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Drug vs. Drug

Mounjaro vs. Farxiga: Differences and similarities explained

These diabetes medications have more differences than similarities
A syringe and a pill with "vs." between them: Mounjaro vs. Farxiga

Key takeaways

  • Mounjaro and Farxiga help manage Type 2 diabetes, but they belong to different drug classes and are taken in different ways.

  • Mounjaro may lead to greater improvements in blood sugar and weight, while Farxiga is approved for added benefits to heart and kidney health.

  • Farxiga is available as a generic oral tablet, which generally makes it more accessible and affordable than Mounjaro injections.

Your healthcare provider might prescribe Mounjaro or Farxiga to help manage Type 2 diabetes, especially when diet and exercise aren’t enough. Both medications help control blood sugar and may also support weight loss, reducing serious risks related to diabetes. Although Mounjaro and Farxiga treat similar problems, they belong to different drug classes and work in different ways. 

Key differences between Mounjaro and Farxiga

Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, which targets both GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptors, helping you release more insulin after eating and keeping you fuller for longer. Farxiga’s active ingredient is dapagliflozin, which belongs to the SGLT2 (sodium-glucose cotransporter-2) inhibitor drug class and works by helping the kidneys remove excess glucose through urine. These medications can vary in side effects, how they’re taken, and overall cost.

Compare Mounjaro vs. Farxiga key differences

Mounjaro Farxiga
Drug class Dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist SGLT2 inhibitor
Brand/generic status Brand name only Brand and generic version available
What is the generic name?

Or

What is the brand name?

Tirzepatide Dapagliflozin
What form(s) does the drug come in? Subcutaneous injection Oral tablet
What is the standard dosage? 2.5 mg injected under the skin once weekly for 4 weeks. If needed, the dosage may be increased to 5 mg once weekly. The dosage can then be increased by 2.5 mg every 4 weeks, up to a maximum of 15 mg once weekly. 5 mg by mouth once daily, with or without food. If well tolerated, the dose may be increased to 10 mg once daily.
How long is the typical treatment? Long-term Long-term
Who typically uses the medication? Adults Adults and children 10 and older

Mounjaro and Farxiga are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manage Type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, Mounjaro is only approved to treat adults, while Farxiga is approved to treat adults and children aged 10 and older with Type 2 diabetes.

Unlike Mounjaro, Farxiga is also FDA approved to protect the kidneys in people with known kidney problems and lower the risk of hospitalization in people with heart failure. In addition, Farxiga can help reduce the risk of complications in people with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease or risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Both medications may also help promote weight loss, especially in people with diabetes or obesity. In some cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe these medications for weight loss, even in people without diabetes. However, Mounjaro is more likely to be prescribed off-label for this purpose. 

Compare Mounjaro vs. Farxiga conditions treated

Condition Mounjaro Farxiga
Type 2 diabetes Yes Yes
Reduce the risk of reduced kidney function, kidney failure, death from heart problems, and hospitalization in adults with chronic kidney disease No Yes
Reduce the risk of death from heart problems, hospital stays for heart failure, and urgent visits in adults with heart failure No Yes
Reduce the risk of hospital visits for heart failure in adults with Type 2 diabetes and either existing cardiovascular disease or multiple risk factors for heart problems No Yes
Weight loss  Off-label Off-label

Which is the best Type 2 diabetes medication?

Mounjaro and Farxiga are both effective for managing blood sugar levels. One study found no major difference between the treatments in helping people reach certain health goals. Around 30% of people with Type 2 diabetes who started either Farxiga or a GLP-1 medicine were able to lower their blood sugar, body weight, and blood pressure at the same time. 

However, one meta-analysis of several clinical trials comparing Mounjaro to SGLT2 inhibitors showed that Mounjaro was the most effective medicine for lowering blood sugar and helping people lose weight. The highest dose of Mounjaro lowered blood sugar by around 2% and resulted in nearly 9 kg (approximately 20 pounds) more weight loss than no treatment. The SGLT2 drugs like Farxiga and Jardiance were best at lowering blood pressure, making them a good choice for people with both diabetes and high blood pressure.

If you prefer a once-weekly injection over a daily oral tablet and are struggling with weight management, you might opt for Mounjaro over Farxiga. If you have kidney problems or heart failure in addition to diabetes, you might be recommended a drug like Farxiga. It’s best to consult a healthcare provider to determine the best medication for your needs. 

Mounjaro vs. Farxiga: Insurance coverage and cost comparison

Mounjaro and Farxiga are brand-name prescription drugs. Insurance plans and Medicare often cover these medications, but coverage and copay costs can be different depending on the plan. Farxiga is available as a generic, which may make it more likely to be covered by insurance than Mounjaro.

