{"id":60245,"date":"2023-09-07T12:02:06","date_gmt":"2023-09-07T16:02:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=60245"},"modified":"2026-02-24T11:44:29","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T16:44:29","slug":"mounjaro-alternatives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/mounjaro-alternatives\/","title":{"rendered":"What’s the best alternative to Mounjaro?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mounjaro<\/span><\/a> is a brand-name diabetes medication made by Lilly that\u2019s <\/span>approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to improve <\/span>blood sugar<\/span><\/a> control in adults with <\/span>Type 2 diabetes<\/span><\/a>. It contains the active ingredient tirzepatide, the same ingredient in Zepbound, but the medicine is not available in a generic version. For some people, the price of Mounjaro may be costly, even when taking into account insurance coverage. For others, Mounjaro may not be covered at all. Some people cannot take <\/span>Mounjaro<\/span><\/a> or may have bothersome <\/span>side effects<\/span><\/a>. If you are considering trying an alternative to Mounjaro, the good news is that there are many options you can discuss with your healthcare provider.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What can you take instead of Mounjaro?<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you are looking for an alternative treatment for <\/span>Type 2 diabetes<\/span><\/a>\u2014or for weight loss\u2014there are various other options available for these uses. These include both oral medicines as well as daily or weekly injectable medicines. One of these options may be more suitable for certain individuals, due to their different uses, side effects, and forms of administration.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Top 5 Mounjaro alternatives<\/span><\/h2>\n

The following are some of the most common alternatives to Mounjaro.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Ozempic (semaglutide) or Wegovy (semaglutide)<\/span><\/h3>\n

Ozempic<\/span><\/a> is a once-weekly injectable drug that is similar, <\/span>but not exactly the same<\/span><\/a>, to Mounjaro. It contains the active ingredient semaglutide, and is a <\/span>GLP-1 receptor agonist<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>Ozempic<\/span><\/a> is FDA approved for blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It is also FDA approved for cardiovascular risk reduction (to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death) in people with both Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Ozempic is also used in people with both Type 2 diabetes and <\/span>chronic kidney disease<\/span><\/a> to prevent cardiovascular death and worsening of kidney disease. This drug is also commonly prescribed off-label for weight loss.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ozempic and <\/span>Wegovy<\/span><\/a> are both made by the drug company Novo Nordisk. <\/span>Wegovy<\/span><\/a> contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic, semaglutide, and is FDA approved as a weight loss medication. <\/span>Wegovy<\/span><\/a> can be used in adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older with a body mass index (BMI) in the obesity range\u2014or adults who are overweight with other weight-related health conditions. Additionally, this weight loss drug is FDA approved for cardiovascular risk reduction in adults with cardiovascular disease who also have obesity or are overweight. If you are prescribed Ozempic or Wegovy, you will start at the lowest dose, and your healthcare provider will instruct you on how to gradually increase to higher doses. The highest <\/span>doses of Wegovy<\/span><\/a> (1.7 mg and 2.4 mg) are slightly higher than the highest <\/span>doses of Ozempic<\/span><\/a> (1 mg and 2 mg).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Since <\/span>Ozempic<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Wegovy<\/span><\/a> contain the same active ingredient, the side effects are the same. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, and stomach pain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These drugs have a <\/span>black box warning<\/span><\/a>, which is the most serious warning required by the FDA. Mounjaro has this warning, too. The warning states that these drugs have caused thyroid tumors in animal studies. Although it\u2019s not known whether this risk applies to humans, individuals with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) or a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) should not use these medicines.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Rybelsus (semaglutide)<\/span><\/h3>\n

Rybelsus<\/span><\/a> contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy. However, while Ozempic and Wegovy are injectable drugs, Rybelsus contains semaglutide in the form of an oral tablet. It\u2019s typically taken once daily in the morning on an empty stomach.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you want to avoid injections, <\/span>Rybelsus<\/span><\/a> might be a convenient option for you. This drug is FDA approved for controlling blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes, and is sometimes prescribed off-label for <\/span>weight loss<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Common <\/span>side effects<\/span><\/a> include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, stomach pain, and a decrease in appetite. Rybelsus has the same black box warning as Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Zepbound (tirzepatide)<\/span><\/h3>\n

