Which Has Worse Side Effects, Ozempic or Mounjaro?

In the ever-evolving world of weight loss and type 2 diabetes management, Ozempic and Mounjaro injection in Dubai have become two of the most talked-about injectable medications. Both are praised for their effectiveness, but like any medication, they come with potential side effects.

So the big question is: Which one has worse side effects—Ozempic or Mounjaro? Let’s dive deep into the science, real-world experiences, and expert opinions to break it all down.

What Are Ozempic and Mounjaro?

Before comparing side effects, let’s understand these two drugs.

Ozempic (Semaglutide)

A GLP-1 receptor agonist
Originally approved for type 2 diabetes
Gained massive popularity for weight loss
Weekly injectable medication

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)

A dual-action drug: GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist
Targets two different hormone pathways
FDA approved for type 2 diabetes
Also used off-label for weight loss

Common Side Effects of Both Medications

These two drugs affect the digestive system, which is why many of their side effects are gastrointestinal in nature.

Common Side Effects for Ozempic:

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
Stomach pain
Loss of appetite
Fatigue

Common Side Effects for Mounjaro:

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
Indigestion
Abdominal pain
Injection site reactions

Verdict: Both drugs share many of the same side effects, especially related to digestion.

Which Drug Has More Side Effects?

While both medications are generally well-tolerated, Mounjaro may have a slightly higher rate of gastrointestinal side effects, especially in the first few weeks of use.

Clinical Data Says:

A head-to-head study (SURPASS trials) showed that Mounjaro had more potent weight loss results—but also slightly higher rates of GI issues compared to Ozempic.
Mounjaro’s dual mechanism of action can lead to stronger effects, which may amplify side effects in some users.

Verdict: Mounjaro may have worse side effects for some users, particularly in the early stages.

Serious Side Effects

Let’s take a look at the more rare, but serious side effects associated with each drug.

Serious Side Effects of Ozempic:

Pancreatitis
Gallbladder problems
Kidney injury (from dehydration)
Risk of thyroid C-cell tumors (in animal studies)
Hypoglycemia (especially when used with other diabetes meds)

Serious Side Effects of Mounjaro:

Pancreatitis
Gallbladder issues
Risk of thyroid tumors (similar to Ozempic)
Severe allergic reactions
Risk of medullary thyroid carcinoma (in animal studies)

Verdict: Both have similar serious risks, and neither is recommended for those with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer.

What Do Real Users Say?

Let’s look at real-world feedback from people using these medications.

Ozempic Users Say:

“The nausea goes away after a few weeks.”
“Weight loss is steady but not too fast.”
“Mild side effects, mostly during dose increases.”

Mounjaro Users Say:

“Lost weight FAST but the nausea was brutal at first.”
“GI issues lasted longer than with Ozempic.”
“More energy and better results overall, but it was tough in the beginning.”

Verdict: Users often find Mounjaro more intense, both in results and side effects.

Who Should Avoid These Medications?

Neither drug is suitable for everyone.

Avoid If You Have:

History of pancreatitis
Severe gastrointestinal disease
Medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2 syndrome
Pregnancy or breastfeeding (safety not established)

Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting either medication.

Ozempic vs. Mounjaro Side Effects Summary Table

Side Effect	Ozempic	Mounjaro
Nausea	Common	Very Common
Vomiting	Moderate	High
Diarrhea	Common	Common
Constipation	Moderate	Common
Appetite Loss	Yes	Yes
Injection Reactions	Rare	Sometimes
Pancreatitis	Rare but possible	Rare but possible
Thyroid Tumors	Animal studies	Animal studies

Final Verdict: Which Has Worse Side Effects?

In simple terms:

Ozempic tends to have milder and more manageable side effects, especially for beginners.
Mounjaro, while more powerful, is also more likely to cause strong GI symptoms, especially during the first 4-6 weeks.

So, if we’re going strictly by intensity and frequency of side effects, the answer is:

Mounjaro may have worse side effects—but it also delivers stronger results for many users.

Tips to Minimize Side Effects

Want to reduce the side effects? Try these tips:

Start low and go slow: Don’t rush dose increases.
Eat smaller meals to avoid nausea.
Stay hydrated, especially if you’re experiencing diarrhea.
Avoid greasy or spicy foods during the first few weeks.
Talk to your doctor about anti-nausea meds if needed.

Conclusion

Both Ozempic and Mounjaro are effective tools for managing diabetes and aiding in weight loss. However, their side effect profiles differ slightly, with Mounjaro often causing stronger initial symptoms due to its dual-action mechanism.

Your choice should depend on your health history, goals, and how well your body tolerates medication. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or switching any medication.