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
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 trusted physicians 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® (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.
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:
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 (the active ingredient in Ozempic®): In response to the limited supply of Ozempic®, our doctors can prescribe compounded semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic®, in select states. This alternative mirrors the efficacy of branded Ozempic®.*
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 11/21/2023, availability for compounded semaglutide 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. Although compounded semaglutide is not FDA-approved, our pharmacy provider complies with all federal and state laws and FDA regulations. Compounded tirzepatide is not currently available through PlushCare.
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
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
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.
Mounjaro®, also 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.
Mounjaro® can’t be used by anyone pregnant, plans to become pregnant within the next 3 months, or is breastfeeding. 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.
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.
This drug has not been tested in people with pancreatitis and is not approved for use in people with type 1 diabetes.
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.
Mounjaro® is a new 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 Saxenda® are type 2 diabetes medications that are extremely effective for weight loss. They have now been approved for weight loss only without type 2 diabetes. Speak to one of our trusted, board-certified doctors about how Wegovy® and Saxenda® could be right for you.
You may be able to get a Mounjaro® prescription online after meeting with a doctor to discuss your medical history and completing any necessary evaluations.
You can been the evaluation process for Mounjaro® online with one of our board-certified doctors. If you have diabetes and are looking for weight management options, book an appointment with one our our top rated doctors online. After ordering any necessary lab tests and reviewing your results, if you qualify, your doctor can electronically send a prescription to your local pharmacy.
Although Mounjaro® is only approved to treat type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro® can help promote weight loss by reducing hunger and slowing digestion.
Although Mounjaro® can promote weight loss, it has only been FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes.
Tirzepatide is what is known as a “dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide–GLP-1 receptor agonist.” This long and complicated name means it can do two things:
Stimulate GLP-1 receptors in the body to both help control blood sugar and reduce hunger, promoting weight loss.
Promote release of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide which helps modulate levels of a hormone called glucagon and improve insulin sensitivity of adipose (fat) tissue.
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 one is right for you, speak to one of our board-certified doctors.
If you qualify for a Mounjaro® prescription and the drug is included in your insurance plan’s formulary, your monthly cost may vary. 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. 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.
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.
Mounjaro® helps control blood sugar and reduce hunger by releasing more insulin, less sugar, and slowing down digestion. This helps treat diabetes and can promote weight loss.
Production and distribution of tirzepatide to pharmacies began in June 2022, but there is limited availability.
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.
The most recent clinical trial awaiting publication, called SURMOUNT-1, reports that the average weight loss among over 2500 trial participants was 16% at 72 weeks. Adults who were 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 as well. The average BMI of trial participants starting off was 38, and was reduced to an average of 30, with many subjects getting into the normal range.
The SURMOUNT-1 trial is still ongoing, and additional key outcome measures under study include progression to type 2 diabetes among patients with prediabetes. It is anticipated that the trial will be continued for a total of an additional 104 weeks.
Keep in mind that currently Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) is not technically FDA-approved for weight loss, but to treat diabetes. But based on the results of SURMOUNT-1, if Mounjaro® was approved for weight loss, it would easily become the most effective drug available. Given that it has two different mechanisms of action, it appears to have a greater effect on weight and blood sugar than GLP-1 agonist drugs alone, such as semaglutide or liraglutide, which are both currently FDA approved for sugar and weight control under different trade names. So when comparing tirzepatide vs. semaglutide, liraglutide, or other diabetes medicines, it seems to be much more effective.
Given that over half the patients on the 10 mg dose and 63% of those on the 15 mg dose lost more than 20% of their body weight, this number takes many past the weight loss achieved long term with surgical interventions such as the lap-band, and is within the typical ranges achieved long term with procedures such as the sleeve gastrectomy.
Step 1
During your first visit, your PlushCare doctor will review your medical history and health goals.
Step 2
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 and discuss treatment options.
Step 3
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. Learn more about the cost of Mounjaro® and whether a prior authorization is needed in the FAQ section below.
How pricing works
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$14.99/month
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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:
$14.99/month
First month free
$129
Repeats only $99
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
Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $99 for active members.
*If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund. Please note that any medication or lab work costs are not included.
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
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.