Mounjaro vs Ozempic
Comparing the two most-prescribed GLP-1 brand names
Ozempic
GLP-1 receptor agonistMounjaro
Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonistHow They Work
Ozempic
GLP-1 receptor agonist that reduces appetite and slows gastric emptying.
Mounjaro
Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist that targets two incretin pathways simultaneously.
Weight Loss Efficacy
SUSTAIN trials: up to 14% weight loss at maintenance doses (diabetes population)
SURPASS-2 trial: tirzepatide 15 mg showed 13.1% weight loss vs 6.7% for semaglutide 1 mg in diabetes patients
Side Effects
Ozempic
- Nausea (20%)
- Diarrhea (9%)
- Vomiting (10%)
- Constipation (5%)
- Abdominal pain (6%)
Mounjaro
- Nausea (18%)
- Diarrhea (17%)
- Decreased appetite (12%)
- Vomiting (6%)
- Constipation (7%)
Cost Comparison
| Cost type | Ozempic | Mounjaro |
|---|---|---|
| Without Insurance | OzempicNovoCare self-pay $349/month for the 0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg pens, $499/month for 2 mg | MounjaroList price $1,112.16 per fill (Lilly, WAC January 1, 2026; one fill is a month, four pens). LillyDirect self-pay starts at $499 a month, at every dose |
| With Insurance | OzempicDepends on your plan. For eligible patients with commercial insurance and type 2 diabetes, the Ozempic savings offer can lower the cost to as little as $25/month; savings are capped at $100/month. Weight loss use may not be covered | MounjaroDepends on your plan. For eligible patients whose commercial plan covers Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes, the Lilly savings card can lower the cost to as little as $25 for up to a 3-month fill; savings are capped at $150 per month of supply |
| Compounded | OzempicN/A (semaglutide compounded under Wegovy/generic name) | MounjaroN/A (tirzepatide compounded under generic name) |
Pros & Cons
Ozempic
Advantages
- Well-established safety profile (7+ years on market)
- Strong insurance coverage for type 2 diabetes
- Extensive real-world prescribing data
- Manufacturer savings card available
Considerations
- FDA-approved for diabetes only, not weight loss
- Lower max dose (2 mg) than Wegovy (2.4 mg recommended maintenance; 7.2 mg as Wegovy HD when label conditions are met)
- Off-label weight loss use may not be covered by insurance
- Less weight loss than Mounjaro in comparative data
Mounjaro
Advantages
- Greater weight loss potential than Ozempic
- Dual-hormone mechanism
- Lower reported nausea rates in trials
- More dose options (6 dose levels) for fine-tuning
Considerations
- FDA-approved for diabetes only (Zepbound is the weight loss brand)
- Newer, less long-term safety data
- Insurance coverage still evolving
- Some patients experience injection site reactions
The Bottom Line
Both are FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and frequently prescribed off-label for weight loss. Mounjaro produced significantly more weight loss in the head-to-head SURPASS-2 trial (13.1% vs 6.7%). However, Ozempic has a longer track record and may have stronger insurance coverage. If your primary goal is weight loss, ask your doctor about Wegovy (semaglutide) or Zepbound (tirzepatide), which are specifically approved for that indication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Head-to-head data (SURPASS-2 trial) showed Mounjaro produced significantly more weight loss than Ozempic in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, individual responses vary, and the best choice depends on your insurance, medical history, and side effect tolerance.
No. Both are FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes only. For weight loss, the FDA-approved versions are Zepbound (same drug as Mounjaro) and Wegovy (higher-dose semaglutide). Many doctors prescribe Mounjaro and Ozempic off-label for weight management.
No. You should never combine GLP-1 medications without explicit medical direction. Both work on similar pathways, and combining them increases the risk of serious side effects.
Very few cash patients pay the list price, so compare the direct self-pay prices instead: both makers sell these drugs straight to cash payers. NovoCare sells Ozempic at $349 a month for the 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg and 1 mg pens and $499 a month for 2 mg, with a $199 introductory price on the first two fills of the two lowest doses through December 31, 2026. LillyDirect sells Mounjaro starting at $499 a month, listed at every dose from 2.5 mg to 15 mg. Both carry eligibility rules and terms, so check your own dose on the maker’s page. For reference, Lilly lists Mounjaro at $1,112.16 per fill, which it defines as a month, four pens.
Medical Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. All clinical data is sourced from FDA prescribing information and published peer-reviewed trials. Individual results vary. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or switching any medication.