Zepbound vs. Mounjaro: What is the difference?

On November 8th, 2023, the FDA approved a new weight-loss drug: Zepbound (tirzepatide), which has the same active ingredient as Mounjaro. We spoke to Dr. Felix Gussone, MD, about Zepbound, and how much it will cost once it’s available.

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Weight loss claims apply to branded medications. Limited availability of some doses of Zepbound. See Important Safety Information

Zepbound is one brand name of the medication tirzepatide. Zepbound is FDA-approved for the treatment of overweight and obesity while the other brand name of tirzepatide, Mounjaro, is FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Despite their different names and different FDA-approved indications, the active ingredients and available dosages will be the same. 

The FDA’s approval of tirzepatide under the brand name Zepbound for weight loss comes on the heels of the SURMOUNT-1 trial. During this trial, which was sponsored by the drug’s manufacturer, Eli Lilly, participants were given weekly doses of tirzepatide for 72 weeks. Participants on the highest dosage evaluated during the study lost an average of 20% of their body weight, meaning that this medication may be more effective than other similar medications that are currently available, like Wegovy.

According to Eli Lilly, Zepbound is expected to be available in the U.S. by the end of 2023, and the list price will be $1,059.87 for a month’s supply. In comparison, the list price for Mounjaro is $1,023.04 for a month’s supply, so Zepbound is only slightly more expensive. Those who are commercially insured may be able to pay as little as $25 for a 1-month or 3-month prescription, depending on insurance coverage. Eli Lily also announced that if your insurance doesn’t cover Zepbound, you may be eligible to pay as little as $550 per month, roughly 50% less than the list price. 

Zepbound will be available in six different doses, the same strengths as Mounjaro: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg.

If you’re interested in getting treatment with Zepbound, speak with a licensed healthcare professional who can evaluate your medical history and determine if Zepbound or another weight loss medication might be right for you.

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Every article on Health Guide goes through rigorous fact-checking by our team of medical reviewers. Our reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the writer.

Current version

November 08, 2023

Written by

Felix Gussone, MD

Fact checked by

Yael Cooperman, MD

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About the medical reviewer

Yael Cooperman, MD, Ro

Yael Cooperman is a physician and works as a Senior Manager, Medical Content & Education at Ro.