Mounjaro (tirzepatide (injection))
Same active ingredient as Zepbound but indicated for diabetes. Off-label weight loss common. Manufactured by Eli Lilly. FDA-approved status: type-2-diabetes.
Mounjaro pricing across every channel
Manufacturer direct prices (LillyDirect, NovoCare) are usually cheapest. Updated May 2026.
| Drug | Insurance | Mfr direct | Telehealth (brand) | Telehealth (compd) | Cash retail | Get it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mounjaro 20.9% weight loss | $88 | - | $499 | $299 cheapest | $1,069 | Get → |
Mounjaro cost in 2026
| Payment channel | Monthly | 12 months |
|---|---|---|
| Covered by insurance ($25–150 copay) | $88 | $1,056 |
| Manufacturer self-pay (LillyDirect / NovoCare) | Not available | - |
| Telehealth: brand name (Hims, Ro, Found) | $499 | $5,988 |
| Telehealth: compounded (limited post-FDA crackdown) | $299 | $3,588 |
| Cash retail (full list price) | $1,069 | $12,828 |
Dosing
Weekly subcutaneous injection, same titration as Zepbound (2.5 → 15 mg).
What to expect on Mounjaro
For someone starting at 220 lbs on Mounjaro for 12 months, the projection is:
Modeled from SURPASS-2 / off-label phase 3 data. Adjust for your own weight on the full calculator.
✓ Pros
- Identical molecule to Zepbound
- Easier insurance approval if you have type 2 diabetes
- Strong cardiovascular and renal data (SURPASS-CVOT, SURMOUNT-MMO)
✗ Cons
- Off-label for weight loss - most insurers deny
- Cash-pay typically more expensive than Zepbound LillyDirect option
Common side effects
Most-reported in SURPASS-2 / off-label. Side effects are typically worst during dose escalation and improve over time.
Related cost guides
- → How to Get Mounjaro Without Insurance - and why most cash-pay patients should switch to Zepbound
- → Tirzepatide Cost (Every Channel) - molecule-level guide across all brands and compounded
- → GLP-1 Savings Cards Compared - manufacturer copay programs for Mounjaro and others
- → GLP-1 Prior Authorization Guide - what insurers want for Mounjaro and how to win an appeal
- → Cheapest GLP-1 Finder - all 8 drugs ranked by cost-per-pound-lost
Compare Mounjaro to other GLP-1s
Mounjaro coverage by major insurer
Coverage stance and per-carrier details for Mounjaro. Each link goes to the full prior-auth requirements, cost table, and appeal playbook for that carrier.