How much is a tirzepatide 5mg injection?

October 11, 2025 •

3 min read

For a tirzepatide 5mg injection, the monthly price can range dramatically from as low as $25 with commercial insurance to over $1,000 without it, depending on the brand and purchasing method. This wide cost variance highlights the importance of understanding the various pricing factors and available saving strategies.

Quick Summary

The cost of a 5mg tirzepatide injection is influenced by factors including brand name (Mounjaro or Zepbound), insurance coverage, and eligibility for manufacturer savings programs. Patients paying out-of-pocket have options like discounted single-dose vials through LillyDirect, which are significantly more affordable than the standard retail price.

Key Points

Price Variation: The cost of a tirzepatide 5mg injection varies significantly, ranging from as low as $25 with commercial insurance to over $1,000 for retail pens without insurance.
LillyDirect Cash Price: Eli Lilly offers a significantly lower cash price for Zepbound 5mg single-dose vials at $499 for a four-week supply via its LillyDirect Self Pay Pharmacy Solutions.
Insurance and Savings Cards: Eligible commercially insured patients can use a manufacturer's savings card to reduce the monthly cost to as low as $25, depending on their plan's coverage.
Brand-Specific Usage: Insurance coverage often depends on the prescribed use: Mounjaro is for diabetes, while Zepbound is for weight management.
Additional Savings: Pharmacy discount cards and price comparisons at different pharmacies (like via GoodRx or SingleCare) can help lower out-of-pocket expenses.
No Generic Availability: As of late 2025, there is no generic version of tirzepatide available, and the brand-name versions are protected by patents.

The two faces of tirzepatide: Mounjaro and Zepbound

Tirzepatide is the active ingredient in two separate brand-name medications manufactured by Eli Lilly: Mounjaro and Zepbound.

Mounjaro: This version is FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. While it has been prescribed off-label for weight loss, insurance coverage for this use is often limited.
Zepbound: This medication is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or those with a weight-related health condition. Insurance coverage can differ from Mounjaro and varies widely by provider and plan.

Comparing pricing options for a 5mg tirzepatide injection

Understanding the cost of a 5mg tirzepatide injection depends heavily on how it is obtained. The highest prices are typically the list price for the convenient pre-filled pens, which are sold via traditional pharmacies. However, manufacturer programs and insurance coverage can significantly alter the final price for the patient.

Without insurance: High retail cost vs. discounted vials

For those without insurance coverage, the out-of-pocket cost for a standard prescription can be a significant financial burden. A month's supply of tirzepatide pens (regardless of dosage) can have a retail price well over $1,000.

However, Eli Lilly has introduced a more affordable option for self-pay patients, particularly for Zepbound, through its LillyDirect Self Pay Pharmacy Solutions. This program offers single-dose vials at a much lower monthly cash price than the pre-filled pens. As of May 2025, the 5mg Zepbound single-dose vial is listed for $499 for a four-week supply. It is crucial to note that this option requires the patient to use a separate syringe and needle for administration and is only available for direct purchase through the LillyDirect platform.

With insurance: The impact of coverage and savings cards

The cost with commercial insurance is highly variable. The final price depends on whether the medication is covered by your plan, the copay, and the deductible.

With Coverage: If your commercial insurance plan covers either Mounjaro or Zepbound, a manufacturer's savings card could lower your out-of-pocket costs to as little as $25 for a one- or three-month supply.
Without Coverage: If you have commercial insurance but the plan does not cover the medication, manufacturer programs may still offer some savings, though the final price will be higher.
Government-funded plans: Patients with government-funded insurance, such as Medicare or Medicaid, are generally not eligible for the manufacturer savings card programs. Weight loss drugs are typically not covered by Medicare, though this may evolve.

Ways to save on your tirzepatide prescription

Beyond insurance and manufacturer programs, several other strategies can help lower the cost of tirzepatide.

Compare Pharmacies: Prices for the same medication can differ significantly between pharmacies. Websites and apps like GoodRx and SingleCare can help you compare prices at local or online pharmacies.
Pharmacy Discount Cards: These services offer coupons that can reduce the retail cost of a prescription, potentially offering a better price than some insurance plans without manufacturer savings. However, these cannot be combined with insurance benefits.
Telehealth Services: Some telehealth platforms may offer services that include a consultation and prescription, with potential ties to direct-to-consumer pharmacy options or discount programs.

Pricing comparison table


Scenario	Brand Name	Format	Estimated Monthly Cost	Details
Without Insurance (Retail)	Mounjaro or Zepbound	Prefilled Pens	~$1,000–$1,300+	High list price without any savings program.
Without Insurance (LillyDirect)	Zepbound	Single-Dose Vials	$499	Special self-pay option for vials through the manufacturer.
With Commercial Insurance (Covered)	Mounjaro or Zepbound	Prefilled Pens	As low as $25	With a manufacturer's savings card and coverage.
With Commercial Insurance (Not Covered)	Mounjaro or Zepbound	Prefilled Pens	Varies (Up to $469 off list price for Zepbound)	With a manufacturer's savings card for non-covered plans.

Conclusion

For a patient requiring a tirzepatide 5mg injection, the final price is not fixed but is the result of several interacting factors. The most affordable options generally involve having commercial insurance that covers the medication and utilizing a manufacturer's savings card. For those without insurance, the LillyDirect single-dose vial program for Zepbound provides a significantly more accessible cash price compared to the retail cost of the standard pens. It is critical for individuals to investigate their specific insurance plan and research all available savings opportunities. A discussion with your healthcare provider about which brand is prescribed and how it's classified (diabetes vs. weight loss) can also inform the best strategy for managing costs.

For more detailed information on manufacturer savings programs and eligibility requirements, you can visit the official LillyDirect website. https://lillydirect.lilly.com/pharmacy/

Frequently Asked Questions

For self-pay patients, a 5mg Zepbound single-dose vial is available for a discounted cash price of $499 for a four-week supply through Eli Lilly's LillyDirect pharmacy. The list price for the standard pre-filled pens is typically over $1,000.

Insurance coverage varies significantly. It depends on your plan and the prescribed brand (Zepbound for weight loss or Mounjaro for diabetes). Many commercial plans may cover it, but often require prior authorization. Medicare does not typically cover weight loss drugs.

The retail list price for the pre-filled pens of Zepbound and Mounjaro is very similar, often both over $1,000 per month. However, Zepbound offers a significantly lower direct-to-consumer cash price for single-dose vials ($499), an option not available for Mounjaro.

Yes, if you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible for a manufacturer's savings card. If your insurance covers the drug, the cost could be as low as $25 per month. If your insurance does not cover it, the savings card may still provide a substantial discount.

LillyDirect is Eli Lilly's direct-to-consumer platform that offers a more affordable way for self-pay patients to purchase Zepbound. It provides access to single-dose vials at a reduced price, bypassing traditional retail pharmacy channels.

You should check your insurance plan's formulary (its list of covered drugs) or contact your insurance provider directly. Your doctor may also need to submit a prior authorization request to demonstrate medical necessity.

No, a generic version of tirzepatide is not yet available. The branded medications, Mounjaro and Zepbound, are protected by patents, and a generic is not expected for at least another decade.

No, you cannot typically combine a pharmacy discount card, such as GoodRx, with your insurance benefits. You would need to choose which one offers the better price for your prescription.