Medication compare
Updated July 23, 2026
Fact-checked by Dr. J. Adam, MD on . See our fact-checking policy.
Mounjaro vs Zepbound: a head-to-head comparison of efficacy, dosing, pricing, FDA status, and which is right for you.
Mounjaro and Zepbound are the same drug — tirzepatide — manufactured by Eli Lilly. The difference is the FDA-approved indication.
| Dimension | Mounjaro | Zepbound |
|---|---|---|
| FDA indication | Type 2 diabetes | Chronic weight management; obstructive sleep apnea with obesity |
| FDA approval year | 2022 | 2023 |
| Max dose | 15 mg weekly | 15 mg weekly |
| List price | ~$1,069/mo | ~$1,086/mo |
| Vial format | Pen only | Pen + single-dose vial (lower cost) |
| Lilly direct program | No | Yes — vials at lower cash price via LillyDirect |
Lilly launched Zepbound as the FDA-approved weight-loss product so insurance coverage and prescribing for obesity could happen on-label. The molecule and dose schedule are identical to Mounjaro.
For Type 2 diabetes patients, Mounjaro is the indicated product and is more likely to be covered. For weight-loss-only patients, Zepbound is the indicated product. Insurance coverage for weight-loss GLP-1s is restrictive in many plans — see our insurance hub.