Mounjaro
Up to 22.5% weight loss
In stock
from £179.00
Foundayo vs Mounjaro
Last reviewed: 24 Sept 2026
Foundayo and Mounjaro are both weight loss medications, but they contain different active ingredients, work in slightly different ways, have different dosing schedules, and are available in different forms.
Foundayo is a daily weight loss pill that contains the active ingredient orforglipron, while Mounjaro is a once-weekly injection that contains the active ingredient tirzepatide.
Here, we explore the main differences between Foundayo and Mounjaro to help you choose the most suitable option for you.
What's on This Page?
- 1. What are the differences between Foundayo and Mounjaro?
- 2. Is Foundayo as effective as Mounjaro?
- 3. Do Foundayo and Mounjaro have different side effects?
- 4. Foundayo vs Mounjaro dosing schedule
- 5. Is Foundayo cheaper than Mounjaro?
- 6. Can I switch from Mounjaro to Foundayo?
- 7. Which is better – Foundayo or Mounjaro?
What are the differences between Foundayo and Mounjaro?
The main difference between Foundayo and Mounjaro is that Foundayo is a weight loss tablet, while Mounjaro is a weight loss injection. This also means that there are differences in how they are taken, how they are stored, and also how they work.
Foundayo is an oral glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that contains the active ingredient orforglipron and works by mimicking the effects of the natural GLP-1 hormone to lower your appetite and slow the rate at which food passes through the stomach. On the other hand, Mounjaro’s active ingredient, the GLP-1 receptor agonist tirzepatide works to alsobind to another type of receptor called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). This enhances the weight loss effect of Mounjaro.
How to take Foundayo vs Mounjaro
One of the main differences between Foundayo and Mounjaro is how they are taken. Foundayo is a daily oral non-peptide pill. That means it must be taken once a day at the same time each day, but it can be taken with or without food because it remains stable in the stomach, unlike other GLP-1 tablets, such as the Wegovy pill.
Mounjaro is a weekly injection that should be administered on the same day each week for consistency. Each injection pen comes pre-filled with 4 weekly doses and is self-injected.
How to store Foundayo vs Mounjaro
Foundayo and Mounjaro must be stored differently due to their distinct formats.
| Medication | At room temperature? | In the fridge? | Out of reach of children? | Where to store | In their original packaging? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opened and unopened Foundayo pills | No special temperature storage instructions | ✓ | Cool, dry place – avoid the bathroom | ✓ | |
| In-use Mounjaro injections |
✓
below 30°C for up to 30 days
|
✓
2 to 8°C
|
✓ | Cool, dry place – avoid the bathroom | ✓ |
| Unopened Mounjaro injections | ✗ |
✓
2 to 8°C
|
✓ | In the fridge – do not freeze | ✓ |
Swipe sideways to view more information
Opened and unopened Foundayo pills
At room temperature / in the fridge?
No special temperature storage instructions
Out of reach of children?
✓
Where to store
Cool, dry place – avoid the bathroom
In their original packaging?
✓
← Swipe left to view in-use Mounjaro injections
In-use Mounjaro injections
At room temperature?
✓
below 30°C for up to 30 days
In the fridge?
✓
2 to 8°C
Out of reach of children?
✓
Where to store
Cool, dry place – avoid the bathroom
In their original packaging?
✓
← Swipe right to view Foundayo pills and swipe left to view unopened Mounjaro injections →
Unopened Mounjaro injections
At room temperature?
✗
In the fridge?
✓
2 to 8°C
Out of reach of children?
✓
Where to store
In the fridge – do not freeze
In their original packaging?
✓
Swipe right to view in-use Mounjaro injections →
Is Foundayo as effective as Mounjaro?
No, Mounjaro is more effective for weight loss than Foundayo. In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, the average weight loss on the maximum Mounjaro dose was 22.5% after 72 weeks. In clinical trials, the highest maximum Foundayo dose resulted in an average weight loss of 12.4% after 72 weeks, compared with 2.1% on placebo.
Does Foundayo work as well as Mounjaro for everyone?
No, Mounjaro produces greater average weight loss results, and more people lose at least 5, 10, 15, or 20% of their initial body weight compared to Foundayo over 72 weeks.
Do Foundayo and Mounjaro have different side effects?
Foundayo and Mounjaro have broadly similar side effects because both act on GLP-1 receptors. Mounjaro also acts on GIP receptors, but digestive problems are the most common side effects of both treatments. Unlike Foundayo tablets, Mounjaro injections can cause reactions where the medication is injected.
Digestive side effects are usually mild to moderate. They are most likely to occur when treatment begins or the dose is increased, and often become less noticeable as the body adjusts.
Foundayo vs Mounjaro side effects
The table below shows the frequency of some of the most common digestive symptoms associated with Mounjaro and Foundayo.
Does Foundayo cause fewer side effects than Mounjaro?
No, Foundayo does not cause fewer side effects than Mounjaro. In separate trials, digestive side effects were reported more frequently with the highest dose of Foundayo. In particular, being sick and constipation were reported approximately twice as often with Foundayo 17.2 mg as with Mounjaro 15 mg.
