How much does tirzepatide cost with and without insurance?

Tirzepatide is a prescription drug for type 2 diabetes and weight loss. The medication acts as an agonist at glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) receptors. Eli Lilly and Company manufactures tirzepatide with two brand names, Mounjaro and Zepbound.

Mounjaro is FDA-approved for blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Zepbound is indicated for the management of chronic weight and moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition when used as an adjunct to exercise, healthy lifestyle, and low-calorie diet.

Without insurance, tirzepatide costs $1,000 to $1,300 per month from pharmacies. However, insurance coverage, savings card offers from Eli Lilly, pharmacy coupons, and patient assistance programs can significantly reduce the actual cost of the medication.

This article provides a detailed and up-to-date overview of tirzepatide costs, factors influencing costs, and strategies for lowering costs in 2025.

How much does tirzepatide cost without insurance?

The list price or wholesale acquisition price of Mounjaro is $1,079.77, as estimated by the manufacturer, Eli Lilly. Pharmacies sell the medication for $1,000 to $1,300 or more.

Zepbound has a list price of $1,086.37 per month. You can get it for $1,000 to $1,300 or more from pharmacies.

On average, tirzepatide costs $15,000-16,000 per year without insurance.

There are currently no patient assistance programs available for Mounjaro or Zepbound.

The following factors influence the cost of tirzepatide:

• Dosage: The prices of medications can vary by dosage. You may get a lower dosage at lower prices. However, you may need to pay extra for higher doses.
• Pharmacy: Tirzepatide prices vary among pharmacies. You may find different prices at CVS, Walmart, Rite Aid, Walgreens, and other online pharmacies.
• Geographic location: The list prices of medications vary in different geographic locations. For example, a Walmart in one city may sell the medication at a lower price than a Walmart in another city. A KFF analysis demonstrates that the U.S. has significantly higher prices compared to other countries. Mounjaro is sold at lower prices in the Netherlands ($444) and Japan ($314). However, in the United States, the monthly cost of Mounjaro injection is $1,023.
• Manufacturer: Zepbound and Mounjaro are both manufactured by Eli Lilly. No generic version of these medications is available because they are patent-protected. This is why Zepbound and Mounjaro are expensive.

Mounjaro pens (for type 2 diabetes)

The average cost of Mounjaro ranges between $1,000 and $1,300 for a 28-day supply.

Let’s compare the retail price of Mounjaro (10 mg) at different pharmacies as listed on GoodRx:

Zepbound pens (for weight loss)

Zepbound costs $1,000 to $1,300 or more on average from pharmacies. Let’s compare the 28-day price range of the Zepbound pen (10 mg) at Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Costco, and Rite Aid.

Zepbound vials (for weight loss)

Lillycare Self Pay Pharmacy Solutions offers Zepbound vials for all strengths (2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg) at discounted prices for uninsured patients or those who have insurance but it does not cover Zepbound.

You must fulfil the following terms and conditions to be eligible for this program:

• Insurance is not accepted, but FSA/HSA cards can be used at checkout. Injection supplies can be purchased from the pharmacy provider for a small fee at checkout.
• The 2.5 mg dose is the initial dose and is not approved for long-term use.
• Additional taxes and fees may apply. You will need to submit a valid prescription for Zepbound for its FDA-approved use.
• Each vial provides a one-month (28-day) supply.
• To remain eligible for the Zepbound Self Pay Journey Program offer, you must complete your refill purchase of the Zepbound vial within 45 days from the delivery date of your last prescription.
• Lilly reserves the right to modify, cancel, or revoke the Zepbound Self Pay Journey Program offer at any time, with or without notice, for any reason.

Compounded tirzepatide

Compounded tirzepatide is a custom-made version of tirzepatide that has been produced by altering, mixing, or combining the ingredients in a compounding pharmacy to meet patients’ unique needs. It’s available during drug shortages and when the patient needs a custom dose or formulation that isn’t commercially available. The medication is not approved by the FDA. It is important to purchase the medication from U.S.-certified pharmacies and outsourcing facilities.

Does insurance cover tirzepatide?

Insurance coverage for tirzepatide depends on your health insurance plan, your out-of-pocket costs, copays, and the indication of using the medication.

Medicaid

Medicaid coverage for tirzepatide varies by state. Most states may cover Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes. You can check the list of preferred drugs in your state’s Medicaid formulary. If it does not cover tirzepatide, ask your healthcare provider to submit an appeal. You can also use Eli Lilly’s directory to find the list of preferred drugs in your state’s Medicaid program and insurance coverage. KFF survey shows that the following Medicaid prescription drug plan may cover at least one medication in the following states:

• Texas
• Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Rhode Island
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Louisiana
• Kansas
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Hawaii
• California

Medicare

An estimated 91% of Medicare prescription drug plans cover Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes. However, it does not cover Zepbound when used solely for weight management but may cover the medication if used for the management of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) associated with obesity. If you have a Medicare Part D plan, the insurance provider may cover Zepbound for medically accepted indications if the medication is included in the plan’s formulary.

