{"id":630423,"date":"2024-11-13T15:42:05","date_gmt":"2024-11-13T20:42:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=630423"},"modified":"2025-06-05T15:05:37","modified_gmt":"2025-06-05T19:05:37","slug":"switching-from-wegovy-to-mounjaro","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/switching-from-wegovy-to-mounjaro\/","title":{"rendered":"Wegovy vs. Mounjaro dosage chart: How to switch medications"},"content":{"rendered":"

Switching weight-loss medications can be a big decision, especially if your current treatment isn\u2019t working as well as you hoped. For example, you might be experiencing unwanted side effects from <\/span>Wegovy<\/span><\/a> (semaglutide) or finding that it\u2019s become less effective over time. This can be frustrating and may lead you to start looking for other options. One possible alternative is <\/span>Mounjaro<\/span><\/a> (tirzepatide).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You might consider switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro because it may help you lose more weight or be more widely available in your area. This newer medication could be a good fit for those who need a change, offering potentially better results. Since these medications work differently, finding the one that suits you best may help make a difference in your weight-loss journey.<\/span><\/p>\n

Are Wegovy and Mounjaro approved for the same thing?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Wegovy is a drug approved for chronic weight management in people <\/span>with obesity<\/span><\/a> or those who are overweight with weight-related conditions. It\u2019s also used to <\/span>reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes<\/span><\/a> in people with heart disease and who are either overweight or have obesity. Wegovy contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics a natural hormone in the body to help control appetite. Semaglutide is also the active ingredient in <\/span>Ozempic<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Rybelsus<\/span><\/a>, which are FDA approved for Type 2 diabetes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mounjaro, like Ozempic and Rybelsus, is approved for <\/span>managing Type 2 diabetes<\/span><\/a>. It contains tirzepatide, a combination of a GLP-1 receptor agonist and another polypeptide. While Mounjaro is typically used for diabetes, it may sometimes be prescribed off-label to support weight loss, making it useful for people with both diabetes and obesity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Both medications are used as weekly injections and may help reduce appetite and body weight. As <\/span>GLP-1 drugs<\/span><\/a>, they work similarly. But Wegovy focuses on weight loss, and Mounjaro is approved for diabetes management.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the benefits of switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro may offer helpful benefits for people trying to lose weight or manage Type 2 diabetes. These benefits may include more effective weight loss and possibly lower costs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Potentially improved weight loss results<\/span><\/h3>\n

For some people, switching to Mounjaro might help them lose more weight. Clinical trials have examined how well Wegovy and Mounjaro’s active ingredients help people lose weight. One study involved over 18,000 adults who were overweight or had obesity, with results showing that people taking tirzepatide were more likely to lose at least 5% of their body weight than those taking semaglutide. Over 12 months, those using tirzepatide lost <\/span>around 7% more weight<\/span><\/a> on average.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Therefore, Mounjaro seems to have a stronger effect on weight loss, making it a possible option for those who aren’t meeting their weight loss goals with Wegovy. Switching to Mounjaro may be especially important for people who have hit a plateau in their weight management plan.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Different mechanisms of action<\/span><\/h3>\n

Mounjaro works differently from Wegovy when it comes to how it helps with weight loss and blood sugar control. Wegovy mainly targets a specific type of receptor called GLP-1, while Mounjaro goes a step further by also affecting <\/span>GIP receptors<\/span><\/a>. This action may help people with Type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels more effectively.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

By acting on two different pathways in the body, Mounjaro could also help promote significant weight loss. For some people, using a medication that works in more than one way can make a big difference in their efforts to lose weight, especially if they’re also trying to control their diabetes.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>How long does it take for Mounjaro to work?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Possibly lower cost or better insurance coverage<\/span><\/h3>\n

