A trend of “microdosing” GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, for longevity is spreading online, despite these medications being approved for type 2 diabetes and weight management.
Experts and pharmaceutical companies confirm there is virtually no published scientific evidence to support the safety or effectiveness of microdosing GLP-1s for extending lifespan.
Cardiologist Eric Topol described the practice as an unsubstantiated “craze,” emphasizing it is premature to conclude if small doses can lead to a longer life.
While standard doses of GLP-1s are known to reduce inflammation and may protect the brain, it is unclear if microdoses offer similar benefits or what constitutes an effective microdose.
The FDA has issued warnings against using unapproved versions of GLP-1 drugs, and pharmaceutical companies like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have voiced concerns regarding misinformation and unapproved products.
Ozempic (semaglutide) is also an FDA-approved medication for adults with type 2 diabetes. It helps control blood sugar when combined with diet and exercise.
This medication is a GLP-1 agonist, which activates the body's GLP-1 receptors, makes the pancreas produce insulin after eating, and helps control blood sugar levels. GLP-1 sends "fullness" signals to the brain, which can help promote better weight control.
While Ozempic does not have FDA approval as a weight loss drug, it shows promise as a potential treatment for obesity and weight management.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is an FDA-approved, weekly injection that you inject under the fatty tissue of your skin. It helps control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.
It should be used alongside individualized diet and exercise plans.
Mounjaro is the first and only drug in its class that activates two gut hormones that regulate blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes: GLP-1 and GIP.
Mounjaro may help protect against cardiovascular (heart) problems and heart disease. It helps lower blood pressure, which may reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Currently, Mounjaro is only approved for use in treating type 2 diabetes. However, the FDA is also working on approval for this drug as a treatment for weight loss.
Differences Between Them
Despite the similarities between Mounjaro and Ozempic, the two medications have some key differences.
How They Work Biologically
Mounjaro is a dual-acting GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist. It is the first and only drug of its kind, mimicking the effects of both hormones.4 Ozempic, on the other hand, is only a GLP-1 receptor agonist.1
Effectiveness
Mounjaro is more effective than Ozempic for blood sugar control and weight loss.
Heart Health Benefits
Ozempic is FDA-approved for people with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular (heart) disease to help reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death.
Mounjaro is not currently approved for this use, despite research indicating that it helps lower blood pressure, which may reduce the risk of heart complications.
Dose and Administration
Mounjaro and Ozempic are injections you administer once a week through pen injectors that come pre-filled with the medication.
Ozempic is available in doses of 0.25 milligrams (mg), 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, and 2.0 mg. Each pen injector contains four doses, which is equivalent to a month's worth of medication.
Mounjaro injector pens are single-use, meaning you will use a new pen for each dose. The pens contain either 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, or 15 mg of the drug, depending on your prescription.
Cost
On average, Mounjaro is more expensive than Ozempic. In the United States, the monthly cost of Mounjaro is about $1,023 (15 mg/dose) without insurance, compared to $936 (1 mg/dose) for Ozempic.
The cost of these medications varies, depending on your dosage, insurance coverage, and whether you qualify for the manufacturer's savings program.18 Many insurance plans provide at least partial coverage for both medications.
On average, Mounjaro is more expensive than Ozempic. In the United States, the monthly cost of Mounjaro is about $1,023 (15 mg/dose) without insurance, compared to $936 (1 mg/dose) for Ozempic.
The cost of these medications varies, depending on your dosage, insurance coverage, and whether you qualify for the manufacturer's savings program.18 Many insurance plans provide at least partial coverage for both medications.
Which Is Better?
Whether Mounjaro or Ozempic is better depends on your needs and treatment goals. While Mounjaro is more effective for lowering A1C (your average blood sugar levels over three months) and weight loss, Ozempic is FDA-approved to prevent heart complications in people with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
People prone to gastrointestinal side effects may prefer Ozempic, as higher doses of Mounjaro can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
Whether Mounjaro or Ozempic is better depends on your needs and treatment goals. While Mounjaro is more effective for lowering A1C (your average blood sugar levels over three months) and weight loss, Ozempic is FDA-approved to prevent heart complications in people with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
People prone to gastrointestinal side effects may prefer Ozempic, as higher doses of Mounjaro can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
Can You Switch From Ozempic to Mounjaro or Vice Versa?
It is possible to switch from Ozempic to Mounjaro or vice versa. You may want to change medications if you are not seeing the desired results or are having difficulty with the medication's side effects. Talk with your doctor to determine if switching medications is safe and appropriate for you.
A Quick Review
Mounjaro (terzepatide) and Ozempic (semaglutide) are injectable medications with FDA approval that help lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is also approved to lower the risk of heart complications in people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. However, Mounjaro is better for weight loss and long-term blood sugar control.
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