You can use the Plan Finder tool by visiting the Medicare website to check coverage of different medications. You will need to enter your information. It will list all drugs covered by different Medicare Part D or Part C plans.

Private and commercial insurance:

Private insurance companies such as Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield may cover Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes management. They will require prior authorization from a licensed healthcare provider. Each insurance company has different eligibility criteria for Mounjaro coverage. However, private and commercial insurance may or may not cover Zepbound for weight loss. Insurance policies vary between insurance providers. Contact your insurance provider or email to verify if they cover tirzepatide.

Zepbound vs. Mounjaro coverage

Mounjaro is used for type 2 diabetes management, which is a medically accepted indication. This is why Mounjaro is covered by most insurance companies while Zepbound is not. Zepbound is indicated for the management of obesity, which is not considered a medical necessity. If you use Zepbound for obstructive sleep apnea, you are more likely to get insurance coverage. It is recommended to discuss your concerns about insurance coverage with your healthcare provider. They will help you choose the most suitable medication.

Why doesn’t insurance cover tirzepatide for weight loss?

Insurance companies do not cover tirzepatide for weight loss because weight management is considered a cosmetic concern or a lifestyle choice rather than a medical indication. Insurance companies may cover tirzepatide for type 2 diabetes or any other weight-related condition, but not for weight loss alone.

How to save on tirzepatide in 2025

Here are a few options to save on tirzepatide in 2025:

Zepbound Savings Card

The manufacturer of Zepbound, Eli Lilly, offers a Zepbound Savings Card if you have private or commercial insurance coverage and are not enrolled in any federal or state government-sponsored insurance like Medicare or Medicaid. You can get the medication for as low as $25 per month with the Zepbound savings card.

• Commercially insured with coverage for Zepbound: If your commercial insurance covers Zepbound (tirzepatide), you can pay as low as $25 per month and save up to $150 per month. Zepbound savings card reduces your co-pay or other costs associated with the medication.
• Commercially insured without coverage for Zepbound: If your commercial insurance does not cover Zepbound, you can still save as much as $469 per month with the Zepbound Savings Card.

Eligibility criteria

• You have a valid Zepbound prescription for its FDA-approved use, as outlined in the product labeling.
• You are enrolled in a commercial drug insurance plan.
• You are not enrolled in any state, federal, or government-funded healthcare program, including, but not limited to, Medicaid, Medicare, Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, DoD, VA, TRICARE®/CHAMPUS, or any state prescription drug assistance program.
• You are a resident of the United States or Puerto Rico.
• You are 18 years of age or older.
• You are not eligible for the Zepbound Savings Card program if your insurance requires you to apply through an alternate funding program (AFP).

Savings with the Zepbound Savings Card

Mounjaro Savings Card

Eli Lilly and Company offers a Mounjaro savings card for commercially insured patients. If you have commercial insurance and you meet the eligibility criteria, you may pay as low as $25 for a 1-month, 2-month, or 3-month supply of the medication.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for the Mounjaro saving card, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be a U.S. resident or Puerto Rico
• You will need to submit a valid prescription from an authorized healthcare provider (for FDA-approved use of the medication, which is for type 2 diabetes management).
• You must be at least 18 years old
• You have a commercial insurance plan that should or should not cover Mounjaro.
• You are not enrolled in state, federal, and government-funded healthcare programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, DoD, TRICARE/CHAMPUS, VA, Medigap, or any state prescription drug assistance program.

Savings for patients with commercial insurance that covers Mounjaro

If your commercial insurance provides coverage for Mounjaro, you can get a 1-month, 2-month, or 3-month prescription fill of Mounjaro for as low as $25. One month’s dosage has 4 pens and lasts for 28 days, and 2 months’ dosage has 8 pens that last for 56 days. The 3-month supply contains 12 pens that are used for 84 days.

Savings for patients with commercial insurance that covers Mounjaro

With the Mounajro savings card, you can get a maximum of 13 prescription fills in 12 months. You will also need to submit a valid HIPAA authorization.

The savings card expires on 12/31/2025.

Savings for patients with commercial insurance that does not cover Mounjaro

If you are commercially insured but your commercial insurance plan does not cover Mounjaro, you can still save $436 off your 1-month prescription fill.

You can get up to 7 prescription fills in 12 months and save $3,241 per year. It also requires a valid HIPAA patient authorization. The savings card expires on 06/30/2025.

Compounding pharmacies

Compounding pharmacies offer compounded tirzepatide between $300 and $400 per month. Compounded tirzepatide is a suitable option when there are drug shortages or when the patient needs a custom dose or form that is not commercially available.

