What it's approved for
- Improving blood sugar control, with diet and exercise, in adults with type 2 diabetes
- Not approved for weight management (that is Zepbound, the same medicine under another name)
How it works
It acts on two gut-hormone receptors, GIP and GLP-1. Together they slow stomach emptying, reduce appetite through signals in the brain and help the pancreas release insulin when blood sugar is high.
Mounjaro has a half-life of about 5 days, which is why it's dosed once a week.
The same medicine is sold as Zepbound. See Mounjaro vs Zepbound.
Dose steps on the label
Increase in 2.5 mg steps after at least 4 weeks on the current dose. Maintenance: 5 mg to 15 mg once weekly.
What the main trials found
SURPASS-2: A1C fell 2.0 to 2.3 points and weight fell about 17 to 25 lb across doses; semaglutide 1 mg lowered A1C 1.9 points and weight about 13 lb.
Most common side effects
| Side effect | Mounjaro | Placebo |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 12% to 18% | 4% |
| Diarrhea | 12% to 17% | 9% |
| Decreased appetite | 5% to 11% | 1% |
| Vomiting | 5% to 9% | 2% |
| Heartburn and indigestion | 5% to 8% | 3% |
| Constipation | 6% to 7% | 1% |
Pooled placebo-controlled type 2 diabetes trials in the Mounjaro label (5 mg, 10 mg and 15 mg). See all side effects.
Cost snapshot
| Option | Per month | Per year | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| List price | $1,080 | $14,040 | List price per 4-week supply, before insurance |
Compiled mid-2026 from manufacturer announcements; re-checked monthly. All savings options.
Everything about Mounjaro
Dosage
Every dose step, timing and the maximum
OpenSide effects
How common each one is vs placebo
OpenCost and savings
List price, self-pay and savings cards
OpenInsurance coverage
Prior authorization and appeals
OpenMissed dose
What the label says to do
OpenStorage
Fridge, room temperature and travel
OpenHow to take it
Step by step, from the label
OpenWarnings
Boxed warning and who shouldn't use it
OpenExplainer · 0:23
Read the transcript
- After you eat, your gut releases a hormone called GLP-1. GLP-1 medicines copy it, but last much longer in the body.
- It slows how fast your stomach empties, so you feel full sooner and stay full for longer.
- It also acts on appetite centers in the brain, which quiets hunger and constant thoughts about food.
- When blood sugar is high, it helps the pancreas release insulin. Tirzepatide also acts on a second gut hormone, GIP.
Compare Mounjaro
Common questions
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is tirzepatide, a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist made by Eli Lilly. It's a once weekly injection.
What is the starting dose of Mounjaro?
The label starts at 2.5 mg, 4 weeks first. Increase in 2.5 mg steps after at least 4 weeks on the current dose.
What is the highest dose of Mounjaro?
The highest dose on the label is 15 mg once weekly.
Is Mounjaro approved for weight loss?
No. Mounjaro is approved for type 2 diabetes. The same medicine is approved for weight management as Zepbound.
What if I miss a dose of Mounjaro?
Take the missed dose as soon as possible within 4 days (96 hours). If more than 4 days have passed, skip it and take the next dose on your usual day.
Sources
Clinician review pending. Drafted from primary sources and waiting for sign-off by a licensed clinician (MD, DO or PharmD) before launch. Every number is checked against its source. Drug facts are re-checked quarterly, prices monthly and whenever a label changes. How we review · Report an error