Mounjaro tirzepatide
pronounced as (tir zep' a tide)
FDA-approved tirzepatide for type 2 diabetes. Off-label for weight loss is common.
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Mounjaro vs Ozempic
Both are diabetes labels of the molecules sold for weight loss as Wegovy and Zepbound. Comparable cost, comparable trial efficacy.
| Mounjaro | Ozempic | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | tirzepatide | semaglutide |
| Manufacturer | Eli Lilly | Novo Nordisk |
| FDA status | FDA-approved 2022 | FDA-approved 2017 |
| Clinical efficacy | 2.0–2.3% HbA1c reduction across SURPASS trials (15 mg dose) | 1.4–1.8% HbA1c reduction across SUSTAIN trials (1.0 mg dose) |
| Pivotal trial | SURPASS-2 (NCT03987919) — vs semaglutide | SUSTAIN-6 (NCT01720446) — cardiovascular outcomes |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Full page | Mounjaro → | Ozempic → |
Mounjaro availability by dose
Full supply tracker →- 2.5 mg· Available
- 5 mg· Available
- 7.5 mg· Available
- 10 mg· Available
- 12.5 mg· Available
- 15 mg· Available
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. Same active ingredient as Zepbound (tirzepatide). Off-label weight-loss use is common, particularly where Zepbound supply is constrained.
How does Mounjaro work?
Same as Zepbound — dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist. Strong glycemic effect plus weight loss.
Who can take Mounjaro?
FDA indication: type 2 diabetes glycemic control. Off-label weight-loss prescribing depends on platform/clinician judgment.
How is Mounjaro taken?
Titrated 2.5mg → 15mg weekly over months, same schedule as Zepbound.
| Phase | Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–4 | 2.5 mg once weekly | Starter dose |
| Weeks 5–8 | 5 mg once weekly | Lowest maintenance dose |
| Weeks 9–12 (if needed) | 7.5 mg once weekly | |
| Weeks 13–16 (if needed) | 10 mg once weekly | |
| Weeks 17–20 (if needed) | 12.5 mg once weekly | |
| Week 21+ (if needed) | 15 mg once weekly | Maximum approved dose |
Mounjaro weight loss over time (trial average)
- Week 43%
- Week 128%
- Week 2415%
- Week 4820%
- Week 7221%
Mean total body-weight reduction at the 15 mg weekly maintenance dose, from SURMOUNT-1 (NCT04184622). Individual results vary widely; ~10% of trial participants lost less than 5%.
How much does Mounjaro cost?
Similar to Zepbound — list ~$1,000/month, LillyDirect Self-Pay $399-549/month.
What side effects can Mounjaro cause?
Same as Zepbound.
Mounjaro side-effect timeline: when to expect what
- Weeks 1-42.5 mg starter
GI side effects (nausea, diarrhea, constipation) typically start mild. The 2.5 mg dose is a tolerance check, not a therapeutic dose.
- Weeks 5-20Dose escalation
Stepping up every 4 weeks (5 → 7.5 → 10 → 12.5 → 15 mg) can re-trigger nausea briefly at each step. Many hold at 5 or 10 mg if that controls appetite well.
- Weeks 20-24Settling
Side effects become less frequent as the body adapts. Diarrhea and constipation can alternate; hydration and fiber help.
- Week 24+Maintenance
Typically mild, occasional symptoms at steady dose. Persistent severe symptoms warrant a dose conversation with your provider.
Typical timing from FDA labels and trial data. Individual experience varies; slower titration eases side effects for many patients.
What if I miss a dose of Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is dosed once weekly. If missed: take within 4 days of scheduled day, then resume regular schedule. If more than 4 days late, skip and continue. Do not double up. T2D patients should check blood sugar more frequently if a dose was missed.
How should Mounjaro be stored?
Refrigerate Mounjaro at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) until first use. After first use, may be stored at room temperature up to 86°F (30°C) for up to 21 days. Do not freeze. Protect from light.
What if I overdose on Mounjaro?
Same molecule as Zepbound; same overdose guidance. No specific antidote. Half-life ~5 days. Call US Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately or seek emergency care for severe hypoglycemia (especially in T2D patients on insulin or a sulfonylurea), persistent vomiting, dehydration signs, or altered mental status. Bring the pen + packaging to the ER if you go.