When purchasing compounded tirzepatide, ensure you choose a reputable and licensed pharmacy that meets quality standards.

LillyDirect

LillyDirect self-pay offer has significantly lowered Zepbound costs for eligible patients. You can get:

• 2.5 mg Zepbound single-dose vials for $349 per month
• 5 mg Zepbound single-dose vial for $449 per month
• 7.5 mg Zepbound for $449 per month with a special offer for the first fill and refills within 45 days. The regular price is $599 per month.
• 10 mg Zepbound for $449 per month with a special offer for the first fill and refills within 45 days. The regular price is $699 per month.

Prescription discount cards

Pharmacies such as Optum Perks, WellRx, Singkecare, GoodRx, BuzzRx, and Costco offer prescription discount cards for tirzepatide that can save up to 80%.

The Membership program offered by Costco can save up to 80% on prescription drugs for insured patients. You can get Zepbound for $1,078.99 at Costco Pharmacy. You can also show your Costco membership at participating pharmacies and get the medication at discounted prices.

Alternatives to tirzepatide

If you cannot afford tirzepatide or the medication is unavailable, you can try the following alternatives to tirzepatide:

Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic and Rybelsus)

Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus have semaglutide as an active ingredient. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics the action of the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone. It has 94% structural similarity to glucagon-like peptide-1, which is responsible for promoting satiety or a feeling of fullness after you eat food.  These medications slow down the rate of stomach emptying, decrease glucose production in the liver, enhance insulin release, and suppress appetite. These effects help lower blood sugar levels and body weight.

A clinical study compared the effectiveness of semaglutide (1 mg) and tirzepatide (5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg).  The baseline HbA1c was 8.28%. Participants showed -2.01%, -2.24%, and -2.30% reduction in glycated hemoglobin with 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg tirzepatide, respectively. In comparison, 1 mg semaglutide reduced HbA1c by -1.86% after 40 weeks. Additionally, tirzepatide led to greater weight reduction than semaglutide.

Here are the retail prices of Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus according to GoodRx:

Novo Nordisk offers a Wegovy Savings Card, an Ozempic Savings Card, and a Rybelsus Savings Card for patients with commercial insurance. Eligible patients can get Wegovy for $0 (with commercial insurance coverage for Wegovy) and Ozempic for as low as $25 per month (with commercial insurance coverage for Ozempic). Uninsured patients can get Wegovy for $499 per month with a Wegovy Savings Card.

Liraglutide (Saxenda and Victoza)

Saxenda and Victoza are brand-name medications for liraglutide, which is the first GLP-1 agonist. Saxenda was the first GLP-1 medication to get approval from the FDA for weight management in adults with obesity and overweight with at least one weight-related health condition as an adjunct to exercise, and lifestyle and dietary modifications.

Victoza is FDA-approved for improving blood sugar control in adults and children aged 10 years or older with type 2 diabetes. Unlike tirzepatide, which is administered once a week, Saxenda and Victoza are taken daily, and they do not provide the same cardiovascular benefits as Zepbound and Mounjaro.

Here’s the list and average retail prices of Saxenda and Victoza:

Commercially insured and eligible patients can get Saxenda for $25 per 1-month supply, $50 per 2-month supply, and $75 for a 3-month supply. If your insurance does not cover Saxenda, you can still save up to $200 for a 30-day supply, $400 for a 60-day supply, or $600 for a 90-day supply through the Saxenda savings card.

Dulaglutide (Trulicity)

Trulicity is a brand name for dulaglutide, a GLP-1 agonist. The medication is FDA-approved for managing high sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events (such as heart attack and stroke) in type 2 diabetes patients with existing heart disease or its risk factors. Trulicity can also promote weight loss and has proven cardiovascular benefits.

A clinical trial involved 636 patients to compare the effects of tirzepatide and dulaglutide. HbA1c reduction was -2.8 with 15 mg tirzepatide and -1.3 with 0.75 mg dulaglutide after 52 weeks. The Tirzepatide group showed greater weight reduction (-10.7 kg) with 15 mg, compared to dulaglutide (-0.5 kg). Although dulaglutide has lower efficacy than tirzepatide, it can still be an alternative to Zepbound and Wegovy.

Metformin

Metformin is a biguanide that lowers blood glucose levels by decreasing glucose production in the liver, reducing glucose absorption in the intestines, and enhancing insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes. Unlike tirzepatide injections, which are administered once weekly, metformin is available in the form of oral immediate-release and extended-release tablets.

In SURPASS clinical trials, tirzepatide reduced the A1C by about 1.8 to 2.1% on average with 5 mg once weekly, while metformin reduced glycated hemoglobin levels by 1% to 1.5% after 3-6 months.

