Mounjaro

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is used for type 2 diabetes to help lower blood sugar levels, and tirzepatide also causes weight loss. Mounjaro is a once-weekly injection that should be used alongside dietary changes and exercise.

Mounjaro received FDA approval on May 13, 2022. There is no Mounjaro generic. The 2 different brands of tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) are made by Eli Lilly and Company but are FDA-approved for different conditions.

• Mounjaro: Specifically approved for type 2 diabetes management in adults.
• Zepbound: Designated for weight loss treatment in adults.

How Does Mounjaro Work?

Mounjaro’s mechanism of action involves mimicking a natural hormone in the body called GLP-1 which:

• Stimulates insulin production from the pancreas
• Reduces liver sugar production
• Slows down digestion
• Helps control appetite and food intake.

Mounjaro belongs to the drug class called GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Medical Uses and FDA Approval

Mounjaro is officially approved by the FDA for:

• Blood sugar (glucose) control in adults with type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise.

Although Mounjaro for weight loss is not an official FDA approval, Mounjaro has been shown to help weight loss and maintain the lost weight in clinical trials when combined with diet and exercise. See How does Mounjaro work for weight loss? for more information.

WARNING: Mounjaro is not approved for type 1 diabetes treatment and it is not known if it can be used in people with pancreatitis.

It is not known if Mounjaro is safe or effective in children under 18 years of age.

What does Mounjaro cost?

The cost of Mounjaro depends on your insurance plan, if you have a Mounjaro Coupon or Mounjaro Savings Card, and which pharmacy you use.

For people with commercial or private insurance Mounjaro may cost as little as $25 for a 1-month, 2-month, or 3-month supply, up to a maximum savings of $150 per month and a separate maximum annual savings of up to $1800 per calendar year.

Refer to our Mounjaro price guide page or see What is the Mounjaro Coupon or Savings Card?  for more information.

Mounjaro side effects

Common Mounjaro side effects

The most common Mounjaro side effects are nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, heartburn (dyspepsia), and abdominal pain.

These gastrointestinal effects typically affect more than 5% of patients, usually improve within weeks, and are more frequent at higher doses. People are more likely to discontinue Mounjaro due to stomach side effects if they are on a higher Mounjaro dosage (5mg dose: 3.0% risk of stopping treatment vs 15mg dose: 6.6% risk)

Tips for managing Mounjaro stomach side effects

Following these tips may help you manage Mounjaro’s stomach side effects:

• eat more slowly
• consume smaller meals
• select more bland, low-fat foods (like crackers, toast, and rice)
• avoid greasy, fried foods or sugar treats
• eat foods that contain water (like soup or gelatin)
• don’t lie down right after eating
• drink clear or ice-cold liquids
• if possible, go outside for fresh air if you feel sick.