Are Trulicity and Mounjaro the same? Understanding the Differences

October 11, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a head-to-head clinical trial, Mounjaro provided a greater reduction in A1C and more weight loss compared to Trulicity. When it comes to managing Type 2 diabetes, it's a common question whether Trulicity and Mounjaro are the same, but the answer lies in their distinct mechanisms of action and approved uses.

Quick Summary

Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, whereas Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, resulting in different effects on blood sugar control and weight loss. These weekly injectable medications also have varying FDA-approved indications and potential side effect profiles.

Key Points

Different Mechanisms: Trulicity is a GLP-1 agonist, while Mounjaro is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist.
Greater Efficacy: Mounjaro typically provides a more significant reduction in A1C and greater weight loss than Trulicity.
Different Approved Uses: Trulicity is also approved for cardiovascular risk reduction and pediatric use, while Mounjaro is for adults with Type 2 diabetes.
Variable Side Effects: Both share common GI side effects, but Mounjaro may cause them more frequently at higher doses.
Weight Loss vs. Weight Management: Mounjaro's active ingredient is also approved for weight management under the brand Zepbound, whereas Trulicity is not.
Cost and Coverage: Insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs can differ between these two brand-name medications.

What is the primary difference between Trulicity and Mounjaro?

The primary difference between Trulicity and Mounjaro lies in their active ingredients and how they work. Trulicity contains dulaglutide, which acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, mimicking a single natural gut hormone. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist that targets two incretin hormone pathways. This dual action can lead to more pronounced effects on blood glucose control and appetite.

Comparing effectiveness for blood sugar and weight

Clinical trials have shown that Mounjaro is generally more effective in lowering A1C and promoting weight loss compared to Trulicity. While both can lead to weight loss as a side effect, Mounjaro's active ingredient (tirzepatide) is also available under the brand name Zepbound, which is specifically approved for weight management.

FDA-approved indications and patient considerations

Both medications are FDA-approved for adults with Type 2 diabetes to be used along with diet and exercise. Trulicity has an additional approval for reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with Type 2 diabetes and existing heart conditions or risk factors. Trulicity can also be used in pediatric patients 10 years and older, while Mounjaro is currently only approved for adults.

Comparison Table: Trulicity vs. Mounjaro


Feature	Trulicity (dulaglutide)	Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
Active Ingredient	Dulaglutide	Tirzepatide
Mechanism of Action	GLP-1 receptor agonist	Dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist
Primary Indication	Type 2 diabetes in adults and children (10+)	Type 2 diabetes in adults
Cardiovascular Benefit	FDA-approved for risk reduction in adults	Studies ongoing; similar benefits observed in head-to-head trials but not yet FDA-approved for this indication
Weight Loss Potential	Moderate; weight loss is a side effect, not an indication	Significant; active ingredient approved for weight loss under Zepbound brand
Dosing Schedule	Once weekly	Once weekly
Common Side Effects	Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain	Nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting
Cost	Generally less expensive than Mounjaro	Can be more expensive, depending on insurance

Understanding the side effects

Both medications can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These often improve over time. Mounjaro may cause these more frequently, especially at higher doses. Both carry a Boxed Warning about a potential risk of thyroid tumors based on animal studies; this risk in humans is not confirmed. They should not be used if you or your family have a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

Making the right choice for you

Choosing between Trulicity and Mounjaro requires discussing your individual needs and goals with your healthcare provider. Factors to consider include your specific treatment objectives (like A1C, cardiovascular risk, or weight loss), potential side effects, and insurance coverage. Your doctor can help determine the best option based on your medical history and health profile.

Conclusion

Trulicity and Mounjaro are not the same, despite being weekly injectable treatments for Type 2 diabetes from the same manufacturer. Their main difference lies in their active ingredients and mechanisms of action: Trulicity uses a GLP-1 agonist, while Mounjaro uses a dual GIP/GLP-1 approach, leading to varying effects on blood sugar and weight. Trulicity also has additional approved uses, and there can be differences in cost and side effect profiles. Consulting with your doctor is essential to find the most suitable medication for your diabetes management.

Learn more about how these medications work by consulting authoritative resources like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

List of things to discuss with your doctor:

Your primary goals for diabetes management, including A1C and weight targets.
Your medical history, especially any kidney or thyroid conditions.
Your tolerance for common gastrointestinal side effects.
Whether cardiovascular risk reduction is a priority for your treatment plan.
The specifics of your insurance coverage and prescription cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Trulicity's active ingredient, dulaglutide, works by mimicking one gut hormone, GLP-1, to regulate blood sugar. Mounjaro's active ingredient, tirzepatide, mimics two gut hormones, GIP and GLP-1, which provides a dual action that can have stronger effects.

Yes, in clinical trials, Mounjaro has been shown to produce more weight loss than Trulicity. Mounjaro's active ingredient is also approved for weight management under the brand name Zepbound.

Trulicity has an FDA-approved indication to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease or risk factors.

Trulicity is approved for children aged 10 years and older with Type 2 diabetes. Mounjaro is currently only approved for use in adults.

Common side effects for both medications include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Mounjaro might have a slightly higher incidence of these issues, especially at higher doses.

Yes, both Trulicity and Mounjaro carry a Boxed Warning regarding the potential risk of thyroid tumors, based on animal studies. Patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN 2 should not use these medications.

Generally, Trulicity may cost less than Mounjaro, but the actual out-of-pocket cost depends heavily on your specific insurance plan and coverage. Neither drug is available as a generic.

Yes, switching from Trulicity to Mounjaro is possible under the supervision of a healthcare provider. This may be done if a patient is not meeting their treatment goals with Trulicity alone.