Hope in a Dose: Mounjaro vs Trulicity

Key Takeaways

• Mounjaro is an approved treatment for type 2 diabetes, and Trulicity is an approved treatment for both type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk reduction.
• Only at high dosages have studies shown that Trulicity and Mounjaro both help people lose weight. The FDA has not approved it for weight loss.
• The starting dose for Trulicity is 0.75 mg per week, increasing to 4.5 mg per week, while the initially recommended dose for Mounjaro is 2.5 mg per week, increasing to 15 mg weekly.
• Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and decreased appetite are some of the side effects. Low blood sugar and pancreatitis are serious risks.

Introduction

Millions of people worldwide suffer from diabetes, which needs to be managed with regular, efficient care. Mounjaro vs Trulicity, two drugs that are used to treat Type 2 diabetes, have drawn a lot of attention because of how well they control blood sugar levels. Both are injectable drugs that are part of the GLP-1 receptor agonist drug class, but Mounjaro targets two important receptors to create a novel mechanism.

The efficacy, mode of action, adverse effects, and other significant aspects of Mounjaro vs Trulicity will be compared in this article along with their role in weight management. 

Who is eligible for Trulicity and Mounjaro?

The FDA has approved Trulicity for:

• used in conjunction with diet and exercise for people with type 2 diabetes who are 10 years of age or older.
• to lower the risk of significant cardiovascular events in adults with heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

The FDA has approved Mounjaro for:

• used in conjunction with diet and exercise for adults with type 2 diabetes.

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide): What is it?

A more recent drug called Mounjaro was created to treat Type 2 diabetes. In 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized it. Tirzepatide’s dual-action mechanism is its primary characteristic. Both the GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) receptors are activated. GLP-1 receptor agonists slow stomach emptying, decrease glucagon release (which raises blood sugar) and increase insulin secretion in response to meals. Mounjaro’s overall effect is improved by the addition of GIP receptor stimulation, which increases its ability to regulate blood sugar levels.

What is dulaglutide, also known as Trulicity? 

The FDA initially authorized the well-known GLP-1 receptor agonist Trulicity in 2014. When lifestyle modifications alone are insufficient, it is used to help adults with Type 2 diabetes better control their blood sugar levels. Trulicity mimics the actions of GLP-1, a hormone that slows stomach emptying, increases insulin secretion, and inhibits glucagon release to help control blood sugar levels. Better blood sugar regulation and possible weight loss are the outcomes of this.

Mechanism of Action

Mounjaro has a distinct edge over Trulicity thanks to its dual-action mechanism. Although both medications aid in enhancing insulin sensitivity and controlling blood sugar, Mounjaro’s inclusion of the GIP receptor provides better blood sugar regulation, which may produce better outcomes for some patients.

Which works better (Mounjaro VS Trulicity)? 

Direct studies comparing the efficacy of Mounjaro and Trulicity have not been conducted. Every drug has undergone independent testing.

Trulicity:

• Trulicity decreased hemoglobin A1C by as much as 0.8% in adults with type 2 diabetes.
• After 26 weeks, it reduced hemoglobin A1C by up to 0.9% in kids ages 10 to 17.

Mounjaro:

• When taken alone, Mounjaro reduced hemoglobin A1C by up to 1.8% in a 40-week study involving adults with type 2 diabetes.

This indicates that although both drugs lower blood sugar, Mounjaro reduced hemoglobin A1C more than the other drugs in the study.

Side Effects of Mounjaro VS Trulicity

Nausea and diarrhea are common side effects of Trulicity and Mounjaro. These issues typically improve with time, but they are more likely to occur when you first start taking the medication or when your dosage is increased.

Common Side Effects:

It’s difficult to determine how Trulicity and Mounjaro’s side effects differ because there haven’t been any direct studies comparing them.

Dosing and Administration

Mounjaro and Trulicity are both treatments that are taken through injection and are normally given once per week. Patients who have difficulty adhering to traditional daily medication schedules will find the dose plan to be convenient. The primary distinction is in the dosage alternatives that they offer:

• Mounjaro is available in a variety of dose strengths, and patients often begin treatment with a low dose and gradually increase their dosage to reduce the likelihood of experiencing adverse effects.
• Trulicity is also available in a variety of strengths; however, in comparison to Mounjaro, the dosing adjustments are less adjustable.

Both of these medications are provided by injecting them subcutaneously, which means under the skin. They can be given in the upper arm, the belly, or the thigh. 

Role in Weight Loss

They both have the ability to help people lose weight, which is one of the most important advantages of Mounjaro and Trulicity. Both of these drugs have the potential to bring about a slight reduction in body weight, which is an essential component in managing type 2 diabetes.

When compared to Trulicity, clinical trials have shown that Mounjaro may result in a more significant reduction in body weight at the end of treatment. It is especially beneficial when accompanied with changes in lifestyle, such as shifting one’s diet and engaging in physical activity.
Although Trulicity is equally helpful for weight loss, it is possible that it does not give results that are as compelling as Mounjaro.

Cost and Accessibility

Particularly in its early stages, it is anticipated that Mounjaro will be more expensive than Trulicity, as is the case with the majority of newly developed drugs. It is possible that Trulicity, which is an older medicine, is more reasonably priced or that it is covered by insurance policies at a greater rate. However, the costs will differ from country to country.

Conclusion: Which One is Right for You?

In the treatment of type 2 diabetes, both Mounjaro and Trulicity are successful medications, each with their own unique set of advantages and opportunities for disadvantages. Mounjaro, due to its dual-receptor action, may provide a more effective effect on controlling blood sugar levels and weight reduction. As a result, it is a suitable choice for individuals who require more aggressive treatment. On the other hand, Trulicity, which is a medicine that has been around for a long time, continues to be a dependable choice that has a track record of success.

In the end, the decision between Mounjaro and Trulicity will be determined by a number of considerations, including as the patient’s particular requirements, their level of tolerance to adverse effects, the coverage provided by their insurance, and the advice of their physician. When trying to choose which prescription is the most appropriate for your situation, you should always seek the advice of a healthcare expert. Explore more at https://weightvista.com. 

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