The most closely related medication to Mounjaro is <\/span>Zepbound<\/span><\/a>, which is also a once-weekly injection with the same active ingredient (tirzepatide) but is FDA approved for different indications. <\/span>Zepbound<\/span><\/a> is FDA approved for weight loss and long-term maintenance in adults with obesity, or adults who are overweight and have at least one weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Zepbound was also <\/span>recently approved<\/span><\/a> by the FDA to treat moderate to severe <\/span>obstructive sleep apnea<\/span><\/a> in adults with obesity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Zepbound and Mounjaro are classified as <\/span>glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists\u2014or more simply known as dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonists.<\/span> The <\/span>dosages<\/span><\/a> are the same as for Mounjaro: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Common side effects of Zepbound include stomach problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, stomach pain, indigestion, reflux, and burping. Other common side effects include fatigue, hypersensitivity reactions, hair loss, and injection site reactions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Zepbound also has the black box warning in regard to thyroid tumors and should not be used in certain individuals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Metformin<\/span><\/h3>\n

Metformin<\/span><\/a> is a <\/span>biguanide<\/span><\/a> diabetes medicine. It can be found in immediate-release and extended-release tablet form, as well as an oral liquid. <\/span>Metformin<\/span><\/a> is also found in many combination drugs\u2014drugs that contain more than one active ingredient. This medicine is commonly prescribed as a <\/span>first choice of treatment<\/span><\/a> for people with Type 2 diabetes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Common side effects<\/span><\/a> include stomach problems such as nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, gas, and diarrhea. Taking <\/span>metformin<\/span><\/a> with meals can ease these problems, and often your body will adjust to the medicine after a few weeks. Other common side effects include weakness and headache.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Mounjaro vs. metformin<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

5. Januvia (sitagliptin)<\/span><\/h3>\n

Januvia is a <\/span>brand-name drug<\/span><\/a> classified as a <\/span>dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor<\/span><\/a>. It contains the active ingredient sitagliptin and is available as a tablet that is typically taken by mouth once daily.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Common side effects of Januvia<\/span><\/a> include upper respiratory infection, stuffy nose, runny nose, sore throat, and headache.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Compare Mounjaro alternatives<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Drug name<\/b><\/td>\nApproved uses<\/b><\/td>\nForm\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\nAverage retail price*<\/b><\/td>\nSavings options<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mounjaro<\/a> (tirzepatide)<\/strong><\/td>\nType 2 diabetes<\/span><\/p>\n

Off-label for weight loss<\/span><\/td>\n

Injection (weekly)<\/span><\/td>\n$1,486 for 4, 5 mg syringes<\/span><\/td>\nMounjaro coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ozempic<\/a> (semaglutide)<\/strong><\/td>\nType 2 diabetes<\/span><\/p>\n

Cardiovascular risk reduction<\/span><\/p>\n

Kidney disease<\/span><\/p>\n

Off-label for weight loss<\/span><\/td>\n

Injection (weekly)<\/span><\/td>\n$1,379 for one 2 mg\/3mL pen\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nOzempic coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Wegovy<\/a> (semaglutide)<\/strong><\/td>\nWeight loss<\/span><\/p>\n

Cardiovascular risk reduction<\/span><\/td>\n

Injection (weekly)<\/span><\/td>\n$1,842 for 4, 2.4 mg syringes<\/span><\/td>\nWegovy coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rybelsus<\/a> (semaglutide)<\/strong><\/td>\nType 2 diabetes<\/span><\/td>\nOral\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n$1,388 for 30, 7 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\nRybelsus coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Zepbound<\/a> (tirzepatide)<\/strong><\/td>\nWeight loss<\/span><\/p>\n

