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Mounjaro is a prescription drug to help regulate blood sugar and reduce weight in people with type 2 diabetes. Learn how to get Mounjaro in person and online here.
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Mounjaro is a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist and a gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) agonist. This drug is only available if a healthcare professional prescribes it, such as a doctor, nurse practitioner, or an endocrinologist.
As a GLP-1 agonist, it:
- mimics a hormone called GLP-1
- helps boost insulin production when necessary
- reduces sugar production in the liver
- slows food digestion
Mounjaro has Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval as a second-line treatment for type 2 diabetes. However, doctors prefer metformin as a first-line treatment for high blood sugar levels. Its generic version is tirzepatide, but it is only available as Mounjaro. It comes in doses of 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, and 15 milligrams (mg).
Doctors may also prescribe Mounjaro off-label for obesity. Off-label means that, when appropriate, a doctor prescribes a drug for a condition or at a dosage that the FDA has not approved.
As Mounjaro can
Eli Lilly and Company, the drug’s manufacturer, states that Mounjaro leads to a 15% reduction in body weight. Additionally, in October 2023, Eli Lilly published new data showing that Mounjaro can lead to a mean weight loss of up to 26.6% after 84 weeks.
Diabetes and weight loss drug shortages
People with diabetes rely on medications such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide) to help regulate their blood sugar levels. There has been a shortage of Mounjaro in recent months due to its rise in popularity, and it is currently on the FDA’s list of drug shortages. This means people with diabetes have not been able to get the drug.
Mounjaro does not have FDA approval for weight loss, but the FDA
The FDA has
To promote weight loss, people need to use these medications alongside a balanced diet and exercise.
A person must have a valid prescription from a doctor to get Mounjaro for weight loss. Individuals can obtain this either in person or online.
The drug is only available under its brand name, Mounjaro. A generic version of the drug is not currently available.
In-person
Mounjaro is available only with a prescription. People can speak with a doctor in person or online to get one.
A doctor should prescribe Mounjaro only if it is medically appropriate. This means they will prescribe it for people who have type 2 diabetes, obesity, or overweight and a related condition.
Learn more about who may qualify for Mounjaro.
An individual needs to answer questions about their medical history and health goals so the doctor can ensure Mounjaro is the right option. Eli Lilly recommends discussing the following with the prescribing doctor:
- any current health conditions, including those affecting the pancreas, kidneys, and stomach
- whether a person has issues digesting food or gastroparesis
- their current diabetes medications
- any history of diabetic retinopathy
- any current or planned future pregnancy
- any plans to nurse after childbirth
- all prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements they currently take
Online
Online telehealth platforms allow doctors to prescribe Mounjaro to eligible people via a video or phone consultation.
Individuals must make an online account to use these GLP-1 telehealth services and be ready to pay for a subscription or consultation fee alongside the prescription and medication. Costs will vary depending on insurance plans.
Telehealth platforms can deliver a person’s medication or send it to their local pharmacy.
Compounded tirzepatide
Some online retailers claim to sell “generic” Mounjaro or tirzepatide, which is actually a compounded drug. Drug compounding is the process of
The FDA cites serious health risks relating to compounding drugs and does not approve compounded medications. This is despite it being legal to prescribe and produce compounded medications during drug shortages or when medically necessary.
The FDA has sent
Due to these safety concerns and FDA warning letters, Medical News Today does not feature retailers that provide compounded tirzepatide on any of its Mounjaro guides.
Online telehealth services offer Mounjaro online. Medical News Today only chooses telehealth companies that meet our vetting criteria.
The cost of Mounjaro will depend on whether a person has insurance coverage.
Prescription drug costs can vary widely in the United States, and people often look for ways to save on prescription medication.
How to get Mounjaro using insurance
Insurance providers may only cover Mounjaro if a person takes it to manage type 2 diabetes. This is because it is only FDA-approved for this use. A person CAN check their insurance’s formulary and other requirements.
How much does Mounjaro cost without insurance?
Eli Lilly states that the cost of Mounjaro for people without insurance is close to the list price, which is $1,069.08 for 4 pens.
How to get Mounjaro for $25
Some people with insurance will be eligible for Lilly’s Mounjaro Savings Card, which starts at $25 for a 1- or 3-month prescription. A 1-month supply includes 4 pens across 28 days. A 3-month supply includes up to 12 pens for 84 days.
Those with insurance that does not cover Mounjaro can still use the Mounjaro Savings Card for up to $573 off a 1-month prescription. However, they will still likely need to pay a few hundred dollars for Mounjaro.
People can check the terms on Eli Lilly’s website to see whether they can save on Mounjaro.
Learn more about the cost of Mounjaro.
A doctor will prescribe Mounjaro only if it is medically appropriate.
A person may qualify for a prescription if they:
- have type 2 diabetes and would like to lose weight
- have obesity with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30
- have overweight with a BMI greater than 27 and another weight-related health condition, such as:
Mounjaro is not suitable for everyone. The manufacturer states that people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma should not take Mounjaro, along with those with:
- multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2
- hypersensitivity to tirzepatide
- pancreas and kidney conditions
- severe gastrointestinal conditions
- diabetic retinopathy
Mounjaro may not be suitable for pregnant or lactating people.
According to Mounjaro’s manufacturer, people commonly report the following side effects:
Mounjaro can also lower a person’s blood pressure to dangerous levels. People taking Mounjaro should work with a doctor to monitor its effect on their blood pressure.
Learn more about the mild and serious side effects of Mounjaro.
Mounjaro does not have FDA approval for weight loss.
However, the manufacturers are applying for approval.
According to the FDA, there is limited availability of some Mounjaro doses. Mounjaro in 10, 12.5, and 15 mg doses are in higher demand.
It takes some time for people to see weight loss results with Mounjaro. People may notice weight loss soon after starting the medication. However, most data suggests people will see the most difference after a year or more on Mounjaro.
The manufacturer of Mounjaro states that Mounjaro leads to a mean weight loss of up to 26.6% after 84 weeks.
The generic name for Mounjaro is tirzepatide.
To get a prescription for Mounjaro, a person must consult a healthcare professional in person or online.
They will discuss the person’s goals and the treatment options. The healthcare professional will write a prescription for Mounjaro if they feel it is appropriate.
As Mounjaro is a diabetes treatment and is not FDA-approved for weight loss, doctors may not prescribe it to people without diabetes. Typically, doctors will prescribe Mounjaro to a person without diabetes only if they have obesity.
If a person without diabetes wishes to try Mounjaro, they can discuss this with a medical professional.
Eli Lilly offers a Mounjaro Savings Card that can reduce the cost of Mounjaro to $25. People can check whether they are eligible on the manufacturer’s website.
Insurance companies may have certain criteria a person needs to meet before it will cover some or all of the costs of Mounjaro. People must contact their insurance provider to determine this criteria.
Before a doctor will prescribe Mounjaro, a person must have type 2 diabetes and would like to lose weight, have overweight, with a BMI score of 27 or over and another weight-related health condition, or have obesity with a BMI score of 30 or over.
Mounjaro is a prescription GLP-1 agonist medication that the FDA has approved to treat type 2 diabetes. Medical professionals may also prescribe it off-label for weight loss in people with obesity.
People can get a prescription for Mounjaro through some telehealth platforms or at a doctor’s office.