Ozempic and Mounjaro, both belong to the class of GLP-1 Agonists and GIP mimetics; these drugs impact appetite, blood sugar control, and weight management. Ozempic, containing semaglutide, is recognized for its benefits in Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, while Mounjaro, with Tirzepatide, exhibits similar potential. Let’s explore how these medications work and their common side effects, combining them and their functions.
What are Ozempic and Mounjaro Used for?
Ozempic (Generic:semaglutide) and Mounjararo (Generic: Tirzepatide) both belong to the class of drugs called GLP-1 Agonists and GIP mimetics.
GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide 1) is a hormone naturally produced by the body in the lower gastrointestinal tract for appetite and sugar metabolism in the body. GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications that replicate the effects of GLP-1 hormone, aiding in hunger and blood sugar control. They promote insulin release, slow stomach emptying, and decrease appetite.
GIP mimetics imitate GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) hormone, enhancing insulin secretion, lowering blood glucose, and storing fat in adipose tissue for organ protection.
Tirzepatide is sold under the brand name Mounjaro, and semaglutide is sold under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy.
As per the article published by the National Institute of Health: GLP-1, derived from the pre-proglucagon gene, is found in pancreatic α-cells, intestinal L-cells, and neurons in the brainstem and hypothalamus which shows its direct relation to the activity of GLP-1 agonists with the hunger center in the brain as well as the food metabolism in the GIT.
Other than weight loss, Ozempic has shown advantageous effects for individuals dealing with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Consequently, it has received authorization to reduce the chances of heart attack and stroke within this group.
Mounjaro is currently under investigation for similar advantages, although it has not yet received approval for this purpose.
Let’s understand what actually is the metabolism of action of Ozempic and Mounjaro medications in the body.
How Does Ozempic Work?
GLP-1 hormone triggers when the food reaches the stomach. Semaglutide taken as a medication will work precisely like the GLP-1 hormone enhancing its overall effect on the metabolism of food consumed.
Insulin Release: Semaglutide prompts the pancreas to release insulin, facilitating better control of blood sugar levels.
Glucagon Inhibition: It reduces the release of glucagon hormone in the body, which aids in enhanced levels of blood sugar.
Delayed Stomach Emptying: Ozempic slows down stomach emptying and, in turn, helps in managing after-meal blood sugar levels and promoting a sense of fullness.
Appetite Moderation: Activation of GLP-1 receptors in the brain’s hypothalamus reduces appetite and increases feelings of satisfaction.
Weight Management: By decreasing food intake, slowing stomach emptying, and enhancing fullness, Ozempic often leads to gradual weight loss and is used widely for weight loss purposes.
How Does Mounjaro Work?
Mounjaro stands out as a medication combining a GLP-1 receptor agonist (akin to semaglutide) and a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist. The mechanism of Mounjaro involves the following:
GLP-1 Activation: Similar to Ozempic, the GLP-1 part of Mounjaro activates GLP-1 receptors, which makes insulin release, stops glucagon, slows down stomach emptying, and makes you less hungry.
GIP Activation: Mounjaro’s GIP component boosts insulin secretion in response to glucose, providing further assistance in maintaining blood sugar levels.
Combined Effects: With its dual action on GLP-1 and GIP pathways, unlike Ozempic, Mounjaro aims to manage blood sugar levels and appetite altogether, supporting both insulin response and weight loss.
Are Mounjaro Vs. Ozempic FDA approved for weight loss?
Mounjaro Vs. Ozempic are not explicitly approved for weight loss, but one of their effects is after managing blood glucose levels and increasing gastric emptying.
As per mentioned by the Food and Drug Administration: Approved another brand, “Wegovy” (semaglutide-2.4 mg once weekly), with at least one weight-related condition for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight. It can only be prescribed by your healthcare provider and not be obtained over the counter.
Can you take Mounjaro and Ozempic together?
Mounjaro vs. Ozempic both work synergistically with already existing hormones in our body that control the metabolism of food and blood sugar levels and increase their action. Taking both together will have more intense effects on the metabolism of food, appetite center in the brain, gastric emptying as well and blood glucose levels.
The easy answer to the question is to consult your healthcare provider before combining both medications as well as your intent to take both Ozempic and Mounjaro of them together. It will give you a broad sense of how it will benefit or adversely affect your health.
Mounjaro Vs. Ozempic Common and Comparatively Fewer Side Effects
Let’s put the common side effects of both Ozempic and Mounjaro in the following points:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness accompanied by lethargy
- Changes in appetite often lead to no appetite
- Hypoglycemia (Low blood sugar levels)
- Thyroid-related problems
- Hormone imbalance
You must be wondering which medication Mounjaro Vs. Ozempic, if taken, will have fewer side effects? Here is the answer.
Both medications have similar effects on the body and can only vary according to person-specific body conditions.
Medications taken with different doses, intent, and hoping for different results will have different side effects on the body. Drug absorption and peak effects depend on the body’s weight variation and medication history. It’s essential to get medical consultation for customized doses and a narrow side effects window.
Can I Switch From Ozempic to Mounjaro?
Absolutely, switching from Ozempic to Mounjaro is possible. Your healthcare provider may begin with the starting or lower dose of Mounjaro to reduce side effects and help you find the correct dose according to your needs.
Consult a Doctor
Your health is crucial, and having a medical expert to guide you is also really helpful. Our blog has valuable information, but it’s important to remember that everybody is unique, your medical history and needs are different than anyone. Consulting your healthcare provider will help ensure they work well and don’t cause problems like bad reactions or allergies. Our blog can teach you things, but medical consultation can give you the power to care for yourself.
FAQs About Ozempic and Mounjaro
Yes, Mounjaro works better than Ozempic in terms of weight loss and maintaining blood glucose levels by reducing the stomach emptying time.
Losing weight largely depends on the dose you are consuming; if you are on the highest dose of Mounjaro (10-15mg), you will start to lose weight in 3 to 4 weeks seeing 10-17% results in 65 weeks altogether. It’s good to discuss excessive weight loss if observed, with your healthcare provider.
Yes, Only if it’s not inhibited by your healthcare provider. Alcohol doesn’t seem to interfere with Mounjaro’s effectiveness directly but upsets the stomach by changing its Ph, It can also change the absorption rate of the drug. You will be advised to limit alcohol use while on medication for maximum effectiveness.
