Pros
Improves blood sugar, with average 2.3% reduction in HA1C
Average loss of 15% of body weight when combined with diet and exercise
Reduces appetite and improves insulin resistance
Works great with low-carb, high-protein diets
- Chronic Care
- Diabetes
- GLP-1
Mounjaro®
Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) prescription available online
Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) is an injectable prescription to treat type 2 diabetes that is highly effective in improving blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. Additional benefits may include weight loss. Speak to one of our trusted, board-certified doctors about how Mounjaro® could be right for you. Your doctor may recommend Mounjaro® based on your eligibility and its current availability. Due to a shortage across the country, your physician may recommend compounded tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro®) as an alternative option.*
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Improves the release of insulin
Reduces appetite and increases fullness
Increases sensitivity to insulin
*Mounjaro® is not a weight loss drug. Please note that the Mounjaro® shortage may impact certain doses. However, our doctors can still prescribe compounded tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro®) if it’s a good fit for you. Prescriptions for compounded tirzepatide are currently available to residents in the following states: AZ, CO, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, KS, MA, MD, ME, MO, MT, ND, NE, NH, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, TN, TX, UT, WA, WY. Although compounded tirzepatide is not FDA-approved, our pharmacy provider complies with all federal and state laws and FDA regulations. Compounded tirzepatide is available as an alternative to Mounjaro® doses in shortage only as long as they remain on the FDA drug shortages list. Compounded tirzepatide prescriptions are sent to our partner pharmacy and are not available for insurance coverage. Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion.
What is Mounjaro® (tirzepatide), and how does it work?
Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) is an injectable prescription to treat type 2 diabetes with additional benefits that may include weight loss. If you're seeking a prescription for Mounjaro online, our team of professional online doctors is available to assist you.
If you're currently dealing with type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro can help you control your blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production and lowering the amount of sugar your liver makes. It also can slow down the rate at which food passes through your body and reduce your appetite. This can help you feel fuller for longer.
Consult with one of our respected, board-certified doctors to explore whether Mounjaro might be the appropriate option for you. If you're among the countless individuals curious about obtaining Mounjaro® for type 2 diabetes, rest assured that our doctors possess specialized expertise in prescribing Mounjaro® or suggesting alternative treatments tailored to your unique health background.
Mounjaro® uses
Type 2 diabetes
Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) is FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes. According to SURPASS-2 clinical trials, it has shown to be very effective in treating type 2 diabetes, especially compared to other drugs on the market, such as semaglutide. It has also shown to be an effective alternative option when other medications, including Janumet, do not provide sufficient glycemic control.
Although Mounjaro® is not FDA-approved for weight loss, it has been found to cause significant weight loss. Tirzepatide for weight loss is now available under the brand name Zepbound®. Based on the SURMOUNT-1 clinical trial results, Zepbound® will likely become the most effective weight loss drug available.
While Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) is an excellent option for many, we believe in shedding light on alternative medications, ensuring accessibility to the most fitting treatment. Considering availability and individual preferences, our physicians may propose or prescribe another GLP-1 for effective type 2 diabetes management. Here's a glance at these GLP-1 options:Compounded tirzepatide: In light of current shortages, compounded tirzepatide may be recommended as an alternative to branded Mounjaro® as long as Mounjaro remains on the FDA drug shortages list. While compounded tirzepatide is not FDA-approved, our pharmacy provider adheres to all relevant federal and state regulations and FDA guidelines.*
Ozempic® (semaglutide): Ozempic® comes in a once-weekly injectable format. Beyond reliability and efficiency in blood sugar management, it offers the added benefit of reducing cardiovascular risk, enhancing its appeal.
Semaglutide: Due to shortages, compounded semaglutide may be prescribed as an alternative to branded Ozempic® as long as it remains on the FDA drug shortages list. Although compounded semaglutide is not FDA-approved, our pharmacy provider complies with pertinent federal and state laws and FDA regulations.*
Rybelsus® (semaglutide): Rybelsus® is an oral GLP-1 medication, ideal for those favoring a pill over injections. However, injectable semaglutide has a higher range of doses for those who need benefits beyond what oral semaglutide can provide.
Trulicity® (dulaglutide): Recognized for its user-friendly design, Trulicity® offers a once-weekly injection experience with a pre-filled, disposable pen.
