Saxenda vs. Mounjaro

If you’re among the nearly 75% of Americans over the age of 20 who are overweight or obese, you know all too well the physical and emotional impacts that those extra pounds can have on your quality of life. But losing weight isn’t always simple or straightforward. For many Americans, the recent advent of injectable antidiabetic/weight loss medications has provided a ray of hope and offered the possibility of a way forward toward a happier and healthier future.

But, with so many possible drugs on the market, it can be challenging to know which one to select to kickstart your weight loss journey. In this post, we’ve provided a direct comparison of Mounjaro and Saxenda—two popular injectable medications known for their weight loss potential. We’ve placed them head-to-head and provided clear information about their similarities, differences, overall efficacy, side effects, and more.

While well-researched, the information below does not constitute or replace medical advice. The final decision about which medication to try should be made in direct consultation with your doctor or healthcare provider.

Ready to learn the ins and outs of how Saxenda and Mounjaro measure up to each other? Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

• Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Saxenda (liraglutide) are both injectable medications that promote effective weight loss for many patients.
• Saxenda is FDA-approved for weight loss, as is tirzepatide (under the brand name Zepbound).
• Both drugs are associated with medically significant weight loss, but the weight loss outcomes for Mounjaro are greater than those for Saxenda.
• Mounjaro and Saxenda should never be taken together, but it is possible to switch from one drug to the other under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
• Ultimately, your doctor or healthcare provider will be your best resource in helping you determine which weight loss medication will be the right choice based on your medical history and current health goals.

What Is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a brand-name prescription drug manufactured by Eli Lilly. Classed as a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, it is FDA-approved for blood sugar management in adult patients with Type 2 Diabetes in combination with regular exercise and a healthy diet.

Mounjaro is also associated with groundbreaking weight loss outcomes, and its sister drug, Zepbound, was recently FDA-approved for weight loss in obese and certain overweight populations (with or without Type 2 Diabetes). Mounjaro and Zepbound have the same active ingredient and composition but are marketed under different brand names for different purposes.

Mounjaro is administered via once-weekly subcutaneous injection into the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. It is a long-term medication meant to be taken at a maintenance dose that remains consistent over time.

See also: What’s Better for Weight Loss: Ozempic or Mounjaro?

What Is Saxenda?

Saxenda (liraglutide) is a brand-name prescription drug manufactured by Novo Nordisk. The first GLP-1 receptor agonist drug to be FDA-approved for weight loss, it has remained a go-to weight loss medication for obese and overweight adults since its approval in 2014. In 2020, the FDA also approved Saxenda for use in obese pediatric patients over the age of 12.

Saxenda is administered via once-daily subcutaneous injection into the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. Like Mounjaro, it is a long-term medication meant to be taken at a maintenance dose that remains consistent over time.

Mechanisms of Action

Mounjaro and Saxenda are similar drugs, but they have slightly different mechanisms of action. Let’s consider what sets them apart from one another regarding their impact on the body:

Mounjaro

Mounjaro (and Zepbound) belong to a new class of medications known as dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists. Tirzepatide mimics two hormones produced naturally in the human gut in response to food (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide—GIP and glucagon-like peptide-1—GLP-1) and binds to their receptor sites to trigger the following responses:

• Increased production and release of pancreatic insulin in response to food (supports lower blood sugar levels)
• Decreased sugar production and release from the liver (also supports lower blood sugar levels)
• Slowed gastric emptying and digestive process (allows the body to feel fuller for longer)
• Stimulation of areas of the brain associated with appetite (helps to reduce appetite and cravings)
• Improved metabolic function and fat-burning (supports weight loss)

Saxenda

Like Mounjaro, Saxenda mimics the incretin hormone GLP-1. It does not, however, mimic GIP. While the first four responses bulleted above are shared by both Saxenda and Mounjaro, Saxenda is not known to have the same impacts on metabolic function and fat-burning as Mounjaro.

Are Mounjaro and Saxenda FDA-Approved?

Yes, both Mounjaro and Saxenda are FDA-approved, but let’s take a closer look at exactly what they’re indicated for:

• Mounjaro
  • Indicated for blood sugar management in adults with Type 2 Diabetes as an adjunct to a healthy diet and regular exercise.
• Saxenda
  • Indicated for chronic weight management in obese adults (BMI over 30) or overweight adults (BMI over 27) with at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or high cholesterol.
  • Also indicated for chronic weight management in pediatric patients over the age of 12 with a BMI over 30.
  • Saxenda is most effective in combination with lifestyle changes including a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Though Mounjaro isn’t officially indicated for weight loss, its sister drug, Zepbound, was recently approved for this purpose. Because Mounjaro and Zepbound are identical except for their branding, we’ve also included Zepbound’s indications below:

• Zepbound
  • Indicated for chronic weight management in obese (BMI over 30) or overweight adults (BMI over 27) with at least one weight-related condition.

