Zepbound vs Mounjaro

Obesity significantly increases the risk of type 2 diabetes due to the accumulation of excess body fat, which contributes to insulin resistance. Alarmingly, obesity is linked to 30 to 53% of new diabetes cases annually in the US and has remained a leading driver of the condition for over two decades.

While lifestyle changes and exercise can help a lot in managing obesity and diabetes, medications are still the most effective tool. Zepbound and Mounjaro are new drugs designed to reduce weight and manage blood sugar. But how do these medications differ? This article will explore the similarities and distinctions between Zepbound vs Mounjaro, comparing their approved indications, side effects, and costs.

Efficacy of Zepbound vs Mounjaro

Zepbound and Mounjaro are two brand names for tirzepatide, a medication proven in clinical trials to help with both weight loss and blood sugar control. Although no direct comparison study exists, here’s a look at the results from their respective trials.

For Weight Loss

The SURMOUNT clinical trial program encompasses multiple studies evaluating Zepbound. These studies collectively involve over 5,000 participants to comprehensively assess Zepbound’s role in chronic weight management across diverse populations.

• • SURMOUNT-1: Participants on the highest dose of Zepbound (15 mg) lost 20.9% of their body weight, equating to about 52 lbs for someone weighing 250 lbs. Those on the 10 mg dose lost 19.5%, while the placebo group lost only 3.1%.

• • SURMOUNT-2: Targeted adults with obesity or overweight accompanied by type 2 diabetes. Zepbound led to a reduction of 12.8% to 14.7%. The placebo group lost a modest 3% of their body weight. Weight loss outcomes were slightly less pronounced, likely due to the metabolic challenges associated with diabetes.

• • SURMOUNT-3: After a 12-week lead-in period of intensive lifestyle intervention, participants lost an additional 21.1% of their body weight with Zepbound. Total mean weight loss was 26.6% over 84 weeks.

• • SURMOUNT-4: The focus of this trial was on maintaining weight loss. Those who continued with Zepbound achieved an average weight loss of 26% over the entire 88-week period. Conversely, individuals who switched to a placebo experienced a weight regain of 14.8%.

Similarly, Mounjaro also demonstrated significant, dose-dependent weight reductions in participants across the SURPASS clinical trial program. Key observations include:

• • SURPASS-1: Participants experienced average weight reductions of 14 to 20.94 lbs. In contrast, those on the placebo only saw a reduction of 2 lbs.

• • SURPASS-2: At 40 weeks, mean reductions in body weight were approximately 16.76 to 25 lbs with Mounjaro, compared to 13 lbs with semaglutide.

• • SURPASS-3: At week 52, the three Mounjaro doses decreased body weight by approximately 16.53 lbs to 28.44 lbs. In contrast, those receiving insulin degludec experienced a weight gain of 5.07 lbs.

• • SURPASS-5: In a 40-week study, the average weight reductions from the participants’ initial weights were 12 lbs to 19 lbs, while individuals on the placebo showed an average weight gain of 4 lbs.

Both medications have demonstrated significant weight loss outcomes, but individual results can vary. For instance, those with type 2 diabetes or other metabolic conditions may see slightly smaller reductions compared to individuals without these challenges. Moreover, lifestyle changes such as improving diet and increasing physical activity significantly impact treatment outcomes.

Fun Fact!

Several celebrities have openly shared their weight loss journeys with Mounjaro, including Whoopi Goldberg, Boy George, and Charles Barkley. The former NBA star Charles Barkley revealed that he lost 62 lbs by using Mounjaro in combination with regular exercise and a healthier diet, as recommended by his doctor.

For Type 2 Diabetes

Currently, Zepbound’s SURMOUNT-2 trial is the only study that included individuals with type 2 diabetes in its study population. In this trial, researchers evaluated changes in blood sugar levels (HbA1c) as a secondary outcome. After 72 weeks, the results showed that patients taking Zepbound experienced a reduction in HbA1c of up to 2.08%, compared to 0.51% in the placebo group.

