If you want to lose weight, there are numerous options. One is taking weight loss drugs. Saxenda and Mounjaro are two injectable medications commonly compared due to their impressive weight loss results. While the FDA has approved them for different purposes, both drugs can help manage weight, especially for people with chronic weight issues. Understanding the differences between the two is essential to determine which one suits you best. Below are 10 qualities of Saxenda vs. Mounjaro, including their potential side effects, costs, and dosing frequency.
1. How They Work in the Body
Both of these drugs are widely used for weight loss. So, what’s the difference between Saxenda and Mounjaro? Their mechanism of action varies because of their distinct active ingredients.
Saxenda contains the active ingredient liraglutide. Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps control appetite and calorie intake by mimicking a gut hormone.
On the other hand, Mounjaro has tirzepatide, which is a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist. It not only reduces appetite but also improves insulin sensitivity for people with poor glycemic control. This dual action makes Mounjaro a better drug for controlling blood sugar levels and appetite.
2. FDA Approval and Intended Use
Saxenda is FDA-approved specifically for weight loss for patients with the following conditions:
- Adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater, classified as obese
- Adults with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater, classified as overweight, and have at least one weight-related co-existing condition, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia.
- Children and teens aged 12 years and older who weigh more than 60 kg and have a BMI that meets the international standard for adult obesity (30 kg/m² or higher).
Saxenda is a good option if you need medication for chronic weight management.
Is Mounjaro approved for weight loss? Unfortunately not. Mounjaro is currently FDA-approved only for type 2 diabetes, but it’s prescribed off-label for weight loss — thanks to its demonstrated strong weight loss results in clinical trials.
3. Weight Loss Effectiveness
There are no studies that directly compare Saxenda vs. Mounjaro for weight loss. However, individual studies revealed that Mounjaro causes superior weight loss effects than Saxenda.
In a 72-week clinical trial, people who took the 10 mg and 15 mg doses of Mounjaro lost 13.4% and 15.7% of their body weight, respectively, compared to only 3.3% of the placebo. These figures translate to 13.5 kg and 15.6 kg of weight reduction for the two doses of tirzepatide and only 3.2 kg of weight loss in the placebo.
Meanwhile, in a 56-week study, those taking 3 mg of Saxenda lost about 8% of their body weight, or around 8.4 kg (about 18.5 pounds).
So, does Mounjaro work better than Saxenda? Because it acts on two receptors, Mounjaro is considered more potent and may result in greater weight loss. Some users also report seeing faster results with Mounjaro.
4. Dosage and Administration
The lowest dose of Saxenda is 0.6 mg, administered daily for the first week. It’s injected subcutaneously in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm at any time, with or without food. In the second and subsequent weeks, the dose is increased by 0.6 mg until the maximum recommended maintenance dose of 3 mg is reached.
Meanwhile, Mounjaro’s starting dose is 2.5 mg injected under the skin once a week at any time of the day without or with meals. After four weeks, the dose is increased to 5 mg, then raised by 2.5 mg every four weeks until the highest dosage of 15 mg is reached.
Users should consider this difference in Saxenda vs. Mounjaro dosing schedules to determine which is more convenient and easier to adhere to.
5. Side Effects and Tolerance
Both medications can cause adverse reactions. Here’s a comparison table of their most common side effects.
Mounjaro vs. Saxenda Side Effects
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Some users report that Mounjaro causes less or fewer side effects. One reason may be due to the supplementary GIP action, which could ease gastrointestinal symptoms.
Still, tolerance per user can vary widely, and some may find that Saxenda is a better option for them.
6. Saxenda vs. Mounjaro Cost and Insurance Coverage
A Saxenda 18 mg/3mL dose with 15 mL solution can cost around $1,450, but this can vary depending on where you buy. Meanwhile, the average cost of Mounjaro is $1,023 for one month.
You could save if your insurance plan includes drug coverage for these medications. If you are overweight or obese, choosing Saxenda increases your chances of getting approved for coverage. Mounjaro is approved for Type 2 diabetes. Using it off-label for weight loss will likely deny you coverage.
