What is Mounjaro?

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.
• See Zepbound vs Mounjaro: Complete Comparison Guide for Weight Loss and Diabetes Treatment.

Benefits of Mounjaro Treatment

• Blood sugar control and HbA1C reduction.*
• Significant weight loss support.**

*HbA1C measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months.
** Not an FDA-approved use.

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.

Serious Mounjaro side effects

Mounjaro can cause serious side effects such as inflammation of the pancreas, vision changes, low blood sugar levels, kidney problems, and serious allergic reactions, and it can also increase the risk of food or liquid getting into your lungs during surgery or a medical procedure (see Mounjaro side effects you need to be aware of).

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, itching, dizziness, fast heartbeats, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• vision changes;
• unusual mood changes, thoughts about hurting yourself;
• pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• signs of a thyroid tumor – swelling or a lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, a hoarse voice, feeling short of breath;
• symptoms of pancreatitis – severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea with or without vomiting, fast heart rate;
• gallbladder problems – upper stomach pain, fever, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• low blood sugar–headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, or feeling jittery;
• kidney problems – swelling, urinating less, blood in urine, feeling tired or short of breath
• stomach flu symptoms – stomach cramps, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea (may be watery or bloody)
• symptoms of ileus (stomach paralysis) – bloating, stomach cramps or pain, nausea or vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, loss of appetite.

Food or liquid getting into the lungs during surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sleepiness (deep sedation). Mounjaro may increase the chance of food getting into your lungs during surgery or other procedures. Tell all your healthcare providers that you are taking Mounjaro before you are scheduled to have surgery or other procedures.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.