{"id":633395,"date":"2025-09-03T13:24:57","date_gmt":"2025-09-03T17:24:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=633395"},"modified":"2026-01-28T14:05:54","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T19:05:54","slug":"trulicity-vs-mounjaro","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/trulicity-vs-mounjaro\/","title":{"rendered":"Trulicity vs. Mounjaro: Key differences, costs, and effectiveness"},"content":{"rendered":"

Trulicity<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Mounjaro<\/span><\/a> are both weekly subcutaneous injections that treat Type 2 diabetes. <\/span>Trulicity<\/span><\/a> is part of a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, more commonly referred to as <\/span>GLP-1 receptor agonists<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>Mounjaro<\/span><\/a> is known as a GIP\/GLP-1 receptor agonist. These drugs work by mimicking a naturally produced hormone that, in turn, triggers insulin secretion and improves blood glucose levels. The popular drugs also delay the emptying of the stomach, which has resulted in significant weight loss for some patients, though individual responses vary.<\/span><\/p>\n

While there are many similarities between Trulicity and Mounjaro, there are also differences, including the formulas, active ingredients, prices, and results. To help you better understand the distinctions between the two and make the best medical decision for yourself, we\u2019ve gone to the medical professionals for expert advice. Below, learn more about these prescription medications for diabetes management.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare Trulicity vs. Mounjaro key differences<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nTrulicity<\/b><\/td>\nMounjaro<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nGLP-1 agonists<\/span><\/td>\nGIP\/GLP-1 receptor agonists<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nBrand name<\/span><\/td>\nBrand name<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/b><\/td>\ndulaglutide<\/span><\/td>\ntirzepatide<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nsingle-use pen injection<\/span><\/td>\nsingle-use pen injection, single-dose vial<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\nThe initial dose starts at 0.75 mg per week, and maintenance doses range from 0.75 to 4.5 mg per week<\/span><\/td>\nThe initial dose starts at 2.5 mg per week, and doses can increase every four weeks by 2.5 mg, with a maximum dosage of 15 mg per week<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nLong-term<\/span><\/td>\nLong-term<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nAdults and children 10 years of age or older<\/span><\/td>\nMounjaro is only FDA-approved for adults ages 18 and older<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Compare Trulicity vs. Mounjaro conditions treated<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Condition<\/b><\/td>\nTrulicity<\/b><\/td>\nMounjaro<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Type 2 diabetes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cardiovascular risk reduction<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weight loss<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Is Mounjaro better than Trulicity?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cMounjaro outperforms Trulicity both in terms of diabetic control and weight loss,\u201d said Dr. Jennifer Brown, a board-certified physician in obesity medicine, and an obesity expert for <\/span>My Obesity Team<\/span><\/a>. \u201cI\u2019ve had several patients switch from Trulicity to Mounjaro and experience much tighter glucose control, fewer side effects, and significantly more weight loss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s rewind for a moment to take a closer look at why Mounjaro is a more effective drug than Trulicity. As mentioned previously, Mounjaro is often grouped with GLP-1s, but it\u2019s a bit more complex than that. Mounjaro, or tirzepatide, actually belongs to a drug class of its own. However, many still refer to it as a GLP-1, as it\u2019s the closest group it fits into.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

GLP-1 medications, including Trulicity, only mimic one type of hormone. However, the main difference between these drugs is that Mounjaro has a dual-action mechanism and triggers the response of two gut hormone receptors. Due to this, it can more accurately be classified as a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, or a dual GIP\/GLP-1 receptor agonist.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis makes Mounjaro more effective in blood sugar control and has been shown to have better weight loss benefits,\u201d said <\/span>Dr. Rani Aravamudhan<\/span><\/a>, a general medicine physician and the Senior Medical Director at Artemis (Nomi Health).<\/span><\/p>\n

One <\/span>study<\/span><\/a> published in 2022, which had more than 600 participants with Type 2 diabetes, compared those taking tirzepatide (generic of Mounjaro) to those taking dulaglutide (generic of Trulicity) over the course of 52 weeks. The researchers found tirzepatide was the better option as it was superior to dulaglutide in terms of blood glucose control and reduced body weight.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

More recently, a <\/span>study<\/span><\/a> with over 13,000 participants found that taking tirzepatide lowered the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events by 8% compared to dulaglutide. This study also highlighted one potential downside of Mounjaro compared to Trulicity. More participants on tirzepatide (13.3%) discontinued treatment due to experiencing adverse events compared to those on dulaglutide (10.2%).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To determine which medication will be the best option for you, it\u2019s important to speak to your healthcare provider so they can take into account your medical conditions, medical history, and any potential interactions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Trulicity vs. Mounjaro: Insurance coverage and cost comparison<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cWhen Mounjaro was first available, it was easier to get Trulicity approved by insurance plans because it was already on formularies. Now that Mounjaro has been available for three years, most insurance plans include it on their formularies,\u201d explained Dr. Brown.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s also important to note that insurance companies will only cover Mounjaro or Trulicity for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, not for weight management. There is a version of tirzepatide specifically made for weight loss, sold under the brand name <\/span>Zepbound<\/span><\/a>, which some insurance companies may approve for weight loss if certain requirements are met. Zepbound is also <\/span>FDA-approved<\/span><\/a> for moderate to severe obstructive <\/span>sleep apnea<\/span><\/a> in adults with obesity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMost commercial health plans and Medicare Part D cover GLP-1 drugs for diabetes,\u201d said Dr. Aravamudhan. \u201cTrulicity is definitely cheaper than Mounjaro overall, but based on insurance plan design, members may pay $0 to $100 per month out of pocket for either.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

If insurance doesn\u2019t cover Mounjaro or Trulicity, you can also pay out-of-pocket. On average, Mounjaro retails for $1,474 per 4, 5mg\/0.5 mL pens. However, you could pay as low as $875 by using a <\/span>Mounjaro coupon<\/span><\/a> from SingleCare. For Trulicity, the average price is $1,409 for 4, 1.5 mg\/0.5 mL pens, which could be reduced to as low as $776 with SingleCare\u2019s <\/span>Trulicity coupon<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another option to save on these drugs is by looking into manufacturer rebates or savings cards. You can find more information on their websites. Dr. Aravamudhan explained, \u201cBoth of them have manufacturer\u2019s rebates available with savings cards that can reduce out-of-pocket costs down to $25 per month.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare Trulicity vs. Mounjaro cost & coverage<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nTrulicity<\/b><\/td>\nMounjaro<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/b><\/td>\nYes, for a medical indication\u2014often needs <\/span>prior authorization<\/span><\/a><\/td>\nYes, for a medical indication\u2014often needs prior authorization<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/b><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicaid?<\/b><\/td>\nCoverage will vary by state.<\/span><\/td>\nCoverage will vary by state.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quantity<\/b><\/td>\n4, 1.5 mg\/0.5 mL 0.5 mL pens<\/span><\/td>\n4, 5 mg\/0.5 mL 0.5 mL pens<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/b><\/td>\nSee latest price<\/span><\/a><\/td>\nSee latest price<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Mounjaro vs. Trulicity side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n

As with any drug, there are potential side effects to consider. The side effects of Mounjaro and Trulicity are similar, with most being gastrointestinal (GI) related.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Common <\/span>side effects of Mounjaro<\/span><\/a> include:<\/span><\/p>\n