What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro, with the active ingredient tirzepatide, is a once-weekly injectable medication [1.3.4]. The FDA approved it for managing blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, used in conjunction with diet and exercise [1.3.1]. It belongs to a newer class of drugs that act as dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists [1.3.4]. This dual action helps regulate insulin, lower blood sugar, slow digestion, and reduce appetite [1.7.6].
Due to its significant impact on weight loss in clinical trials, it is often prescribed "off-label" for chronic weight management [1.3.5]. However, it's important to note that another Eli Lilly medication, Zepbound, contains the exact same active ingredient (tirzepatide) and is specifically FDA-approved for weight loss [1.7.1].
The Official List Price
The official list price for a 28-day supply (four pre-filled pens) of Mounjaro is around $1,079.77, according to its manufacturer, Eli Lilly [1.3.2]. The retail cash price without any insurance or discounts can range from $1,000 to over $1,200 depending on the pharmacy [1.2.2, 1.2.3]. This price is generally the same regardless of the dosage strength, from the initial 2.5 mg dose to the maximum 15 mg dose [1.2.1, 1.4.7].
Key Factors Influencing Your Monthly Cost
The list price is rarely what a patient actually pays. The final cost is determined by a combination of factors:
- Insurance Coverage: This is the most critical factor. Coverage varies dramatically between plans. Mounjaro is more likely to be covered when prescribed for its FDA-approved indication of type 2 diabetes [1.2.3]. Coverage for off-label weight loss is rare [1.2.1]. Your final cost will depend on your plan's formulary, deductible, copay, and coinsurance [1.2.3].
- Mounjaro Savings Card: Eli Lilly offers a savings program for commercially insured patients. If your insurance covers Mounjaro, you could pay as little as $25 for a 1- or 3-month supply [1.4.2]. If your commercial plan does not cover it, the card may still offer a discount of up to $463 off the monthly prescription cost [1.4.1]. This program is not available to patients enrolled in government-funded healthcare like Medicare or Medicaid [1.4.4].
- Pharmacy Choice: Retail prices for Mounjaro can vary between different pharmacies. For example, prices at Costco might be different from those at Walgreens or CVS [1.2.1]. Comparing prices at local pharmacies or using mail-order services can sometimes result in savings.
How to Potentially Lower the Cost of Mounjaro
If the cost is a barrier, there are several avenues to explore:
- Utilize the Manufacturer's Savings Card: If you have commercial insurance, this should be your first step. Visit the official Mounjaro website to check your eligibility [1.4.4].
- Discuss Zepbound with Your Doctor: If the prescription is for weight loss, ask your doctor about Zepbound. Since it is FDA-approved for weight management, it has a different pathway for insurance coverage [1.7.4].
- Check Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs): The Lilly Cares Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides prescribed Lilly medications, including Mounjaro, at no cost to qualifying U.S. patients who have limited income and are typically uninsured [1.5.2, 1.5.3].
- Review Your Insurance Plan: Contact your insurance provider directly to understand if Mounjaro or Zepbound is on your formulary and what the specific requirements (like prior authorization or step therapy) are for coverage [1.7.4].
Cost Comparison with Similar Medications
The market for GLP-1 and dual-agonist medications has grown, but all options carry a high list price. Here's how Mounjaro compares to its counterparts:
| Medication | Active Ingredient | Primary Indication | Approx. Monthly List Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mounjaro | Tirzepatide | Type 2 Diabetes | ~$1,080 [1.2.1] |
| Zepbound | Tirzepatide | Chronic Weight Management | ~$1,086 [1.3.7] |
| Ozempic | Semaglutide | Type 2 Diabetes | ~$997 [1.2.1] |
| Wegovy | Semaglutide | Chronic Weight Management | ~$1,349 [1.6.5] |
Note: These are list prices and do not reflect final costs after insurance and discounts.
Is a Generic Version Available?
As of late 2025, there is no FDA-approved generic version of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) [1.2.5, 1.4.7]. Patents for the medication prevent a generic from entering the market for several more years. Patients should be cautious of non-FDA-approved or compounded versions of tirzepatide, as their safety and efficacy have not been verified.
Conclusion
While the answer to 'how much does Mounjaro cost per month in the USA?' starts with a sticker price of over $1,000, the reality is far more nuanced. The final out-of-pocket cost is a complex interplay between a drug's official indication, a patient's specific insurance plan, and the availability of manufacturer savings programs. For those with type 2 diabetes and commercial insurance, the cost can be as low as $25 per month. For others, the price remains a significant hurdle. Thoroughly researching insurance benefits, discussing all medication options (like Zepbound for weight loss) with a healthcare provider, and exploring patient assistance programs are essential steps to managing the cost of this medication.
For the most current savings information, visit the manufacturer's official resources: Official Mounjaro Savings & Resources.
