What to know about switching from Ozempic to Mounjaro

If you've been using Ozempic but you’re starting to get curious about what Mounjaro has to offer, it may be possible to switch medications. Both are popular for their effectiveness in managing type 2 diabetes and weight loss. Switching from Ozempic to Mounjaro could improve your blood sugar control, enhance weight loss, or help with both. However, if Ozempic is working well for you, switching to Mounjaro might not be the best choice, as it could come with downsides, including side effects or higher costs.

Since both Ozempic and Mounjaro require a prescription, you’ll need to talk with your healthcare provider before making any changes. This article will give you the info you need to feel ready for that conversation.

Yes, switching from Ozempic to Mounjaro is an option if you and your healthcare provider decide it’s the right move. This decision largely depends on why you’re using Ozempic and the effectiveness of your current treatment plan. 

Other factors, like side effects and costs, should also be considered. If Ozempic is out of stock or too expensive, Mounjaro could be worth exploring. Everyone's situation is different, so when you’re considering switching, it's important to know which medication aligns best with your health goals.

Before we get into the details of how to switch from Ozempic to Mounjaro, here’s a quick overview of each medication and how they work.

Ozempic (semaglutide)

Ozempic is FDA-approved, along with diet and exercise, for controlling blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes and reducing cardiovascular risks — such as stroke, heart attack, and death from cardiovascular issues — in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Ozempic is also commonly used off-label for weight loss.

Ozempic works by mimicking a hormone naturally found in the body, GLP-1. It helps your pancreas release insulin and reduce blood sugar levels. It helps with weight loss by slowing down the time it takes for the stomach to empty. It also reduces appetite and food intake via effects on the brain.  In studies of people with type 2 diabetes, Ozempic reduced HbA1C (a measure of average blood sugar) by about 1.9%, a meaningful reduction compared to other diabetes medications, and helped people lose about 8.3% percent of their body weight, on average. 

Mounjaro (tirzepatide)

 Mounjaro is a newer medication that was FDA-approved for controlling blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes, alongside lifestyle changes. Like Ozempic, it isn’t approved for weight loss at the time of writing but may be used off-label for this purpose.

Mounjaro mimics the effects of not one but two hormones (GLP-1 and GIP) to help regulate insulin production, blood sugar control, and satiety. In studies of people with type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro was better than Ozempic at lowering HbA1C, with reductions of around 2.3% and supporting weight loss, with participants shedding 15.3% of body weight, depending on the dose. 

Several reasons may explain why someone might want to switch from Ozempic to Mounjaro. A few common examples:

• You haven’t reached your weight loss goal with Ozempic. While both medications can be highly effective for weight loss, Mounjaro may lead to more weight reduction compared to Ozempic, especially at higher doses. A meta-analysis of 28 trials found that Mounjaro tends to reduce body weight more than semaglutide, ranging from 11 lbs to 21 lbs with tirzepatide, compared to 6 lbs to 11 lbs for semaglutide.

• Your type 2 diabetes isn’t under control. High blood sugar levels can lead to complications of diabetes. Clinical trials suggest Mounjaro may provide better control of blood sugar levels than Ozempic.

• You have Ozempic side effects. Since Mounjaro and Ozempic are similar medications, they share common side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, some people find they tolerate Mounjaro better than Ozempic. If you’ve been suffering through unpleasant Ozempic side effects, you can ask your healthcare provider about trying Mounjaro instead. Keep in mind, though, studies comparing the two medications show higher rates of nausea and stomach upset with Mounjaro — but everyone has different responses to medications, and your experience may differ from what was seen in studies. 

• You have had reactions. If you have experienced allergic reactions like breathing problems or rashes with Ozempic, you may be wondering if Mounjaro is a better choice. These medications contain different active ingredients as well as different inactive ingredients, so it may be possible to be allergic to one and not the other. For example, some people may be sensitive to the propylene glycol ingredient in Ozempic, which is not found in Mounjaro. Of course, people reacting to one medication may also react to another, and it is important to discuss with your healthcare provider to see if making a change might be right for you.

