Wegovy® and Mounjaro® are both self injection GLP-1 treatments that are used once a week. Wegovy® has the active ingredient semaglutide, whereas Mounjaro has the active ingredient Tirzepatide.
While Wegovy has been shown to achieve around ~15% body weight loss on average for patients, Mounjaro has shown to help its users achieve ~20% body weight loss.
However, it’s pivotal to bear in mind that the results are greatly dependent on lifestyle modifications, with diet and exercise playing a crucial role. Therefore, the maximum benefit from these medications can be achieved when they are used as part of a holistic approach to weight management that includes a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
In essence, while both Mounjaro and Wegovy exhibit promising results, individual responses may vary, underlining the importance of personalised medical advice. For this reason, comparing results between other users of this medication isn’t recommended on the basis that all bodies are different and thus, their response to medication / specific doses may vary.
With Mounjaro’s active ingredient being Tirzepatide and Wegovy’s being Semaglutide, they each differ in their dosing recommendations. The commencement dose for Mounjaro is suggested at 2.5 mg administered once per week, whereas Wegovy is advised to start at a dose of 0.25 mg weekly.
Over time, the dosage of both these medications is progressively increased based on individual response and tolerance. It is of utmost importance to adhere strictly to the dosage plan outlined by your healthcare professional and avoid any self-adjustments without prior medical guidance.
This titrated dose helps avoid side effects while using the treatment.
- The titration of Wegovy is from 0.25mg > 0.5mg > 1mg > 1.7mg > 2.4mg.
- The titration of Mounjaro is from 2.5mg > 5mg > 7.5mg > 10mg > 12.5mg > 15mg.
It is important to note that incorrect use can cause potential harm, and also delay your order being shipped to you. Prescription medication such as Mounjaro and Wegovy require the user to safely adhere to the directions of their prescriber.
Other Considerations
While both of these medications have similar effects, there are other considerations to make.
Wegovy has been proven to reduce the relative risk of certain cardiovascular events (such as non-fatal strokes, non-fatal heart attacks and death by cardiovascular disease), by as much as 20%. As of 2024, no such study currently exists for Mounjaro – meaning we do not know if these same risk factors will be reduced.
This means that clinical data shows Wegovy being used to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues in adults with an established cardiovascular issue. Whilst we do not have enough information to show this clinical data about Mounjaro, the medications are both licensed in a similar manner.
Another consideration is for women who are using oral contraception. Wegovy has not been shown to affect the action of the pill, while Mounjaro has been shown to reduce the effectiveness of oral hormonal contraception.
This is most likely due to the pill not being properly absorbed by the digestive system while Mounjaro is active. The actual mechanics are currently unknown, but it is believed to be due to Mounjaro hindering absorption of the hormones in your gut.
When titrating up, or switching to a different dose, we recommend additional barrier methods, such as condoms, to any woman who is currently using Mounjaro alongside the pill. More specifically, an additional contraceptive method is recommended for the first 4 weeks of treatment, and for 4 weeks after each dose. This is not necessary for women using Wegovy.
Finally, an ease of use issue – Wegovy only needs to be primed once for each pen, while Mounjaro requires priming each time a new dose is to be administered. This is a relatively minor concern, but can cause issues for those who are not prepared. Our comprehensive video guides for injecting your medication are also available:
- Mounjaro video guide: How to Administer Your Weekly Mounjaro Injection: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Wegovy video guide: What to expect with Wegovy | Simple Online Pharmacy
Side Effects
Just like any other medication, Mounjaro and Wegovy, whilst generally well-tolerated, do come with their own set of potential side effects. These could range from minor issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and discomfort in the abdominal region. Though these are common, they should not be disregarded and it’s advisable to keep your healthcare provider informed about any discomfort you may experience.
On rare occasions, patients could encounter more severe side effects. These could include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and even kidney injury. Whilst these side effects are not commonplace, their potential occurrence reinforces the need for close monitoring and regular check-ups with your healthcare provider throughout your weight loss journey.
For more information on each of the drugs side effects, and how to manage them, you can read about Wegovy side effects, and Mounjaro side effects in our deep dives into these areas.