Mounjaro vs Liraglutide (Saxenda / generic): how they compare
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Liraglutide (Saxenda / generic) compared side by side: how they work, dosing, side effects and UK status.
Key differences
- Mounjaro is a GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, while Liraglutide (Saxenda / generic) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
- Mounjaro is taken once a week, whereas Liraglutide (Saxenda / generic) is taken once a day.
Side-by-side
| Attribute | Mounjaro | Liraglutide (Saxenda / generic) |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | tirzepatide | liraglutide |
| Drug class | GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist | GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Manufacturer | Eli Lilly | Novo Nordisk (Saxenda); generic liraglutide from other manufacturers |
| Form | Injection | Injection |
| How often | once a week | once a day |
| Device | KwikPen (multi-dose pre-filled pen) | Pre-filled pen |
| Starting dose | 2.5mg | 0.6mg |
| Dose range | 2.5mg to 15mg | 0.6mg to 3mg |
| UK status | Licensed in the UK for weight management | Licensed in the UK for weight management |
| NICE guidance | NICE TA1026 (December 2024) | NICE TA664 (December 2020) |
| Common side effects | Nausea, Diarrhoea, Constipation, Vomiting, Indigestion and reflux, Injection site reactions | Nausea, Diarrhoea, Constipation, Vomiting, Headache, Injection site reactions |
Frequently asked questions
Comparison guides
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- Mounjaro vs Wegovy: An Evidence-Based Comparison
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- Wegovy Injections vs Oral GLP-1 Tablets
- SURMOUNT-5: The Head-to-Head Trial of Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide
- Saxenda (Liraglutide) vs Newer GLP-1 Medications