Zepbound Doses List vs. Mounjaro: Every Pen and Vial Strength
Zepbound and Mounjaro both come in six tirzepatide strengths: 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15 mg. Each strength exists as a single-dose pen or vial (0.5 mL per dose) and as a multi-dose vial or KwikPen holding 2.4 mL, which is four weekly 0.6 mL doses.
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Zepbound and Mounjaro come in the same six doses of the same active ingredient, tirzepatide: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg and 15 mg, all injected under the skin once a week [1][2]. Zepbound is FDA-approved in four presentations: a single-dose pen, a single-dose vial, a multiple-dose vial, and a multiple-dose pen called the KwikPen [3]. Mounjaro’s label lists the same single-dose and multi-dose formats [2], and the FDA has approved a Mounjaro multi-dose vial and a Mounjaro KwikPen as well [5][7]. The single-dose devices deliver one fixed 0.5 mL dose, while the multi-dose devices hold 2.4 mL total, enough for four weekly 0.6 mL doses [1][2][3].
The difference between the brands is what the label says they treat, not the drug itself. Zepbound is labeled for weight management and obstructive sleep apnea; Mounjaro is labeled for type 2 diabetes, including children 10 and older, and cardiovascular risk reduction [1][2]. The difference between the devices is formulation and packaging: the single-dose products contain no preservatives, while the KwikPen and multi-dose vial contain a preserved formulation with a slightly larger injection volume that delivers the same milligram amount [3].
What strengths do Zepbound and Mounjaro come in?
Both brands list the same six strengths on their FDA labels, and both list them in two formats: a single-dose format measured per injection, and a multi-dose format measured as total contents [1][2].
| Weekly dose | Single-dose pen or vial | Multi-dose vial or KwikPen (total) | Concentration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 mg | 2.5 mg/0.5 mL | 10 mg/2.4 mL | 4.17 mg/mL |
| 5 mg | 5 mg/0.5 mL | 20 mg/2.4 mL | 8.33 mg/mL |
| 7.5 mg | 7.5 mg/0.5 mL | 30 mg/2.4 mL | 12.5 mg/mL |
| 10 mg | 10 mg/0.5 mL | 40 mg/2.4 mL | 16.7 mg/mL |
| 12.5 mg | 12.5 mg/0.5 mL | 50 mg/2.4 mL | 20.8 mg/mL |
| 15 mg | 15 mg/0.5 mL | 60 mg/2.4 mL | 25 mg/mL |
Each multi-dose device contains four doses of the strength shown. A 40 mg/2.4 mL KwikPen, for example, delivers four separate 10 mg/0.6 mL injections [1][2].
What is each brand approved to treat?
Zepbound is approved, along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, to reduce excess body weight and keep it off long term in adults with obesity, or in adults with overweight plus at least one weight-related condition. It is also approved to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity [1]. The label states that combining it with other tirzepatide products or any GLP-1 receptor agonist is not recommended [1].
Mounjaro is approved as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults and pediatric patients 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes. It is also approved to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events — cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attack, or non-fatal stroke — in adults with type 2 diabetes at high risk for those events [2].
How does the dosing schedule work on the label?
For Zepbound, the label’s starting dosage is 2.5 mg injected once weekly for 4 weeks, with increases in 2.5 mg increments after at least 4 weeks until the maintenance dosage is reached [1]. For weight reduction and long-term maintenance, the labeled maintenance dosages are 5 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg once weekly; for obstructive sleep apnea, 10 mg or 15 mg once weekly. The maximum is 15 mg once weekly [1]. LillyDirect notes that 2.5 mg is a starting dose and is not approved as a maintenance dose [8].
For Mounjaro, the starting dosage is 2.5 mg once weekly, with 2.5 mg increases after at least 4 weeks if more blood sugar control is needed. The maximum is 15 mg once weekly for adults and 10 mg once weekly for pediatric patients 10 and older [2]. Mounjaro is given once weekly at any time of day, with or without meals, injected into the abdomen or thigh, or into the back of the upper arm by another person, with rotation of injection sites [2]. Which dose a person takes is a decision for their clinician.
