Mounjaro is a medication used to treat diabetes and promote weight loss. Learn more about if you qualify for a prescription, how much it costs, and where you can get it.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a type of glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) agonist
It’s also sometimes prescribed off-label to promote weight loss in people with overweight or obesity.
Mounjaro is an injectable medication administered once per week. It works by
It also reduces hunger and increases feelings of fullness by slowing digestion, which may lead to weight loss.
This article takes a closer look at how to get Mounjaro, including how much it costs and how to find out whether you qualify.
Mounjaro is only available through a prescription, which can be obtained through certain telehealth platforms or by visiting a doctor’s office.
In person
The first way to obtain a prescription for Mounjaro is by visiting a doctor’s office.
Any board certified physician can provide a prescription, including primary care doctors, endocrinologists, or bariatric doctors.
A doctor will likely conduct an exam and ask questions about your medical history, health status, and weight loss goals to determine whether or not you’re a candidate for a prescription.
They can also provide information about any necessary lab work or blood tests required before starting the medication.
Once you have a prescription, you can order and pick up Mounjaro directly through your preferred pharmacy.
Telehealth
Several telehealth platforms offer prescriptions for GLP-1 medications, including Mounjaro.
Typically, these platforms provide a virtual consultation with a healthcare professional to determine whether or not you’re eligible and discuss an appropriate treatment plan, based on your needs.
If you qualify, you can typically order the prescription directly through the platform. In some cases, you can also opt for home delivery or pick up your prescription at your local pharmacy.
Some of these telehealth services, such as Calibrate, use these medications as part of a comprehensive weight loss program, which may also include virtual lessons or individual coaching for an additional monthly fee.
Other services have a one-time consultation fee but offer ongoing support to help you navigate insurance and refills.
The price of Mounjaro can vary quite a bit depending on many factors, including your insurance coverage and specific pharmacy.
It’s best to contact your insurance company directly to ask whether they cover Mounjaro. Some insurance companies only cover the cost of FDA-approved uses. This does not include weight loss.
Some people with insurance coverage may also be eligible for a Mounjaro savings card from the manufacturer, which provides a 1-month or 3-month prescription for as little as $25.
Even if you have insurance that doesn’t cover Mounjaro, you may still be eligible for a savings card for up to $575 off a 1-month prescription.
Without insurance, the manufacturer’s list price of Mounjaro is $1,023.04 per fill, which includes a 4-week supply of the medication.
However, discounts are also available through services like GoodRx, which offers prices as low as $990.32 per fill at certain pharmacies.
GLP-1 agonists may be recommended for weight loss in people with a
- high blood pressure
- type 2 diabetes
- prediabetes
- polycystic ovary syndrome
- nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
- obstructive sleep apnea
A doctor will usually only prescribe Mounjaro after you have tried other weight loss methods — including dietary changes, exercise, and other lifestyle changes — without success.
Note that semaglutide (Wegovy) and liraglutide (Saxenda) are GLP-1 agonists FDA approved for use as a medication to aid weight loss. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is sometimes prescribed off-label.
A doctor can help determine whether you might be eligible for a prescription.
They can also guide you on how to use Mounjaro alongside other lifestyle modifications for effective weight management, including diet and exercise.
Who can prescribe Mounjaro for weight loss?
Any board certified doctor can prescribe Mounjaro for weight loss, including primary care or bariatric doctors. You can get a prescription by visiting a doctor’s office or through certain telehealth platforms.
Can I be prescribed Mounjaro if I don’t have diabetes?
Mounjaro can be prescribed off-label for weight loss, even if you don’t have diabetes. It is typically recommended for people with a BMI over 30, or individuals with a BMI over 27 with at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or obstructive sleep apnea.
Are there coupons available for Mounjaro?
If eligible, you can enroll in the manufacturer’s Mounjaro savings card program, which provides a 1-month or 3-month prescription for as little as $25 with insurance, or up to $575 off a 1-month prescription without insurance. Coupons are also available at certain pharmacies through websites such as GoodRx.
Is Mounjaro available at Costco?
Mounjaro is available at Costco, along with many other pharmacies, including Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, and Safeway.
There is currently a shortage of GLP-1 medications, including Mounjaro. Manufacturers are working to ramp up production in order to meet demand.
Mounjaro is an injectable medication that can be used to help manage blood sugar levels and support weight loss.
Like other types of GLP-1 medications, it requires a prescription, which can be obtained in person or through certain telehealth platforms.
A doctor can determine whether you’re a candidate for Mounjaro and can provide guidance on how to incorporate it into a healthy weight loss plan.