Mounjaro vs Wegovy
Editorial comparison of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide). Same drug class context, trial-anchored data, no marketing claims.
Side-by-side
| Dimension | Mounjaro | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | tirzepatide | semaglutide |
| Manufacturer | Eli Lilly | Novo Nordisk |
| FDA approved | 2022 | 2021 |
| Mechanism | Same as Zepbound — dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist. Strong glycemic effect plus weight loss. | Semaglutide mimics GLP-1, a gut hormone released after meals. |
| Dosing | Titrated 2.5mg → 15mg weekly over months, same schedule as Zepbound. | Titrated over 4-5 months: 0.25mg → 0.5mg → 1mg → 1.7mg → 2.4mg, increasing every 4 weeks. |
| Cost | Similar to Zepbound — list ~$1,000/month, LillyDirect Self-Pay $399-549/month. | List price ~$1,350/month without insurance. |
| Pivotal trial result | 2.0–2.3% HbA1c reduction across SURPASS trials (15 mg dose) | 14.9% mean body-weight reduction at 68 weeks |
Full Mounjaro review →
FDA-approved tirzepatide for type 2 diabetes. Off-label for weight loss is common.
Full Wegovy review →
Once-weekly injectable semaglutide for chronic weight management. ~15% body weight loss in trials.
Frequently asked
Is Mounjaro or Wegovy more effective?+
In their pivotal trials, Mounjaro reported 2.0–2.3% HbA1c reduction across SURPASS trials (15 mg dose), while Wegovy reported 14.9% mean body-weight reduction at 68 weeks. Head-to-head results vary by patient profile, dose tolerated, and adherence — these trial numbers describe averages, not what every individual experiences.
How do Mounjaro and Wegovy compare on cost?+
Mounjaro: Similar to Zepbound — list ~$1,000/month, LillyDirect Self-Pay $399-549/month. Wegovy: List price ~$1,350/month without insurance. With Novo Nordisk's patient assistance program, eligible self-pay patients can access at $200-500/month. Insurance coverage is patchy and often requires prior authorization plus a documented weight-related comorbidity. Real out-of-pocket depends on insurance formulary tier, manufacturer savings programs, and whether a direct-pay channel is available.
Can I switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy?+
Switching between brand-name treatments in the same drug class is common, but the conversion is not always 1:1. Discuss the switch with your prescriber — they'll usually re-titrate dosing rather than substitute equivalent strengths directly.
Are Mounjaro and Wegovy the same drug?+
No. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are distinct medications from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk respectively. They may share a drug class or mechanism but differ in active ingredient, dosing, and approved use.