

How is RYBELSUS® affected by hepatic impairment?

In subjects with different degrees of hepatic impairment, no clinically relevant change in semaglutide pharmacokinetics was observed. No dose adjustment of RYBELSUS® is recommended for patients with hepatic impairment.

Mounjaro® Alternatives