In contrast, Mounjaro has been extensively studied for its ability to lower HbA1c levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. The most significant reduction was observed in the SURPASS-4 trial, where patients achieved an impressive 2.58% decrease in HbA1c over a 52-week period.

Zepbound vs Mounjaro Side Effects

The side effects of Mounjaro and Zepbound are largely similar, with slight differences based on outcomes from distinct clinical trials. The table below outlines the common and serious side effects of each medication.

In a Reddit discussion, one user shared that they experienced severe side effects after switching from Mounjaro to Zepbound despite the medications being chemically identical (tirzepatide).

The user initially lost over 40 lbs with Mounjaro but faced financial issues after the discontinuation of Eli Lilly’s co-pay card. After resuming treatment with Zepbound’s self-injecting vials, which are cheaper, they were met with a wave of frustrating and debilitating side effects. Things got so bad that the user shared, “For the first time in my entire life, I pooped my pants one night while asleep.“

One user shared a similar experience of worse side effects with Zepbound compared to Mounjaro, including sulfur burps, nausea, and fatigue. They recommended taking a high-quality multivitamin, which alleviated some symptoms. Another commenter mentioned that the body may react differently when restarting a medication after a break or when switching delivery methods (e.g., pens vs. vials).

These events highlight that while Zepbound and Mounjaro contain the same active ingredient, there could be slight variations in inactive ingredients, potentially causing different reactions.

Approved Indications of Zepbound vs Mounjaro

Zepbound and Mounjaro’s FDA-approved indications differ. Zepbound is indicated for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with a related condition like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. It’s meant to complement a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Meanwhile, Mounjaro is approved to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Until Mounjaro receives formal FDA approval for weight loss, its use for this purpose remains off-label.

Mechanism of Action

Tirzepatide works by mimicking two naturally occurring hormones in the body:

• • GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1)
  • GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide)

These hormones play important roles in regulating blood sugar levels and appetite. Here’s how it works:

• • Regulates blood sugar: GLP-1 and GIP stimulate insulin secretion in response to food intake, helping lower blood sugar levels. These hormones also suppress the release of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar by signaling the liver to release stored glucose. As a result, tirzepatide improves blood sugar control by promoting insulin sensitivity and reducing glucose production.

• • Reduces appetite: GLP-1 slows gastric emptying (the rate at which food leaves the stomach), making users feel fuller for longer and reducing hunger. GIP enhances this effect by further promoting satiety, leading to reduced calorie intake.

Unlike medications that target only GLP-1, tirzepatide’s dual action on GLP-1 and GIP receptors is thought to provide enhanced effects, resulting in better blood sugar control and greater reductions in body weight.

Zepbound vs Mounjaro Dosing

Zepbound and Mounjaro follow a similar dosing schedule, with doses gradually increased to reduce side effects and allow the body to adjust.

Helpful Articles

Explore detailed guidelines for Zepbound dosing and Mounjaro dosing schedules to maximize effectiveness and ensure proper care every step of the way!

Zepbound vs Mounjaro Cost

The cost of both medications is nearly the same. Zepbound costs $1,059.87 per package, and Mounjaro sells at $1,069.08. However, significantly lower prices are available through Canadian online pharmacy partners like Pharma Giant, where Mounjaro starts at just $158.99 per vial.

Final Thoughts

Zepbound and Mounjaro have the same active ingredient and deliver comparable weight loss and blood sugar control results. However, Zepbound is approved for chronic weight management, while Mounjaro is indicated for type 2 diabetes treatment. Despite having the same active ingredient, individuals may still report different experiences due to variations in formulation or their body’s response to the treatment.

In terms of cost, they are similarly priced in the US but can be found at significantly lower prices through online pharmacies. Choosing between Zepbound vs Mounjaro depends on the individual’s specific health needs. A healthcare provider can help determine the most suitable option.

FAQs on Zepbound vs Mounjaro

Sources

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Eli Lilly and Company. (n.d.). Mounjaro pricing information. Retrieved from https://pricinginfo.lilly.com/mounjaro

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