Victoza® (liraglutide): Victoza® is a daily injectable for diabetes management. Its daily regimen suits individuals looking for a consistent, day-to-day approach to their treatment.
Bydureon® (exenatide): Bydureon® provides another option for once-a-week injection treatment.
*As of 4/4/2024, availability for compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide is currently limited to residents in the following states: AZ, CO, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IA, KS, MA, MO, MT, NH, NM, ND, OH, OR, PA, TN, TX, UT, WA, and WY. Compounded semaglutide is also available in CA. Although compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide are not FDA-approved, our pharmacy provider complies with all federal and state laws and FDA regulations.
What are the pros and cons?
Mounjaro®
Cons
No long-term safety data yet
Gastrointestinal side effects are commonly reported
May cause reactions at injection site
Regular monitoring of kidney function is needed
Anticipated Mounjaro® side effects
The safety and tolerability profile for tirzepatide is felt to be similar to other related diabetes medicines such as semaglutide and liraglutide. Mounjaro® side effects would include:
Additional study is ongoing and looking closely for other unanticipated adverse effects. As of yet, there is no long-term safety data on this drug.
If you experience a serious allergic reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
How to take Mounjaro®
Mounjaro®, known as tirzepatide, is available in the following doses: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, or 15 mg per 0.5 ml in single-dose injection pens. The medication is designed to be injected weekly into the skin. After beginning at the starting dose, should additional clinical effects be needed, your doctor may recommend increasing to the next highest tirzepatide dose at 4-week intervals.
Who should not take Mounjaro®
Mounjaro® can’t be used by anyone pregnant, who plans to become pregnant within the next three months, or who is breastfeeding. Mounjaro® is not currently approved for anyone under the age of 18.
Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) also should not be used if you have ever had pancreatitis, medullary thyroid carcinoma (thyroid C cell tumors), or if there is a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or something called the MEN2 (multiple endocrine neoplasias) syndrome. This drug has not been tested in people with pancreatitis and is not approved for use in people with type 1 diabetes.
It is important to note that Mounjaro® has been shown to decrease the effectiveness of oral birth control. Patients using oral hormonal contraceptives should switch to a non-oral contraceptive method before starting this medication.
Mounjaro® prescription FAQs
How can I get Mounjaro® online for weight loss?
It is essential to know that Mounjaro® is only FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes and lower A1c levels. However, Zepbound® is the new version of tirzepatide FDA-approved for weight loss.
If you have type 2 diabetes, a BMI of at least 27, and are struggling with weight loss, speak to a board-certified doctor to begin the evaluation process and complete any necessary lab tests. Book an online appointment with one of our board-certified doctors to discuss if you can qualify for Mounjaro® and begin the evaluation process.How do you qualify for Mounjaro®?
Mounjaro® is a type 2 diabetes drug that can also help with weight loss. If you have diabetes and are struggling with weight loss, speak with one of our trusted, board-certified physicians online to discuss your health concerns and start the evaluation process for Mounjaro®. This would include discussing your medical history and current medication and ordering baseline tests and studies to determine if you qualify for a Mounjaro® prescription.
Wegovy® and Zepbound™ are extremely effective for weight loss. They have been approved for weight loss only and not type 2 diabetes. Speak to one of our trusted, board-certified doctors about how Wegovy® or Zepbound™ could be right for you.Can I get a Mounjaro® prescription online?
You may be able to get a Mounjaro® prescription online after meeting with a doctor to discuss your medical history and complete any necessary evaluations and labwork.
You can begin the evaluation process for Mounjaro® online with one of our board-certified doctors. If you have diabetes and are seeking weight management options, book an appointment with one of our top-rated doctors online. After ordering any necessary lab tests and reviewing your results, your doctor can electronically send a prescription to your local or mail-order pharmacy if you qualify.How does Mounjaro® work for weight loss?
Although Mounjaro® is only approved to treat type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro® can help promote weight loss by reducing hunger and slowing digestion.
Is Mounjaro® approved for weight loss?
Although Mounjaro® can promote weight loss, it has only been FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes.
Is Mounjaro® the same as Ozempic®?
Mounjaro® and Ozempic® are in the same class of drugs but work via different mechanisms. Mounjaro® works on GIP and GLP-1 receptors, while Ozempic® only works on GLP-1 receptors. Both are used to treat type 2 diabetes and can promote weight loss. To find out which is right for you, schedule a telehealth appointment with one of our board-certified doctors.
