Key takeaways
Tirzepatide, marketed under the brand names Zepbound and Mounjaro, is the same medication used to treat different conditions. Both Zepbound and Mounjaro belong to the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist class and are administered via subcutaneous injection once a week. However, they are approved for different uses. Zepbound is FDA-approved for weight loss and long-term weight management in adults who have obesity or who have overweight with at least one weight-related condition, as well as for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea. On the other hand, Mounjaro is approved for improving blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 diabetes. Both medications share common side effects like nausea and diarrhea. Additionally, both medications can interact with other drugs, such as diabetes medications, warfarin (Jantoven, Coumadin) and birth control pills, potentially affecting their effectiveness. Neither medication is recommended during pregnancy, and both carry a risk of thyroid cancer.
