Switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro
We have more information here if you are currently taking Wegovy and you want to switch to Mounjaro
There are many different reasons why you might want to make the Wegovy to Mounjaro conversion. For example, you might be experiencing side effects with one, or you may find that your weight loss has not been what you had hoped with your treatment.
Wegovy and Mounjaro are both used to treat people with obesity, but they do contain different active ingredients.
The active ingredient in Wegovy is semaglutide whereas the active ingredient in Mounjaro is tirzepatide. Switching from semaglutide to tirzepatide is something you should discuss with your prescriber.
Why would you switch weight loss treatments
When it comes to choosing Wegovy vs Mounjaro for weight loss there are several reasons why you might want to change your weight loss treatment.
Weight loss medications work differently for everybody. Just because something works for one person, it doesn't mean that it will work for you. If you are not seeing significant weight loss and you are on the highest possible dose then you might consider switching from semaglutide to tirzepatide to lose weight.
If you are struggling with the side effects of Wegovy then switching to Mounjaro might be an option for you. Of course, the common side effects are similar in both medications, however, the drugs are different.
Although they are both incretin mimetics, they work differently. Mounjaro, which is manufactured by Eli Lilly, is a GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist and Wegovy, manufactured by Novo Nordisk, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist only. Your body might respond to both of these medications in different ways.
It is important to note that both medications must be used in conjunction with a low calorie diet and exercise for optimal results.
Clinical trials have also suggested that both medications are effective when it comes to chronic weight management, but Mounjaro appears slightly more effective than Wegovy.[1]
Studies have shown that Mounjaro leads above Wegovy when it comes to the amount of weight lost.[2]
The difference between Wegovy and Mounjaro dosing
There are a couple of notable differences between the doses of Wegovy and Mounjaro, which we will discuss in more detail down below.
Wegovy doses
Wegovy doses come in 5 different strengths. Each dose is to be taken weekly. The doses are increased once every 4 weeks until you reach your maintenance dose. Your maintenance dose is decided by a joint decision between you and your prescriber, and it usually ranges between 1mg and 2.4mg.
Mounjaro doses
Alternatively, Mounjaro comes in 6 different strengths with a dosing schedule you need to follow during your treatment plan. Just like Wegovy, you take each dose once a week for 4 weeks before it is increased.
Your prescriber will help you decide if and when you are going to increase the dose of Mounjaro. Your prescriber will continue to increase your dose until they find the most suitable one for you. They will try to keep you on the lowest dose possible, as long as it is effective.
How to switch treatments
Before you switch from Wegovy to Mounjaro it is important to talk to your prescriber to ensure that the switch is suitable for you. You should not stop, start or switch any of your treatments without discussing it first.
You will need to work alongside a healthcare professional due to the difference in the dosing schedule of these two treatments. You should not use Wegovy and Mounjaro at the same time. You would need to stop Wegovy first before making the switch.
How long does it take to switch between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
There is no current information on the length of time you would have to wait after stopping Wegovy and starting Mounjaro. Wegovy has a long half life and, depending on the dose, can take several weeks to be cleared from your system. [3]
When we have more information about the suitable period that you could start Mounjaro after finishing Wegovy, we will let you know.
Will I get withdrawal symptoms between treatments?
When you stop your Wegovy treatment you might experience withdrawal symptoms from the medication. Although it remains in your system for a few weeks after you stop the treatment, that doesn’t necessarily mean you will continue to experience a decreased appetite during this period.
This means that you might experience an increased appetite once you have stopped your treatment.
Other withdrawal symptoms that you could potentially experience include:
- Weight regain
- Mood changes
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
You may want to gradually reduce your dose of Wegovy to reduce these effects.
Restarting with Mounjaro
When you start Mounjaro after finishing Wegovy you might need to start from the lowest dose before gradually increasing it.
It could feel like you are starting from the beginning again, however, it is a crucial part of your weight loss treatment.
Both Wegovy and Mounjaro need gradual dosage increases. This is also referred to as titration. Titration helps to prevent side effects as your body gets used to your new treatment.
If you increase your dosage too quickly, this could lead to you becoming unwell. That is why it is important to follow your titration plan that has been given to you by your prescriber.
If you are thinking about switching from semaglutide to tizepatide then we hope that this guide has helped you. Remember, it is important to consult your prescriber before switching.
Just because one medication is right for you doesn't mean that all weight loss treatments will be.