Mounjaro pharmacy prices
Reference monthly prices (28-day supply). Real pricing varies by zip code, dose, and changes frequently. Always check live coupons before purchase.
| Pharmacy | Monthly | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GoodRx coupon | $995Lowest | discount-card · coupon | Discount card aggregator. Free card lowers retail pharmacy cash price. |
| SingleCare coupon | $1,005 | discount-card · coupon | Free pharmacy discount card competitive with GoodRx. |
| Costco Pharmacy | $1,035 | warehouse | Membership warehouse pharmacy with notably lower cash prices on many medications. |
| CVS Pharmacy | $1,070 | retail | Largest US retail pharmacy chain. Brand-name list price typical. |
| Walgreens | $1,070 | retail | Second-largest US retail pharmacy. Brand-name pricing in line with industry list. |
| Walmart Pharmacy | $1,070 | warehouse | Big-box pharmacy with $4 generic program. Brand prescription pricing closer to retail. |
| Amazon Pharmacy | $1,070 | online | Online pharmacy with Prime member discounts on select medications. |
Coupon and self-pay eligibility apply. Check each program's terms. Manufacturer self-pay programs (NovoCare, LillyDirect) typically require no commercial insurance coverage of the drug for eligibility.
Mounjaro 30-day mean cash price
▼ 0.4% vs 30 days ago
Mean cash price across CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Costco. Snapshot refreshed weekly; individual pharmacy prices vary by zip.
Where to get Mounjaro
Licensed US telehealth providers that prescribe/ship Mounjaro. We earn commission when you book. See disclosure.
Ro
from $145/mo- Best for insured patients
- Best for clinical oversight
Ro Body — branded GLP-1 weight care program
Why we picked itThe insurance concierge actually files your prior authorization, which can drop the effective cost below $50/month when your plan covers GLP-1s. Named obesity-medicine leadership.
Who should skipSkip if you are cash-pay only — Ro's value is the insurance work, and you pay for clinical depth you may not need.
Behavioral layer2/10- Dietitian
- Curriculum
- Community
- Coach
- Muscle
- Off-Rx
Off-Rx: no planFlaws but not dealbreakers (3)
- Not the cheapest entry point in the category
- Not available in Louisiana or Alaska
- Compounded medication availability varies by FDA shortage status
We may earn a commission. Pricing on partner site is final.
Not sure which Mounjaro program fits?
8 questions, ~60 seconds. We'll match you with three programs and explain the trade-offs.
Start free assessmentNo email required. Resume any time.
What's your primary goal?
- Lose weight (10+ lbs)
- Lose a few stubborn pounds
- Improve metabolic health
- Just exploring options
Have you tried weight loss medication before?
- Never
- Yes, GLP-1 (Wegovy, Ozempic, etc.)
- Yes, other medication
+ 6 more in the full assessment
Ask the obesity-medicine specialist
Related terms
Related topics
Mounjaro news & research
Recent FDA actions, trial readouts, and market developments.
- Trial readout
Mounjaro shows benefit in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)
SUMMIT trial results: tirzepatide reduced HFpEF symptoms and improved cardiovascular outcomes in adults with obesity.
Source ↗ - Supply update
Mounjaro supply normalized — all dose strengths available
FDA removed tirzepatide from shortage list October 2024; supply has remained stable through 2026.
How to get it
Take the eligibility quiz
5 minutes of medical-history questions matched to the medication's FDA criteria. Free, no commitment.
Submit ID + a recent photo
Required by every legitimate US telehealth platform to verify identity and meet state prescribing rules.
Async clinical review
A licensed clinician in your state reviews your history and decides whether the medication is appropriate. Typically within 24-48 hours.
Prescription ships
If approved, the medication is sent from a partner pharmacy. Initial titration dose arrives in 3-7 days for most US states.
Ongoing support
Most programs include follow-up check-ins, dose adjustments, and side-effect support. Coverage varies by program.
Other brands of tirzepatide
tirzepatide is sold under multiple brand names. Each one is approved for a different indication or comes in a different form.
Sources
Primary references this page draws from. We cite original sources so you can verify any claim.
- ManufacturerEli Lilly Mounjaro prescribing site
Other weight loss medications
Wegovy
semaglutide · FDA 2021 · Once-weekly injectable semaglutide for chronic weight management. ~15% body weight loss in trials.
glp1Zepbound
tirzepatide · FDA 2023 · Dual GLP-1/GIP agonist for weight management. ~20% body weight loss in trials — strongest weight-los
glp1Ozempic
semaglutide · FDA 2017 · FDA-approved semaglutide for type 2 diabetes. Widely used off-label for weight loss.
glp1Saxenda
liraglutide · FDA 2014 · FDA-approved daily injectable liraglutide for chronic weight management. Older-generation GLP-1, dai
glp1Compounded semaglutide
semaglutide (compounded) · Custom-compounded semaglutide. Cheaper than branded Wegovy. Not FDA-approved; legal landscape shifts
glp1Compounded tirzepatide
tirzepatide (compounded) · Custom-compounded tirzepatide. Cheaper than Zepbound/Mounjaro. Not FDA-approved.
More on Mounjaro
For clinicians: see the Mounjaro prescribing summary.