How much does tirzepatide cost? A breakdown of Zepbound and Mounjaro prices

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

As of early 2025, the list price for a 28-day supply of the weight management drug Zepbound (tirzepatide) is $1,086. However, the amount you pay out-of-pocket for tirzepatide varies dramatically depending on your insurance coverage, the specific brand name—Zepbound or Mounjaro—and whether you can access manufacturer savings programs.

Quick Summary

Understand the varying costs of tirzepatide, sold as Mounjaro for diabetes and Zepbound for weight management. This guide details list prices, insurance impacts, manufacturer savings, and other strategies to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

Key Points

High List Price: The list price for a one-month supply of brand-name tirzepatide (Mounjaro or Zepbound) is over $1,000 without insurance.
Insurance is Key: With commercial insurance and a manufacturer's savings card, eligible patients may pay as little as $25 per month for tirzepatide.
Savings for Uninsured: Cash-paying patients can access reduced pricing on Zepbound vials through the LillyDirect Self-Pay program, starting at $349 per month for the initial dose.
Coverage Varies: Insurance coverage for Zepbound (weight loss) is often denied, while Mounjaro (diabetes) is more likely to be covered. Federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid typically do not cover Zepbound for weight loss.
Compounded Risks: Compounded versions of tirzepatide are not FDA-approved and carry safety risks, especially now that compounding is restricted due to end of shortages.
Compare Options: The cost of tirzepatide should be compared with other GLP-1 medications like Ozempic or Wegovy, or other weight-loss treatments, to find the most affordable and appropriate option.

Understanding the Cost of Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide is the active ingredient in two prominent, FDA-approved injectable drugs: Mounjaro, for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and Zepbound, for chronic weight management and obstructive sleep apnea. The high list price for both brand-name medications means that affordability is a major consideration for many patients. The final cost to the consumer is a complex calculation based on many factors, including insurance, dosage, pharmacy choice, and access to discounts.

Tirzepatide Cost Without Insurance

For patients without insurance or whose plan does not cover the medication, the cost of tirzepatide is based on the list price set by the manufacturer, Eli Lilly, plus any pharmacy markup. This can lead to a significant financial burden for long-term treatment.

The list price for a one-month supply of Zepbound (4 pre-filled pens) is $1,086.37.
The list price for a one-month supply of Mounjaro (4 pre-filled pens) is $1,079.77.
Retail prices at different pharmacies can be even higher, with some sources reporting costs between $1,200 and $1,500 per month.

At these prices, an entire year of treatment could exceed $14,000 without any discounts.

Cost-Saving Options for Tirzepatide

Fortunately, there are several avenues to significantly reduce the out-of-pocket cost of tirzepatide for eligible patients.

Manufacturer Savings Programs

Eli Lilly offers direct programs to help reduce costs for commercially insured and cash-paying patients. The specific program and discount level depend on your insurance status.

Zepbound Self-Pay Journey Program: Exclusively for cash-paying patients through LillyDirect's online pharmacy, this program offers discounted pricing on single-dose Zepbound vials. Prices for a one-month supply start at $349 for the 2.5mg dose and $499 for the 5mg, 7.5mg, and 10mg doses, with higher doses available at similar pricing since June 2025.
Commercial Insurance Savings Cards: For commercially insured individuals, a Mounjaro or Zepbound Savings Card can lower the cost. If your plan covers the medication, your copay could be as low as $25 per month. If your commercial plan does not cover the medication, the savings card can still provide a substantial discount (e.g., up to $469 off a month's supply of Zepbound).

Discount Cards and Comparison Shopping

Independent platforms like GoodRx and SingleCare offer coupons that can reduce the retail price at various pharmacies. These can be particularly useful for those without insurance or if manufacturer cards don't apply. Comparing prices across different pharmacies can also lead to significant savings.

Compounded Tirzepatide

Some providers and online clinics offer compounded versions of tirzepatide at a lower price point. However, compounded medications are not FDA-approved, are not subject to the same rigorous safety and quality standards, and may not be legal to compound if the brand-name drug is not in shortage. Patients should exercise extreme caution and only pursue this option through a licensed and reputable compounding pharmacy, understanding the potential risks.