What are the four presentations, physically?
Zepbound is FDA-approved in four presentations: a single-dose pen, a multiple-dose pen (the KwikPen), a single-dose vial, and a multiple-dose vial [3]. The single-dose pen and single-dose vial each contain one fixed dose of 0.5 mL, are for single use only, and contain no preservatives [3]. The KwikPen and multi-dose vial each hold 2.4 mL total, providing four weekly doses of 0.6 mL [1][2].
The presentations also differ in the supplies that come with them, according to the LillyDirect listings. The Zepbound KwikPen listing states a pen needle purchase is required; the single-dose vial listing states a needle and syringe purchase is required; and the single-dose pen listing states the needle is included in each pen [8].
Why is a KwikPen dose 0.6 mL when a single-dose pen dose is 0.5 mL?
The volume difference comes from the formulation, not the drug amount. The single-dose pen and single-dose vial use a nonpreserved formulation; the multi-dose pen and multi-dose vial use a preserved formulation [3]. Both contain the same tirzepatide amounts, from 2.5 mg up to 15 mg [3].
Per 0.6 mL, the preserved formulation adds phenol 1.08 mg, benzyl alcohol 5.4 mg, and glycerin 4.8 mg as a tonicity agent. The nonpreserved formulation contains 0.7 mg of dibasic sodium phosphate heptahydrate and 4.1 mg of sodium chloride per 0.5 mL, versus 0.8 mg and 1.05 mg per 0.6 mL in the preserved formulation [3].
Are the pen, vial and KwikPen equally effective?
According to Lilly, bioequivalence studies support the expectation that tirzepatide shows comparable efficacy and safety across the different presentations [3]. The company also states that regardless of presentation, the drug is given once weekly and the dosing regimen and injection sites — abdomen, thigh, or back of the upper arm — stay the same [3].
The phase 3 clinical trials for chronic weight management and obstructive sleep apnea, the SURMOUNT program, used the single-dose pen [3]. Lilly states there are no data on transitioning between presentations, and that the company cannot make a specific recommendation on which presentation is best for each patient — that decision belongs to the treating clinician [3].
When were the KwikPen and multi-dose vial approved?
The multi-dose single-patient-use vial for Zepbound was approved under NDA 217806/S-037, with the FDA approval letter signed January 7, 2026; the supplement was received July 31, 2025 [4]. The Mounjaro multi-dose vial was approved under NDA 215866/S-041, also with a letter signed January 7, 2026 and a supplement received July 31, 2025 [5].
The Zepbound KwikPen was approved under NDA 217806/S-002, with the approval letter signed January 20, 2026. That application was received November 15, 2023, drew an FDA action letter on January 29, 2025, and was answered with a complete response on December 2, 2025 [6]. The Mounjaro KwikPen followed the same path: received September 28, 2023, action letter January 29, 2025, complete response December 2, 2025, and approval under NDA 215866/S-009 signed January 20, 2026 [7]. Each KwikPen approval added six presentations, each containing four doses of a fixed volume [6][7].
Tirzepatide’s initial U.S. approval was in 2022 for both brands [1][2]. Instructions for Use for the Zepbound single-dose pen were previously approved November 8, 2023 [6], and for the Mounjaro single-dose pen May 13, 2022 [7]. The Zepbound single-dose vial instructions were previously approved March 28, 2024 [6].
What NDC numbers appear on each label?
Pharmacies and insurers use NDC numbers to match a prescription to a specific package. The Zepbound label lists codes including 0002-0152-01, 0002-0243-01, 0002-1214-01, 0002-1340-01, 0002-1423-01 and 0002-2002-01, along with pen package codes such as 0002-2506-80, 0002-2495-80, 0002-2484-80, 0002-2471-80, 0002-2460-80 and 0002-2457-80, and series in the 0002-35xx and 0002-6xxx ranges, each with -01 and -11 suffixes [1].
The Mounjaro label lists codes including 0002-1152-01, 0002-1243-01, 0002-2214-01, 0002-2340-01, 0002-2423-01 and 0002-3002-01, pen package codes such as 0002-1506-80, 0002-1495-80, 0002-1484-80, 0002-1471-80, 0002-1460-80 and 0002-1457-80, and series in the 0002-34xx and 0002-4xxx ranges, each with -01 and -11 suffixes [2].
