Key Takeaways
- Saxenda and Mounjaro are similar medications but have subtle differences that can make a big difference in determining which medication is right for you.
- Saxenda is a medication doctors prescribe for weight loss, while Mounjaro is a medication that helps people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels.
- You and your doctor can determine which medication is right for you after reviewing your health goals, medical history, out-of-pocket costs, and personal lifestyle.
Saxenda and Mounjaro are similar because they are both prescription injection medications that are meant to work alongside diet and exercise.
They have similar effects and often cause significant weight loss.
Some differences include their drug classes and what they’re indicated for.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Saxenda for treating obesity, while Mounjaro helps people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar.
Read on to learn the similarities and differences between Saxenda and Mounjaro.
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What is Saxenda?
Saxenda (liraglutide) is a prescription medication doctors prescribe for weight loss to people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, or 27 or greater with at least one weight-related condition.
It comes from the class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.
The medication works by mimicking the actions of a natural hormone in your body that helps regulate appetite and digestion.
You take Saxenda through a daily injection, and it’s important to make lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly for optimal results.
What is Mounjaro?
Doctors prescribe Mounjaro (tirzepatide) to people with type 2 diabetes to help them keep their blood sugar in a healthy range.
It belongs to a newer class of medications that combine the actions of GLP-1 receptor agonist medications and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonists.
This medication helps release insulin (a hormone that helps clear sugars out of your bloodstream) when blood sugar levels rise, stops the liver from producing and releasing excess sugar, and reduces appetite.
You take Mounjaro through a weekly injection.
The medication is designed to work alongside a healthy diet and physical activity.
How is Saxenda Different from Mounjaro?
Saxenda and Mounjaro differ in how they work in your body and what doctors prescribe them for.
They also differ in how much weight you may lose.
Saxenda functions as a GLP-1 receptor agonist and primarily targets appetite regulation for weight loss.
It’s proven to help teens and adults with obesity or those with overweight and weight-related conditions lose weight.
Mounjaro combines the actions of GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists and offers a dual approach for treating type 2 diabetes by helping control blood sugar levels while also supporting weight loss.
Another difference is that Saxenda is a daily injection, while Mounjaro is a weekly injection.
While both medications support weight loss, their weight loss results vary.
During Saxenda’s 52-week clinical trials, about half of the participants lost about 5% of their body weight.
Between 25% – 33% of participants lost more than 10% of their body weight.
Although Mounjaro is not prescribed for weight loss, it does help those who take it lose weight.
The amount of weight you may lose depends on the dose of the medication.
During the 72-week clinical trials, participants who took 5mg weekly lost an average of 15% of their body weight.
Those who took 10mg weekly lost an average of 19.5%, and those who took 10mg weekly lost an average of 20.9% of their total body weight.
Similarities Between Saxenda and Mounjaro
Saxenda and Mounjaro are similar in that they both work as GLP-1 agonists.
GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone in your body that is critical in regulating your blood sugar levels.
There are three ways that it works in your body.
- GLP-1 stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin when blood sugar levels are high. Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb sugar (glucose) from the bloodstream.
- GLP-1 also tells the pancreas not to produce as much glucagon–a hormone that increases blood sugar levels when it gets too low.
- GLP-1 also affects how quickly food leaves the stomach during digestion. It slows down gastric emptying, which acts as an appetite suppressant.
These medications mimic the natural functions of GLP-1, which enhances its effects, making them great for managing blood sugar levels and losing excess weight.
Mounjaro differs a bit from Saxenda in that it also mimics the actions of the GIP-1 hormone which also encourages insulin secretion to help lower blood sugar.
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Comparison Breakdown: Saxenda vs Mounjaro
Here is a quick breakdown of several similarities and differences between Saxenda and Mounjaro.
Effectiveness
Both Saxenda and Mounjaro are effective as tools for helping people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar when combined with diet and exercise.
However, as discussed before, there are differences in how effective they are for weight loss.
According to clinical trials, people taking Mounjaro are likely to lose more weight than those taking Saxenda.
Dosage and Treatment Schedule
The dosage schedule for both medications is structured to help you adjust to the medication with minimal side effects.
