Zepbound Formulations: Pens and Now, Vials
Zepbound, containing tirzepatide, is an injectable medication for chronic weight management in certain adults. As of August 2025, Eli Lilly offers all six dosage strengths (2.5 mg to 15 mg) in both the original pen and a single-dose vial format. This vial is intended as a more affordable self-pay option exclusively through LillyDirect Pharmacy Solutions. The medication is the same as in the pen but requires manual administration using a separate syringe and needle.
How to Administer the Zepbound Vial
Administering Zepbound from a vial requires several supplies, including the vial, a syringe and needle (not included), an alcohol swab, and a sharps container. Proper preparation involves washing hands, verifying the medication and dose, and checking the expiration date. The liquid should be clear or slightly yellow without particles. To withdraw the medication, draw air into the syringe equal to your dose (0.5 mL), inject it into the vial, invert the vial, ensure the needle is in the liquid, and draw out the correct dose (0.5 mL). Clean the injection site, pinch the skin, and inject subcutaneously for at least five seconds. Used syringes and needles should be disposed of in a sharps container.
The Critical Difference: FDA-Approved Vials vs. Compounded Tirzepatide
The availability of official Zepbound vials addresses concerns regarding unapproved compounded tirzepatide. The FDA has warned against using compounded GLP-1 drugs like tirzepatide due to safety risks, as they lack FDA review for safety, quality, and effectiveness. Risks include unapproved ingredients, potential contamination, and dosing errors. As of March 2025, the legal basis for compounding tirzepatide has ended because official Zepbound and Mounjaro are no longer on the FDA drug shortage list.
Comparison Table: Zepbound Vial vs. Compounded Vial
A comparison between the FDA-approved single-dose Zepbound vial and an unapproved compounded tirzepatide vial highlights key differences. The FDA-approved vial is manufactured by Eli Lilly and is reviewed for safety and efficacy, containing the approved active ingredient, tirzepatide. It comes as a single-dose format to ensure sterility and dose accuracy and is exclusively available through LillyDirect with a prescription. In contrast, unapproved compounded vials are made by compounding pharmacies without FDA review. They may contain different, unstudied salt forms, are often multi-dose with increased risks of contamination and error, and their availability has been curtailed by FDA action. Compounded products are not subject to rigorous manufacturing controls and carry risks of contamination and unknown side effects.
Conclusion
Yes, Zepbound is available in vials as of late 2025. Eli Lilly offers FDA-approved Zepbound in single-dose vials across all strengths exclusively through LillyDirect as a self-pay option. These official vials are a safe alternative to pens and are distinct from unapproved and risky compounded tirzepatide. Always consult a healthcare provider and source medication from legitimate channels.
For more information on the risks of compounded drugs, please visit the {Link: FDA's official page https://www.fda.gov/drugs/human-drug-compounding/understanding-risks-compounded-drugs}.
