Introduction

You’ve heard of Mounjaro. You’ve heard of Zepbound. And maybe you’ve even noticed they contain the exact same ingredient—tirzepatide.

So, what’s the difference?

While Zepbound and Mounjaro are chemically identical, they’re approved for different uses, marketed under different brand names, and handled differently by insurance. In this blog, we’ll break down the differences (and similarities) between Zepbound vs Mounjaro—so you know which one to ask your doctor about.

Quick Snapshot

Feature	Zepbound	Mounjaro
Active Ingredient	Tirzepatide	Tirzepatide
FDA Approval	Weight loss (2023)	Type 2 diabetes (2022)
Dosing	Weekly injection	Weekly injection
Weight Loss Use	Approved	Off-label use only
Insurance Coverage	More likely for obesity	More likely for diabetes
Manufacturer	Eli Lilly	Eli Lilly

Same drug. Different label. Different reason for use.

Why Two Names for the Same Drug?

It’s all about FDA approvals.

• Mounjaro was approved in 2022 for Type 2 diabetes management
• Zepbound was approved in 2023 specifically for chronic weight management

This means doctors can prescribe Zepbound for weight loss on-label, while Mounjaro must be used off-label for non-diabetic weight loss.

Effectiveness for Weight Loss

Since both are tirzepatide, weight loss results are nearly identical.

Study	Drug Used	Avg. Weight Loss
SURMOUNT-1	Tirzepatide (Zepbound)	Up to 22.5% of body weight
SURPASS Trials	Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)	~12–15% in diabetic patients

Non-diabetics lose more weight than diabetics on tirzepatide, regardless of brand name.

Insurance & Pricing Differences

Factor	Zepbound	Mounjaro
FDA Approved for Obesity	Yes	No (off-label use)
Savings Program	Zepbound Card	Mounjaro Card
Insurance Coverage	With BMI criteria	With diabetes diagnosis
Retail Price	~$1,060/month	~$1,060/month

If you’re using it for weight loss, insurance is more likely to approve Zepbound.

Why Some People Still Use Mounjaro for Weight Loss

Some doctors and telehealth providers still prescribe Mounjaro off-label because:

• It’s more familiar to insurers and pharmacies
• It may be easier to access early in treatment pipelines
• Some patients started Mounjaro before Zepbound was available

However, new patients with no diabetes diagnosis will likely be directed to Zepbound.

Are the Pens the Same?

Yes. Both come in pre-filled, once-weekly pens.
Same doses (2.5mg to 15mg)

Labeling and NDC codes differ, which affects pharmacy billing and insurance processing.

You cannot swap pens between Mounjaro and Zepbound prescriptions—even though they’re the same inside.

Final Thoughts

Zepbound and Mounjaro are the same medication—tirzepatide—but approved and labeled for different uses. Which one is best for you depends on your insurance, goals, and diagnosis.

Use Zepbound if you’re using tirzepatide for weight loss
Use Mounjaro if you have Type 2 diabetes and need blood sugar control
Your doctor and pharmacy will determine which prescription ensures coverage and affordability

Visit our Zepbound Access Guide to learn how to qualify, get savings cards, and find telehealth providers.