This does not mean that Mounjaro is better tolerated than Foundayo, as different people may respond differently to the active ingredients.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects are uncommon or rare, but they are:
| Mounjaro | Foundayo |
|---|---|
|
|
Mounjaro
- inflamed pancreas – severe stomach and back pain, which does not go away
- severe, persistent pain in the stomach area – with or without feeling or being sick
- severe allergic reactions – breathing problems, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty swallowing, and a fast heartbeat
- sudden vision changes – changes in vision or other unusual visual symptoms
- severe constipation – bloating, stomach pain, unable to go to the toilet
- food or liquid entering the lungs during surgery – you must tell your surgeon you are taking Foundayo
- kidney problems – dehydration caused by severe vomiting or diarrhoea
- gallstones - usually right sided upper stomach pain, with or without vomiting and yellowing of skin or eyes
Swipe left to view Foundayo →
Foundayo
- inflamed pancreas – severe stomach and back pain, which does not go away
- sudden vision changes – changes in vision or other unusual visual symptoms
- bowel obstruction – severe stomach pain, a swollen stomach, being sick, or being unable to open your bowels or pass wind
- severe constipation – bloating, stomach pain, unable to go to the toilet
- serious allergic reactions – breathing problems, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty swallowing, and a fast heartbeat
- food or liquid entering the lungs during surgery – you must tell your surgeon you are taking Foundayo
- kidney problems – dehydration caused by severe vomiting or diarrhoea
- gallstones - usually right sided upper stomach pain, with or without vomiting and yellowing of skin or eyes
← Swipe right to view Mounjaro
If you get any of these side effects, get urgent medical help, or in an emergency, call 999 or get someone to take you to A&E.
Foundayo vs Mounjaro dosing schedule
The dosing schedules for Mounjaro and Foundayo are not the same. Although Mounjaro and Foundayo are each available in 6 doses, they differ in strength and dosing.
Whichever weight loss medication you take, you’ll always begin on the lowest dose and gradually increase it. This allows your body to get used to the active ingredient and reduces the chance of side effects.
Foundayo dosing schedule
Foundayo is a once-daily tablet, which can be taken at any time that is convenient for you. It can be taken with or without food, making it a more flexible and convenient weight loss pill for some people.
The Foundayo dosing schedule is as follows:
- Month 1 (starting dose) – 0.8mg
- Month 2 – 2.5mg
- Month 3 – 5.5mg
- Month 4 – 9mg
- Month 5 – 14.5mg
- Month 6 (maximum dose) – 17.2mg
Mounjaro dosing schedule
Mounjaro is taken on the same day each week and can be taken with or without food. You will begin on a low dose and gradually increase it until you reach the maximum 15mg dose or a dose that is suitable and effective for you.
Is Foundayo cheaper than Mounjaro?
It depends. Although Foundayo is technically cheaper, if you remain on a lower dose of Mounjaro that your doctor recommends, if this is suitable, it can work out cheaper than the highest Foundayo dose. For example, 2.5mg Mounjaro at Superdrug Online Doctor is £179, in comparison, the highest maintenance dose of Foundayo is £199 and the step up dose 14.5mg is £189. Retail prices for Foundayo are usually less than Mounjaro, but this is dependent on your personal health requirements and doctor recommendation for your suitability.
Compare the cost of Mounjaro and Foundayo at Superdrug Online Doctor:
Foundayo prices:
Mounjaro prices:
Can I switch from Mounjaro to Foundayo?
Yes, it may be possible to switch from Mounjaro to Foundayo, but only under a doctor's guidance. It is important to remember that when you switch, you may not get the same weight-loss results, so you may need to consider your reasons for switching.
The table below shows the Foundayo dose you may be able to switch to, based on your current Mounjaro dose. However, this is only a guide, and your doctor will confirm the safest starting dose of Foundayo for you.
Which is better – Foundayo or Mounjaro?
Neither Foundayo nor Mounjaro will be the best choice for everyone, as the best option depends on your goals, personal preferences, and what side effects you can tolerate. Mounjaro may offer greater average weight loss, whereas Foundayo provides the convenience of a tablet without injections or restrictions around food and drink. The better choice depends on your treatment goals, preferences, medical history, and how well you tolerate each medication.
Who might prefer Foundayo?
Foundayo may suit you if you:
- dislike needles or are not comfortable injecting yourself
- find a once-daily pill easier to take
- want a weight loss pill you can take at any time of the day with or without food
- need a treatment option that is travel-friendly
- experience injection-site reactions
- cannot tolerate Mounjaro or it is unsuitable for you
Who might prefer Mounjaro?
Mounjaro may be a suitable weight loss option if you:
- want to achieve the greatest possible average weight loss
- prefer to take your medication once per week rather than daily
- are comfortable using an injection
- struggle to take tablets
Sources
- Orforglipron, an Oral Small-Molecule GLP-1 Receptor Agonist for Obesity Treatment, The New England Journal of Medicine [accessed 20 August 2026]
- Foundayo 17.2mg, emc [accessed 20 August 2026]
- Foundayo 0.8mg, emc [accessed 20 August 2026]
- Foundayo 14.5mg, emc [accessed 20 August 2026]
- Foundayo 2.5mg, emc [accessed 20 August 2026]
- Foundayo 9mg, emc [accessed 20 August 2026]
- Mounjaro KwikPen 2.5mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen, electronic medicines compendium (emc) [accessed 20 August 2026]
- Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity, The New England Journal of Medicine [accessed 20 August 2026]