Zepbound vs Mounjaro
Editorial comparison of Zepbound (tirzepatide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide). Same drug class context, trial-anchored data, no marketing claims.
Side-by-side
| Dimension | Zepbound | Mounjaro |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | tirzepatide | tirzepatide |
| Manufacturer | Eli Lilly | Eli Lilly |
| FDA approved | 2023 | 2022 |
| Mechanism | Tirzepatide is a dual incretin agonist: it hits both the GLP-1 receptor (like semaglutide) and the GIP receptor (which semaglutide doesn't). | Same as Zepbound — dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist. Strong glycemic effect plus weight loss. |
| Dosing | Titrated 2.5mg → 5mg → 7.5mg → 10mg → 12.5mg → 15mg, every 4 weeks. Maintenance 5-15mg weekly depending on tolerability and target weight. | Titrated 2.5mg → 15mg weekly over months, same schedule as Zepbound. |
| Cost | List price ~$1,000-1,300/month. | Similar to Zepbound — list ~$1,000/month, LillyDirect Self-Pay $399-549/month. |
| Pivotal trial result | 20.9% mean body-weight reduction at 72 weeks (15 mg dose) | 2.0–2.3% HbA1c reduction across SURPASS trials (15 mg dose) |
Full Zepbound review →
Dual GLP-1/GIP agonist for weight management. ~20% body weight loss in trials — strongest weight-loss drug currently available.
Full Mounjaro review →
FDA-approved tirzepatide for type 2 diabetes. Off-label for weight loss is common.
Frequently asked
Is Zepbound or Mounjaro more effective?+
In their pivotal trials, Zepbound reported 20.9% mean body-weight reduction at 72 weeks (15 mg dose), while Mounjaro reported 2.0–2.3% HbA1c reduction across SURPASS trials (15 mg dose). Head-to-head results vary by patient profile, dose tolerated, and adherence — these trial numbers describe averages, not what every individual experiences.
How do Zepbound and Mounjaro compare on cost?+
Zepbound: List price ~$1,000-1,300/month. Lilly's patient assistance program (LillyDirect Self-Pay) offers $399-549/month for self-pay patients depending on dose. Insurance coverage similar pattern to Wegovy. Mounjaro: Similar to Zepbound — list ~$1,000/month, LillyDirect Self-Pay $399-549/month. Real out-of-pocket depends on insurance formulary tier, manufacturer savings programs, and whether a direct-pay channel is available.
Can I switch from Zepbound to Mounjaro?+
Switching between brand-name treatments in the same drug class is common, but the conversion is not always 1:1. Discuss the switch with your prescriber — they'll usually re-titrate dosing rather than substitute equivalent strengths directly.
Are Zepbound and Mounjaro the same drug?+
No. Zepbound (tirzepatide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are distinct medications from Eli Lilly and Eli Lilly respectively. They may share a drug class or mechanism but differ in active ingredient, dosing, and approved use.