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Key takeaways
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is an FDA-approved medication for Type 2 diabetes that also aids with weight loss.
Many insurance plans don’t cover Mounjaro, especially for weight loss, making out-of-pocket costs a significant concern for patients.
You can save on Mounjaro by using SingleCare coupons or by comparing pharmacy prices.
If Mounjaro is unaffordable, other GLP-1 receptor agonists may be alternatives, as there is no Mounjaro generic.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a brand-name prescription drug manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to improve blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 diabetes (along with diet and exercise). More recently, Mounjaro has become increasingly popular for weight loss.
“In clinical trials, Mounjaro has reduced patients’ weights by more than 20%,” explains Suzanne Soliman, Pharm.D., a board-certified pharmacist and founder of Pharmacist Moms Group. Although Mounjaro is not FDA-approved for weight loss, many providers prescribe it off-label for weight loss for this use, which is causing it to become increasingly popular. The FDA has approved Zepbound, which contains the same active ingredient as Mounjaro, for weight loss and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
However, Mounjaro can be expensive—especially if you’re uninsured or your drug insurance won’t cover Mounjaro for weight loss. Fortunately, there are opportunities for Mounjaro savings, which help to reduce the cost of your prescription.
RELATED: Safe and effective weight-loss medications
How much does Mounjaro cost?
The average retail price of Mounjaro, without insurance or any discounts, is over $1,500 for a monthly supply. (The medication is injected once weekly.)
The exact price will vary based on several factors, including:
- Your location
- Which pharmacy you choose
- The prescribed dosage
- Your health insurance coverage
Is Mounjaro covered by insurance?
Mounjaro coverage by commercial insurance (such as through an employer) varies, and Medicare and Medicaid coverage also varies by plan. However, some plans may provide insurance coverage for Mounjaro for treating Type 2 diabetes, so it’s important to check with your specific insurance provider to find out more about coverage and costs, as well as other requirements, such as prior authorization. The copay and out-of-pocket costs will vary by health plan.
RELATED: What obesity treatments does insurance cover?
Can I get Mounjaro for free?
Insurance may cover the entire cost of Mounjaro if prescribed for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, according to Dr. Soliman.
However, it’s often considered a “non-preferred” medication, which may require prior authorization to receive coverage, explains Wendi D. Jones, Pharm.D., a pharmacist for Aspen RxHealth.
How to save money on Mounjaro
If you do not have health insurance or are underinsured, there are still ways to save on your prescription costs. Read on to learn about discount programs and available Mounjaro coupons.
1. Free Mounjaro coupons
SingleCare offers free coupons that can help you save a significant amount on the cash price of your Mounjaro prescription. SingleCare prices vary by quantity, strength, form, and pharmacy, so be sure to check for your exact price.
Save up to 80% on Mounjaro with SingleCare
Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.
2. Mounjaro Savings Card
Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro, offers a Mounjaro Savings Card, which allows individuals with Type 2 diabetes to pay as little as $25 for a one-month or three-month prescription. There are eligibility requirements for using the discount card, which you can find in detail on the manufacturer’s website. You must be at least 18 years of age, a resident of the United States or Puerto Rico, and have eligible commercial insurance that covers Mounjaro. The Mounjaro savings card program does not apply to governmental beneficiaries, such as those with Medicaid or Medicare Part D.
To receive your Mounjaro Savings Card, you will need to complete a short form online and then choose your delivery method: You can download the card, receive it through email, or add it to your mobile wallet.
3. Compare prices
Pharmacy prices vary, even for the same medication. To get the best price, it’s important to compare prices at multiple pharmacies. You can also ask the pharmacy to check the difference between a one-month and three-month supply, as some pharmacies may offer a discount when you purchase a larger quantity up front.
4. Ask about Mounjaro alternatives
If possible, switch to a lower-cost alternative. Ask your healthcare provider if there is an effective but cheaper medication that could work for you. Other prescription medications may be available in a generic version or be covered by your insurance plan, resulting in a lower out-of-pocket cost. Here are alternative FDA-approved Type 2 diabetes medications that may also help with weight loss:
If Mounjaro is too pricey, ask your provider if any of these medications might be suitable for you.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Mounjaro?
Although a generic form of Mounjaro isn’t currently available, other medications may be prescribed in its place.
“Many people do very well on GLP-1 agonists such as Ozempic (semaglutide), Trulicity (dulaglutide), or Victoza (liraglutide). Saxenda (liraglutide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are FDA indicated for weight loss, while the others would be used off-label for weight loss,” Dr. Jones explains.
| Compare prices of common Mounjaro alternatives | |
|---|---|
| Drug name | Coupons |
| Mounjaro (tirzepatide) | See updated prices |
| Zepbound (tirzepatide) | See updated prices |
| Ozempic (semaglutide) | See updated prices |
| Trulicity (dulaglutide) | See updated prices |
| Saxenda (liraglutide)* | See updated prices |
| Victoza (liraglutide)* | See updated prices |
| Wegovy (semaglutide) | See updated prices |
| Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) | See updated prices |
*A cost-saving generic is available for this drug
If you’re struggling to afford your Mounjaro prescription, talk to your healthcare provider. They may know of opportunities to save money on your prescription. They may also be able to recommend a less expensive prescription medication to use in place of Mounjaro, such as the generic version of Victoza.
Common side effects of Mounjaro include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Stomach pain
- Indigestion
To minimize these side effects, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for use and discuss potential drug interactions. If you notice any signs of allergic reactions, seek emergency medical attention.
Mounjaro has a black box warning, which is the FDA’s strictest safety warning for brand-name and generic medications. In animal studies, Mounjaro was associated with the development of a type of thyroid cancer, and is contraindicated (should not be used) in individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or in people with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Always take your medication as prescribed and don’t stop taking it without first seeking medical advice from your healthcare professional.
- Fast track, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2024)
- Savings and support for Mounjaro, Eli Lilly USA
- Mounjaro, DailyMed (2025)
- Zepbound, DailyMed (2025)