Compare Saxenda vs. Mounjaro
Saxenda (liraglutide) was discontinued in Australia in December 2025. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) remains available and produces significantly greater average weight loss (~21% vs ~8%). Mounjaro uses a dual GIP/GLP-1 mechanism and requires only weekly injections compared to Saxenda's daily dosing. Patients who were on Saxenda may consider Mounjaro or Wegovy as alternatives.
Compare Saxenda vs Mounjaro at a Glance
Compare Saxenda vs Mounjaro Cost in Australia
Private prescription cost per month in AUD.
Compare Saxenda vs Mounjaro Weight Loss Efficacy
Saxenda Clinical Trials
SCALE Obesity
8% weight loss vs 2.6% placebo
SCALE Maintenance
Maintained weight loss after initial diet
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
Clinical trial data at highest approved doses. Individual results vary.
Compare Saxenda vs Mounjaro Side Effects
Saxenda
Very common
- Nausea (39%)
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
Common
- Headache
- Decreased appetite
- Dyspepsia
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
Serious (rare)
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder disease
- Increased heart rate
- Thyroid tumour risk (animal data)
- Acute kidney injury
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
Compare How Saxenda and Mounjaro Work
Saxenda
GLP-1 receptor agonist
First-generation GLP-1 receptor agonist for weight loss. Same mechanism as Ozempic/Wegovy (appetite reduction, slowed gastric emptying) but requires daily injection and produces less weight loss than semaglutide.
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.
Compare Saxenda vs Mounjaro Dosing Schedule
Saxenda
Daily injection
| Dose | Period | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 0.6mg | Week 1 | Starting dose (daily) |
| 1.2mg | Week 2 | Escalation |
| 1.8mg | Week 3 | Escalation |
| 2.4mg | Week 4 | Escalation |
| 3mg | Week 5+ | Maintenance dose |
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 |
Compare Saxenda vs Mounjaro Australian Regulatory Status
Saxenda
- TGA Status
- Discontinued in Australia (December 2025)
- PBS Listed
- Never PBS listed for weight management
- Replacement
- Novo Nordisk directs patients to Wegovy
- Historical Note
- First GLP-1 approved for weight loss in Australia; now superseded
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
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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.