Mounjaro vs trulicity Weight Loss Pens

Medical weight loss programs that include diabetes medications are at their peak. When diabetes drugs proved to be efficient in aiding weight loss, the game changed forever. Those blood sugar level control medications are highly effective in treating obesity and reaching sustainable weight loss. Mounjaro vs. Trulicity is one of the latest type 2 diabetes mellitus drug comparisons.

A few years ago, there were not many diabetes medicines – at least not like Trulicity, Mounjaro, or Ozempic weight loss. In the past two decades, pharmaceutical companies worldwide started developing type 2 diabetes mellitus drugs using the active ingredients in the mentioned medications. And it was not until a couple of years ago that their weight loss benefits got discovered. Today, medical weight loss treatments such as Mounjaro and Trulicity are among the most popular ones – and also the most effective ones. There is no doubt that between so many options and how relatively new those treatments are, people want to compare them.

Half of the adult population in America tries to lose weight every year. Some need aid battling obesity, while others only want to lose a few extra pounds. Regardless of their goals, everybody wants to find the perfect weight loss program that leads them to success. In this article, our weight loss clinic in Chicago experts discuss Mounjaro vs. Trulicity further. Are you on the hunt for the best weight reduction treatment? Continue reading to see which of these two options suits you best.

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is a type 2 diabetes mellitus medication that helps control blood sugar levels. It is manufactured by Eli Lilly & Company, an American pharmaceutical. People with diabetes can not produce or manage insulin properly, which causes high blood sugar levels. Having high glucose levels is dangerous; it can cause kidney, eye, and nerve damage. Healthcare providers indicate Mounjaro for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus to reduce sugar levels and ensure they stay healthy.

While there are a few prescription medicines to decrease blood sugar, Mounjaro is the only one of its kind. Why is that? This diabetes drug’s active compound is tirzepatide. It acts as a dual receptor agonist of two intestinal hormones: glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Currently, there is no other diabetes medication or weight loss management drug that activates two hormones simultaneously.

The GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonists are two naturally occurring hormones. They are released when we eat food. The problem is that the body breaks them down fast, so they only stay in our system for a short time. Tirzepatide binds to these hormones and activates their natural response. What the GIP and GLP-1 peptide hormones do is promote insulin secretion from the pancreas. At the same time, they indicate the liver lowers its glucose production. These two receptors’ actions help with blood sugar control.

What is Trulicity?

Trulicity is another type 2 diabetes mellitus medication. Just like Mounjaro, Eli Lilly pharmaceutical company manufactures this drug too. Trulicity has been around for almost a decade longer than Mounjaro. Besides helping with blood sugar level control, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) also approved this drug to reduce cardiovascular events in adults. Of all the type 2 diabetes medicines, Trulicity is the first and only one to treat high blood sugar levels and prevent cardiovascular conditions.

Trulicity’s active ingredient is dulaglutide; this compound works by activating the GLP-1 receptor agonist in our bodies. This receptor stimulates the pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar levels are high. Diabetic patients use this medication in combination with diet and exercise for blood sugar management. And also to reduce the risk of dangerous heart problems, such as heart attacks or strokes.

How Mounjaro and Trulicity help with weight loss

Trulicity and Mounjaro for weight loss pretty much perform the same process to help you lose weight. Since both share the same active ingredient (GLP-1 gut hormone), their effects on our bodies are very similar. Here we will explain, in simple words, how these receptor agonist medications help with weight reduction.

First, we want to tell you how these type 2 diabetes mellitus medications ended up becoming popular weight loss aiders. As mentioned, Eli Lilly company developed both drugs with the sole purpose of treating high blood sugar levels. One of them, Trulicity, proved to be highly efficient in managing cardiovascular issues as well. During further clinical trials, an incredible side effect appeared in the results: weight loss. In each medicine’s respective clinical trials, participants on the drug lost a significant amount of body weight.

For example, Mounjaro was specifically tested to treat obesity and weight loss management in the SURMOUNT-1 clinical trial. The results did not disappoint and were beyond satisfactory. After 72 weeks (how long the study lasted), participants taking the highest Mounjaro dose lost up to 20% of their body weight. An incredible and unparalleled number that changed the weight-loss medications game forever.

Both diabetes medicines indicate the pancreas releases insulin and the liver decreases glucose production. That produces a slow gastric emptying – how food travels through your digestive system. When this process slows down, you will feel full longer after having a meal. We could say that Mounjaro and Trulicity work as appetite suppressants, such as Phentermine for weight loss. You will feel satisfied even after eating a light meal. That makes it easier to stick to a low-calorie diet and lose weight fast.

Are these medications FDA-approved?

Mounjaro and Trulicity are two FDA-approved type 2 diabetes mellitus medications. The U.S. Food and Drugs Administration approved Trulicity (dulaglutide) to treat diabetes in September 2014. In September 2020, this medication also got FDA approval to reduce cardiovascular events in adults and be prescribed additional dosages to treat diabetes. On the other hand, the FDA approved Mounjaro in May 2022 to decrease blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.