With no insurance, retail prices for these drugs can vary, although Farxiga is generally less expensive than Mounjaro. For example, a one-month supply of Mounjaro can cost about $1,475 out of pocket. Farxiga can cost around $864, although the exact price depends on the dosage and pharmacy chosen. Generic prices may be considerably less costly.

SingleCare offers coupons for both Mounjaro and Farxiga that can significantly lower the price at the pharmacy. It can be helpful to compare coupon prices at different pharmacies before choosing where to fill the prescription.

Compare Mounjaro vs. Farxiga cost and coverage

Mounjaro Farxiga
Typically covered by insurance? Some plans may provide coverage, although it varies   Yes
Typically covered by Medicare Part D? Some plans may provide coverage, although it varies   Yes
Typically covered by Medicaid? Varies by state Medicaid program Varies by state Medicaid program
Quantity 4 prefilled injection pens 30, 10 mg tablets
SingleCare cost* $872 $362
*Cost at time of publication. Drug prices fluctuate and vary by pharmacy.

Farxiga vs. Mounjaro side effects

Because they work differently in the body, Mounjaro and Farxiga can cause different types of side effects. The most common side effects of Mounjaro include:

  • Indigestion
  • Stomach or abdominal pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Decreased appetite
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation

The most common side effects of Farxiga include:

  • Vaginal yeast infections and yeast infections of the penis
  • Stuffy or runny nose and sore throat
  • Changes in urination, such as needing to go more often, in larger amounts, or during the night

Both medications may also cause more serious side effects, such as allergic reactions, dehydration, and kidney problems. Always speak with a healthcare provider and read the drug’s prescribing information for a full list of side effects.

Mounjaro and Farxiga drug interactions and warnings

Mounjaro and Farxiga can increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when used with insulin or sulfonylureas, such as glipizide or glimepiride. If you’re taking any of these medications together, your healthcare provider may need to adjust the dose to avoid your blood sugar dropping too low.

Mounjaro can also delay how quickly your stomach empties, which may affect how well oral medications are absorbed. This is particularly important for drugs such as warfarin and oral contraceptives since their effectiveness depends on being absorbed at a steady and predictable rate. If these medicines aren’t absorbed properly, they might not work as well as they should.

Farxiga also has its own interactions to watch out for. It may lower lithium levels in the blood, so people taking lithium should be closely monitored. Farxiga can also cause glucose to show up in urine tests, which may lead to false readings. Similarly, it can interfere with the 1,5-AG test, a lab test used to monitor blood glucose levels, so alternative tests should be used.

Warnings to consider with Mounjaro and Farxiga

Each medication has specific health risks to be aware of. Mounjaro is associated with the following rare but serious problems:

  • Thyroid cancer: Mounjaro may increase the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Avoid it if you or your family have a history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
  • Pancreatitis: Mounjaro may cause inflammation of the pancreas, with symptoms like severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. If you notice these symptoms, stop taking Mounjaro and contact your healthcare provider immediately.
  • Eye problems: Mounjaro can make diabetic retinopathy symptoms worse, leading to increased vision problems like blurriness or changes in sight. People with existing diabetic eye disease are at higher risk for these complications.
  • Gallbladder problems: Mounjaro has been linked to gallbladder problems, including the development of gallstones and inflammation. These problems can cause pain and digestive problems.
  • Kidney problems: Acute kidney injury has been reported, especially in people who have severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. If you have kidney disease, your healthcare provider may need to monitor your kidney function closely.

Farxiga also comes with several serious warnings:

  • Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): Farxiga can cause DKA, a dangerous condition that can happen even if blood sugar is not very high. This risk increases during illness, fasting, surgery, or reduced insulin use.
  • Dehydration and low blood pressure: Farxiga can cause dehydration and low blood pressure, especially in older adults, people who take diuretics, and those with kidney problems. This happens because the medication reduces body fluid levels.
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Farxiga can increase the risk of serious UTIs, which may spread to the kidneys. These infections can cause pain, fever, and other severe symptoms.
  • Fournier’s gangrene: Although rare, this life-threatening infection in the genital area has been reported with Farxiga. This condition requires immediate medical attention.
  • Genital yeast infections: Farxiga increases the risk of yeast infections in both men and women, especially those with a history of them.

This is not a complete list of drug interactions or safety concerns. Consult a healthcare provider before starting Mounjaro or Farxiga to ensure it’s safe for your condition.

Can you take Farxiga and Mounjaro together?

Yes, you can take Farxiga and Mounjaro together if prescribed by a healthcare provider. They work differently to lower blood sugar and may provide greater blood sugar control for people with Type 2 diabetes. However, taking both may also increase the risk of side effects like dehydration and low blood sugar. 

Only a healthcare provider who knows your medical history and current health can determine the best medication for you. Always consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diabetes treatment plan.