How Much is 10 mg of Tirzepatide? Your 2025 Cost Guide

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

With a standard list price over $1,000 per month, tirzepatide can be prohibitively expensive without assistance. This often leads patients to ask, how much is 10 mg of tirzepatide? For many, the answer depends on their insurance and access to significant manufacturer discounts.

Quick Summary

The price of 10 mg tirzepatide varies widely based on brand, insurance coverage, and how it is purchased. While the retail list price is over $1,000 monthly, manufacturer-sponsored programs offer substantial discounts for eligible patients and those paying out-of-pocket, including single-dose vial options.

Key Points

Cash Price: The retail list price for a 1-month supply of 10 mg tirzepatide (Zepbound) pens is over $1,086.37 without insurance.
LillyDirect Vials: For cash-paying patients, including those with government insurance, the LillyDirect program offers 10 mg single-dose vials for $499 per month with prompt refills.
Commercial Insurance: With a manufacturer savings card, eligible commercially insured patients can pay as little as $25 per month for a 10 mg prescription if their plan covers it.
Coverage Varies: Insurance coverage depends on the brand (Mounjaro vs. Zepbound) and the specific health plan. Mounjaro is more likely to be covered for type 2 diabetes, while Zepbound may be covered for weight management or sleep apnea.
Prior Authorization: Many insurers require prior authorization to prove medical necessity before covering tirzepatide, regardless of the brand or dosage.
No Generic Available: As a patent-protected drug, no generic version of tirzepatide is currently available, contributing to its high cost.
Compare Pharmacies: Comparing prices using discount card services like GoodRx can sometimes offer minor savings, but significant reductions often require manufacturer programs.

Tirzepatide is a powerful dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, with a well-documented ability to improve glycemic control and promote weight loss. It is marketed under two brand names, Mounjaro (for type 2 diabetes) and Zepbound (for weight management and obstructive sleep apnea). The 10 mg dose is a common maintenance dosage for patients who tolerate lower doses well. However, the cost of this medication is a primary concern for many patients, and understanding the different pricing tiers is essential for managing healthcare expenses.

The High Retail Price and Discounted Alternatives

Without insurance or other discounts, the retail or "list price" for a monthly supply of tirzepatide is over $1,000. The manufacturer, Eli Lilly, sets this price for both Zepbound and Mounjaro. This retail price does not fluctuate with the dosage strength when purchased as a pre-filled injector pen. For cash-paying patients, this figure is a major obstacle. However, manufacturer programs and purchasing options offer a more affordable path.

LillyDirect Self Pay Journey

For those paying out-of-pocket, LillyDirect offers single-dose vials at a fixed price that is significantly lower than the standard retail cost. For Zepbound, a four-week supply of the 10 mg single-dose vial is available for $499 per month for refills made within 45 days. The major caveat with this option is that it requires self-injection using a separate syringe, which some patients may prefer over the pre-filled pen. This program is a game-changer for uninsured patients or those whose plans do not cover tirzepatide.

Comparison of Cash Prices for Zepbound (Monthly Supply)


Purchase Method	Formulation	Cost per Month (approx.)	Details
Retail Pharmacy	Pre-filled Pens	> $1,086.37	Standard list price without discounts.
LillyDirect	Single-Dose Vials	$499	Requires self-injection with a syringe. Requires refills within 45 days.
Savings Card (without coverage)	Pre-filled Pens	$650	For commercially insured patients without coverage.

Navigating Insurance and Savings

The role of insurance in determining the final price of tirzepatide is critical. Insurance coverage depends on the specific brand prescribed and your individual plan's formulary. For a 10 mg dose, coverage typically hinges on whether it's prescribed for type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro) or weight management (Zepbound).

For Commercial Insurance Holders

If your employer-sponsored or private plan covers tirzepatide, you may be eligible for significant savings through the manufacturer's savings card program. The Zepbound Savings Card allows eligible commercially insured patients to pay as little as $25 per month for a 10 mg dose. Terms and conditions apply, and these offers are not available for government-funded insurance programs like Medicare or Medicaid. Even if your plan does not cover Zepbound, the savings card can still provide a substantial discount.

For Medicare and Medicaid Patients

For those on government-funded insurance, the situation is more complex. Coverage for weight management medications like Zepbound is limited, although some Medicare Part D plans may cover it for treating obstructive sleep apnea. For Mounjaro, coverage may be available for type 2 diabetes. The best course of action is to check your specific plan's benefits. Crucially, patients with government insurance are not eligible for manufacturer savings card programs. However, the LillyDirect Self Pay program is available to anyone paying out-of-pocket, including those on government insurance, providing the reduced single-dose vial price.

Additional Cost-Saving Strategies

Beyond manufacturer programs, several other strategies can help lower the cost of a 10 mg tirzepatide prescription:

Compare Pharmacies: Prices can vary between pharmacies. Utilize online tools like GoodRx or SingleCare to compare retail prices at different locations, such as CVS, Walgreens, and Costco.
Prescription Discount Cards: These services provide coupons that can reduce the cost of many prescription medications. They cannot be combined with insurance but can offer an alternative for those paying cash.
Prior Authorization: For insurance coverage, your doctor may need to submit a prior authorization request to document the medical necessity of tirzepatide for your condition.
Patience and Persistence: The process can be complicated and may require trying less expensive alternatives first, a process known as step therapy.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Path to Affordability

For patients prescribed a 10 mg dose of tirzepatide, a single answer to the question of "how much" doesn't exist. The final cost is a product of your insurance status, the specific brand, and your willingness to explore all available savings pathways. For commercially insured patients with coverage, a manufacturer savings card is often the cheapest option. For uninsured or government-insured patients, the LillyDirect Self Pay Journey with single-dose vials offers a significantly lower cash-pay price than standard retail. It is crucial to have an open discussion with your healthcare provider and insurance company to understand your specific situation and find the most affordable way to access this important medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Insurance coverage for 10 mg of tirzepatide varies by plan and brand. Mounjaro (for type 2 diabetes) is more commonly covered than Zepbound (for weight management), and coverage often requires prior authorization.

Yes. Through the LillyDirect Self Pay Journey, uninsured patients can purchase a monthly supply of 10 mg single-dose Zepbound vials for $499. This is a significant reduction from the standard retail list price.

The list price for a 10 mg pre-filled pen is similar for both Mounjaro and Zepbound, hovering around $1,080 per month. The primary cost difference depends on your insurance coverage, which is often tied to the specific FDA-approved use for each brand.

If you have commercial insurance that covers tirzepatide, you can use a manufacturer's savings card (e.g., Zepbound Savings Card) to potentially pay as little as $25 per month for a 10 mg dose. Eligibility requirements apply.

Most Medicare and Medicaid plans do not cover medications specifically for weight loss. However, Zepbound may be covered by some Medicare Part D plans for obstructive sleep apnea if it is an approved condition.

Yes. The Lilly Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Program may provide medication at no cost to eligible patients in the U.S. who are uninsured or face financial hardship, based on income and other criteria.

For cash-paying patients purchasing through LillyDirect, the single-dose vial option is significantly cheaper. For example, a 10 mg vial supply is $499, while the list price for pens is over $1,080. For commercially insured patients using a savings card, the cost difference is negligible.