From the Guidelines
No, Mounjaro is not currently approved for the treatment of sleep apnea. Mounjaro is FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition. While weight loss can sometimes improve sleep apnea symptoms, particularly in patients where excess weight contributes to the condition, Mounjaro has not received specific approval for sleep apnea treatment. According to the American College of Physicians guideline on the management of obstructive sleep apnea in adults 1, the recommended treatments for sleep apnea include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, weight loss for overweight and obese patients, and mandibular advancement devices as an alternative therapy. Some research suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists like Mounjaro may have beneficial effects on sleep apnea due to their weight loss properties, but this is not an approved indication. Patients with sleep apnea should use established treatments such as CPAP therapy, oral appliances, or other interventions recommended by sleep specialists. If you have sleep apnea and are considering Mounjaro for its approved uses, discuss with your healthcare provider how it might indirectly affect your sleep apnea through weight management. Key points to consider include:
- Weight loss is a recommended treatment for overweight and obese patients with sleep apnea 1
- CPAP therapy is a strongly recommended initial treatment for patients with sleep apnea 1
- Mounjaro may contribute to weight loss, which can improve sleep apnea symptoms, but it is not an approved treatment for sleep apnea.
From the Research
Mounjaro Approval for Sleep Apnea
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is being developed for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, among other conditions, as stated in the study 2.
- However, the initial approval of Mounjaro in the USA was for the improvement of glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, as an adjunct to diet and exercise, and not specifically for sleep apnea 2.
- A more recent study published in 2025 found that tirzepatide may be associated with reduced mortality, cardiovascular events, and kidney-related complications in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and obesity, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic option for this population 3.
- There is no direct evidence of Mounjaro being approved specifically for sleep apnea, but it is being investigated for its potential benefits in patients with this condition 2, 3.
Clinical Impact of Tirzepatide on Sleep Apnea
- The study published in 2025 found that tirzepatide was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events, and major adverse kidney events in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and obesity 3.
- The results of this study suggest that tirzepatide may be a potential therapeutic option for improving clinical outcomes in patients with sleep apnea and obesity, although more research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for this specific indication 3.
Current Status of Mounjaro for Sleep Apnea
- While Mounjaro has shown promise in reducing the severity of obstructive sleep apnea and improving clinical outcomes in patients with this condition, it is not currently approved specifically for the treatment of sleep apnea 2, 3.
- Further research and clinical trials are needed to fully evaluate the efficacy and safety of Mounjaro for the treatment of sleep apnea and to determine its potential as a therapeutic option for this condition 2, 3.