Alternative to Wegovy: How to successfully switch to Mounjaro

This article explains the key differences and similarities between these two prescription GLP-1 medications. For more information on these drugs, including details on their use, you can find them in these detailed articles about Wegovy and Mounjaro.

Mounjaro vs. Wegovy: What are the differences?

Wegovy and Mounjaro are prescription medications that can be used for weight loss and weight management, and are approved in Germany for the treatment of obesity and severe overweight.

The main difference lies in the active ingredients and their mechanisms of action:

• Wegovy contains the active ingredient semaglutide, like Ozempic, which acts on GLP-1 receptors. GLP-1 is a natural hormone in the body that promotes insulin release and increases the feeling of satiety.
• Mounjaro contains the active ingredient tirzepatide, which acts on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. GIP is another hormone that stimulates insulin release. By activating both receptors, Mounjaro has a dual mechanism of action.

Table: Wegovy vs. Mounjaro compared

Can you switch between Wegovy and Mounjaro?

Yes, you can safely switch between the medications Wegovy and Mounjaro, but you should not do so without consulting your doctor. Wegovy and Mounjaro are both approved for the treatment of obesity but contain different active ingredients. Although the medications are very similar, people can react very differently to them. To minimize the risk of side effects, we always recommend starting with a low dose and increasing it slowly over several weeks so that your body can adjust. Our doctors are experienced in switching between different weight loss medications and can recommend a plan suitable for you.

Switching from Wegovy® to Mounjaro®: How does it work?

1. Break period: There should be a treatment break of at least 3 weeks between the last Wegovy injection and the first Mounjaro injection if you were on a low dose of Wegovy. For the maximum dose of 2.4 mg, the interruption increases to 5 weeks to ensure the medication has completely cleared your system. This "wash-out" phase is necessary because the two active ingredients must not be used at the same time.
2. Start with a low dose: Begin with the entry dose of 2.5 mg of Mounjaro per week, even if you previously took a higher dose of Wegovy.
3. Monitor side effects: Mounjaro has a stronger effect on blood sugar, which is why tolerance should be tested individually.
4. Slow dose increase: If you respond well to Mounjaro, the dose can be increased by 2.5 mg every 4 weeks until the optimal dose is reached.

Switching from Ozempic to Mounjaro

Many patients who have used Ozempic for the treatment of diabetes or weight loss are considering switching to Mounjaro. This can be particularly useful if Ozempic is not showing the desired effect or if blood sugar control needs to be improved. Since Ozempic contains the same active ingredient as Wegovy, the same switching rules apply as when changing to Mounjaro.

Important aspects when switching from Ozempic to Mounjaro:

1. Dose adjustment: Mounjaro has a stronger effect on blood sugar and satiety. You start with the lowest dose of 2.5 mg per week and increase this gradually.
2. Break period: Ideally, there should be a 5-week treatment break (wash-out) between the last Ozempic injection and the first Mounjaro injection to ensure the medication has completely cleared your system. The two active ingredients must not be used at the same time.
3. Test tolerance: Since Mounjaro activates not only the GLP-1 but also the GIP receptor, side effects like nausea or gastrointestinal issues may intensify during the first few weeks.
4. Doctor consultation: If you would like to switch from Ozempic to Mounjaro, talk to your doctor to receive an individual switching plan.

Benefits of switching from Ozempic to Mounjaro

• Higher average weight loss according to studies
• Better blood sugar control through dual hormonal action
• Improved appetite control through additional GIP stimulation

Alternative to Wegovy: Is Mounjaro better?

Mounjaro can be a better alternative to Wegovy for some patients, especially if greater weight loss or better blood sugar control is desired. However, the choice of medication should be made individually, as not everyone reacts the same way to the active ingredients.

Benefits of Mounjaro over Wegovy:

• Higher average weight loss in studies
• Better blood sugar control in people with Type 2 diabetes
• Dual action through GLP-1 and GIP agonism

Disadvantages of Mounjaro compared to Wegovy:

• More side effects initially due to the additional GIP action
• Not on the market as long, therefore fewer long-term data
• Sometimes poorer availability
• Higher price at higher dosages

Weight loss: Mounjaro vs. Wegovy

Overall, current studies show that Mounjaro leads to a higher weight loss on average than Wegovy.

In the SURPASS-2 study, participants on the highest dose of tirzepatide (15 mg) lost an average of 21% of their body weight after 36 weeks (9 months), compared to 15% with Wegovy. The exact weight loss varies depending on individual health status and lifestyle and is influenced by various factors, such as the starting weight at the beginning of treatment.

What do Wegovy or Mounjaro cost?

The costs for the medications Wegovy and Mounjaro can vary; they depend on factors such as dosage. In some cases, health insurance providers may cover part of the costs, especially if certain medical criteria are met, such as a specific BMI or the presence of comorbidities. It is advisable to contact your health insurance provider or attending doctor directly to obtain exact information about cost coverage and possible co-payments.

Conclusion: Switching from Wegovy® to Mounjaro®

Switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro can make sense if:

• Wegovy is not achieving the desired effect or side effects are not being tolerated.
• Greater weight loss is desired (higher weight loss with Mounjaro according to studies).
• Better blood sugar control is necessary (e.g., for Type 2 diabetes).

The switch should always be discussed with a medical professional and carried out slowly to minimize side effects. If you are unsure which medication is right for you, seek individual advice!

Sources:

• Tirzepatide versus Semaglutide: Pubmed
• Mounjaro - Service for patients with obesity: Lilly