What is the equivalent dose of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in milligrams for a patient taking 2 milligrams of Ozempic (semaglutide)?

From the Guidelines

The equivalent dose of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for a patient taking 2 mg of Ozempic (semaglutide) would be approximately 10-15 mg, with a recommended starting dose of 10 mg weekly, as indicated by the pharmacokinetic properties of these medications 1. When converting from Ozempic to Mounjaro, it's essential to consider the differences in their mechanisms of action, as Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, while Mounjaro is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, which may provide enhanced glycemic control 1. Some key points to consider when making this conversion include:

• The total dose range for Mounjaro is 15 mg weekly, with an AUC of 43,459 ng.h after a single dose, and a bioavailability of 1250 ng.ml 1
• In contrast, Ozempic has a total dose range of 0.25-4.5 mg, with an AUC of 2600 nmol.h, and a bioavailability of 10.3 nmol.l 1
• The elimination half-life of Mounjaro is approximately 5 days, while Ozempic has an elimination half-life of 7 days 1
• Patients should expect a transition period as their body adjusts to the new medication, and side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur during the transition, requiring dose adjustments based on individual response and tolerability 1. It's crucial that this medication change be supervised by a healthcare provider who can monitor the patient's response and make appropriate adjustments to ensure optimal glycemic control and minimize potential side effects 1.

From the Research

Conversion from Ozempic to Mounjaro

• The provided studies do not directly address the conversion from Ozempic (semaglutide) to Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in terms of dosage.
• However, we can look at the dosages used in the studies to establish a possible comparison:
  • Ozempic (semaglutide) is typically administered at a dose of 1 mg 2, 3.
  • Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is administered at doses of 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg 2, 4, 3.
• A study comparing tirzepatide and semaglutide for the treatment of obesity found that the maximum tolerated dose of tirzepatide was 10 mg or 15 mg, while the maximum tolerated dose of semaglutide was 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg 3.
• Another study found that high-dose semaglutide (up to 16 mg) provided modest additional glucose-lowering effect and weight loss, but with more adverse events and treatment discontinuations 5.
• Based on the available information, it is not possible to provide a direct conversion from 2 mg of Ozempic to Mounjaro in milligrams, as the studies do not provide a clear dosage comparison.
• It is recommended to consult the prescribing information for both medications and consult with a healthcare professional for guidance on converting between Ozempic and Mounjaro 2, 4, 3.