Obstructive sleep apnea<\/span><\/td>\n

Injection (weekly)<\/span><\/td>\n$1,524 for 4, 5 mg syringes<\/span><\/td>\nZepbound coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Metformin<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\nType 2 diabetes<\/span><\/td>\nOral<\/span><\/td>\n$165 for 60, 500 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\nMetformin coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Januvia<\/span><\/a> (sitagliptin)<\/span><\/td>\nType 2 diabetes<\/span><\/td>\nOral<\/span><\/td>\n$731 for 30, 100 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\nJanuvia coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Invokana (canagliflozin)\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\nType 2 diabetes<\/span><\/p>\n

Cardiovascular risk reduction<\/span><\/p>\n

Diabetic nephropathy with albuminuria<\/span><\/td>\n

Oral<\/span><\/td>\n$813 for 30, 300 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\nInvokana coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Jardiance<\/a> (empagliflozin)<\/strong><\/td>\nType 2 diabetes<\/span><\/p>\n

Heart failure<\/span><\/p>\n

Kidney disease<\/span><\/p>\n

Cardiovascular disease<\/span><\/td>\n

Oral<\/span><\/td>\n$867 for 30, 25 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\nJardiance coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Saxagliptin<\/strong><\/td>\nType 2 diabetes<\/span><\/td>\nOral<\/span><\/td>\n$502 for 30, 5 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\nSaxagliptin coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Saxenda<\/a> (liraglutide)<\/strong><\/td>\nWeight loss<\/span><\/td>\nInjection (daily)<\/span><\/td>\n$1,802 for 5, 18 mg pens<\/span><\/td>\nSaxenda coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tradjenta (linagliptin)<\/strong><\/td>\nType 2 diabetes<\/span><\/td>\nOral<\/span><\/td>\n$756 for 30, 5 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\nTradjenta coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Trulicity<\/a> (dulaglutide)<\/strong><\/td>\nType 2 diabetes<\/span><\/p>\n

Cardiovascular risk reduction<\/span><\/td>\n

Injection (weekly)<\/span><\/td>\n$1,405 for 4, 1.5 mg syringes<\/span><\/td>\nTrulicity coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Victoza<\/a> (liraglutide)<\/strong><\/td>\nType 2 diabetes<\/span><\/p>\n

Cardiovascular risk reduction<\/span><\/td>\n

Injection (daily)<\/span><\/td>\n$1,440 for 3, 18 mg pens<\/span><\/td>\nVictoza coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of October 2025. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available.<\/small><\/p>\n\t\t

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Save up to 80% on Mounjaro with SingleCare<\/p>\n\t\t\t

Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\tMounjaro 5 mg\/0.5 mL (4 pens)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\"Kroger\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t$872.48\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\"Harris\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t$872.48\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\tSee Mounjaro prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n

Natural alternatives to Mounjaro\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

It may be tempting to search for a natural Mounjaro by turning to the vitamin and supplement aisle at your pharmacy. Although these natural remedies have their place in various conditions, they are never a substitute for treatments prescribed by your healthcare professional. Some supplements may help with blood sugar control or weight loss\u2014along with other measures like any medicine you are prescribed and <\/span>lifestyle changes<\/span><\/a> like diet, exercise, and even getting enough quality sleep.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>American Diabetes Association<\/span><\/a> (ADA) advises that when considering a vitamin or supplement, you will need to consider drug interactions, potential side effects, and effects on your blood sugar. The ADA states that \u201csupplements are not proven as an effective option for lowering your blood glucose (blood sugar) or supporting diabetes management.\u201d However, they note that some people may benefit from a multivitamin\u2014such as older adults, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and people who follow certain diets, such as vegetarian or very low-calorie or low-carbohydrate diets.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Bottom line: Supplements may help, but are not a substitute for the medicines your healthcare provider recommends. Before adding a supplement to your routine, check with your healthcare provider to make sure it is safe and appropriate for you to take.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to switch to a Mounjaro alternative<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you are considering a switch to a Mounjaro alternative, here are some steps you can take:<\/span><\/p>\n