Metformin has an average list price of $22.33, which is significantly lower than tirzepatide.

Naltrexone/bupropion (Contrave)

Contrave is a combination of naltrexone and bupropion that is used for chronic weight management in obese (BMI 30 or more) and overweight patients (BMI 27 or more) in combination with a low-calorie diet and exercise.

Oral Contrave tablets are taken twice a day. These tablets cost $330 to $340 for a monthly supply. The prices are significantly lower than tirzepatide.

Phentermine/topiramate (Qsymia)

Qsymia has phentermine and topiramate as its active ingredients. Phentermine is a non-GLP-1 appetite suppressant that increases norepinephrine levels in the brain. High norepinephrine levels reduce hunger. The medication promotes significant weight loss in obese and overweight patients and is well-tolerated among individuals.

A clinical study reveals that patients taking Qsymia lost 8% to 10% of body weight after 13 months (or 56 weeks). Approximately 70% of participants lost at least 5% or more body weight after 12 months with the highest dose of Qsymia.

Qsymia costs $160-190 on average for a monthly supply.

Orlistat (Xenical)

Xenical (orlistat) is an anti-obesity medication that reduces fat absorption (approximately 30%) in the intestines to promote weight reduction. Unlike weekly subcutaneous injections of tirzepatide, Xenical is taken three times per day for weight loss in combination with lifestyle modification such as a low-calorie diet and exercise. If you want to take oral weight loss medication instead of injectables, orlistat can be suitable.

Orlistat capsules are available in 60 mg (Alli) and 120 mg (Xenical) dosages.

The average retail price for orlistat is $889.62 per month or 90 capsules (120 mg), according to SingleCare.

How to get tirzepatide

Zepbound and Mounjaro are prescription medications. You will need to get a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare professional before starting the medication. They will assess your body mass index, blood sugar levels, and medical history to determine if a prescription is appropriate for you.

Zepbound is indicated if:

• You are obese (body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more) or,
• Overweight (BMI 27 or more) and you have at least one weight-related condition, such as diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), hypercholesterolemia, or heart disease, or,
• You have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) due to obesity

You can get a Mounjaro prescription if you have type 2 diabetes.

After getting a prescription from your doctor, you can fill the prescription at the pharmacy and use the savings card from the manufacturer, if eligible. You can also get Zepbound vials at discounted prices from Lilycare Self Pay Pharmacy Solutions.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Why is tirzepatide so expensive? 

Tirzepatide is patent-protected. Eli Lilly and Company owns the patent to manufacture Zepbound and Mounjaro. There are no generic versions of these medications. Due to these reasons, there are no competitors in the market to bring prices down.

Zepbound and Mounjaro are FDA-approved medications. The company Eli Lilly spent a significant amount of money on research, development, and clinical trials before they got approval from the FDA.

How do you get tirzepatide for $25 per month?

You can get tirzepatide for $25 per month by using Zepbound and Mounjaro Savings cards offered by Eli Lilly. If you are a U.S. resident, have commercial insurance that covers these medications and a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare professional, and are not enrolled in any state or government-funded programs, you can use these offers.

Is compounded tirzepatide legal?

Yes, compounded tirzepatide is legal if the medication is compounded by a state-licensed compounding pharmacy or FDA-registered outsourcing facilities in adherence with state and federal laws.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed the compounding of tirzepatide, which should essentially be a copy of FDA-approved medication, under sections 503A and 503B during drug shortages.

Why is Zepbound more expensive than Mounjaro?

Zepbound is more expensive than Mounjaro because most insurance companies do not provide insurance coverage for Zepbound for weight loss. Weight management is not considered a “medical necessity”, instead, it is in the category of cosmetics or lifestyle modifications. Without insurance, Zepbound can be expensive.

Conclusion

Tirzepatide costs $1,000 to $1,300 or more without insurance, which is out of budget for most patients. Medicaid, Medicare, and private and commercial insurance plans can help lower the cost of Mounjaro and Zepbound.

Mounjaro is more likely to be covered by insurance for type 2 diabetes and most insurance providers do not cover Zepbound for weight loss.

With the Mounjaro savings card, you can get Mounjaro for as low as $25 if you have commercial insurance which covers it. If your commercial insurance does not cover Mounjaro, you can still get $436 off your one-month prescription fill. With the LillyDirect self-pay option, you can get 2.5 mg Zepbound vials for $349 and the 5 mg, 7.5 mg and 10 mg dosage strengths for $449 per month.

Before starting the medication, consult your healthcare provider and discuss any concerns you have about insurance coverage to choose the most affordable option. The prices of medications can differ between pharmacies. Compare prices of medications at different pharmacies before purchasing to get them at a lower cost.

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Medicare.gov

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The Lancet

• One of the world's highest impact and oldest general medical journals

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