Now, the information you’ve been waiting for: How effective are Saxenda and Mounjaro? We’ve laid out an overview of the relevant data below:

Mounjaro’s Effectiveness

In terms of blood sugar control, Mounjaro clinical trials demonstrated that 75% to 90% of adults with Type 2 Diabetes who took the drug over 52 weeks were able to lower and maintain their A1C levels at 7% or less (the goal for most adults with Diabetes).

To put this in context, a 2021 study of patients with Type 2 Diabetes found that tirzepatide was equal or superior to semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) in reducing blood sugar levels. Another recent study showed semaglutide to be superior to liraglutide in reducing blood sugar levels. Thus, we can conclude that, overall, tirzepatide is more effective at reducing A1C levels in patients with Type 2 Diabetes than liraglutide.

In terms of weight loss, tirzepatide has been associated with unprecedented results in clinical trials. A 2022 study revealed that tirzepatide taken at the 10 mg or 15 mg dosage could result in a 20% or more body weight reduction over 72 weeks. According to Eli Lilly, approximately 1 in 3 people taking the 15 mg dose of Zepbound (tirzepatide) during a 17-month clinical trial lost more than 58 lbs.

Saxenda’s Effectiveness

As seen above, Mounjaro has been shown to be more effective than Saxenda regarding blood sugar control. Likewise, Mounjaro’s weight loss outcomes also exceed Saxenda’s—though Saxenda remains an effective weight loss treatment for many patients. In a year-long study of more than 3,700 adults overweight or obese, 62% lost a clinically significant amount of weight (greater than 5% of their starting body weight) with daily Saxenda injections and lifestyle interventions.

Dosage Schedules

Mounjaro

Mounjaro and Zepbound are typically prescribed at a starting dose of 2.5 mg, which is titrated up every four weeks under the supervision of a doctor until a suitable maintenance dose is reached. Mounjaro is available in the following doses:

• 2.5 mg
• 5 mg
• 7.5 mg
• 10 mg
• 12.5 mg
• 15 mg

Saxenda

Saxenda is typically prescribed at a starting dose of 0.6 mg, which is titrated up to a maintenance dose of 3 mg over a series of weeks or months under the supervision of a doctor. Saxenda is available in the following doses:

• 0.6 mg
• 1.2 mg
• 1.8 mg
• 2.4 mg
• 3 mg

Side Effect Differences

Mounjaro and Saxenda are both associated with potential side effects—some mild and some more serious. Below, we’ve provided an overview of the side effects they share in common as well as distinguished the ones unique to one drug or the other:

Mild Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal issues
• Injection site reactions
• Mild low blood sugar
• Headache, dizziness fatigue, changes in lipase levels (Saxenda)
• Fever (in children taking Saxenda)

Serious Side Effects

• Severe allergic reactions
• Pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, kidney problems
• Severe low blood sugar
• Increased heart rate (Saxenda)
• Depression (Saxenda)
• Severe gastrointestinal issues (Mounjaro)
• Vision changes (Mounjaro—in patients with Type 2 Diabetes)
• The formation of thyroid tumors (Mounjaro)

For further information about possible adverse reactions and contraindications, see Mounjaro’s prescribing information and Saxenda’s prescribing information.

Saxenda Vs. Mounjaro Cost

The cost of Mounjaro and Saxenda depends greatly on where you purchase these drugs and whether or not your insurance plan covers them. The list price of a 30-day supply for either drug without insurance coverage ranges between about $900-$1,400.

Can You Take Mounjaro and Saxenda Together?

No. Taking Mounjaro and Saxenda together is dangerous and can result in serious medical outcomes.

Switching From Saxenda to Mounjaro

Switching from Saxenda to Mounjaro (or vice versa) can be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Never stop a prescription medication or start a new one without consulting directly with your doctor or healthcare provider.

Conclusion

Saxenda and Mounjaro are both effective medications whose active ingredients are associated with blood sugar regulation and weight loss. While tirzepatide has proven superior to liraglutide in clinical trials, many patients may still prefer Saxenda to Mounjaro for various reasons. To determine which medication may be the right option for you, make an appointment with your doctor or healthcare provider.

Ready to jumpstart your weight loss journey by accessing high-quality, affordable medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro? Contact Bisonpharmacy.com today!