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Mounjaro Alternative for Type 2 Diabetes
The Most Effective Mounjaro Alternatives to Select from
Mounjaro is a specialized medication designed for adults with type 2 diabetes. It works in a distinctive manner by directly activating the GIP and GLP-1 pathways to control blood sugar levels. When Mounjaro is unavailable, you can use alternative options such as Ozempic, Rybelsus, and others. Some alternatives are administered orally, as they are available in tablet form, while others involve injections in contrast to Mounjaro.
Alternative for Mounjaro to Treat Type 2 Diabetes
Mounjaro is a dual-acting agonist for GIP and GLP-1 receptors, and it contains the active ingredient named tirzepatide. In contrast, Ozempic, which has the active ingredient semaglutide, only works on the GLP-1 receptor. Both medications are used to regulate blood sugar, but a study showed that Mounjaro is more effective than Ozempic in reducing A1C levels.
Moreover, Mounjaro comes in injector pens for one-time use, so you need a new pen for each dose. The strength varies from 2.5 to 15 mg, depending on your doctor’s recommendation. Ozempic is available in doses of 0.25 to 2.0 mg, with each pen having four doses, enough for a month. Before choosing either of these medications, you must talk to your doctor to find the best option for your needs.
Mounjaro and Rybelsus are both used to help lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. But there are some differences between them. Mounjaro is an injection, while Rybelsus is a pill you take by mouth. You can take Mounjaro with or without food at any time of the day, but Rybelsus should be taken 30 minutes before your first meal of the day.
Both medications may have common side effects like nausea, decreased appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, & constipation. However, the serious side effects they could cause might be different. So whenever you consider this medication as a Mounjaro alternative, please consult with your doctor first.
Victoza and Mounjaro are medications with different active ingredients: Victoza contains liraglutide, while Mounjaro contains tirzepatide. Victoza, approved by the FDA for daily use, is designed to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. Unlike Mounjaro, which is administered weekly, Victoza not only helps manage diabetes but also reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in individuals with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Victoza is also approved for use in children aged 10 and above. Unlike Mounjaro, which offers six pens with different strengths, Victoza comes in a single strength. Overall, Victoza shares a few similar side effects with Mounjaro. Consult with your healthcare provider before using this medication as an alternative for Mounjaro.
Mounjaro and Jardiance are both FDA-approved medicines for diabetes. Mounjaro is a strong diabetes medication, while Jardiance is not as strong but has more heart and kidney benefits. Mounjaro is given as an injection once a week and is good for people who sometimes forget to take their medicine.
Jardiance is a type of medicine called SGLT2 (Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2) inhibitor, but it’s not as strong as Mounjaro in lowering A1C levels and can be taken orally. The half-life of Mounjaro is 3-4 days, whereas Jardiance has 10.5-13 hours.
When considering medicines for treating type 2 diabetes, there are two common options: Mounjaro and Januvia. Both work on the same pathway in the body involving GLP-1. It’s not recommended to use them at the same time. However, Januvia can be taken orally once daily, while Mounjaro can be taken once a week. The choice between them depends on the individual patient’s characteristics and preferences.
Januvia is a type of medicine called a “dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor”. Unlike Mounjaro, a dual receptor agonist, DPP-4 inhibitors like Januvia haven’t been proven to offer the same protection for the heart and kidneys. This might matter more for people who are at a higher risk of heart and kidney disease.
Onglyza is taken with certain other medicines to lower blood sugar levels. These medicines include metformin, rosiglitazone, pioglitazone, insulin, glimepiride, glibenclamide, or metformin combined with a sulfonylurea or a dapagliflozin. Onglyza is used when diet, exercise, and a single medicine are insufficient to control blood sugar levels.
Onglyza is unlikely to cause low blood sugar because it doesn’t work when your blood sugar is already low. This alternative is suitable when Mounjaro is not available. However, you should talk to your doctor during the initial consultation.
Both medicines help your body make more insulin, controlling blood sugar levels. But there’s a key difference: Mounzaro (tirzepatide) is a once-a-week medicine, while Tradjenta (linagliptin) is taken once a day. Tradjenta comes in tablet form with a strength of 5 mg, whereas Mounjaro is given 6 injections, each with a different strength ranging from 2.5 to 15 mg per 0.5 mL.
Moreover, the half-life of Tradjenta (linagliptin) is approximately 12 hours, which is far less than Mounjaro. So, before considering this medication in your daily life routine, get expert advice from your healthcare provider.
Nesina (ALOGLIPTIN- AL oh GLIP tin) helps your body produce more insulin, lowering blood sugar (glucose). It works similarly to Mounjaro. This medicine also decreases the amount of sugar released into your blood.
People often make changes to their diet and exercise while taking this medication. It comes in a 25 mg strength and is taken by mouth. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can help if you have other questions about how this medicine may be used as a Mounjaro alternative.
