How to Get Mounjaro for Weight Loss

Is Mounjaro Approved for Weight Loss?

Mounjaro is FDA-approved for lowering blood sugar in type 2 diabetes with diet and exercise.¹ While it can aid weight loss in these patients, it’s not approved specifically for weight loss or in those without diabetes.

How Does Mounjaro Work for Weight Loss?

Mounjaro works to help you lose weight by mimicking two important hormones in your body: GIP and GLP-1. These hormones help control blood sugar levels and appetite.

Mounjaro acts in your brain’s “hunger center” to make you feel less hungry, so you eat less. It also slows down your stomach, which means you get full faster and stay full longer after eating. When you eat less and feel full sooner, you will likely consume less food and fewer calories.⁴ Mounjaro can help people with type 2 diabetes with weight management.⁵

Is Mounjaro the Same as Ozempic?

Mounjaro and Ozempic are both weekly injectable medications used for managing type 2 diabetes. They both work like the hormone GLP-1 to lower blood sugar levels and decrease appetite. Mounjaro has a distinctive feature, as it can target both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, potentially leading to more significant blood sugar reduction and weight loss.

On the other hand, Ozempic only has FDA approval for treating diabetes. But another medication with the same active ingredient, semaglutide, called Wegovy, is FDA-approved for weight loss. When choosing between different medications, patients should consider differences in their mechanisms, manufacturers, and FDA indications, always consulting a healthcare provider for personalized treatment decisions.

How to Get a Mounjaro Prescription for Weight Loss

To obtain Mounjaro for weight loss, you’ll need a prescription from a healthcare provider. Your doctor will assess if Mounjaro is suitable for you based on several factors, including your medical history, current medications, and overall health. They may ask about your weight loss goals, diabetes status, and any related health concerns. If your doctor thinks Mounjaro is suitable for you, they will provide a prescription and guidance on its usage within your personalized weight management plan.

When seeking information about a Mounjaro prescription, follow these steps:

1. Consult a healthcare provider: Start by scheduling an appointment with a healthcare provider, such as your primary care physician or an endocrinologist. A healthcare provider has the expertise to assess your medical history and determine if Mounjaro is a suitable option for your specific needs.
2. Discuss your weight loss goals: During your appointment, discuss your weight loss objectives with your healthcare provider. Sharing your goals helps your provider understand your expectations and tailor the treatment plan accordingly.
3. Provide your medical history: Be prepared to share your complete medical history, including any existing health conditions and medications you are currently taking. Your medical history gives the healthcare provider crucial information to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Mounjaro for you.
4. Answer questions about diabetes: If you have diabetes, expect questions about your diabetes management, current medications, and blood sugar control. This information helps your provider determine if Mounjaro is suitable for diabetes management and weight loss simultaneously.
5. Receive a prescription: If your healthcare provider determines that Mounjaro is appropriate for your situation, they will issue a prescription to obtain Mounjaro from a pharmacy. Ensure you understand how to take the medication as prescribed and to be aware of any potential side effects from Mounjaro.
6. Follow the treatment plan: Adhere to the treatment plan outlined by your healthcare provider, including dosage instructions and recommended lifestyle changes. Following your treatment plan is essential for achieving your weight loss goals and managing diabetes effectively.

Who Can Prescribe Mounjaro?

In the United States, Mounjaro can be prescribed by licensed healthcare providers with prescribing authority. This typically includes medical doctors (MDs), doctors of osteopathy (DOs), nurse practitioners (NPs), and physician assistants (PAs) according to state regulations and laws. Be aware that these regulations vary by state.

The following healthcare providers have the authority to prescribe Mounjaro:

• Primary care provider: Your regular check-in appointment with a primary care physician can include discussions about Mounjaro and prescription options.
• Endocrinologist: Specialists in diabetes and related conditions, endocrinologists may prescribe Mounjaro as part of a diabetes management plan.
• Nurse practitioner (NP): NPs with prescriptive authority can also prescribe Mounjaro, offering accessible care for those seeking this medication.
• Physician assistant (PA): PAs, working closely with physicians, can prescribe Mounjaro as part of their patient care responsibilities.

Who Shouldn’t Be Prescribed Mounjaro?

Certain individuals shouldn’t be prescribed Mounjaro. Individuals with known allergies to tirzepatide or its components should not take Mounjaro. Patients with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) should also not take Mounjaro.

Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals are advised to avoid Mounjaro due to limited safety data, as potential risks to the fetus or infant may outweigh the benefits. Use in children is generally not recommended, as safety data in those under 18 is limited. Patients with Type 1 diabetes should avoid using Mounjaro. Patients with kidney disease should have their kidneys closely monitored after starting Mounjaro and after dose changes.⁶ Careful evaluation by a healthcare provider is essential to assess the medication’s risks and benefits.

You may experience serious side effects from taking Mounjaro if you:

• Have a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
• Have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have known allergies to tirzepatide or its components
• Suffer from severe gastrointestinal disorders

How Much Does Mounjaro Cost?

Without insurance, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) can cost between $1,000 to $1,200 each month.⁷ Most insurance plans typically cover the medication when prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes.

Individuals without type 2 diabetes seeking to use Mounjaro for weight loss will likely need to pay out of pocket, as it’s not currently approved for this specific purpose. One common way to save is by using manufacturer savings cards and patient assistance programs provided by Eli Lilly (the manufacturer). These programs and saving cards can offer discounts or financial assistance to eligible patients to help make the medication more affordable, but they are only available if you are being prescribed Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes. Mounjaro coupons are available online as well for those who are eligible.

Does Insurance Cover Mounjaro for Weight Loss?

Individual insurance policies may vary, but insurance is not likely to cover Mounjaro for weight loss unless you have a medical diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. Since Mounjaro is FDA-approved for diabetes management, its coverage for weight loss purposes is typically limited to weight loss specifically for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Individual policies will differ, and you should contact your insurance company to inquire about your specific situation.

How Can I Get Mounjaro Without Insurance?

Obtaining Mounjaro without insurance can be challenging due to its potential cost. One option is patient assistance programs, which may provide discounts or financial assistance to eligible individuals.

Also, some pharmacies or healthcare providers may offer cash prices or payment plans for those without insurance. Discuss these options with your healthcare provider and directly contact the manufacturer or pharmacies to understand the available assistance programs and costs.

Is There a Generic Version of Mounjaro?

No generic version of Mounjaro is available. Without a generic option, it can be challenging for many to afford the medication. For now, discounts and assistance programs can help lower costs for those using Mounjaro for diabetes management.

Can I Buy Mounjaro Online?

Yes, you can obtain Mounjaro through online pharmacies. First, select a reputable online pharmacy with proper regulations and licensing. Then you may either arrange an online consultation with a licensed healthcare provider, or you can submit a prescription from a provider who has done an in-person evaluation with you.

Are There Alternative Weight Loss Drugs to Mounjaro?

Yes, there are alternatives to Mounjaro for weight loss. Wegovy (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide) work similarly to Mounjaro and are FDA-approved for chronic weight management. Trulicity (dulaglutide), Ozempic (semaglutide), and Victoza (liraglutide) are other alternatives in the same class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medications are not FDA-approved for weight loss, but are FDA-approved for patients with type 2 diabetes and may offer effective weight management for these patients.

Additionally, Contrive, Xenical, and Qysmia are FDA-approved weight loss medications with different mechanisms of action from the GLP-1 agonists. It is always important to discuss these options with your doctor and to follow any recommended lifestyle changes involving eating patterns and exercise.

Questions to Ask Your Health Team About Mounjaro for Weight Loss

When considering Mounjaro for weight loss, it’s crucial to engage your healthcare team with questions such as its safety, expected side effects, long-term effectiveness, and alternatives. You should also inquire about lifestyle adjustments, potential interactions, and monitoring requirements. These questions will help you make informed decisions about using Mounjaro as part of your weight loss strategy.

Questions to ask your care team about using Mounjaro for weight loss include:

• Is it safe to take Mounjaro for weight loss?
• What common side effects will I likely experience when I start my Mounjaro medication for weight loss?
• Will Mounjaro allow me to lose weight and keep it off long-term?
• What are some alternatives to Mounjaro for weight loss?
• What should I do if Mounjaro does not work for me?
• How does Mounjaro compare to other weight loss medications in terms of effectiveness?
• What lifestyle changes or dietary adjustments should I make while taking Mounjaro for weight loss?
• Are there any specific health conditions or medications that could interact with Mounjaro?
• How often will I need to see my healthcare provider for monitoring while taking Mounjaro?
• What is the expected duration of treatment with Mounjaro?
• How will my progress be monitored while using Mounjaro, and what are the goals we should aim for?
• How does Mounjaro vs Trulicity compare?
• What other peptides for weight loss may be effective?