Reviewed by Dr. Elena Vance, DOLast reviewed 4 sources cited
Quick Summary
Byetta (exenatide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are both incretin-based therapies. In clinical trials, Mounjaro showed greater weight loss (22.5% vs 2.8%).
See the comparison table below for detailed side-by-side data.
Byetta vs Mounjaro: Full Comparison
| Feature | Byetta(exenatide) | Mounjaro(tirzepatide) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | exenatide | tirzepatide |
| Drug Class | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Manufacturer | AstraZeneca | Eli Lilly |
| FDA Approved | 2005-04-28 | 2022-05-13 |
| Approved Indications |
|
|
| Route | subcutaneous injection | subcutaneous injection |
| Frequency | Twice daily (within 60 min before meals) | Once weekly |
| Starting Dose | 5 mcg twice daily | 2.5 mg weekly |
| Maintenance Dose | 10 mcg twice daily | 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg weekly |
| Max Dose | 10 mcg twice daily | 15 mg weekly |
| Weight Loss (%) | 2.8% | 22.5% |
| A1C Reduction | 0.8% | 2.4% |
| Key Trial | AC2993 Phase 3 (30 weeks) | SURMOUNT-1 (72 weeks) |
| List Price | $800-$900/month | $1,023-$1,176/month |
| With Insurance | $25-$100/month (varies by plan) | $25-$150/month (varies by plan) |
| Savings Card | Limited savings programs available | $25/month (Lilly savings card, commercially insured) |
Side Effects: Byetta vs Mounjaro
| Side Effect | Byetta | Mounjaro |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 44% | 12-18% |
| Vomiting | 13% | 5-9% |
| Diarrhea | 13% | 12-17% |
| Headache | 9% | Not reported |
| Dizziness | 9% | Not reported |
| Dyspepsia | 6% | 5-8% |
| Jittery feeling | 4% | Not reported |
| Pancreatitis (rare) | <1% | <0.5% |
| Decreased appetite | Not reported | 5-11% |
| Constipation | Not reported | 6-7% |
| Abdominal pain | Not reported | 5-6% |
| Injection site reaction | Not reported | 3-5% |
Severity scale: 1 (mild) to 5 (serious). Based on FDA prescribing information and clinical trial data.
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