You can also explore manufacturer savings cards or patient assistance programs to reduce prescription costs. Another alternative is to buy from licensed online pharmacies in Canada, where prices are significantly lower than in the U.S.
Where do you buy Saxenda or Mounjaro in Canada? Buy Canadian Insulin is a reliable platform for filling your prescriptions. You can purchase five pre-filled pens of a 6 mg dose of Saxenda for only $515 instead of $1,450, and Mounjaro for $599.99 for a single pen of a 2.5 mg dose.
7. Availability and Access
Saxenda is more widely available in local pharmacies since it’s been on the market longer. It was approved by the FDA for obesity or overweight on December 23, 2014.
In comparison, Mounjaro was approved by the FDA on May 13, 2022, for Type 2 diabetes. While newer, it’s rapidly become one of the most popular weight loss drugs. Mounjaro was added to the FDA’s list of drug shortages in 2022, but all doses are available now.
Both medications are easily accessible. With both drugs readily available, can you take Saxenda and Mounjaro together? The answer is no. It’s not recommended to combine both GLP-1 drugs. Ask your doctor for advice on which of the two best suits your health goals and needs.
8. Switching Between Saxenda and Mounjaro
Can you swap from Saxenda to Mounjaro? Yes, it’s possible. If you’re switching from Saxenda to Mounjaro, it’s crucial to work with your doctor. There are several reasons you might need to transition between medications. Some of these include:
- Intolerable side effects
- Cost and insurance coverage
- Weight loss has plateaued
- No weight loss results
Because these drugs work differently and have different dosing regimens, it’s essential to follow your doctor’s guidance when switching from Saxenda to Mounjaro and vice versa.
9. Popularity, Safety, and Real-World Use
Reddit forums provide authentic user stories, which can benefit people considering these medications for weight loss. For instance, some users on this recent Saxenda vs. Mounjaro Reddit thread shared that taking Mounjaro has resulted in more substantial weight loss and fewer side effects.
That said, Saxenda remains a popular pick for those who prefer an FDA-approved weight loss drug with a longer safety track record. Some users may favor Mounjaro when it comes to weight loss, but it lacks information on potential risks for people without diabetes.
10. Alternatives and Comparable Medications
What medication is comparable to Saxenda? Whether it’s a problem with the supply, difficulty managing side effects, or costs, your doctor may recommend an alternative that belongs to the same class of drugs.
If Saxenda isn’t the right fit, your doctor may suggest Wegovy. It’s a once-weekly semaglutide injection, FDA-approved for weight loss. While both are approved for weight loss, the side effects of Saxenda vs. Wegovy are one factor to consider when choosing your treatment.
For Mounjaro, alternatives include:
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- Zepbound: It contains the same active ingredient, tirzepatide, but it’s specifically approved by the FDA for obesity or overweight.
- Ozempic: It has semaglutide and is officially approved for Type 2 diabetes. However, before choosing this for off-label weight loss, carefully weigh the downsides and upsides of Mounjaro vs. Ozempic. Mounjaro may be more effective for weight loss, but some users report it causes more frequent and severe side effects than Ozempic.
- Victoza: Like Saxenda, it contains liraglutide, but it’s cleared for Type 2 diabetes.
Each has its pros and cons in terms of dosing, insurance coverage, and common side effects.
Saxenda vs. Mounjaro: Which Is Better?
Weight loss drugs have their own advantages and disadvantages. Choosing between Saxenda vs. Mounjaro ultimately boils down to your weight loss goals, tolerance to side effects, insurance coverage, and lifestyle.
Mounjaro may help you lose more weight in a shorter time with fewer injections, but Saxenda is backed by extensive clinical data for weight loss. Using Mounjaro for off-label weight loss may lead to side effects you didn’t anticipate. Meanwhile, Saxenda’s side effects are well-documented and understood.
If you want to switch medications for some reason, consult your healthcare provider to ensure you receive advice on how to minimize potential side effects.
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Original Publish Date: 12/26/2023 – Updated 4/25/2025