The Zepbound list includes -04 package codes (for example, 0002-0152-04); the Mounjaro list shows no -04 codes [1][2]. The NDC lists on the provided labels do not pair individual codes with specific strengths or devices. Both labels list Eli Lilly and Company as the packager; the Zepbound label was updated August 28, 2026 and the Mounjaro label August 27, 2026 [1][2].
What can you actually buy, and what does it cost?
The LillyDirect Zepbound page lists three options: the KwikPen for single-patient use, the single-dose vial, and the single-dose pen [8]. The single-dose vial is exclusively available through LillyDirect and is self-pay only [8]. The KwikPen listing says select insurance is accepted, self-pay is accepted, and free delivery and pickup are available [8].
The Zepbound self-pay prices are savings prices, not list prices: eligibility is required, terms and conditions apply, savings are subject to monthly and annual limits, and the program is not insurance [8]. A “month” is defined as 28 days and one single-patient-use KwikPen, or 28 days and four single-dose vials [8].
| Strength | KwikPen self-pay | Single-dose vial self-pay |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 mg | Starting at $299/month | Starting at $299/month |
| 5 mg | Starting at $399/month | Starting at $399/month |
| 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15 mg | Starting at $449/month when refilled within 45 days | Starting at $449/month when refilled within 45 days |
For the higher strengths, these prices reflect the Zepbound Journey Program; if a prescription is not refilled within 45 days, regular prices apply — $499 for 7.5 mg and $699 each for 10 mg, 12.5 mg and 15 mg [8].
The Zepbound single-dose pen is listed with insurance accepted, with a savings program price as low as $25 per month for up to a 3-month prescription, terms and conditions apply [8]. That figure is an insurance-based savings price, not a cash price. LillyDirect also references a Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program for eligible Medicare Part D patients with a Zepbound KwikPen weight-management prescription, and notes HSA/FSA eligibility may vary by plan [8].
The LillyDirect Mounjaro page lists only the single-dose prefilled pen, with self-pay starting at $499 per month at every strength from 2.5 mg to 15 mg [9]. No Mounjaro KwikPen or vial product appears on that page, even though those presentations are FDA-approved [2][5][7].
Can two people share a KwikPen?
No. Both labels carry a warning, added in January 2026, never to share a Zepbound KwikPen or a Mounjaro KwikPen between patients, even if the pen needle is changed [1][2]. The KwikPen is labeled for single-patient use [1][2]. Both labels also include a Medication Guide and device-specific Instructions for Use for the KwikPen, the multi-dose vial, the single-dose vial and the single-dose pen [1][2][6][7].
What warnings apply no matter which device you use?
Both brands carry a boxed warning: tirzepatide causes thyroid C-cell tumors in rats, and it is unknown whether it causes such tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma, in humans [1][2]. Both are contraindicated in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, in people with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2, and in people with known serious hypersensitivity to tirzepatide or any excipient [1][2]. Neither is recommended in severe gastroparesis [1][2].
Other labeled warnings include acute pancreatitis, acute kidney injury from volume depletion, acute gallbladder disease, hypersensitivity reactions, hypoglycemia when combined with insulin or an insulin secretagogue, progression of diabetic retinopathy, and pulmonary aspiration during general anesthesia or deep sedation [1][2]. Both drugs delay gastric emptying and can affect the absorption of oral medications [1][2].
The most common adverse reactions reported in at least 5% of Zepbound patients are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, injection site reactions, fatigue, hypersensitivity reactions, eructation, hair loss and gastroesophageal reflux disease [1]. For Mounjaro they are nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, dyspepsia and abdominal pain [2]. The Zepbound label removed its “Suicidal Behavior and Ideation” warning in February 2026 [1]. Suspected adverse reactions can be reported to Eli Lilly at 1-800-545-5979 or the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 [1][2].
How do you read the label on the box?
