Zepbound Vs Mounjaro: Complete Comparison Guide for Weight Loss and Diabetes Treatment

Zepbound and Mounjaro both contain tirzepatide and are both made by Eli Lilly and Company. The key difference lies in their FDA-approved uses and branding strategy.

The key considerations when choosing between Mounjaro and Zepbound are:

• Primary health concern (diabetes vs weight management vs obstructive sleep apnea [OSA])
• Insurance coverage, copay assistance program eligibility, and cost differences
• Healthcare provider recommendation
• Individual insurance plan policies
• Prior authorization requirements.

FDA-Approved Uses

Mounjaro

Primary indication: Treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults

• Used alongside diet and exercise.
• Helps improve blood sugar control.

Zepbound

Primary indication 1: Chronic weight management in adults

• For patients with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with at least one weight-related condition.
• Used in combination with reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Primary indication 2: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults

• For patients with moderate to severe obesity.

Brand strategy

Eli Lilly intentionally created two separate brands for tirzepatide and the dual branding strategy serves several purposes:

• Allows for different insurance coverage pathways
• Helps healthcare providers prescribe for specific conditions
• Enables targeted marketing for different patient populations
• Complies with FDA labeling requirements for different indications.

Dosing and Administration

Both medications:

• Are administered via subcutaneous (under the skin) injection 1 time a week
• Are available in the same dose strengths: 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, 15mg
• Follow identical dose escalation schedules
• Use the same injection pen design and technology.

Clinical Trial Results

Weight Loss Effectiveness

• Both Zepbound and Mounjaro have demonstrated significant weight loss in clinical trials
• Average weight loss at 15mg dose: 20.9% of body weight over 72 weeks
• Placebo comparison: 3.1% weight loss in the same time period.

Blood Sugar Control

• Both medications improve blood sugar levels.
• Blood sugar control has particularly been studied in Mounjaro trials for type 2 diabetes and it showed significant hemoglobin A1C reduction compared to placebo.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

Insurance coverage varies based on intended use:

• Mounjaro: Often covered under diabetes treatment benefits.
• Zepbound: May be covered under weight management benefits but not clear if it will be covered for OSA.
• Different insurance requirements and prior authorization processes.

Related questions

• Ozempic Side Effects to Watch For
• Why am I not losing weight on Mounjaro?
• How do Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Zepbound compare for weight loss?

Side Effects and Safety Profile

Common side effects for both Zepbound and Mounjaro include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Decreased appetite.

Important Safety Information

• Not recommended for type 1 diabetes
• Caution in patients with history of pancreatitis
• Regular monitoring recommended during treatment

FAQs about Zepbound vs Mounjaro

Is Mounjaro the same as Zepbound?

Yes and no. Mounjaro and Zepbound contain exactly the same active ingredient (tirzepatide) and are identical medications molecularly. However, they have different FDA approvals and are marketed for different purposes:

• Mounjaro: FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes
• Zepbound: FDA-approved for chronic weight management.

Which is better for weight loss: Mounjaro or Zepbound?

Neither is "better" as they contain the identical active ingredient (tirzepatide) and work exactly the same way in the body. The clinical trials showing 20.9% average weight loss apply to both medications. The choice between them typically depends on:

• Primary medical condition (diabetes vs weight management)
• Insurance coverage
• Cost considerations
• Healthcare provider preference.

Can Mounjaro and Zepbound be used together?

No, Mounjaro and Zepbound should never be used together because:

• They are the exact same medication (tirzepatide)
• Using both would result in double-dosing
• This could lead to serious side effects
• No additional benefits would be gained.

How do insurance companies cover Mounjaro vs Zepbound?

Mounjaro coverage:

• Generally covered under diabetes medication benefits
• May require proof of type 2 diabetes diagnosis
• Might need documentation of previous diabetes medication use
• Often requires prior authorization.

Zepbound coverage:

• Typically falls under weight management benefits
• May require specific BMI criteria
• Could need documentation of previous weight loss attempts
• Many insurance plans exclude weight loss medications
• Not clear if insurance companies will cover for OSA
• May require different prior authorization process.