You have probably heard a lot about Ozempic® and Mounjaro®, two medications commonly prescribed to help manage type 2 diabetes and support weight loss. Although they share some similarities, they work differently in the body and have some important differences in their effects, benefits and potential risks. So, what is the difference and how do you know which may be right for you? Understanding how they both work, their potential benefits, possible side effects and cost can help you have an informed conversation with your healthcare provider.
Article highlights
- Discover the key differences between Ozempic and Mounjaro.
- Understand how Ozempic and Mounjaro work to manage blood sugar.
- Learn how they compare for A1C reduction and weight loss.
- Learn what to consider when choosing a medication with your healthcare provider.
What are Ozempic and Mounjaro, and how do they work?
Ozempic and Mounjaro are both once-weekly injectable medications used alongside diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control. Ozempic contains semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It helps the body release insulin when your blood sugar is high, reduces the release of glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar), and slows stomach emptying. These effects help control blood sugar, reduce appetite and decrease food intake. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, which works by activating two hormone receptors in the body: GIP and GLP-1. By targeting two hormone pathways, tirzepatide helps improve blood sugar control and can reduce appetite and food intake, contributing to weight loss.
How are Ozempic and Mounjaro different?
The main difference is how they work in the body. Mounjaro influences two receptors, GIP and GLP-1, while Ozempic only involves the GLP-1 receptor. Both medications improve blood sugar control and support weight loss, but clinical studies have found differences in A1C reduction and weight loss. Additionally, they have different dose strengths, approved uses and evidence for cardiovascular and kidney protection.
How do Ozempic and Mounjaro compare for A1C reduction and weight loss?
A 40-week clinical trial compared the two medications to see how much each medication lowered A1C and body weight. On average, Mounjaro led to greater reductions in both A1C and weight than Ozempic.
Ozempic vs. Mounjaro: Clinical trial results
| Measurement | Ozempic 1 mg weekly dose | Mounjaro Dose dependent |
|---|---|---|
| A1C reduction | 1.9% |
5 mg dose2.0%
10 mg dose2.2%
15 mg dose2.3%
|
| Weight loss | 5.7 kg | 7.6–11.2 kg |
Keep in mind, these are average results from one clinical trial, and the medication effect can vary from person to person.
How do Ozempic and Mounjaro compare?
| Comparison | Ozempic | Mounjaro |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide |
| Drug class | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Mechanism | Mimics natural GLP-1 to increase glucose-dependent insulin release and slow gastric emptying. | Activates GIP and GLP-1 receptors to improve glucose-dependent insulin release and slow gastric emptying. |
| Dosing | Once weekly; starts at 0.25 mg and can increase to 0.5, 1 or 2 mg. | Once weekly; starts at 2.5 mg and may be increased to 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 or 15 mg. |
| A1C reduction | Approximately 1.9% | Approximately 2.0–2.3% |
| Weight loss | Approximately 5.7 kg at 1 mg | Approximately 7.6–11.2 kg at 5–15 mg |
| Side effects | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation |
| Heart and kidney protection | Demonstrated cardiovascular and kidney benefits in specific populations with type 2 diabetes. | Demonstrated cardiovascular safety. Its cardiovascular and kidney benefits are still being studied. |
| Canadian coverage and cost | Coverage and out-of-pocket cost depend on province and insurance plan. | Coverage and out-of-pocket cost depend on province and insurance plan. |
What are the side effects and safety concerns of Ozempic and Mounjaro?
The common side effects of both are similar, with digestive symptoms being the most common. These symptoms tend to occur most often when starting treatment or increasing the dose, with improvement often seen as the body adjusts.
Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
Some important, less common, safety concerns include pancreas inflammation and the increased risk of gallbladder problems (e.g., gallstones). Additionally, since nausea, diarrhea and vomiting are side effects, people may experience dehydration affecting kidney function, especially in those who already have kidney problems.
Although these medications have a relatively low risk of hypoglycemia when used alone, the risk can increase when they are taken with insulin or certain other diabetes medications, such as sulfonylureas.
How much do Ozempic and Mounjaro cost, and are they covered in Canada?
The cost of both can vary depending on the dose, generic availability, pharmacy, province and whether you have a private or public drug plan. If you are paying out-of-pocket, both medications can cost up to several hundred dollars per month.
Generic semaglutide products have now been approved in Canada for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, offering potentially lower-cost alternatives to brand-name Ozempic. In June 2026, Health Canada also approved Sevmia®, a generic version of Wegovy®, for chronic weight management. Approval does not necessarily mean that a product is immediately available in pharmacies. Mounjaro does not currently have a generic version available in Canada.
Be sure to check with your drug plan provider or pharmacist on whether your healthcare plan covers Ozempic or Mounjaro. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can help you navigate payment.
Which is better for type 2 diabetes: Ozempic or Mounjaro?
When it comes to deciding which medication is right for you, there is no one “best” option. Medication choice depends on individual factors like blood sugar targets and weight-management goals, any health conditions (including heart and kidney disease), side effects of other medications, cost and coverage. Speak to your healthcare provider to decide which choice is best for your individual case.
Your 3-step action plan:
- Consider your goals, factoring in blood sugar, weight, heart and kidney health, and budget
- Talk to your healthcare provider about which medication may be right for you
- Check medication costs: find out what your insurance or provincial drug plan covers and what you will need to pay
Ozempic and Mounjaro have become important treatment options for type 2 diabetes. While both can improve blood sugar control and support weight loss, they work differently in the body and have different effects. Talk to your healthcare provider to decide whether either medication may be right for you.