• You are concerned about cost. If you are considering a change due to cost, switching may not save you any money. Both medications can be expensive. When comparing list prices, semaglutide seems more affordable. Ozempic can cost around $968 per month, while Mounjaro’s list price is around $1,069 per month. Your actual cost may vary based on insurance coverage, eligibility for assistance programs, discount cards, and other factors.

• Availability issues. If you’re having trouble finding Ozempic in stock, Mounjaro might be an alternative, as availability can fluctuate. Getting your hands on these medications can be a struggle, especially since both are in high demand and often in shortage. If Ozempic is consistently out of stock for you, ask your prescriber about trying another option, such as Mounjaro. However, as of late-November 2024, the FDA reports Mounjaro shortages to be resolved, while Ozempic is still in shortage. 

Switching could be a helpful option if any of these apply to you. But if Ozempic is working well for you and not causing you undesirable side effects, switching may not be in your best interest. Talk to your healthcare provider about your reasons and any concerns you may have. 

While both medications are proven effective for weight loss, Mounjaro tends to lead to more weight reduction than Ozempic. In clinical trials, people taking Mounjaro lost more weight, with those on the highest dose (15 mg) shedding up to 21 pounds, compared to a maximum of 11 pounds with Ozempic. Over the course of more than a year, study participants on maximum dosage Mounjaro lost more than 15% of their body weight, while those on the maximum dosage of Ozempic lost 8.3%. So, if weight loss over approximately one to two years is a key goal, Mounjaro could be the better choice.

Clinical trials generally show that Mounjaro is more effective than Ozempic in terms of controlling blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. For example, one large review article involving over 23,000 people with type 2 diabetes found that the maximum dose of Mounjaro reduced HbA1C by about 2%, while the maximum dose of Ozempic reduced it by 1.6%. Mounjaro also led to better fasting blood sugar control. So, if your blood sugar management isn't where you want it to be on Ozempic, Mounjaro may provide better results.

In another study, participants took Mounjaro 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, or Ozempic 1 mg for nine months. Mounjaro 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg reduced A1C by 2%, 2.2%, and 2.3% respectively. Ozempic 1 mg reduced A1C by 1.9%. Like the review study, Mounjaro outperformed Ozempic in terms of HbA1C reduction. Additionally, more participants on Mounjaro lowered their HbA1C to less than 7%, which is the goal for most people with type 2 diabetes. Mounjaro at all doses was also better at reducing fasting blood sugar levels compared with Ozempic. 

Results from clinical trials don’t always reflect what happens in daily life. Factors such as diet, exercise, and proper medication administration can affect how well your diabetes or weight-loss medication works. 

First, you’ll want to book an appointment with a healthcare provider to discuss switching from Ozempic to Mounjaro and why. Tell your provider about your current experience with Ozempic, including any side effects and your progress with weight loss and diabetes management. Together, you can decide if switching is the right choice for you. 

If you and your healthcare provider decide to make the switch, you’ll want to make sure the transition is as easy as possible. Wait at least a week after your last dose of Ozempic before starting Mounjaro to allow Ozempic to clear your system. The exact wait time can vary, so be sure to follow your provider's advice.

In clinical trials, people with type 2 diabetes switching from Ozempic to Mounjaro waited 3 to 10 days after their last Ozempic dose to take Mounjaro. After the switch, many people saw improvements in blood sugar and weight loss. However, switching often led to a temporary increase in common side effects like diarrhea, constipation, and nausea. If you experience any new or severe side effects, reach out to your provider.  

Don’t continue using Ozempic after you’ve switched to Mounjaro, even if you have Ozempic doses left over. Taking these two medications together could be potentially dangerous. Additionally, there is a lack of research on the effect of taking these medications at the same time.

Both Ozempic and Mounjaro are once-weekly injections. The dosage strengths of Ozempic and Mounjaro are different, so switching between them requires you to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully.