Insurance Coverage: What to Expect

Your insurance policy is the most significant factor determining your out-of-pocket cost, but coverage is not guaranteed, especially for weight loss.

Mounjaro for Type 2 Diabetes: Coverage is more common for Mounjaro when prescribed for its FDA-approved indication of type 2 diabetes. However, insurance plans, including Medicare Part D, can still impose prior authorization requirements or have it on a high-tier formulary.
Zepbound for Weight Management: Many insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, specifically exclude weight loss medications from coverage. Prior authorization is almost always required, and many patients are denied coverage, leaving them with cash-pay options.

Comparison of Tirzepatide with Alternatives


Feature	Tirzepatide (Zepbound)	Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)	Semaglutide (Wegovy)	Semaglutide (Ozempic)*	Compounded Tirzepatide	Oral Weight-Loss Pills	Metformin	Other Injectables
Primary Use	Weight Management	Type 2 Diabetes	Weight Management	Type 2 Diabetes	Non-FDA Approved	Weight Loss	Type 2 Diabetes (Off-label for weight loss)	Liraglutide (Saxenda), Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
List Price (Monthly)	~$1,086 (pens)	~$1,080 (pens)	~$1,349 (pens)	~$997 (pens)	Highly Variable ($200-$400)	Varies widely	Very low (often generic)	Variable ($800-$1,400)
Self-Pay Program	Yes (LillyDirect vials starting at $349)	No (Standard retail price)	Yes (via manufacturer)	Yes (via manufacturer)	Not Recommended (FDA warnings)	Yes	Not applicable	Yes (via manufacturer)
Insurance Coverage	Variable/Often Excluded	More Common (for diabetes)	Variable/Often Excluded	More Common (for diabetes)	Not applicable	Variable	Yes (often low copay)	Variable (depends on use)
FDA Status	Approved	Approved	Approved	Approved	Not Approved	Approved	Approved	Approved
Risks	Side effects, GI issues	Side effects, GI issues	Side effects, GI issues	Side effects, GI issues	Purity and safety concerns	Side effects, GI issues	Side effects, GI issues	Side effects, GI issues

*Note: Ozempic is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss, but insurance may not cover this use.

The Cost-Benefit Analysis of Tirzepatide

For many, the high cost of tirzepatide is a significant barrier to treatment. While the medication shows remarkable effectiveness for weight loss and blood sugar control, it's crucial to weigh the financial implications against the health benefits. Discussing your options with a healthcare provider is essential for determining the right balance for your budget and medical needs.

By exploring manufacturer programs, comparing pharmacies, and understanding insurance policies, patients can navigate the complex pricing landscape to access this potentially life-changing medication more affordably. For some, the self-pay vial options for Zepbound offer a viable, if still expensive, path forward, especially where insurance coverage is lacking.

Link: Check the latest LillyDirect prices for Zepbound here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Without insurance, the average retail price for a one-month supply of brand-name tirzepatide (Mounjaro or Zepbound) generally ranges from $1,000 to $1,300, depending on the pharmacy and your location.

Eligible commercially insured patients can use a Mounjaro or Zepbound Savings Card offered by the manufacturer, Eli Lilly. If their insurance plan covers the medication, this card can bring the monthly cost down to as little as $25.

No, manufacturer savings programs for tirzepatide, such as the Zepbound Savings Card, explicitly exclude patients enrolled in government-sponsored healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid.

The FDA has warned about the use of compounded tirzepatide, stating it is not FDA-approved and carries significant safety and quality risks. Patients should be very cautious, as compounding is now restricted in the US due to the end of the brand-name drug shortage.

For self-pay patients, Zepbound vials offered through the LillyDirect program are significantly cheaper than the pre-filled pens. As of mid-2025, vials start at $349 for the 2.5mg dose, compared to the $1,086.37 list price for the pens.

Many insurance providers, including federal programs, have specific exclusions for weight-loss medications. Even with commercial insurance, coverage for Zepbound for weight management often requires prior authorization and may be denied.

The cheapest way depends on your insurance. For commercially insured patients with coverage, a manufacturer savings card is the most affordable route. For uninsured patients, using the LillyDirect self-pay option for Zepbound vials offers the lowest price.