Trulicity vs Mounjaro: How These GLP-1 Medications Compare
Trulicity and Mounjaro are two commonly prescribed injectable medications used to treat type 2 diabetes. Both belong to the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist class of diabetes drugs.
GLP-1 drugs work by mimicking the hormone GLP-1 which regulates blood sugar. While Trulicity and Mounjaro share similarities, there are some key differences between these medications.
Understanding how these GLP-1 drugs differ can help you and your doctor determine which may be the more appropriate treatment option for your diabetes management.
What is Trulicity?
Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a once-weekly injectable prescription medication approved by the FDA in 2014. It is manufactured by pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly.
Trulicity is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps the body secrete more insulin after eating, slows digestion to prevent blood sugar spikes, and suppresses appetite. This leads to lower A1C levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
The most common side effects of Trulicity include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and decreased appetite. Trulicity carries a black box warning for thyroid C-cell tumor risk.
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a new once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist injection approved by the FDA in May 2022. It is produced by Eli Lilly, the same manufacturer as Trulicity.
Like other GLP-1 drugs, Mounjaro mimics the glucose-regulating and appetite suppressing effects of the natural GLP-1 hormone. It leads to A1C reduction along with weight loss.
Common side effects of Mounjaro include nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and constipation. Mounjaro has the same black box warning as Trulicity for possible thyroid cancer risk.
Similarities Between Trulicity and Mounjaro
As GLP-1 receptor agonists made by the same pharmaceutical company, Trulicity and Mounjaro share some key similarities:
- Both are injected subcutaneously once weekly using an auto-injector pen.
- They help lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon, and slowing digestion.
- They may lead to moderate weight loss by decreasing appetite.
- Nausea is the most common side effect for both medications.
- Trulicity and Mounjaro carry the same warning about thyroid C-cell tumors in animal studies.
Key Differences Between Trulicity and Mounjaro
While Trulicity and Mounjaro are similar GLP-1 diabetes medications, there are some notable differences between them:
Approval Dates
Trulicity was first approved in 2014, while Mounjaro just came onto the market in 2022. Trulicity has longer-term safety data given its earlier release.
Active Ingredients
Trulicity contains dulaglutide, while Mounjaro contains tirzepatide. Tirzepatide is a new dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist with a unique mechanism of action.
Dosing Options
Trulicity is available in 0.75mg, 1.5mg, 3mg, and 4.5mg doses. Mounjaro recently launched with 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, and 15mg doses.
A1C Reduction
Studies show Mounjaro reduces A1C by up to 2.62% compared to around 1.5% for Trulicity. Mounjaro demonstrates greater blood sugar lowering ability.
Weight Loss Effects
Mounjaro is proven to induce more weight loss than Trulicity, likely due to its dual action on GIP and GLP-1 receptors.
GI Side Effects
Mounjaro has slightly higher rates of gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea compared to Trulicity.
Heart Rate Effects
Mounjaro shows minimal impact on heart rate compared to a slight increase seen with Trulicity in studies.
Efficacy for Diabetes Treatment
Clinical trials directly comparing Trulicity and Mounjaro show that Mounjaro leads to significantly greater A1C reductions and weight loss at approved doses.
For example, in a 40-week study, Mounjaro 10mg lowered A1C by 2.07% on average compared to only 1.3% for Trulicity 1.5mg. Mounjaro also led to around 13 lbs more weight loss.
The greater glucose control and weight loss with Mounjaro is likely due to its novel dual mechanism of action targeting both GIP and GLP-1 receptors.
Cost and Coverage
Trulicity has been around longer so it is covered by most private insurance and Medicare plans. Mounjaro is newer so coverage may still be limited depending on the insurer.
Without insurance, both drugs cost around $1000 or more per month. Trulicity currently has generic options that lower out-of-pocket costs compared to brand-name only Mounjaro.
Savings cards are available for both that can lower copays to as little as $25 per month for qualified patients.
Ongoing Shortages
Supply issues with semaglutide-based Ozempic, used off-label for weight loss, are causing shortages impacting access to diabetes medications like Trulicity and Mounjaro.
However, the manufacturers are working to ramp up production to meet the increased demand. Still, patients may encounter temporary shortages when trying to fill prescriptions.
Determining Which Drug is Best For You
When choosing between Trulicity and Mounjaro, there are several factors you and your doctor should consider:
Your Current A1C
If your A1C is very elevated, Mounjaro may help lower it more rapidly given its greater glucose-lowering efficacy.
Amount of Weight Loss Desired
If weight loss is a major goal, studies show Mounjaro generally induces 2-3x more loss than Trulicity at approved doses.
Your BMI
Mounjaro appears most effective for weight loss in those with an initial BMI over 30. It may produce more benefit in higher weight patients.
Insurance Coverage
Make sure to understand your specific insurance coverage. Trulicity is more likely to be covered, while Mounjaro may require a prior authorization.
Prescription Costs
Look into copays, savings cards, and whether generic options like dulaglutide are available. Trulicity may currently be less expensive than brand-name Mounjaro.
Access and Availability
Due to shortages, filling a new prescription for Trulicity or Mounjaro could be difficult. Yet Trulicity access issues may resolve faster.
Safety and Side Effects
Consider your tolerability of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other GI effects based on each drug's side effect and safety profile.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you are considering starting a GLP-1 receptor agonist medication like Trulicity or Mounjaro, have an in-depth conversation with your doctor weighing the pros and cons of each option for your individual health needs.
Factors like your diabetes control, weight loss goals, insurance coverage, cost concerns, and tolerability of side effects should all play a role in determining if Trulicity or Mounjaro is the right treatment choice for you.
With your physician, you can develop a personalized diabetes management plan incorporating all the latest non-insulin medications like GLP-1 drugs. Together, you and your doctor can find the ideal treatment to help you successfully reach your blood sugar and weight targets.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment