Trulicity and Mounjaro are two medicines that help control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. They’re both injected into the body, but they work a bit differently. This article will break down how they compare, so you can make informed decisions about managing your diabetes.
Trulicity is a medication used to manage type 2 diabetes. Its active ingredient is dulaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Trulicity is administered as a once-weekly injection under the skin, typically in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
The primary usage of Trulicity is to improve blood sugar control in adults and pediatric patients aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes.
It is used alongside diet and exercise to help lower blood sugar levels. Additionally, Trulicity helps reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke, and death, in adults with type 2 diabetes who have established cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors.
The benefits of Trulicity include better glycemic control, reduced risk of cardiovascular events, and potential weight loss. It works by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin after meals, slowing down the movement of food through the stomach, and preventing the liver from releasing stored sugars.
In diabetes management, Trulicity plays a crucial role by helping patients achieve and maintain target blood sugar levels, thereby reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications.
It is not suitable for treating type 1 diabetes or for patients with a history of pancreatitis or severe gastrointestinal disease.
Mounjaro is a prescription medication containing the active ingredient tirzepatide. It is administered as a once-weekly injection for subcutaneous use. Mounjaro is primarily used to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.
It works by activating both GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptors, which help control appetite, blood sugar levels, and digestion.
The benefits of Mounjaro include lowering blood sugar levels by helping the pancreas release more insulin, reducing the amount of sugar produced by the liver, and slowing the rate at which food passes through the body, making individuals feel full longer. Clinical trials have shown that Mounjaro can also support weight loss, with patients losing a significant percentage of their body weight over time.
In diabetes management, Mounjaro is used alongside diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of complications associated with high blood sugar levels, such as heart attack, kidney problems, vision problems, and nerve conditions. It is important to note that Mounjaro is not approved for use in people with type 1 diabetes or those who have had pancreatitis.
Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It mimics the action of the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1. When administered, Trulicity binds to GLP-1 receptors on pancreatic beta cells, leading to increased insulin secretion in response to elevated blood glucose levels.
Additionally, it reduces glucagon secretion from the liver, slows gastric emptying, and promotes a feeling of fullness, which can help with weight management.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 receptor agonist. It works by mimicking the actions of both GIP and GLP-1. By binding to and activating GIP and GLP-1 receptors, Mounjaro enhances insulin secretion in response to meals, suppresses glucagon secretion, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite.
This dual-action mechanism provides a more comprehensive approach to managing blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss.
Trulicity (dulaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are both GLP-1 receptor agonists used to manage type 2 diabetes. Clinical studies have shown that both medications effectively lower blood glucose levels and promote weight loss.
Trulicity:
HbA1c Reduction: Up to 0.8% reduction in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Weight Loss: Significant weight loss reported in many patients.
Cardiovascular Benefits: Approved to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Common Side Effects: Nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Mounjaro:
HbA1c Reduction: Up to 1.8% reduction in adults with type 2 diabetes after 40 weeks.
Weight Loss: Enhanced efficacy in weight management compared to Trulicity.
Mechanism: Dual action as a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist.
Common Side Effects: Similar to Trulicity, with nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort being common.
Both medications are administered as once-weekly injections and have shown positive effects in clinical trials. However, Mounjaro’s dual receptor approach may offer superior efficacy in managing glucose levels and achieving weight loss compared to Trulicity.
Trulicity (dulaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are both GLP-1 receptor agonists used to treat type 2 diabetes, but they have different side effects and safety profiles.
Common Side Effects:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Decreased appetite
Indigestion
Fatigue
Injection site reactions
Severe Side Effects:
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
Kidney problems
Gallbladder disease (e.g., cholecystitis, gallstones)
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Thyroid tumors (medullary thyroid carcinoma)
Severe allergic reactions
Common Side Effects:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Decreased appetite
Constipation
Abdominal pain
Indigestion
Injection site reactions
Severe Side Effects:
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Gallbladder disease (e.g., cholecystitis, gallstones)
Thyroid tumors (medullary thyroid carcinoma)
Severe allergic reactions
Both medications carry a risk of thyroid tumors and pancreatitis, and they can cause gastrointestinal issues like nausea and diarrhea. However, Trulicity has been associated with kidney problems and gallbladder disease, while Mounjaro has been linked to more frequent injection site reactions and constipation.
