{"id":631025,"date":"2025-01-13T13:43:45","date_gmt":"2025-01-13T18:43:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=631025"},"modified":"2026-01-26T12:52:39","modified_gmt":"2026-01-26T17:52:39","slug":"zepbound-vs-mounjaro","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/zepbound-vs-mounjaro\/","title":{"rendered":"Zepbound vs. Mounjaro: Compare uses, cost, coverage, and more"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you or someone you know experiences weight-related challenges or Type 2 diabetes, medications like <\/span>Zepbound<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Mounjaro<\/span><\/a> might be part of the conversation when it comes to treatment options. These medications both involve a weekly injection and share the same active ingredient, tirzepatide. As a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, tirzepatide can help control appetite and decrease sugar levels. Although both brand-name medications are deemed effective and have identical side effects, they may differ in other ways. Continue reading to learn more about the similarities and differences between Zepbound and Mounjaro.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the main differences between Zepbound and Mounjaro?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Although Zepbound and Mounjaro contain the same active ingredient, tirzepatide, they\u2019re approved for different uses. Mounjaro was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in May of 2022 to help manage Type 2 diabetes. Zepbound was approved in November 2023 for weight loss and later approved for the treatment of <\/span>obstructive sleep apnea<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Insurance often pays for medicines like Mounjaro to <\/span>treat Type 2 diabetes<\/span><\/a>, but it might not do the same for weight loss drugs like Zepbound. This means that getting approval to use them can differ depending on a person\u2019s main health condition and what their healthcare provider recommends. Because insurance doesn’t usually cover weight loss medications, you might have to pay more out-of-pocket for Zepbound than Mounjaro.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other than these differences, Zepbound and Mounjaro are identical. Both Zepbound and Mounjaro are manufactured by Eli Lilly and administered as a weekly injection under the skin (subcutaneous). They also come in single-dose pens or vials in strengths of 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, and 15 mg per mL.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Zepbound vs. Mounjaro: Quick comparison table<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nZepbound<\/b><\/td>\nMounjaro<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nGIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist<\/span><\/td>\nGIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nBrand version only<\/span><\/td>\nBrand version only<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
FDA-approved uses<\/b><\/td>\nWeight loss in adults with obesity or who are overweight with weight-related medical conditions\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n

Improve blood sugar in adults and children 10 years and older with Type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nSubcutaneous injection as a single-dose pen or vial<\/span><\/td>\nSubcutaneous injection as a single-dose pen or vial<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\n2.5 mg injected under the skin once weekly for 4 weeks. Then, the dosage is increased to 5 mg once weekly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The dosage may be increased in 2.5 mg increments after at least 4 weeks on the present dose up to a maximum of 15 mg once weekly, depending on the treatment response.<\/span><\/td>\n

2.5 mg injected under the skin once weekly for 4 weeks. Then, the dosage is increased to 5 mg once weekly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The dosage may be increased in 2.5 mg increments after at least 4 weeks on the present dose up to a maximum of 15 mg once weekly, depending on the treatment response.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nLong-term<\/span><\/td>\nLong-term<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nAdults 18 and older<\/span><\/td>\nAdults and children 10 years and older<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Conditions treated by Zepbound and Mounjaro<\/span><\/h2>\n

Zepbound and Mounjaro are approved for different health conditions. Zepbound is FDA approved for chronic weight management in adults struggling with obesity or who are overweight with weight-related health conditions. These conditions may include high blood pressure, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes. In addition, Zepbound has been approved for <\/span>obstructive sleep apnea<\/span><\/a> (OSA).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In contrast, Mounjaro is a diabetes drug. It is specifically approved by the FDA for Type 2 diabetes. Mounjaro is prescribed to help control high blood sugar levels by increasing the release of insulin and decreasing glucagon levels. While it may sometimes be <\/span>prescribed off-label<\/span><\/a> for weight loss, its primary use is for diabetes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Both medications are recommended to be used alongside a <\/span>diet<\/span><\/a> and exercise plan. Therefore, lifestyle changes can greatly affect the outcomes and how well these drugs work.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Is Zepbound or Mounjaro more effective?<\/span><\/h2>\n

When it comes to weight loss, both Zepbound and Mounjaro have shown impressive results. In a 72-week phase 3 clinical trial, participants who received the highest dose of tirzepatide (15 mg) once weekly, along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, lost an average of <\/span>around 21%<\/span><\/a> of their baseline body weight. In comparison, those who took a placebo saw only around a 3% reduction in body weight.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tirzepatide has also been shown to be effective in managing Type 2 diabetes. In a study called <\/span>SURPASS-1<\/span><\/a>, patients with Type 2 diabetes who took 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg of tirzepatide alone saw their A1C levels (a measure of blood sugar control) decrease by around 2% after 40 weeks. In comparison, those who took a placebo only saw less than half a percent decrease in A1C levels.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While Zepbound and Mounjaro have shown promising results in studies, individual results may vary. It’s always best to talk to a healthcare professional to figure out the most appropriate treatment plan for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Coverage and cost comparison of Zepbound vs. Mounjaro<\/span><\/h2>\n

Zepbound and Mounjaro are brand-name medications, with no generic alternatives available. Insurance coverage for these drugs can vary. In many cases, private insurance companies and Medicare won\u2019t cover weight-loss medications as they may be considered <\/span>cosmetic<\/span><\/a> instead of medically necessary. Some insurance plans, including Medicare, might cover part of the cost of these medications, but it depends on the specific plan and insurance company.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Weight Loss Coupons & Resources<\/a><\/p>\n

In general, insurance plans are more likely to cover Mounjaro for Type 2 diabetes than Zepbound for weight loss. However, Zepbound\u2019s new FDA approval for OSA has opened it up to broader coverage when prescribed for this purpose. Still, after <\/span>prior authorization<\/span><\/a>, Zepbound may be covered for weight loss by some insurance plans.<\/span><\/p>\n

Retail prices for Zepbound and Mounjaro differ based on dosage and quantity. The average retail costs of both medications can reach around $1,500 per month. Costs often vary by pharmacy. However, those looking to save money on prescriptions like Zepbound and Mounjaro can explore options like the <\/span>SingleCare discount card<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Zepbound vs. Mounjaro costs and coverage comparison<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nZepbound<\/b><\/td>\nMounjaro<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/b><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/b><\/td>\nNot for weight loss, but possibly for sleep apnea<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quantity<\/b><\/td>\n4 prefilled injection pens<\/span><\/td>\n4 prefilled injection pens<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typical Medicare copay<\/b><\/td>\nVaries<\/span><\/td>\nVaries<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/b><\/td>\n$937 at Publix<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$895 at Publix<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of Jan. 23, 2026. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available.<\/span><\/i><\/small><\/small><\/p>\n

Common side effects of Zepbound vs. Mounjaro<\/span><\/h2>\n

Both Zepbound and Mounjaro cause identical side effects. The most common side effects of Zepbound and Mounjaro include:<\/span><\/p>\n