Weight loss injections like Zepbound continue to grow in popularity for their effectiveness, but many people may find tirzepatide’s cost prohibitive. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Zepbound and Mounjaro) not only to help manage weight but also to treat type 2 diabetes, with recent approval for sleep apnea as well. Despite these benefits, the price of the prescription drug can be a barrier for many people interested in treatment.
So, how much does tirzepatide cost, exactly? Without insurance or discounts, the list price ranges from $1,079.77 to $1,086.37 per month. The amount you’ll pay, however, depends on the specific brand-name drug prescribed, your health insurance (if any), and other factors.
Fortunately, there are ways to save on tirzepatide. Ahead, we discuss the costs for different tirzepatide prescriptions on the market, the best ways to save money, and when insurance does (and doesn’t) cover the drug.
Without insurance, the cost of tirzepatide is typically under $1,090 per month.But, it may end up being less depending on insurance coverage, discounts, coupons, and, of course, the specific brand-name tirzepatide-containing drug prescribed.
Before we dig deeper into the financials, a quick refresher: Tirzepatide is a dual glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist. That’s a long winded way to say tirzepatide mimics two gut hormones, resulting in improved glycemic control and managing body weight.
If this sounds similar to semaglutide (i.e. Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus), that’s because the two are alike, though research suggests tirzepatide may be more effective for weight loss.
Currently, tirzepatide is available in two FDA-approved brand-name prescription drugs: Zepbound and Mounjaro. It’s important to note that both work better alongside diet and exercise, and they are approved for different purposes. But more on that later. For now, let’s dive into how much they cost without insurance — at least as of publication.
With a list price of $1,079.77 for four pre-filled pens, Mounjaro can be expensive.
The good news? Most individuals with a prescription for Mounjaro will pay less. Even if you don't have access to health insurance or assistance programs, the amount you’ll pay at most pharmacies is usually less than the list price.
Eli Lilly also offers a Mounjaro Savings Card where commercially insured patients (aka those not insured through Medicare, Medicaid, or another government-funded insurance program) can get Mounjaro for as little as $25 a month. If you have commercial insurance coverage that doesn’t include Mounjaro, the savings card provides up to $463 off the monthly prescription medication. Sadly, the savings program doesn't extend to those who are uninsured or insured by a noncommercial payer.
With that in mind, here’s how much Mounjaro (four 5 mg/0.5ml pens) costs based on the retail prices at different pharmacies, according to GoodRx.
While prices were valid at the time of publication, they may vary based on date and location. For the most accurate estimates, refresh the GoodRx searches and enter your zip code.
The list price for Zepbound is $1,086.37 for four pens (a monthly supply).
Eli Lilly is also the manufacturer of Zepbound, and its savings card offers the same discount for Zepbound: a price as low as $25 monthly, if commercially insured.
Don’t have insurance? Or just paying out-of-pocket? Zepbound single-dose vials may offer a more budget-friendly way to get the medication. Available through Ro or LillyDirect (the drugmaker’s self-pay pharmacy), you can get Zepbound vials for the following cash prices:
In case you’re unfamiliar, Ro has an integration with LillyDirect for patients who are prescribed Zepbound single-dose vials in the Body membership. In other words, if you get your Rx through Ro, you don’t have to worry about signing up for LillyDirect or even leaving your Ro account to get your single-dose vials of Zepbound delivered directly to your door.
Along with discounts and insurance coverage, factors like your pharmacy and zip code can impact the final price. Here’s an idea of how much four 2.5 mg/0.5mL pens of Zepbound cost at four pharmacies, according to GoodRx:
Compounded drugs are custom-made based on a patient’s prescription. While these drugs are allowed under federal law, they don’t have FDA approval and may not have undergone a robust safety and manufacturing review.
Compounded tirzepatide typically costs much less than Zepbound and/or Mounjaro and features the same active ingredient as the brand-name versions. But it’s usually not covered by insurance, and the exact pricing varies depending on where you get and fill your Rx.
Unfortunately, there’s no universal answer to the question, “how much is tirzepatide with insurance?” As it turns out, insurance coverage for tirzepatide can be a bit of a gray area. Some commercial health insurance plans cover Mounjaro, Zepbound, or both. When they do, the savings can be huge; for example, some insured individuals may be able to pay $25 for their monthly prescription of Mounjaro or Zepbound. It’s unlikely, however, that your insurance will cover compounded tirzepatide.
When Zepbound, Mounjaro, or both are covered by your plan, they will be listed in your insurance plan’s drug formulary. If not listed, you and your healthcare provider may be able to request prior authorization when the prescription is a medical necessity. The Obesity Action Coalition offers a templated prior authorization request and other resources to help you navigate insurance coverage.
Most Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans don’t cover tirzepatide. However, they are not prohibited from covering these (when prescribed for Type 2 diabetes), meaning your plan may cover Zepbound, Mounjaro, or both. If covered, you may still be responsible for part of the cost, depending on your plan’s deductible and copays.
If tirzepatide is prescribed for weight loss specifically, Medicare cannot cover the cost — even if your plan is through a Medicare Advantage provider. Organizations are advocating for this law to be changed, and a bill in congress may change this in the near future.
Unlike Medicare, which has national standards for what is and isn’t covered, Medicaid coverage varies by state. Contact your state Medicaid agency or review your plan’s drug formulary to determine if tirzepatide is covered. Medicaid eligibility is contingent upon income requirements set by individual states. Like Medicare, you may be able to get tirzepatide covered under Medicaid if you are using it to treat type 2 diabetes or another health condition.
Let’s face it: Paying upwards of $1,000 a month for tirzepatide may be out of budget. Luckily, there are ways to save.
The first is through the manufacturer's discount programs:
Pharmacy coupons and savings cards can also help reduce the cost of tirzepatide. Through the following online databases, you can check if your prescribed medication is eligible for discounts, estimate how much you may be able to save, and determine where these savings are accepted (e.g. CVS, Walgreens, and other retailers). Keep in mind that these types of discounts can be used instead of insurance plans, but not combined with them.
Since tirzepatide is a prescription drug, it requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. If you believe tirzepatide may be a good fit, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider who can assess your symptoms and determine the best treatment plan.
Alternatively, you can get an Rx for tirzepatide through Ro’s Body membership, which offers:
(Note: Ro offers Zepbound, but not Mounjaro. Ro prescribes Zepbound pens as well as vials.)
No matter which option you choose, it’s important to remember that Zepbound, Mounjaro, and compounded tirzepatide work best in tandem with diet and exercise. Plus, the two brand-name prescriptions are FDA-approved for different medical needs.
Zepbound is FDA-approved for adults:
Mounjaro is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes but not weight loss. Sometimes, physicians prescribe Mounjaro off-label for weight loss to patients who have overweight or obesity but don’t have type 2 diabetes. This was more common before Zepbound was FDA-approved for weight loss, though it still occurs.
Compounded tirzepatide is not FDA-approved but is legally available. Zepbound, Mounjaro, and compounded tirzepatide may cause side effects, including nausea, headaches, and stomach pain, which is another reason why it is important to follow the advice of your doctor when deciding between medications.
Sadly, tirzepatide — while highly successful in weight management — can be quite expensive. The good news? There may be more affordable alternatives available,