It’s important to discuss these side effects with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment option for individual needs and to monitor for any adverse reactions.
Recommended Usage and Dosage:
Starting Dosage: 0.75 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly.
Dosage Escalation: After 4 weeks, increase to 1.5 mg once weekly. If additional glycemic control is needed, increase the dosage in 1.5 mg increments after at least 4 weeks on the current dosage.
Maximum Dosage: 4.5 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly.
Missed Dose: If a dose is missed, administer the dose as soon as possible if there are at least 3 days (72 hours) until the next scheduled dose. If less than 3 days remain before the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and administer the next dose on the regularly scheduled day.
Administration Instructions:
Injection Site: Inject subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
Rotation: Rotate injection sites with each dose.
Appearance: Inspect Trulicity visually before use.
It should appear clear and colorless. Do not use if particulate matter or coloration is seen.
With Insulin: When using Trulicity with insulin, administer as separate injections and never mix. It is acceptable to inject Trulicity and insulin in the same body region, but the injections should not be adjacent to each other.
Recommended Usage and Dosage:
Starting Dosage: 2.5 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly.
Dosage Escalation: After 4 weeks, increase to 5 mg once weekly.
If additional glycemic control is needed, increase the dosage in 2.5 mg increments after at least 4 weeks on the current dose.
Maximum Dosage: 15 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly.
Missed Dose: If a dose is missed, administer Mounjaro as soon as possible within 4 days (96 hours) after the missed dose. If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and administer the next dose on the regularly scheduled day.
Administration Instructions:
Injection Site: Inject subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
Rotation: Rotate injection sites with each dose.
Appearance: Inspect Mounjaro visually before use. It should appear clear and colorless to slightly yellow.
Do not use if particulate matter or discoloration is seen.
With Insulin: When using Mounjaro with insulin, administer as separate injections and never mix. It is acceptable to inject Mounjaro and insulin in the same body region, but the injections should not be adjacent to each other.
Trulicity (dulaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are both medications used to treat type 2 diabetes, but they differ in cost and availability.
Trulicity: The monthly list price is around $977.42, which translates to approximately $11,729.04 annually. Without insurance, this cost can be prohibitive for many patients. With insurance, copays can range from $0 to $30 per month for most patients, but some may pay up to $350 per month.
Mounjaro: The monthly list price is approximately $1,069 per fill (about four pens), which amounts to over $12,800 annually.
Without insurance, the average monthly cost ranges from $1,000 to $1,200. With insurance, copays can be as low as $25 per month for eligible patients.
Trulicity: Widely available in many countries, including the United States, Canada, and Europe. It is covered by many commercial health insurance plans, Medicaid, and Medicare.
Mounjaro: Also widely available in the United States and other countries.
It is covered by many commercial health insurance plans, but coverage for off-label uses, such as weight loss, may vary.
Insurance Coverage: Patients with insurance may prefer the medication that is more fully covered by their plan.
Cost: Out-of-pocket costs can be a significant factor, especially for patients without insurance.
Efficacy: Both medications are effective, but some patients may respond better to one over the other.
Side Effects: Individual tolerance to side effects can influence the choice.
Doctor’s Recommendation: Physicians may have a preference based on their clinical experience and patient history.
Additional Benefits: Mounjaro has shown promise for weight loss, which may be a deciding factor for some patients.
These factors can help patients and healthcare providers make informed decisions about which medication to use for managing type 2 diabetes.
Trulicity (dulaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are both medications used to treat type 2 diabetes, but they differ in cost and availability. Trulicity has a monthly list price of around $977.42, while Mounjaro costs approximately $1,069 per fill. Without insurance, the average monthly cost for Mounjaro is higher than Trulicity.
In terms of availability, both medications are widely available in many countries, including the United States, Canada, and Europe. However, coverage for off-label uses, such as weight loss, may vary.
Factors influencing patient choice include insurance coverage, cost, efficacy, side effects, doctor’s recommendation, and additional benefits. Mounjaro has shown promise for weight loss, which may be a deciding factor for some patients.
Based on the comparison, Mounjaro may be more suitable for patients who are looking for an option that can also aid in weight loss, despite its higher cost. However, Trulicity may be a better choice for patients with limited financial resources or those who prefer a medication with a lower out-of-pocket cost. Ultimately, the decision between these two medications should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, taking into account individual patient needs and circumstances.