Zepbound
tirzepatideMade by Eli Lilly
A weekly injectable that's approved for chronic weight management, and shares its active ingredient with the diabetes medication Mounjaro.
What is it approved for?· FDA-approved use
How it works· Editorial explanation
Tirzepatide acts on two gut hormone pathways (GLP-1 and GIP) involved in appetite and blood sugar regulation.
How it's taken· Editorial explanation
Weekly injection, self-administered under the skin
- Injected once a week, on the same day each week
- Given under the skin (subcutaneously) — commonly in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm
- Comes in a prefilled, single-dose pen
- Dose is typically increased gradually over time by a prescribing clinician
Common questions· Editorial explanation
Is Zepbound the same thing as Mounjaro?
They contain the same active ingredient, tirzepatide, made by the same manufacturer — but they're approved for different uses and sold under different names.
How long do people typically stay on it?
This varies by individual and is a conversation for you and your prescribing clinician.
Cost overview
List price is typically over $1,000/month without insurance. What you actually pay depends heavily on your insurance coverage and whether you qualify for a manufacturer savings card. See our cost guide for the full picture.
Read the full cost guide →Insurance overview
Coverage varies widely by plan. Many plans require prior authorization, and some don't cover chronic weight management medications at all, even when they cover the same drug for diabetes.
Understand prior authorization →Common side effects· Discuss with a professional
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
Important safety information
This is not a complete safety overview. Talk to a healthcare professional about your full medical history, current medications, and any personal or family history that might affect whether this medication is appropriate for you.
Zepbound vs similar medications· Editorial explanation
Zepbound and Wegovy are the two medications most often compared for chronic weight management, since they're the two with that specific FDA approval. See our side-by-side comparison for the differences people ask about most.
Questions to discuss with a healthcare professional· Discuss with a professional
- Is this approved for what I'm hoping to use it for?
- What would the dose-increase schedule look like for me?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- How does this interact with medications I already take?
- What would make you recommend stopping or switching?
A note on this article: This site is for general information only. It isn't medical advice, and it doesn't replace a conversation with a qualified healthcare professional who knows your health history. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
Related medications
Stay ahead of what's changing in GLP-1s
GLP-1 prices, insurance coverage, research, stories, medication news, and available options can change quickly.
Join The GLP List for useful updates on the changes that actually matter — without the hype or noise.
Signing up doesn't start treatment or create a patient relationship — it just adds you to our updates list.