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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.
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 lead to significant weight loss, people with and without type 2 diabetes are keen to take it to lose weight. However, people should try Mounjaro for weight loss only if a doctor thinks it is appropriate.
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.
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 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.
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 people without insurance may pay close to the list price of Mounjaro, 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:
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.
