Tirzepatide, sold as Mounjaro, is a newer prescription medication that acts on two hormone receptors (GIP and GLP-1) rather than one. This dual action produced greater weight loss than semaglutide in head-to-head trials. It is approved for type 2 diabetes and increasingly for weight management.
Tirzepatide has strong clinical trial evidence for blood sugar control and weight loss, and in direct comparisons produced greater average weight loss than semaglutide. As a newer medication, its very long-term data is still accumulating, but the trial evidence for its approved uses is robust.
Similar profile to other GLP-1 medications: gastrointestinal side effects most commonly, with less common but serious considerations including pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, thyroid cancer history caution, and muscle loss with rapid weight loss. The same counterfeit and grey-market danger applies, and has grown alongside the drug's popularity.
Legal and prescription status: tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is prescription-only. This is prescription-only medicine and must never be sourced or self-dosed outside a regulated prescription. Share your full medical history with your prescriber, including any thyroid conditions, pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, eating disorders, or pregnancy plans. Never source it from unverified sellers, counterfeit versions are a real and documented danger.
Ongoing monthly cost, varying by dose and whether prescribed for diabetes or weight management, privately or through a health service. Benefits typically reverse on stopping.
Clinical trials of tirzepatide in diabetes and obesity, including head-to-head comparison with semaglutide. NICE, NHS and MHRA guidance, including counterfeit warnings. Educational information only. Prescription-only medicine.