Saxenda vs Mounjaro

In the fight against obesity and weight loss, such drugs as Saxenda and Mounjaro take on the focus of attracting consumers as the most effective products that can lose a lot of weight. Both drugs which have an impact on obesity and level of glycemia, have dissimilar FDA indications, and different administration that is why it is necessary to compare these classifications.

This article provides a comparison of Mounjaro and Saxenda based on their purpose of use, indication criteria, how they work, efficacy, dosing schedule, available devices, and insurance coverage.

Saxenda: An Overview

Saxenda is an anti obesity prescription medicine and is chemically differentiating liraglutide which is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Liraglutide belongs to a group of drugs known as the glucagon-like peptide I or GLP-I which is hormones that control hunger and insulin levels. Saxenda is used in the brain to help control hunger and to help you feel more full after eating for weight loss.

Saxenda – Liraglutide – was approved in December, 2014 as an addition to weight reduction in overweight and obese patients.

Mounjaro: An Overview

Mounjaro or tirzepatide is the newest drug developed in the dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist group of drugs. It targets two incretin hormones: GLP-1 (Glucose-like peptide 1) and GIP stands for glucose dependent insulinotropic polypeptide. Thus, this two-main approach is for enhancing insulin secretion essentially for reducing hunger and increasing the concept of satiety; therefore, providing a better regime of shedding the extra mass as compared to that of GLP-1 agonists only.

Clinical Efficacy of Saxenda

Many randomised control trials have been conducted to determine the effectiveness of Saxenda in obesity. In one particular clinical trial described in New England Journal of Medicine, the concerns appeared to have reduced body weight.

Its effectiveness as a weight-loss solution was evaluated for non-diabetic overweight and obese adults across 56 weeks. These patients were further randomized to receive either liraglutide at a starting dose of 0.6 mg that could be titrated up to a max of 3.0 mg once daily or a placebo in addition to the lifestyle intervention.

The results? Liraglutide treatment achievers maintained an average loss of 8.4 Kg in their body weight compared to an average of 2.8 Kg in the placebo treatment group.

Clinical Efficacy of Mounjaro

The studies done on Mounjaro also highlight its metabolic impact with lower HbA1c thereby putting the patient on a regimen to address diabetes and obesity if the patient has type 2 diabetes.

In a 72-week trial for type 2 diabetes, patients using Mounjaro on the highest titrated dose of 15 mg for the last 40 weeks lost about 16 percent of their initial weight.

Zepbound, a version of tirzepatide used for weight management, showed even higher results in non-diabetic participants, with nearly 21% weight loss on a 15 mg dose.

FDA-Approved Uses: Mounjaro for Diabetes, Saxenda for Weight Loss

Mounjaro and Saxenda have different primary purposes.

• Mounjaro is approved by the FDA for type 2 diabetes with which it controls sugar levels and therefore helps in shedding off excess weight. Due to the lack of direct approval for weight loss, using Mounjaro for this purpose makes it an off-label medication.
• Saxenda, on the other hand, is used for long-term weight management by adults and for the adolescents who meet the certain BMI rate, thus it can be available for the people who want to lose weight.

Safety Profile and Side Effects

Both medications are associated with side effects, primarily gastrointestinal in nature.

Saxenda’s Side Effects are as follows;

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Hypoglycemia
• headache
• Diarrhea
• Heart rate increase,
• Constipation

Mounjaro’s Side Effects are as follows;

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hypoglycemia

Patients typically experience these side effects as their bodies adjust to the medication.

Dosing Schedules: Weekly for Mounjaro, Daily for Saxenda

Another important difference is how frequently the two particular medications have to be taken.

1. Mounjaro’s effects are longer making it possible to take once weekly thus preferred by many compared to other injections. Such a weekly injection plan will make Mounjaro attractive compared to other drugs that require daily shots that are not pleasurable. Mounjaro can be administered anytime you want, with or without food.
2. Liraglutide should be injected subcutaneously once daily within the area of abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Saxenda should be prescribed at a dose of 3 mg per day. It should be started at 0.6 mg daily for 1 week. The dose should be upwardly adjusted weekly by 0.6 mg up to the target dose of 3 mg per day. May be given at any time of the day and this is without relation to meals.

Eligibility Requirements for Each Medication

Mounjaro and Saxenda can only be prescribed for the use based on age factors as well as health status in terms of body weight.

• Mounjaro is only approved for use in individuals above eighteen years, but it is already being tested in children of ten years and above.

Saxenda on the other hand is usable in adulthood and adolescence. The drug also is recommended for individuals with BMI of 30 or more, patients with BMI of 27 and more, but with hypertension or diabetes.

Injection Devices: Single-Use Pen for Mounjaro, Reusable Pen for Saxenda

The injection devices for Mounjaro and Saxenda also differ in structure and use.

• Mounjaro is supplied in single-dose pens, which will consist of one injected dose along with a needle that is used for only one dose. The organization of the dosage containers in this manner also lowers the likelihood of dose contamination and the disposal process is also made easier.
• Saxenda® (liraglutide) is packaged in multi-dose prefilled syringes to mean that it is utilized in its administration form. Saxenda presents each pen carrying 18 mg of the drug (6 mg/mL, 3 mL) capable of delivering doses of 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, 2.4 mg, or 3 mg. The pens come in packs of 3 or 5 pens depending on the requirements of a particular patient. These pens need a different needle for each injection, and a new one is used daily and disposed of after use. Before they are used they should be kept in a refrigerator but if one of the pens has already been used then it can be taken at room temperature for about 30 days.

Can You Use Saxenda And Mounjaro Together

They should not be used together due to side effects which include nausea, vomiting, or any gastrointestinal disturbances. These products are usually consumed by the patient in the prescribed medical formula which, in effect, means that the doctor can only prescribe one of such medicines at any given time. For individuals with type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro might be the preferred choice, whereas Saxenda may be recommended for weight management.

Saving on Mounjaro and Saxenda

Because both medications are brand-name, there are various strategies to reduce out-of-pocket costs.

• Manufacturer copay savings programs for Mounjaro may reduce costs to as little as $25 for eligible patients, although a type 2 diabetes diagnosis is typically required to qualify.
• The majority of commercially insured Saxenda prescriptions cost $30 or less for a 30-day supply with a Saxenda savings card.

Conclusion

Saxenda and Mounjaro have very unique features that should augment weight loss and blood sugars with one being more suitable to meet individual needs. These two drugs may be preferred, for example, in patients with both diabetes and significant obesity, and those who need an extended course to lose weight. Consultation with healthcare professionals and consideration of insurance coverage, convenience, and side effects will be vital in making the best choice.