f grabbing a canned weight-loss drink off a grocery store shelf isn’t working, and counting calories isn’t your thing, it’s time to consider weight-loss medication. Ozempic may be the first one that comes to mind. It does help you feel full faster and longer, but is it the best choice?
We will compare Mounjaro vs Saxenda, two weight loss medications to consider when exploring options.
Mounjaro vs Saxenda Similarities
Both medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for people with Type 2 Diabetes. Saxenda is also approved for weight loss.
Both are GLP-1 receptor agonists, meaning they reduce appetite, support weight loss, and improve blood glucose levels. They are also incretin mimetics, which act like hormones to increase insulin release from the pancreas.
These diabetes medications are not subject to the Controlled Substance Act, making it easy to fill your prescription online. Both will jump-start your weight loss but are not life-long weight control programs.
What Are GIP and GLP-1 Medications?
GLP-1 is a hormone that helps the body regulate blood sugar levels and hunger. It improves the function of insulin and delays gastric emptying.
Communicating with the hypothalamus, the part of the brain controlling appetite, the medication reduces food-seeking behavior. GLP-1 agonists slow your digestion, so you feel full longer. This reduces your cravings and calorie consumption.
GLP-1 medications are more effective than any other weight loss drug. In addition to being a GLP-1, Mounjaro is also a GIP medication.
GIP is a hormone the body releases when food is consumed. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and fat cells to absorb excess energy. This prevents fat from being stored in the pancreas and liver.
Mounjaro
At this time, the FDA has approved Moujaro for treating type 2 diabetes; weight-loss approval is expected in late 2023. While waiting for approval, your doctor can prescribe it off-label.
This GLP-1 medication is also a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) mimetic. It has receptors in the brain that help regulate the appetite, store energy from food, and regulate blood sugar levels.
GLP-1 and GIP work well together in promoting weight loss. A clinical trial found that 70% of participants lost at least 20% of their body weight in 88 weeks. Over half lost 25% or more of their body weight.
The medication increases metabolism, reduces the body’s storage of unhealthy calories, and promotes gastric emptying. The slower processing of food through the digestive system is why you feel full longer.
Weight loss recommendations are for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 and over. It may be prescribed for people with a lower body mass if they have medical problems related to their obesity.
Medication Details
Mounjaro is the only GIP-1 plus GIP Mimetic medication in the United States and is available for adults over 18.
Active ingredient: Tirzepatide
Administration: Once a week by injection
Drug class: Incretin mimetics, agents that act like hormones
Manufacturer: Eli Lilly
Purpose: Treating type 2 diabetes mellitus; improves glycemic control in adults; off-label for weight loss with FDA weight loss approval anticipated by the end of 2023
Interactions: 307 drug interactions, five disease interactions, and two alcohol and food This includes:
- Antibiotics
- Antipsychotics
- Beta 2 stimulants
- Bexarotene for skin cancer
- Corticosteroids
- Diabetic medications
- Diuretics
- Drugs containing estrogen, including birth control and hormone replacement
- HIB protease inhibitors
- Steroids
Side Effects: You shouldn’t take Mournjaro if you are allergic to tirzepatide or any other ingredient in the medication. You may experience the following:
- Abdominal pain
- Allergic reactions
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Fatigue
- Gallbladder disease
- Hyperglycemia
- Increased heart rate
- Indigestion
- Kidney problems
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pancreatitis
- Sinus tachycardia
- Stomach problems
- Vision changes
If you experience side effects, even if not listed above, you should contact the prescribing physician for guidance.
What Is Off-Label?
Off-label prescribing is when a doctor writes you a prescription for a medication that is FDA-approved for a condition different than the one you are experiencing. This is common practice and legal. Every one in five prescriptions is written for off-label purposes.
Saxenda
In 2014, Saxenda became the first GLP-1 agonist approved for obesity. It is available for adults and adolescents over 12 who cannot lose weight on a calorie reduction and exercise plan.
Active ingredient: Liraglutide
Administration: Once a day injection
Drug class: Incretin mimetics
Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk
Purpose: Weight loss, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol
Interactions: There are a total of 254 known drug interactions, including:
- Antibiotics
- Beta 2 stimulants
- Bexarotene for skin cancer
- Corticosteroids
- Diabetic medications
- Diuretics
- Estrogen, including hormone replacement and birth control
People should not take Saxenda if they are allergic to liraglutide or other ingredients. It is not for people using albiglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide, or insulin. People with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, diabetic ketoacidosis, or a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma should not take Saxenda.
Side effects: When testing on rats and mice, the generic form of this medication caused dependent thyroid c-cell tumors. It is not known if this side effect extends to humans. Other side effects include:
- Bladder pain
- Bloody or cloudy urine
- Blurred vision
- Burning or painful urination
- Chills or shivering
- Cough, hoarseness, sore throat
- Dizziness, pounding in ears
- Diarrhea
- Fainting, seizures
- Fatigue or weakness
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Loss of appetite
- Lower back or side pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Runny nose
- Slow or fast heartbeat
- Suicidal thoughts, changes in behavior or mood
- Sweating
- Trouble sleeping
In addition to the above, there are several rare and less common side effects. Side effects may disappear as the body adjusts to the medication. If you experience side effects, you should contact your prescribing medical provider for advice.
Which Is Better?
The type of weight loss medication you select will depend on various factors. Out-of-pocket costs, insurance coverage, other medications you take, and the advice of your physician impact the decision.
Prescription medications are the safest choice to ensure it is safe and has FDA approval. Many of the one billion obese people in the world enjoy the convenience of ordering their weight loss medication online.
Online Weight Loss Medication
Now that you can make an informed decision on using Mounjaro vs Saxenda for weight loss, healthier body weight is in your future. Recovery Delivered provides discreet delivery of your weight loss prescription. Learn how Recovery Delivered can help you with prescription weight loss online, then click the tab to start treatment.