Your doctor will start you at a lower dose and gradually increase to the target or maximum dose.
For Saxenda, treatment starts with a daily dose of 0.6 mg in the first week.
Each week, the dose is incrementally increased with the goal of reaching 3 mg daily by the fifth week.
Mounjaro follows a once-weekly dosing schedule starting with 2.5 mg for the first four weeks.
At week five, the dose increases to 5 mg weekly injections for four weeks.
If blood sugar control is achieved at this level, your doctor will advise you to continue this dose each week.
If your blood sugar is still too high, they may gradually increase your dose until it is controlled or you reach the maximum dose of 15 mg once weekly.
You can take either of the injections with or without food.
The important thing is to take it at the same time each day or week and to rotate your injection sites.
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Potential Side Effects and Risks
Both medications have common side effects that include the digestive system because of how they work in the body.
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, and decreased appetite.
More severe and less common side effects for both medications include inflammation of the pancreas, gallbladder problems, low blood sugar, and kidney problems.
Saxenda is unique in that some people also become depressed or have suicidal thoughts while taking it.
If you experience any of these symptoms, stop the medication immediately and follow up with your healthcare provider.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Saxenda generally costs more than Mounjaro, but your actual cost can vary depending on your insurance coverage.
Without insurance, Saxenda’s average monthly cost is about $1349, and Mounjaro is about $1023.
Your insurance plan and pharmacy influence the final cost for either medication.
Some insurance plans may help cover part of the cost, but you may need prior authorization for the medication to be covered.
To determine your actual costs, call your insurance provider to find out what your plan covers.
It’s also wise to shop at different pharmacies as some may sell the medication at competitive pricing.
Top Considerations for Choosing Between Saxenda and Mounjaro
When choosing between Saxenda and Mounjaro, it’s important to review the pros and cons of each medication with your doctor.
Then you can decide which option is right for you.
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Medical History and Pre-Existing Conditions
People with certain pre-existing medical conditions should not take Saxenda or Mounjaro.
The manufacturers give warnings for having the following:
- A personal or family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2.
- Medullary thyroid cancer.
- Insulin-dependent diabetes.
- Ketoacidosis.
Both medications also caused thyroid tumors in animals during clinical trials.
Let your doctor know right away if you have swelling or a lump in your next, a hoarse voice, or difficulty swallowing.
Personal Preferences and Lifestyle Factors
Finally, consider your personal preferences and lifestyle factors.
These medications are both injectable.
Depending on your comfort with injections, you may prefer a once-weekly injection versus a daily injection.
It’s also important to consider your lifestyle.
Both of these medications work alongside eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise.
Takeaway
Saxenda and Mounjaro are medications people can use to better their health.
They both mimic the GLP-1 hormone that helps control blood sugar levels and suppress appetite.
Mounjaro also has the added benefit of mimicking the GIP hormone to enhance blood sugar management and weight loss.
Doctors prescribe Saxenda for weight loss and Mounjaro for people with type 2 diabetes.
They both have side effects that may cause digestive discomfort or changes in bowel movements.
People with a history of thyroid cancer, insulin-dependent diabetes, or ketoacidosis should not take either of these medications.
Deciding which medication is best for you is a decision you need to make with your doctor based on your medical needs, insurance coverage, and lifestyle choices.
How a Dietitian Can Help
A dietitian can assess your nutritional needs, eating habits, and health goals when you’re taking Saxenda and Mounjaro.
They can also offer personalized advice on how to integrate either of these medications into a holistic health plan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Saxenda and Mounjaro are both GLP-1 medications.
However, Mounjaro is different in that it is also a GIP medication.
They also differ in what they are used for.
Doctors prescribe Saxenda for weight loss, while Mounjaro is a medication for people with type 2 diabetes to manage their blood sugar.
If you are wanting to switch from Mounjaro to Saxenda, you need to discuss this change with your doctor.
While the medications are very similar, they have several differences that may influence whether you should switch.
Saxenda is a great medication tool for weight loss.
It works alongside following a healthy diet and getting regular exercise.
Mounjaro is also a medication that helps with weight loss.
However, it's not FDA-approved to be prescribed for this use.
Currently, Mounjaro is prescribed to help control blood sugar.
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