Do not combine themThe Zepbound label says use with other tirzepatide products or any GLP-1 receptor agonist “is not recommended.”[1]
Side by side
Zepbound and Mounjaro share the drug, strengths, boxed warning and missed-dose rule, but differ in approved uses, the 2.5 mg rule and the children's maximum.
| Zepbound | Mounjaro | |
|---|---|---|
| First approved | November 8, 2023[3] | May 13, 2022[4] |
| Approved for | Chronic weight management in adults with obesity, or overweight with a weight-related condition; moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity[1] | Blood-sugar control in type 2 diabetes (adults and children 10+); reducing major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes at high risk[2] |
| Starting dose | 2.5 mg weekly for 4 weeks | 2.5 mg weekly |
| Is 2.5 mg a maintenance dose? | No: initiation only | Yes, since August 2026, for ongoing glycemic control[5] |
| Steps | +2.5 mg after at least 4 weeks | +2.5 mg after at least 4 weeks, if more glucose control is needed |
| Listed maintenance doses | Weight: 5, 10 or 15 mg. OSA: 10 or 15 mg | Not a fixed list |
| Maximum | 15 mg weekly | 15 mg weekly (10 mg for children) |
| Presentations | Single-dose pen and vial (0.5 mL); KwikPen and multi-dose vial (4 × 0.6 mL) | Same four types; single-dose vials in 1-packs only |
| Boxed warning | Thyroid C-cell tumors | Thyroid C-cell tumors |
| Missed dose | Up to 4 days late; doses at least 3 days apart | Same |
Sources: Zepbound and Mounjaro prescribing information[1][2] and Drugs@FDA approval histories.[3][4]
Why the 2.5 mg difference matters
The full Mounjaro schedule is on the Mounjaro dosage chart.
For Zepbound, the label still calls 2.5 mg a starting dose that “is not approved as a maintenance dosage.”[1] For Mounjaro, an August 27, 2026 label change says the 2.5 mg dose can be used for ongoing glycemic control.[5] The difference reflects what each product is approved to treat, not any difference in the drug.
Mounjaro's newer indications
Since late 2025 Mounjaro has added children aged 10 and older and a cardiovascular-risk indication.[4][6]
- Children: approved December 2025 for type 2 diabetes from age 10, with a 10 mg maximum.[4][2]
- Cardiovascular risk: approved August 2026 to reduce major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes at high risk, based on the SURPASS-CVOT trial against dulaglutide.[6][2]
Zepbound vs Mounjaro for weight loss
Only Zepbound is FDA-approved for weight loss; Mounjaro is approved for type 2 diabetes, even though both contain the same tirzepatide.[1][2] The weight results therefore come from Zepbound's trials:
| Trial | Who | 5 mg | 10 mg | 15 mg | Placebo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SURMOUNT-1[10] | Obesity or overweight, no diabetes | −15.0% | −19.5% | −20.9% | −3.1% |
| SURMOUNT-2[11][1] | Obesity or overweight with type 2 diabetes | — | −12.8% | −14.7% | −3.2% |
People with type 2 diabetes lost less on the same doses. Prescribing Mounjaro for weight loss alone would be off-label; the dose-by-dose results are on tirzepatide for weight loss, and Mounjaro's own side effects on Mounjaro side effects.
Price
Mounjaro lists at $1,112.16 for 28 days; Zepbound is also sold self-pay from $299 per 4 doses.[9][7]
- Mounjaro list price: $1,112.16 for a 28-day supply.[9]
- Zepbound list price: $1,059.87 at its 2023 launch; we could not verify the current figure.[8]
- Zepbound self-pay (vials or KwikPen): $299 to $699 per 4 doses, depending on strength and refill timing, checked November 13, 2026.[7] See the cost page.
Dose math is identical
Both products use the same strengths and volumes: 0.5 mL per single-dose pen or vial, 0.6 mL per dose from a multi-dose vial or KwikPen.[1][2] The calculator and the units chart apply to both.
Related
- Dosage chartBoth labels, step by step
- Zepbound vs WegovyTirzepatide vs semaglutide brands
- Side effectsBoth labels’ tables
Frequently asked questions
Are Zepbound and Mounjaro the same drug?
Can Mounjaro be prescribed for weight loss?
Sources
- Zepbound (tirzepatide) injection: prescribing information, Medication Guide and Instructions for Use
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) injection: prescribing information and Instructions for Use
- Drugs@FDA: NDA 217806 (Zepbound) approval history and supplement letters
- Drugs@FDA: NDA 215866 (Mounjaro) approval history and supplement letters
- Mounjaro supplement approval letter S-044/S-045 (cardiovascular indication; 2.5 mg for ongoing glycemic control)
- FDA approves Lilly's Mounjaro to reduce cardiovascular risk in adults with type 2 diabetes
- Zepbound on LillyDirect: formats and self-pay prices
- FDA approves Lilly's Zepbound (tirzepatide) for chronic weight management
- Mounjaro FAQ (list price)
- Jastreboff AM et al. Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity (SURMOUNT-1)
- Garvey WT et al. Tirzepatide once weekly for obesity in type 2 diabetes (SURMOUNT-2)