Your guide to switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy

If you're currently using a GLP-1 weight loss medication and are considering a change, it's understandable to be concerned about how it might affect your progress. The good news is, with the right support, transitioning between medications can be both smooth and safe.

We'll walk through everything you need to know about switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy with confidence.

What are the key differences between Mounjaro and Wegovy?

Wegovy and Mounjaro are medications that encourage weight loss, with both belonging to a class of medications called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide agonists) [1].

Wegovy and Mounjaro mimic the GLP-1 hormone, which is naturally released by the body after eating to signal fullness to the brain. These receptor agonists help to reduce appetite, dull cravings and delay stomach emptying, to keep you feeling fuller for longer and, in turn, lead to weight reduction.

They are also both injectable medications that are administered weekly.

However, there are a few differences between the two medications. For starters, the active ingredient in Wegovy is semaglutide (which is also the active ingredient in Ozempic), while Mounjaro contains tirzepatide.

And, while Mounjaro can be prescribed for both weight loss and diabetes, Wegovy is specifically prescribed as a weight loss treatment.

GLP-1 vs GLP-1/GIP effectiveness

While Wegovy contains GLP-1, Mounjaro contains GLP-1 and GIP receptors (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide agonists), meaning it uses two digestive hormones to regulate glucose, improve blood sugar control and register feelings of fullness in the brain [2].

While Mounjaro mimics two hormones, and Wegovy mimics one, both medications are considered the gold standard in weight loss treatment and their weight loss outcomes are comparable.

In clinical trials, patients on the highest possible dose of Wegovy lost up to 20.7% of their body weight [3], compared to 20.9% with Mounjaro at its highest dose [4]— showing that both can be highly effective when used consistently and with the right support.

With Juniper, Wegovy is delivered as part of a complete programme that includes expert care, coaching, and tracking tools — to help you get the most from your treatment.

Can you switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy?

Yes! It is both safe and straightforward to switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy. To begin, please contact your healthcare provider to discuss the transition process.

If you've decided to move medication providers, you can inform your new prescriber of what weight loss medications and dosages you're using and they'll be able to advise you on next steps.

At Juniper, you simply need to answer some quick questions about your medical history and goals, then choose whether to continue on your current medication or switch to an equivalent dosage in the same trusted GLP-1 class of medications.

It's important to note that Wegovy and Mounjaro aren't interchangeable medications, so there is a short period of time where you come off one before starting the other. However, we only require a 7-day gap between your last Mounjaro dose and your first Wegovy dose — unlike most providers, who require 28 days.

And, if you've recently been on Mounjaro, you'll likely be able to start Wegovy at a higher dose, rather than beginning from scratch. Your Juniper clinician will review your treatment history and be able to advise on your circumstances.

Mounjaro vs Wegovy dosages

These medications also have different dosing schedules, which is another reason why they can't be used interchangeably.

Mounjaro dosages go up to 15mg, although it's not uncommon for patients to not tolerate these higher strengths well without side effects. The Mounjaro dosage schedule is as follows [5]:

• Weeks 1-4: 2.5mg
• Weeks 5-8: 5mg
• Weeks 9-12: 7.5mg
• Weeks 13-16: 10mg
• Weeks 17-20: 12.5mg
• Weeks 21-24 (maintenance dose): 15mg

Wegovy comes in 5 dose strengths [6]. Like Mounjaro, you begin with a starting dose and gradually increase this every 4 weeks, under the guidance of your prescriber.

However, you don't necessarily have to increase to the highest dose if you're experiencing success at your current strength.

• Weeks 1-4: 0.25mg
• Weeks 5-8: 0.5mg
• Weeks 9-12: 1mg
• Weeks 13-16 or longer: 1.7mg
• Weeks 17 and onward: 2.4mg

How to move from Mounjaro to Wegovy

While your prescriber will give you specific advice on continued treatment, there are general guidelines for stopping Mounjaro and starting Wegovy.

How to stop Mounjaro

After using your last dose of Mounjaro, stop your weekly injections. With Juniper, you'll need to wait at 7 days before starting Wegovy, to allow for the previous medication to exit your body.

How to start Wegovy

Once you've been given the green light, and you've waited the appropriate amount of time as advised by your prescriber, you'll be able to start Wegovy.

From here, choose your desired injection day (which is the same day every week) and follow your dosing schedule.

Making the switch

When making the switch, Juniper patients don’t need to restart at the lowest dose. If clinically appropriate, they can continue at a higher dose aligned with recent treatment history.

Our switching protocol has only a 7-day gap between medications, compared to 28 days with most other providers. Our clinical oversight ensures safe, effective transitions — helping patients maintain momentum without compromising care.

You can switch in a few easy steps. Simply answer some quick questions about your medical history and goals and choose whether to continue on your current medication or switch to an equivalent dosage in the same trusted GLP-1 class of medications. From here, our clinicians will work with you to find the best treatment plan.

Why switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy?

There are several reasons why you might want to make the move from Mounjaro to Wegovy.

Side effects or tolerability concerns

While the side effects between Mounjaro and Wegovy are generally similar, some people may experience fewer side effects with one medication than the other.

If you're experiencing severe side effects from Mounjaro/tirzepatide, you might like to consider trying Wegovy/semaglutide to see if it can reduce the discomfort of side effects like nausea, vomiting, constipation, indigestion and stomach pain.

Cost

The price of the medications might be the deciding factor for your move, and that's totally understandable. Mounjaro is generally more expensive than Wegovy and may not be financially accessible for a long period of time.

Wegovy is a more cost-effective option that still encourages life-changing weight loss outcomes. Plus, it might be a good option for those wanting ongoing weight management at a more afforable price.

Will you experience withdrawal symptoms between treatments?

The good news is that withdrawal symptoms are typically minimal when using Mounjaro or Wegovy for weight loss. The same can't be said if you're using Mounjaro for diabetes treatment, and it's incredibly important you discuss this with your healthcare provider before making any changes here.

If you're worried about the time between medications, the appetite suppression effect can remain during this time. However, it's important that you continue with your healthy lifestyle habits off the medication.

Losing weight with Juniper

At the end of the day, the best option depends on you, your body and your lifestyle. Switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy is a personal choice and you're empowered to explore your options.

By taking the Juniper quiz, you can check your eligibility and kickstart, or restart, your journey towards a healthier and happier you. Juniper offers tailored treatment plans based on your needs, taking your experience with medication and goals into account.

If you're unsure where to start, simply begin by answering a few questions in our quiz and our clinicians will support you through this process.