How much does Mounjaro® cost?
Your monthly cost may vary if you qualify for a Mounjaro® prescription, and the drug is included in your insurance plan’s formulary. Most branded type 2 diabetes and weight loss medications require prior authorization for insurance to cover the cost. Your PlushCare physician and care team will reach out to your insurer on your behalf, and this process can take several business days. Your physician and our care team will reach out to your insurer on your behalf, and this process can take several business days. If you are denied the prior authorization or do not have health insurance, you may still purchase the medication at the total cash price. It is important to note that a type 2 diabetes diagnosis is usually required for insurance approval of this medication.
The makers of tirzepatide/Mounjaro® (Lilly) are currently offering a co-pay savings card of $25 per month for specific individuals who qualify, which can be found on their website. Unfortunately, Mounjaro® is expensive without insurance, ranging around $1000/month, depending on the pharmacy.Am I eligible for the Mounjaro® Savings Card?
A limited number of patients may be eligible for the Mounjaro® Saving Card, which allows certain patients to pay as little as $25 for a one-month or three-month supply of Mounjaro®. You will likely need a type 2 diabetes diagnosis for eligibility. To find out if you are eligible, complete the enrollment form on the Mounjaro® website.
What does Mounjaro® do to your body?
Mounjaro® helps control blood sugar and reduce hunger by releasing more insulin and less sugar and slowing down digestion. This helps treat diabetes and can promote weight loss.
Can I get tirzepatide yet?
Production and distribution of tirzepatide to pharmacies began in June 2022, but there is limited availability.
What have been the results of the Mounjaro® clinical trials?
A study published in 2021 called SURPASS-2 on over 1800 participants found that Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) + metformin was superior to semaglutide +metformin on reduction in Hemoglobin A1C in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes. When evaluating tirzepatide vs. semaglutide as a secondary endpoint, 5.5% more weight loss was noted in the tirzepatide group compared to the semaglutide group.1
The most recent clinical trial, SURMOUNT-1, reports that the average weight loss among over 2500 trial participants was 16% at 72 weeks.2 Adults randomly assigned to receive tirzepatide had average weight losses of 16% with 5 mg of the drug, 21.4% with 10 mg, and 22.5% with 15 mg, compared with only 2.4% weight loss with participants who took a placebo. Of the tirzepatide group, 89% achieved a weight loss of at least 5% compared with 28% in the placebo group. The average BMI of trial participants starting was 38 and was reduced to an average of 30, with many subjects getting into the normal range.
3 simple steps to discuss your Mounjaro® prescription
Step 1
Book a visit with a doctor to discuss Mounjaro®.
During your first visit, your PlushCare doctor will review your medical history and health goals.
Step 2
Talk to your physician regarding a Mounjaro® prescription.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer. Often, lab work is required, and they’ll send an order to your preferred lab. Once your results are available, your doctor will review them with you at the second visit and discuss treatment options.
Step 3
Pick up your Mounjaro® prescription, if prescribed.
Prescriptions are provided based on eligibility and safety. Our physicians will prescribe medications, help you set diet and exercise goals, and monitor your weight loss progress. Continue to meet with your doctor every four weeks in the beginning, and then as needed, based upon your individual goals. Learn more about the cost of Mounjaro® and whether prior authorization is needed in the FAQ section below.
PlushCare pricing details
How pricing works
To discuss Mounjaro®, become a member for medically guided weight management.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
Copay
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
- We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
$129
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129.
Book an appointment
*We'll provide a full refund if we cannot treat you. Please note that any medication or lab work costs are not included.
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Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
The New England Journal of Medicine. Tirzepatide versus Semaglutide Once Weekly in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. N Engl J Med 2021; 385:503-515. Accessed on April 29, 2022 at https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2107519
New England Journal of Medicine: "Tirzepatide for the Treatment of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis." NEJM. Accessed on December 5, 2023, at https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038.
American College of Cardiology. A Study of Tirzepatide (LY3298176) Versus Semaglutide Once Weekly as Add-on Therapy to Metformin in Participants With Type 2 Diabetes - SURPASS-2. Accessed on April 29, 2022 at https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/clinical-trials/2021/06/27/19/02/surpass-2
U.S. Food & Drug Administration. FDA Approves Novel, Dual-Targeted Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes. Accessed on May 16, 2022 at https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-novel-dual-targeted-treatment-type-2-diabetes
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.