Do you have type 2 diabetes and struggle to control your blood sugar levels and weight? If so, you may have heard of Mounjaro, a new injectable medication that can help you achieve your health goals. Mounjaro is a game-changer for people with diabetes, but it also comes with a hefty price tag. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Mounjaro and how to get a Mounjaro coupon or savings card to lower its cost.
What is Mounjaro and How Does It Work?
Mounjaro is a brand name for tirzepatide, a drug that belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 agonists. GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a natural hormone that regulates appetite and glucose metabolism. GLP-1 agonists mimic the effects of this hormone and help people with diabetes lower their blood sugar levels and lose weight.
Mounjaro works by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin, reducing the amount of glucose released by the liver, and slowing down the digestion of food. Mounjaro also reduces hunger and cravings, making it easier to eat less and follow a healthy diet.
Mounjaro is injected under the skin once a week using a pen device. The dose of Mounjaro can be adjusted from 5mg to 15mg depending on the individual’s response and tolerance. Mounjaro is usually used in combination with other diabetes medications, such as metformin or insulin.
What are the Benefits of Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is more effective than other GLP-1 agonists, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, in reducing blood sugar levels, body weight, and cardiovascular risk factors. In clinical trials, Mounjaro achieved the following results:
- Lowered hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), a measure of average blood sugar levels over three months, by up to 2.4%.
- Reduced body weight by up to 12.4%.
- Improved blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, and inflammation markers.
- Reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke, or death, by 12%.
These outcomes are impressive and can make a significant difference in the quality of life and longevity of people with diabetes.
What are the Side Effects of Mounjaro?
Like any medication, Mounjaro can cause some side effects. The most common ones are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
These side effects are usually mild and tend to improve over time as the body gets used to the medication. However, some people may experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially when used with insulin or sulfonylureas
- Allergic reactions, such as rash, itching, swelling, or trouble breathing
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), which can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, or rapid heartbeat
- Thyroid cancer (rare), which can cause a lump in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath
If you experience any of these side effects or any other unusual symptoms while taking Mounjaro, you should contact your doctor immediately.
How Much Does Mounjaro Cost?
Mounjaro is a new and innovative medication that has not yet been approved by the FDA in the United States. However, it has been approved by Health Canada in Canada and by the European Medicines Agency in Europe. The retail price of Mounjaro in these regions is about $1,000 per month or more, depending on the dosage and the pharmacy.
This can be a huge burden for many people with diabetes who want to try this medication but cannot afford it. Fortunately, there are some ways to save money on Mounjaro and make it more accessible.
How to Get a Mounjaro Coupon or Savings Card
One of the easiest ways to lower the cost of Mounjaro is to use a Mounjaro coupon or savings card offered by the manufacturer, Eli Lilly. These coupons can reduce the price of Mounjaro to as low as $25 for a one-month or three-month supply. However, there are some conditions and limitations to these coupons. For example:
- You must have a valid prescription for Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes. You cannot use the coupon if you are taking Mounjaro off-label for weight loss only.
- You must have commercial insurance that covers Mounjaro. You cannot use the coupon if you are uninsured or if you have government-sponsored insurance, such as Medicare, Medicaid, or Tricare.
- You must activate the coupon online or by phone before using it at the pharmacy. You can only use one coupon per prescription fill.
- The coupon expires after 12 months or after 12 uses, whichever comes first. You cannot transfer or combine the coupon with any other offers or discounts.
To get a Mounjaro coupon or savings card, you can visit the official website of Mounjaro and search for your medication. Once you find it, you can download and print the coupon or savings card, or request to receive it by mail or email. You can also call 1-833-808-1234 to activate your coupon or savings card over the phone.
How to Compare Prices at Different Pharmacies
Another way to save money on Mounjaro is to shop around and compare prices at different pharmacies. The price of Mounjaro can vary significantly depending on where you buy it. For example, according to GoodRx, a website that tracks drug prices and offers discounts, the average retail price of Mounjaro 5mg/0.5ml (one carton of four pens) is $1,327, but it can range from $989 to $1,227 at different pharmacies in Boydton, VA. Here is a table that shows the prices of Mounjaro at some popular pharmacies in that area:
| Pharmacy | Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Food Lion Pharmacy | $989 | 25% |
| Walmart | $1,068 | 13% |
| Walgreens | $1,064 | 13% |
| CVS Pharmacy | $1,057 | 12% |
| Costco | $1,050 | 16% |
As you can see, you can save up to $338 by choosing Food Lion Pharmacy over Costco. However, these prices may change over time and may vary by location. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the current prices of Mounjaro at different pharmacies near you before filling your prescription. You can use websites like GoodRx, RxSaver, or SingleCare to compare prices and get coupons for Mounjaro at various pharmacies.
How to Ask Your Doctor for Samples or Assistance
A third way to save money on Mounjaro is to ask your doctor for samples or assistance. Sometimes, your doctor may have free samples of Mounjaro that they can give you to try before you buy it. This can help you test the effectiveness and tolerability of the drug without spending any money. However, samples are usually limited in quantity and duration, so they are not a long-term solution.
Alternatively, your doctor may be able to help you enroll in a patient assistance program (PAP) that provides free or low-cost Mounjaro to eligible patients who cannot afford it. Eli Lilly offers a PAP called Lilly Cares, which provides Mounjaro and other medications to uninsured or underinsured patients who meet certain income and residency criteria. To apply for Lilly Cares, you need to fill out an application form and submit it along with a prescription and proof of income. Your doctor can help you with this process and provide you with the necessary documents.
Conclusion
Mounjaro is a new and effective medication for people with type 2 diabetes who want to lower their blood sugar levels and lose weight. However, it is also very expensive and may not be covered by insurance. By using a Mounjaro coupon or savings card, comparing prices at different pharmacies, and asking your doctor for samples or assistance, you can save a lot of money on Mounjaro and make it more affordable. Remember to always consult your doctor before starting or stopping any medication, and follow the directions and precautions on the label. With proper care and management, you can enjoy the benefits of Mounjaro and improve your health and quality of life.