You might consider switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro based on how much each medication costs. Both drugs require a prescription, but insurance coverage can differ from one plan to another. Many insurance plans don\u2019t cover weight-loss drugs. However, insurance plans may be more likely to <\/span>cover Mounjaro<\/span><\/a> when it\u2019s prescribed for its approved use, Type 2 diabetes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Contact your insurance company to find out your coverage for these medications. Depending on your insurance plan, Mounjaro might be a cheaper choice. Without insurance, you may have to pay the full retail cost of these medications. Wegovy and Mounjaro are generally more expensive than generic options.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Wegovy vs. Mounjaro comparison\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nWegovy<\/b><\/td>\nMounjaro<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Usual dosage<\/span><\/td>\n1.7 to 2.4 mg injected once weekly<\/span><\/td>\n5 to 15 mg injected once weekly<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Percentage weight loss at 3 months<\/span><\/td>\n4%<\/span><\/td>\n6%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Percentage weight loss at 6 months<\/span><\/td>\n6%<\/span><\/td>\n10%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Percentage weight loss at 12 months<\/span><\/td>\n8%<\/span><\/td>\n15%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Covered by insurance?<\/span><\/td>\nVaries by plan<\/span><\/td>\nYes, when prescribed for Type 2 diabetes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Average retail cost for a box*<\/span><\/td>\n$1,842<\/span><\/td>\n$1,486<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare price*<\/span><\/td>\n$1,225<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$869<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
*Average price at the time of publication. Drug prices fluctuate and vary by pharmacy.<\/span><\/h5>\n

Switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro dosage\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Wegovy and Mounjaro both come in prefilled pens, but they have different recommended doses. Your healthcare provider will give you a schedule to follow so that you can change from Wegovy to Mounjaro as seamlessly as possible. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions closely and ask them if you have any questions or concerns. Keep in mind that taking Mounjaro for weight loss is an off-label use, and your healthcare provider may recommend a different dose as medically necessary. Once you reach the 5 mg weekly dose of Mounjaro, your healthcare provider may keep you at the same dose for longer than 4 weeks or increase it monthly as needed, <\/span>up to a maximum of 15 mg per week<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Note that doses differ for each medicine. For example, Mounjaro’s starting dose is 2.5 mg while Wegovy’s is 0.25 mg. That does not mean Mounjaro is ten times stronger than Wegovy, though. These medications have different active ingredients, and they are dosed differently based on how each one works in the body.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Wegovy vs. Mounjaro dosage chart<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nWegovy<\/b><\/td>\nMounjaro<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Month 1<\/span><\/td>\n0.25 mg\/week<\/span><\/td>\n2.5 mg\/week<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Month 2<\/span><\/td>\n0.5 mg\/week<\/span><\/td>\n5 mg\/week\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Month 3<\/span><\/td>\n1 mg\/week<\/span><\/td>\n5 mg to 7.5 mg\/week<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Month 4<\/span><\/td>\n1.7 mg\/week<\/span><\/td>\n5 mg to 10 mg\/week<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Month 5<\/span><\/td>\n1.7 or 2.4 mg\/week<\/span><\/td>\n5 mg to 12.5 mg\/week<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Month 6 and thereafter<\/span><\/td>\n1.7 or 2.4 mg\/week<\/span><\/td>\n5 mg to 15 mg\/week<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
This is an example schedule. Your dosing schedule may vary based on your individual needs, so always follow the schedule given by your healthcare provider.<\/span><\/h5>\n

How to switch from Wegovy to Mounjaro<\/span><\/h2>\n

Switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro may involve several steps. The following is an example of a step-by-step process for switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Consult your healthcare provider.<\/b> Schedule an appointment to discuss switching medications. It’s important to get professional advice based on your health needs.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Provide your healthcare provider with your complete medical history.<\/b> Be sure to include any current medications you\u2019re taking. They can then verify whether<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Work with your healthcare provider to find the right <\/b>maintenance dose of Mounjaro<\/b><\/a>. <\/b>The right dosage will depend on how you respond to the medication and the side effects you experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Work with your healthcare provider to create a timeline for tapering off Wegovy and starting Mounjaro. <\/b>A clear schedule helps manage the switch effectively.<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Taper off Wegovy.<\/b> Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions, especially if they recommend gradually reducing your Wegovy dosage.<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. Begin Mounjaro. <\/b>Start taking Mounjaro as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Pay attention to how your body responds to the new medication.<\/span><\/li>\n
  7. \u00a0Monitor for side effects.<\/b> After starting Mounjaro, document any side effects or reactions. This can help your healthcare provider make adjustments.<\/li>\n
  8. Schedule a follow-up visit to assess your progress with Mounjaro.<\/b> Your healthcare provider may make recommendations based on your treatment response.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The steps for switching medications may differ depending on your healthcare provider. Work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

    RELATED: <\/b>How long does Wegovy stay in your system?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

    Other things to keep in mind before switching medications<\/span><\/h3>\n

    You may also want to keep in mind other factors when switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro:<\/span><\/p>\n