Compare Mounjaro vs. Ozempic
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Ozempic (semaglutide) are both injectable weight loss medications available in Australia, but they work differently. Mounjaro targets two receptors (GIP and GLP-1) while Ozempic targets GLP-1 only. In clinical trials, Mounjaro produced greater average weight loss (~21% vs ~15%), though Ozempic has a longer track record and PBS subsidisation for diabetes patients.
Compare Mounjaro vs Ozempic at a Glance
Compare Mounjaro vs Ozempic Cost in Australia
Private prescription cost per month in AUD.
Compare Mounjaro vs Ozempic Weight Loss Efficacy
Mounjaro Clinical Trials
SURMOUNT-1
20.9% weight loss (15mg)
SURMOUNT-2
15.7% weight loss (diabetes pop.)
SURMOUNT-3
25.3% weight loss (with lifestyle intervention)
SURMOUNT-OSA
Significant improvement in sleep apnoea
Ozempic Clinical Trials
SUSTAIN 1-12
5-7kg weight loss (diabetes population)
STEP 1 (higher dose)
14.9% body weight reduction
Clinical trial data at highest approved doses. Individual results vary.
Compare Mounjaro vs Ozempic Side Effects
Mounjaro
Very common
- Nausea (up to 33%)
- Diarrhoea (up to 23%)
- Decreased appetite
Common
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Dyspepsia
- Injection site reactions
Serious (rare)
- Pancreatitis
- Hypoglycaemia (with insulin)
- Gallbladder disease
- Thyroid tumour risk (animal data)
- May reduce effectiveness of oral contraceptives
Ozempic
Very common
- Nausea (20-44%)
- Diarrhoea (8-30%)
- Vomiting
Common
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
Serious (rare)
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder problems
- Kidney injury
- Thyroid tumours (animal studies)
- Suicidal ideation (under investigation)
Compare How Mounjaro and Ozempic Work
Mounjaro
Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist
First dual-agonist: targets both GIP and GLP-1 receptors simultaneously. This dual mechanism produces greater weight loss than GLP-1-only drugs. Reduces appetite, slows gastric emptying, improves insulin sensitivity, with additional metabolic benefits through the GIP pathway.
Ozempic
GLP-1 receptor agonist
Mimics the natural hormone GLP-1. Slows gastric emptying, increases insulin production, reduces glucagon, and acts on appetite centres in the brain to reduce hunger. Once-weekly injection in abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
Compare Mounjaro vs Ozempic Dosing Schedule
Mounjaro
Weekly injection
| Dose | Period | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5mg | Weeks 1-4 | Starting dose |
| 5mg | Weeks 5-8 | Escalation / maintenance |
| 7.5mg | Weeks 9-12 | Escalation |
| 10mg | Weeks 13-16 | Escalation / maintenance |
| 12.5mg | Weeks 17-20 | Escalation |
| 15mg | Week 21+ | Maximum maintenance |
Ozempic
Weekly subcutaneous injection
| Dose | Period | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25mg | Weeks 1-4 | Starting dose |
| 0.5mg | Weeks 5-8 | Dose escalation |
| 1mg | Week 9+ | Maintenance dose |
Compare Mounjaro vs Ozempic Australian Regulatory Status
Mounjaro
- TGA Status
- Registered on ARTG for T2D, weight management, and OSA
- PBS Listed
- No PBS listing for any indication
- Zepbound Brand
- US/UK weight loss brand name not used in Australia
- Supply Status
- Availability improving; no critical shortage reported
- Oral Version
- Eli Lilly's oral GLP-1 (orforglipron) expected FDA decision mid-2026; not yet in AU
Ozempic
- TGA Status
- Registered on ARTG for type 2 diabetes
- PBS Listed
- Yes, for type 2 diabetes (Authority Required)
- Off-label Use
- Restricted since Oct 2024 for new weight loss prescriptions
- Supply Status
- Ongoing shortage since 2022; improving but not resolved
- Compounding
- Compounded versions banned from 1 October 2024
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We are not medical professionals and nothing on this page constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified doctor or specialist before making any decisions about medication.
The weight loss medication landscape in Australia is changing rapidly. Information on this page may become outdated without notice. Data sourced from the TGA, FDA, MHRA, NICE, PBAC, Australian Prescriber, Obesity Evidence Hub, and clinical trial publications. Last reviewed March 2026.