Mounjaro vs Ozempic
Both are once-weekly injections approved for type 2 diabetes, from different makers and with different active ingredients.
Mounjaro is tirzepatide, which acts on two hormone receptors (GIP and GLP-1); Ozempic is semaglutide, which acts on GLP-1 alone.
| Mounjaro | Ozempic | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | tirzepatide | semaglutide |
| Made by | Eli Lilly | Novo Nordisk |
| Form | Injection | Injection |
| Schedule | Once a week | Once a week |
| How it works | GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist | GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Approved for (US) | Type 2 diabetes | Type 2 diabetes; also cardiovascular and kidney risk reduction in some adults |
| Half-life (label) | about 5 days | about 1 week |
Key differences
- Tirzepatide’s half-life is about 5 days; semaglutide’s is about a week.
- The dose ladders differ: Mounjaro steps in 2.5 mg increments up to 15 mg, Ozempic from 0.25 mg up to 2 mg.
- Their missed-dose windows differ: 4 days for Mounjaro, 5 days for Ozempic.
Questions
Which is better, Mounjaro or Ozempic?
There is no single answer; it depends on you, and that is a decision for your prescriber. This page only sets out what the labels say.
What is the difference between Mounjaro and Ozempic?
Mounjaro is tirzepatide, which acts on two hormone receptors (GIP and GLP-1); Ozempic is semaglutide, which acts on GLP-1 alone.
Which is stronger, Mounjaro or Ozempic?
Doses are not comparable milligram for milligram between different products, and which works better depends on the person. That is for your prescriber to judge.
Can I take Mounjaro and Ozempic together?
The labels say these medications should not be used together with other GLP-1 receptor agonists. Do not combine them unless your prescriber tells you to.
How long do Mounjaro and Ozempic stay in your system?
The labels give a half-life of about 5 days for Mounjaro and about 1 week for Ozempic. It usually takes about five half-lives for most of a dose to clear.
Do Mounjaro and Ozempic have the same side effects?
Both labels list stomach and gut effects such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and constipation as the most common. The full lists differ; see each medication’s side effects page.
Can I switch from Mounjaro to Ozempic?
Only your prescriber can decide that and set the new dose. If you switch, change your medication in Steady so your reminders and level curve follow it.
Can Steady track both Mounjaro and Ozempic?
Yes. Steady supports both, with each one’s own schedule, dose list and half-life.
Sources: Mounjaro prescribing information (DailyMed), Ozempic prescribing information (DailyMed)