For Ozempic, the doses range from 0.25 mg to 2 mg, with a gradual increase once every 4 weeks until you reach the maximum maintenance dosage of 2 mg weekly or whatever dosage is . For Mounjaro, the doses range from 2.5 mg to 15 mg, with gradual dose increases over time. You’ll likely start at 2.5 mg and go up slowly, usually once every 4 weeks, until you reach your maintenance dosage, up to a maximum maintenance dosage of 15 mg weekly. 

If you’ve been taking Ozempic for a while, your provider will likely switch you to a comparable dose of Mounjaro to start. While the doses of Ozempic and Mounjaro aren’t equivalent, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) has provided guidance for dosage conversions to support healthcare providers as they help their patients navigate GLP-1 drug shortages. 

Here are some suggested comparison doses for managing type 2 diabetes, according to the ADA:

These dosage conversions are just a general guide, and may vary depending on the circumstances. For example, if you take Ozempic 0.5 mg weekly and then switch to Mounjaro, your dosage of Mounjaro may be 2.5 mg weekly. However, it depends on how well you tolerated Ozempic. For instance, if you had bothersome stomach side effects while taking Ozempic 1 mg weekly, your healthcare provider will likely suggest starting with the lowest dose (2.5 mg weekly) if you’re switching to Mounjaro. 

The maximum dose of Ozempic is 2 mg, while the maximum dose of Mounjaro is 15 mg. Be sure to follow the instructions on your prescription, and don’t hesitate to call your pharmacist or prescriber with questions if you’re unsure.

When switching from Ozempic to Mounjaro, it’s also good to know about the differences in the injection pen devices and preparation steps. Ozempic pens do not have a built-in needle. Each pen contains multiple doses, it must be primed, and you must attach a new pen needle before giving each dose. Ozempic also requires you to dial the dose you need. Mounjaro, on the other hand, is a single-dose pen with a built-in needle. You don’t need to attach a needle, prime it, or dial the dose.  

Both medications share similar side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, research suggests that Mounjaro may cause more gastrointestinal side effects than Ozempic, especially at higher doses. When switching, you might experience new side effects, so it’s important to track any changes and report them to your provider.

How to minimize side effects 

A few simple strategies can help you reduce side effects from these medications, especially when switching from Ozempic to Mounjaro. 

• Meal timing: Avoid large meals late at night or back-to-back meals. Eating smaller meals throughout the day can help minimize discomfort.

• Meal sizes: Try smaller portions more frequently, instead of two or three heavier meals.

• Food choices: A balanced diet with whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetables will not only reduce side effects but can also help you manage diabetes and weight loss better. Avoid highly processed, high-fat meals, and drinks such as alcohol and soda that can make side effects worse. 

 If these approaches don’t help enough, reach out to your healthcare provider for advice on how to manage Ozempic or Mounjaro side effects.

Without insurance, Ozempic costs $968.52 per month, while Mounjaro is priced at $1,069.08. However, these costs are based on the list price, and your actual cost may vary depending on your location, the pharmacy you use, and any insurance or savings discounts available to you. The Mounjaro savings program offers discounts for eligible patients, potentially lowering costs to as little as $25. Ozempic has a similar savings program.

• Switching from Ozempic to Mounjaro is possible, if your healthcare provider agrees it’s the right choice for you.

• The choice to switch may depend on your health goals. For instance, Mounjaro may offer more weight loss than Ozempic, while only Ozempic is approved for heart health benefits.

• Dosage and side effects vary between the two, so closely follow your provider’s guidance during the transition.

• Cost and insurance coverage differ, so check with your insurer and look for savings programs.

Ro offers personalized weight loss support from the comfort of your home. A healthcare provider can discuss whether a medication such as Ozempic may be right for you and Ro can even work with you to get insurance coverage, if eligible.

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How we reviewed this article

Every article on Health Guide goes through rigorous fact-checking by our team of medical reviewers. Our reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the writer.

Editorial Guidelines | Medical Review Process

Current version

December 14, 2024

Written by

Patricia Weiser, PharmD

Fact checked by

Raagini Yedidi, MD

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About the medical reviewer

Raagini Yedidi, MD

Raagini Yedidi, MD, is an internal medicine resident and medical reviewer for Ro.