Mounjaro: Exclusively an Injectable
To be clear, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is not available in tablet form. It is a prescription medication administered via a once-weekly subcutaneous (under the skin) injection using a pre-filled, single-dose pen. The medication's active ingredient, tirzepatide, is a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. This complex peptide is not easily absorbed by the digestive system, making an oral pill ineffective. The injectable format is necessary to ensure the medication enters the bloodstream directly and remains stable and effective for a full week.
Understanding Tirzepatide: Mounjaro vs. Zepbound
It is important to understand the different brand names for the same active ingredient. Both Mounjaro and Zepbound contain tirzepatide and are manufactured by Eli Lilly.
- Mounjaro: This brand is FDA-approved for adults with type 2 diabetes to improve glycemic control.
- Zepbound: This brand is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or those who are overweight with at least one weight-related condition.
The reason for two different brand names is primarily related to FDA-approved uses and insurance coverage. While Mounjaro often leads to significant weight loss as a side effect, Zepbound was specifically approved for that purpose.
The Saga of Compounded Oral Tirzepatide
During the peak of the tirzepatide drug shortage, which was officially resolved in late 2024, some compounding pharmacies began creating unauthorized versions of oral tirzepatide. These versions were often sublingual (dissolved under the tongue) and were not FDA-approved. The FDA permits compounding during drug shortages, but once the shortage was declared over, compounding pharmacies were no longer allowed to sell these versions. Sales of compounded tirzepatide were officially discontinued after March 19, 2025. Safety concerns were a major factor in the FDA's decision, as compounded drugs lack the regulatory oversight and clinical testing of approved medications.
Oral Alternatives to Mounjaro and Tirzepatide
For individuals who prefer an oral medication, several alternatives are available, both currently approved and in development.
Existing oral GLP-1 medication
- Rybelsus (oral semaglutide): Manufactured by Novo Nordisk, Rybelsus is the first and only currently approved oral GLP-1 receptor agonist. It is taken once daily on an empty stomach and is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. While generally less potent for weight loss than injectable tirzepatide, it provides a valuable alternative for those who want to avoid injections.
Eli Lilly's pipeline oral medication
- Orforglipron: Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro and Zepbound, has developed a different type of oral GLP-1 receptor agonist, orforglipron. This is not an oral version of tirzepatide, but a new small-molecule drug. In Phase 3 clinical trials, orforglipron showed significant weight loss and blood sugar control comparable to injected GLP-1s. It is taken as a once-daily pill, without the strict food and water restrictions of Rybelsus, and approval could come as early as 2026.
Other non-incretin oral alternatives
- Metformin: A common first-line oral medication for type 2 diabetes, available in immediate-release and extended-release tablets.
- Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate): A combination pill approved for weight loss that works by suppressing appetite.
Comparing Mounjaro and Oral Medication Options
| Feature | Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) | Rybelsus (Semaglutide) | Orforglipron (In Development) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formulation | Once-weekly injectable pen | Once-daily oral tablet | Once-daily oral tablet |
| Active Ingredient | Tirzepatide | Semaglutide | Orforglipron |
| FDA-Approved For | Type 2 diabetes | Type 2 diabetes | Pending (trials for diabetes & obesity) |
| Mechanism | Dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist | GLP-1 agonist | GLP-1 agonist |
| Administration | Weekly subcutaneous injection | Daily oral, with specific timing and water restrictions | Daily oral, without food/water restrictions |
| Relative Efficacy | Considered highly effective; demonstrated superior weight loss to semaglutide in trials | Less effective for weight loss than injectables at standard doses | Comparable efficacy to injectable GLP-1s in trials |
| Needle-Free Option | No | Yes | Yes |
The Future of Oral vs. Injectable Medications
For many patients, the decision between an injectable and a potential oral medication comes down to a trade-off between efficacy, convenience, and preference. Injectable treatments like Mounjaro and Zepbound currently offer the highest efficacy for blood sugar control and weight loss. However, a fear of needles or a preference for the convenience of a pill can be a significant factor for others. The development of new oral drugs like orforglipron aims to close the efficacy gap with injectable forms while offering greater patient convenience. As the field of incretin-based therapies evolves, more options will become available to meet diverse patient needs. Always consult with your healthcare provider to discuss the best and most appropriate treatment for your specific health goals.
Conclusion: No Mounjaro Tablets
To summarize, the answer to the question, Can you get Mounjaro tablets?, is a definitive no. Mounjaro is an injectable medication designed to deliver its active ingredient, tirzepatide, most effectively. While compounded oral versions existed temporarily during a shortage, they have since been discontinued for safety reasons. Patients seeking an oral medication have other FDA-approved options, such as Rybelsus, and may see a new, highly effective oral drug, orforglipron, emerge in the near future. Your healthcare provider can guide you through the available options and help you determine the best course of treatment for your individual circumstances.
Authoritative Outbound Link
For more detailed prescribing information about Mounjaro and its approved use for type 2 diabetes, please visit the official Eli Lilly website.
