Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in the brand-name medications Mounjaro (for Type 2 diabetes) and Zepbound (for weight management), is a highly effective injectable treatment. Because it is a brand-name medication with no generic version, the list price is steep, leading many to ask, "How much is a shot of tirzepatide?" The answer is complex, as the cost depends on your insurance status, the specific brand prescribed, and your access to various manufacturer and pharmacy discounts.
Understanding the cost of tirzepatide
The retail price of tirzepatide is subject to various factors and is rarely what most people end up paying. The official list price, set by manufacturer Eli Lilly, is the baseline cost for the medication, but it does not account for discounts, insurance coverage, or pharmacy-specific pricing.
List price versus actual cost
As of recent information, the list price for a 28-day supply of Zepbound (four prefilled pens or vials) is around $1,086, while Mounjaro's list price is roughly $1,080. This translates to a list price per shot of approximately $270. However, this is primarily a benchmark for what insurance companies negotiate against and is rarely the final price paid by consumers.
Commercial insurance coverage and savings cards
For individuals with commercial insurance, the cost of tirzepatide can be significantly reduced. Many private insurance plans cover either Mounjaro (for diabetes) or Zepbound (for weight management), often with a prior authorization requirement.
- With manufacturer savings card: If your commercial plan covers tirzepatide, you may be eligible for a manufacturer savings card from Eli Lilly. This can lower your out-of-pocket cost to as little as $25 for a one- or three-month supply.
- Without manufacturer savings card: If you don't use a savings card, your copay and deductible determine the final cost. This amount varies widely depending on your specific plan.
- If insurance does not cover: Even if your commercial insurance plan denies coverage, manufacturer savings cards may still offer a discount, potentially bringing the monthly cost down to $650.
Self-pay options and LillyDirect
For those without insurance or with government-funded plans like Medicare that typically do not cover weight loss drugs, self-pay options are available. Eli Lilly created the LillyDirect Self-Pay Journey program to offer discounted prices on single-dose vials of Zepbound.
- LillyDirect self-pay prices (vials): Through the LillyDirect website, a month's supply (4 vials) of Zepbound can be purchased for a discounted cash price:
- $349 for the 2.5 mg starting dose.
- $499 for the 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg doses.
- Prefilled pen prices: The cost for a 28-day supply of prefilled pens is significantly higher when paying out-of-pocket, often mirroring or exceeding the list price.
The rise of compounded tirzepatide
Another, more affordable option some patients explore is compounded tirzepatide. Compounding pharmacies can legally create a version of the medication when a drug is on the FDA's drug shortage list.
- Lower cost: Compounded tirzepatide typically costs less than the brand-name versions, sometimes starting around $425 per month.
- Risks involved: It is crucial to understand that compounded products are not FDA-approved and do not undergo the same rigorous safety and quality-control testing as brand-name drugs. There is a risk of inaccurate dosing or impurities, and it is best to use a reputable, licensed compounding pharmacy after consulting with a healthcare professional.
Comparison of tirzepatide pricing scenarios
| Pricing Scenario | Cost per Month (4 Shots) | Cost per Shot (Average) | Conditions | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| List Price (Pens) | ~$1,080 - $1,086 | ~$270 - $272 | Without insurance or discounts; used for negotiations. | |
| Commercial Insurance (Covered, with Savings Card) | $25 | $6.25 | Commercial insurance covers; patient is eligible for and uses manufacturer savings card. | |
| Commercial Insurance (Not Covered, with Savings Card) | $650 | $162.50 | Commercial insurance does not cover; patient is eligible for and uses manufacturer savings card. | |
| Self-Pay (LillyDirect Vials) | $349 (2.5 mg), $499 (5+ mg) | ~$87.25 (2.5 mg), ~$124.75 (5+ mg) | No insurance or on government plan; uses LillyDirect for single-dose vials. | |
| Compounded | $425+ | Varies | For patients with no other affordable option; requires a licensed compounding pharmacy. | |
| Retail Pharmacy (Without Insurance/Coupons) | $1,000 - $1,300+ | $250+ | Price without any discounts, varies by pharmacy and location. |
How to reduce the cost of a tirzepatide shot
- Explore insurance coverage: Check with your commercial insurance provider to see if they cover Mounjaro or Zepbound, and if prior authorization is required.
- Use manufacturer savings cards: Apply for the Mounjaro Savings Card or Zepbound Savings Card if you have commercial insurance. Eligibility rules apply.
- Consider LillyDirect: If you are paying out-of-pocket, the LillyDirect online pharmacy offers discounted cash prices on single-dose vials of Zepbound.
- Research patient assistance programs: The Lilly Cares Foundation may offer patient assistance programs for those in need, subject to eligibility criteria.
- Compare pharmacy prices: Websites like GoodRx and SingleCare can provide coupons and compare retail prices across different pharmacies.
- Talk to your doctor: Discuss all cost-related concerns with your healthcare provider. They may be able to help navigate insurance requirements or discuss alternative treatment plans.
Conclusion
While the sticker price of tirzepatide may appear intimidating, the actual cost of a shot of tirzepatide is not a simple figure. It depends on a variety of personal and financial factors. By understanding the differences between list prices, insurance coverage, and manufacturer savings programs, patients can find a pathway to managing the expenses. For those with commercial insurance, manufacturer savings can make the medication highly affordable. For those paying cash, direct-to-consumer programs like LillyDirect offer a significant discount over retail pharmacy prices. For some, compounded tirzepatide from a reputable pharmacy may be a lower-cost alternative. Navigating these options with a healthcare professional is the best way to determine the most feasible path forward for your health and budget.
Eli Lilly and Company is the manufacturer of tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound).