Single-dose devices print the dose per injection, such as 10 mg/0.5 mL. Multi-dose devices print the total contents, such as 40 mg/2.4 mL for a device holding four 10 mg doses [1][2]. A carton reading 60 mg/2.4 mL contains four 15 mg doses, not one 60 mg dose [1][2]. The device type also indicates whether pen needles or a needle and syringe are sold separately, according to the LillyDirect listings [8].
Sources
- National Library of Medicine DailyMed. ZEPBOUND (tirzepatide) injection, solution drug label.
- National Library of Medicine DailyMed. MOUNJARO (tirzepatide) injection, solution drug label.
- Eli Lilly and Company. Are the different Zepbound (tirzepatide) presentations bioequivalent?
- US Food and Drug Administration. Supplement approval letter for Zepbound (tirzepatide) injection, NDA 217806/S-037.
- US Food and Drug Administration. Supplement approval letter for Mounjaro (tirzepatide) injection, NDA 215866/S-041.
- US Food and Drug Administration. Supplement approval letter for Zepbound KwikPen (tirzepatide) injection, NDA 217806/S-002.
- US Food and Drug Administration. Supplement approval letter for Mounjaro KwikPen (tirzepatide) injection, NDA 215866/S-009.
- Eli Lilly and Company. Authentic Zepbound (tirzepatide) shipped to you | LillyDirect.
- Eli Lilly and Company. Authentic Mounjaro (tirzepatide) shipped to you | LillyDirect.
- Eli Lilly and Company. After injecting the 4 fixed doses of Zepbound (tirzepatide) provided in the KwikPen, can the remaining solution be kept for a future dose?
- US Food and Drug Administration. Supplement approval letters for Mounjaro (tirzepatide) injection, NDA 215866/S-044 and S-045.
Frequently asked questions
Are the pen, vial, multi-dose vial and KwikPen interchangeable or equally effective?
Lilly states that based on bioequivalence studies, tirzepatide is expected to show comparable efficacy and safety across the presentations, and that the dosing regimen and injection sites stay the same regardless of device.
Why is a KwikPen dose 0.6 mL when a single-dose pen dose is 0.5 mL?
The multi-dose devices use a preserved formulation that adds phenol, benzyl alcohol and glycerin, so each injection is 0.6 mL instead of 0.5 mL. The tirzepatide amount is the same in both formulations, from 2.5 mg to 15 mg.
Can two people use the same KwikPen?
No. Both labels warn never to share a Zepbound or Mounjaro KwikPen between patients, even if the pen needle is changed. The warning was added to both labels in January 2026, and the KwikPen is labeled for single-patient use.
Does every strength exist in every device?
On the labels, yes. All six strengths, 2.5 mg through 15 mg, are listed for the single-dose pen, single-dose vial, multi-dose vial and KwikPen for both brands. What is actually purchasable depends on the channel; LillyDirect lists three Zepbound options but only the Mounjaro single-dose pen.
Which device did the clinical trials use?
The phase 3 SURMOUNT trials for chronic weight management and obstructive sleep apnea used the tirzepatide single-dose pen. Lilly says the multi-dose presentations are designed to deliver the same doses as the pen tested in those trials.
What does 40 mg/2.4 mL on a KwikPen box mean?
It is the total contents, not a single dose. A 40 mg/2.4 mL KwikPen delivers four separate 10 mg/0.6 mL weekly injections. Similarly, 60 mg/2.4 mL means four 15 mg doses.
Can a patient switch from the single-dose pen to the KwikPen or a vial?
Lilly states the company cannot recommend which presentation is best for each patient. Patients should consult their healthcare provider about the dose and delivery mechanism suited to them.
Is benzyl alcohol in the multi-dose formulation a problem for pregnancy, breastfeeding, or kidney or liver disease?
Lilly states it has no clinical trial data on metabolic acidosis risk from benzyl alcohol in the multi-dose presentations. Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or who have kidney or liver problems, should ask their doctor, nurse or pharmacist for advice, because large amounts of benzyl alcohol can build up and may cause metabolic acidosis.
This article summarizes FDA labeling, published research and company information current as of September 14, 2026. It is not medical advice and does not replace a conversation with your own healthcare provider. How we research and verify.