3-way comparison
Ozempic vs Mounjaro vs Zepbound
Side-by-side breakdown — efficacy, cost, regulatory status, and who each option fits best.
Side-by-side comparison
| Attribute | Ozempic | Mounjaro | Zepbound |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generic name | semaglutide | tirzepatide | tirzepatide |
| Drug class | — | — | — |
| Regulatory status | FDA approved | FDA approved | FDA approved |
| Manufacturer | Novo Nordisk | Eli Lilly | Eli Lilly |
| Avg retail price | $969/mo | $1069/mo | $1086/mo |
| Without insurance | $968–$1100/mo | $1023–$1330/mo | $349–$1086/mo |
| Savings card max | $25/mo | $25/mo | $25/mo |
| Shortage status | not_listed | not_listed | not_listed |
FAQ
What is the difference between Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Zepbound?
Ozempic (semaglutide), Mounjaro (tirzepatide), and Zepbound (tirzepatide) are GLP-1 medications used for weight management or type 2 diabetes. Key differences: Ozempic is FDA-approved, Mounjaro is FDA-approved, Zepbound is FDA-approved.
Which is most effective for weight loss: Ozempic, Mounjaro, or Zepbound?
Effectiveness varies by individual. In clinical trials, tirzepatide-based drugs (Mounjaro, Zepbound) produced ~22% average body-weight loss vs ~15% for semaglutide-based (Ozempic, Wegovy). Discuss with your prescriber.
Which is cheapest?
Cheapest first, at a maintenance dose and paying cash: Ozempic $349/mo (0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg pen) direct from the manufacturer · Zepbound $449/mo (7.5 mg and up) direct from the manufacturer · Mounjaro ~$1069/mo at list price, with no manufacturer self-pay route we can verify. These are self-pay prices from the manufacturer, not list prices — the list price is what an uninsured walk-in is billed who asks for nothing, and it is the one figure almost nobody pays. Compounded semaglutide runs $99–$300/mo and compounded tirzepatide $179–$450/mo through telehealth, but neither is FDA-approved.
See per-drug deep dives: Ozempic review · Mounjaro review · Zepbound review
2-way head-to-heads
Drill down into any pair from the three above for deeper side-by-side analysis.
Already on one? Switching guides
Dose conversion + transition timeline for each directional switch.