So far, non of these drugs are officially approved weight loss medications. However, Mounjaro is on its way to becoming one. Eli Lilly & Company pharmaceutical already requested Mounjaro’s approval to use the drug in weight loss treatments. The FDA granted Mounjaro “fast track designation;” this means the process to get it approved will be shorter than usual. It is expected that Mounjaro will become an approved weight loss medication by the end of 2023.

Weight loss healthcare providers indicate Trulicity, Mounjaro, and other diabetes medicines “off-label” for weight management. Besides displaying the effectiveness of the medications, clinical trials proved they are safe to use to treat obesity or overweight. Still, you should take Mounjaro or Trulicity only under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Like most drugs, they can interact with other medications or even foods. Your doctor will advise you regarding Mounjaro foods to avoid and what to do if you are taking other medications.

Mounjaro vs. Trulicity: Which should you choose for weight loss?

The moment you were waiting for arrived: the Mounjaro vs. Trulicity showdown. Both medications are excellent choices when picking a weight loss treatment. Still, when you are about to start a weight loss program, it is vital you apply for the one that suits you best. To ensure you are signing up for the right option, resorting to professional healthcare providers is the best thing to do. Depending on your goals, preferences, unique needs, and medical background, doctors will guide you to the perfect fit.

Mounjaro and Trulicity have many similarities. That makes it challenging to differentiate them and decide on which medication to take. Let’s take a look at each medicine carefully and compare all their significant aspects:

The application method

You will apply them via subcutaneous injections regardless of which medication you choose. Both drugs come in injectable pens with regulable dosages. Do not worry if you have never used an injector pen device before; they are relatively painless. The application is so easy that you can do it yourself – no need to pay a visit to your doctor to receive your dosage. You can ask a family member or friend to do it for you if you do not feel comfortable applying it yourself.

Your healthcare provider will teach you how to use the pen, and they also come with detailed instructions. The recommended areas for the subcutaneous injections are the stomach (abdomen), thighs, and the outer side of your upper arms. Change the injection spot from one dose to another to avoid irritating the area.

The dosage

You should take Mounjaro or Trulicity once a week, on the same day each time. With both programs, you start with a low dose, and then your doctor regularly increases it. Typically, your healthcare provider will increase the dosage every four weeks until reaching the most optimal amount. Not everybody responds the same to the treatment, so this adaptation period is vital. Some patients start seeing weight loss results during this period; others need to reach a higher dose to start losing pounds.

Unlike the application method, the dosage amount is one of the aspects in which Mounjaro and Trulicity differ the most. Trulicity treatment starts with a dose of 0.75mg a week. Doctors can increase it until reaching 4.5mg per week – the maximum dosage. On the other hand, Mounjaro’s initial dose is 2.5mg a week; the highest allowed dose is 15mg per week.

Active compounds and effectiveness

Trulicity’s active compound is dulaglutide, and Mounjaro’s is tirzepatide. Both drugs are highly effective, but dulaglutide activates one receptor agonist (GLP-1), while tirzepatide activates two (GLP-1 and GIP). The dual action of Mounjaro, combined with the possibility of taking it in higher dosages, increases its effectiveness.

The average weight loss with Trulicity’s highest dose (4.5mg) is 5% of body weight. With Mounjaro, clinical trials showed that patients experienced an average weight loss of 5% with the minimum dosage (5mg) and 20% with the maximum dose (15mg).

Program eligibility requirements

Trulicity and Mounjaro programs aim to treat obesity or overweight. To be legible for any of these treatments, you must have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Or a BMI of 27 or higher and a weight-related condition such as diabetes or heart disease. You can talk with a weight loss doctor to check if you qualify for these medical programs.

Side effects and drug/diseases interactions

Mounjaro and Trulicity’s most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and constipation. Other more severe but rare adverse effects include pancreatitis, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and kidney problems. Your doctor will probably advise you against these medications if you have a history of pancreatitis, serious digestive problems, diabetic retinopathy, or a family history of certain conditions.

These drugs can interact with other substances, such as alcohol. Combining Trulicity or Mounjaro and alcohol can increase the most common side effects of the medications. And potentially cause some other side effects. Regardless of which medicine wins the Mounjaro vs. Trulicity showdown, always follow the doctor’s indication. Do not start or quit any medication without consulting your weight loss healthcare provider first.

Final thoughts

The choice between Mounjaro vs. Trulicity will depend on several factors beyond their effectiveness. With both, you will get the results you desire; significant and sustainable weight loss. The perfect choice for you will also depend on your lifestyle, biological background, and health condition, among other factors. One thing is sure, to reach your dream goal, you must pair any of those weight loss treatments with a low-calorie diet and exercise. Lifestyle changes have to be made to guarantee the success of Trulicity or Mounjaro and to keep the weight off once you are done with the program.

The most optimal way to discover which treatment suits you best is with the help of a professional doctor. Schedule a call with us, and let’s find the perfect weight loss program for you.