Zepbound vs Mounjaro Comparison Guide: Similarities, Side Effects & More

By: Noah W Chung | PharmD

Zepbound vs Mounjaro - Key Similarities

• Both Mounjaro and Zepbound contain the same active ingredient, tirzepatide.

• They are both administered as once-weekly subcutaneous injections.

• Both medications influence and help control with weight management and/or blood sugar control.

• The most common side effects for both include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain.

• Neither Mounjaro nor Zepbound is available as a generic; both are only available as brand-name prescriptions.

Key Takeaways: Zepbound vs Mounjaro

• Zepbound and Mounjaro both contain tirzepatide and are administered as once weekly injections, but Zepbound is approved for chronic weight management and obstructive sleep apnea, while Mounjaro is approved for type 2 diabetes.

• Both drugs work similarly to lower blood sugar, reduce appetite, and promote weight loss, with clinical trials showing comparable weight loss results for both medications.

• Side effects for Zepbound and Mounjaro are nearly identical, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. Rare but serious risks include pancreatitis and thyroid tumors.

• Insurance coverage may differ: Mounjaro is typically covered for diabetes, while Zepbound may not be covered for weight loss by many plans. Out-of-pocket costs can be high for both, but manufacturer savings programs may be available.

Mounjaro vs Zepbound - Drug Comparison Table

Mounjaro vs Zepbound - Dosage Guidelines

Zepbound vs Mounjaro - Side Effects Comparison

When comparing the side effects of Zepbound and Mounjaro, it’s important to know that both medications contain the same active ingredient, tirzepatide. Because of this, their side effect profiles are nearly identical. Both are given as once-weekly injections and are used for different primary purposes—Zepbound for weight management and sleep apnea, and Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes—but the way they affect the body and the types of side effects they can cause are the same.

The most common side effects for both Zepbound and Mounjaro are related to the digestive system. Many people experience nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and stomach pain, especially when first starting the medication or when the dose is increased. These symptoms are usually mild to moderate and tend to improve as your body gets used to the medication. Other common side effects include decreased appetite, indigestion, burping, and gas. Some people may also notice fatigue, injection site reactions, or mild hair loss. Here’s a summary of the most frequently reported side effects:

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Constipation

• Stomach or belly pain

• Indigestion or heartburn

• Decreased appetite

• Burping and gas

• Fatigue

• Injection site reactions (such as redness or itching)

• Mild hair loss

To help manage these side effects, it’s recommended to start with the lowest dose and gradually increase it as directed by your healthcare provider. Eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding high-fat or greasy foods, and staying well-hydrated can also help reduce stomach-related symptoms. If nausea is bothersome, taking the medication with food or using anti-nausea remedies may provide relief. Most people find that these side effects lessen over time, but if they persist or become severe, it’s important to talk to your doctor.

While most side effects are mild, there are some serious risks to be aware of. Both Zepbound and Mounjaro carry a warning about the potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, based on animal studies. Because of this, these medications should not be used

by people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. Other rare but serious side effects include pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), gallbladder disease, severe allergic reactions, and acute kidney injury. Signs that require immediate medical attention include severe or persistent abdominal pain, vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down, a lump in the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or symptoms of a severe allergic reaction such as swelling or trouble breathing.

It’s also important to note that both medications can slow down how quickly your stomach empties, which may affect how your body absorbs other oral medications. This is especially important for people taking birth control pills, warfarin, or digoxin, as the effectiveness of these medications could be reduced. Alcohol is not strictly prohibited, but it can worsen stomach side effects and, for people with diabetes, may affect blood sugar control.

In summary, Zepbound and Mounjaro have very similar side effect profiles because they are essentially the same medication used for different health conditions. Most side effects are related to the digestive system and are manageable with gradual dose increases and lifestyle adjustments. However, there are some serious risks, so it’s important to discuss your medical history and any concerns with your healthcare provider before starting either medication. Regular monitoring and open communication with your doctor can help ensure that any side effects are managed promptly and safely.

Interactions Comparison - Zepbound vs Mounjaro

Zepbound and Mounjaro are two brand names for the same medication, tirzepatide, but they are approved to treat different health conditions. Understanding these differences is important when considering which medication might be right for you, as it can affect both your treatment plan and your insurance coverage.

Mounjaro is specifically approved for adults with type 2 diabetes. Its main purpose is to help lower blood sugar levels in people whose diabetes is not well controlled with diet and exercise alone. Mounjaro is not approved for weight loss or for treating other conditions, although many people taking it for diabetes may also experience weight loss as a side benefit. If you have type 2 diabetes, your doctor may recommend Mounjaro to help manage your blood sugar, often in combination with other diabetes medications and lifestyle changes.

Zepbound, on the other hand, is approved for chronic weight management and for treating moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults who are obese. You may be a candidate for Zepbound if you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnea. Zepbound is intended to be used along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. For people with OSA, Zepbound can help reduce the severity of sleep apnea symptoms when obesity is a contributing factor.

Here’s a summary of the main conditions each medication is approved to treat:

Mounjaro:

• Type 2 diabetes in adults (to improve blood sugar control)

Zepbound:

• Chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight and at least one weight-related health condition

• Moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity

It’s important to note that while both medications contain the same active ingredient and work in the same way in the body, they are not interchangeable for insurance or prescription purposes. If you have type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro is usually the preferred option and is more likely to be covered by insurance for that condition. If your main concern is weight management or sleep apnea related to obesity, Zepbound is the medication that is approved for those uses.

If you have both type 2 diabetes and obesity, your healthcare provider will help you decide which medication is best for you based on your health goals, insurance coverage, and any other medical conditions you may have. It’s also important to remember that neither medication is approved for use in people with type 1 diabetes, and both should be used as part of a broader plan that includes healthy eating and regular physical activity.

In summary, the main difference between Zepbound and Mounjaro lies in the conditions they are approved to treat. Mounjaro is for type 2 diabetes, while Zepbound is for weight management and sleep apnea in people with obesity. Your doctor can help you determine which medication is most appropriate for your individual health needs.

Mounjaro vs Zepbound: When to Choose Each Medication

Mounjaro

• Type 2 diabetes management to improve blood sugar control

• Patient has not achieved adequate glycemic control with metformin or other oral agents

• Insurance covers diabetes medications but not weight loss drugs

• When both blood sugar control and weight loss are desired in a patient with type 2 diabetes

• Prescriber prefers to use medication with an FDA indication for diabetes

Zepbound

• Chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with at least one weight-related condition

• When the primary goal is weight loss rather than blood sugar control

• Insurance covers weight loss medications

• Patient does not have type 2 diabetes but needs weight management

• Obesity-related complications such as sleep apnea or hypertension

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