Generic Zepbound availability: What you need to know
Zepbound is a new and innovative weight loss drug, but what about the cost? Are you wondering when a more affordable, generic version might become available? Here's the inside scoop.
Key highlights
- Zepbound is FDA-approved for weight management in adults with obesity (BMI of 30 or higher) or overweight (BMI of 27 or higher) and related health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes. It’s also approved for the treatment of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity.
- An FDA-approved generic version of Zepbound won’t be available until 2036.
- Compounded tirzepatide is not the same as a generic version of Zepbound.
- Until a generic version of Zepbound is available, patients may be able to save money with insurance, coupons from websites like GoodRx and SingleCare, buying Zepbound vials, or using the Zepbound Savings Card from Eli Lilly.
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is an FDA-approved injectable medication for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with one or more weight-related health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also approved Zepbound for the treatment of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity alongside diet and exercise in December 2024.
Zepbound is a highly effective dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist that activates both glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors.
Zepbound has quickly become popular across the U.S., largely due to its effectiveness in chronic weight management, especially with the rising rates of obesity and growing interest in medical weight loss solutions.
Backed by strong clinical results, it has become one of the most sought-after weight loss medications, leading to high demand that often exceeds supply.
This high cost is the main reason behind the growing interest in a generic version of Zepbound, which could lower out-of-pocket costs and increase access to this weight loss medication. Even with insurance, you may face coverage restrictions or high copays.
No FDA-approved generic Zepbound exists in 2025 due to Eli Lilly’s patent protection lasting until 2036. This blocks other companies from legally making or selling generic copies.
Interested in generic Zepbound for weight loss? Learn the current status, the risks of compounded tirzepatide, FDA-approved alternatives, and savings tips.
Is there a generic for Zepbound?
As of May 2025, there is no FDA-approved generic version of Zepbound available in the United States.
Zepbound is a brand-name prescription medication developed and marketed by Eli Lilly and Company. It contains the active ingredient tirzepatide, which is also used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro).
Zepbound is currently protected by a series of patents held by Eli Lilly. These patents cover both the compound tirzepatide and its specific formulation for therapeutic use.
In the U.S., pharmaceutical patents typically last about 20 years from the filing date, giving the brand manufacturer a long period of market exclusivity. However, this exclusivity can be extended by regulatory mechanisms such as patent term extensions or exclusivity granted by the FDA.
This exclusivity helps companies recover the high costs of drug development but also delays the availability of lower-cost generics.
These patents effectively block the entry of generic versions until they expire or are successfully challenged in court by generic drug companies. In the case of tirzepatide and Zepbound, key patents are expected to remain in effect for over 10 more years, meaning the availability of a lower-cost, FDA-approved generic version is uncertain and not expected soon.
There are also no generic versions of other GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Trulicity.
Side effects of Zepbound
Zepbound is a weekly injection (single-dose pens) administered under the skin (subcutaneously). You can inject the medication under the skin of your stomach, upper arm, or thigh.
While Zepbound can promote weight loss, it’s important to be aware of possible side effects and safety tips when using this medication.
The most common side effects of Zepbound may include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Constipation
- Upset stomach
- Headache
- Hoarseness
- Abdominal pain
Other rare and more serious side effects of Zepbound may include:
- Blurred or changed vision (diabetic retinopathy)
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Gallbladder problems
- Depression or anxiety
- Serious allergic reactions
- Pancreatitis (Inflammation of the pancreas)
- Injection site reactions
If you experience any of these side effects, speak with your doctor right away.
Zepbound has a black box warning from the FDA for the risk of thyroid tumors or thyroid cancer, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
You should not use Zepbound if you:
- Are allergic to tirzepatide or any of the ingredients
- Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- Have type 1 diabetes
- Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- Are breastfeeding, as it is not known if Zepbound passes into breast milk
- Have serious kidney or liver problems
- Have a severe gastrointestinal disease such as gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying)
Understanding compounded tirzepatide for weight loss
Compounded tirzepatide is a customized version of the medication, typically made at specialty compounding pharmacies but not reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Most insurance companies do not cover compounded medications because these medications have not received approval from the FDA.
Compounded versions of tirzepatide are available when there are shortages of brand-name drugs or when the patient needs a custom dose or formulation that is not commercially available.
Compounded tirzepatide is not FDA-approved for weight loss and does not match Zepbound’s specific dosages or formulations. This means its safety, effectiveness, and quality for weight loss are not reviewed or approved by the FDA.
There are also concerns about the quality and source of ingredients in some compounded tirzepatide products. Some compounding pharmacies may use tirzepatide salts, which are not safe or source their ingredients from unregistered or unverified manufacturers, raising potential safety risks.
For those still seeking access to compounded tirzepatide, the safest option is to go through 503A state-licensed pharmacies or 503B FDA-registered outsourcing facilities with a valid prescription. However, it’s important to remember that these are not true generics and do not carry the same FDA approval as Zepbound.
The importance of generic Zepbound for weight loss
The current list price of brand-name Zepbound is $1,086.37 per month without insurance, making it difficult for many patients to afford. A generic alternative could significantly lower this cost, allowing more people to access the treatment they need.
Generic drugs are typically much cheaper than brand-name versions because generic drug manufacturers don’t have to spend money on research, development, or marketing. Once a brand-name drug’s patent expires, other companies can produce generics, which leads to competition and lower prices.
An affordable generic version of Zepbound could also have a positive impact on healthcare overall. Lower drug costs could mean better adherence to treatment, as patients are more likely to take their medication regularly when it’s affordable.
If a generic version of Zepbound were approved, it could change the landscape of weight management treatment. With a lower-cost alternative to the brand-name drug, many more people would have access to evidence-based medical support for weight loss, support that has been out of reach for many due to cost and insurance limitations.
Over time, a widely available and affordable generic Zepbound could be a game changer in addressing the obesity epidemic, reducing the prevalence of obesity-related conditions, and improving overall public health outcomes.
Zepbound cost and insurance coverage
The list price of Zepbound is $1,086.37 per fill, though prices can vary by pharmacy, location, and insurance plan.
The list price isn’t the price you’ll pay at the pharmacy. For people paying out of pocket, the average retail price can vary based on many factors such as your location, the pharmacy you use, the reason your doctor prescribed it, and if you have insurance coverage for the medication.
Check your insurance plan’s medication list (formulary) or contact your insurance provider to see if Zepbound is covered. Some plans may have restrictions like step therapy or prior authorization before covering Zepbound. Employer-sponsored insurance may cover Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes, but most plans, including Medicare and Medicaid plans, won’t cover Mounjaro or Zepbound for weight loss or obesity due to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act law that prohibits it. Contact your insurance provider for coverage details.
Zepbound savings tips
Here are a few strategies to reduce the cost of brand-name Zepbound:
Zepbound Savings Card
Use the Zepbound savings card offered by the manufacturer, Eli Lilly, to save if you have private or commercial insurance coverage and do not have any government-sponsored insurance like Medicare or Medicaid. If eligible, it can lower the cost to as low as $25 per month.
You cannot be enrolled in any state, federal, or government-funded healthcare program, such as Medicaid, Medicare, Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, DoD, VA, TRICARE, or any state prescription drug assistance program. You must also be a resident of the United States or Puerto Rico and be at least 18 years old.
Zepbound coupons and discount cards
You can get Zepbound coupons or Zepbound prescription discount cards through prescription drug savings companies like Drugs.com, SingleCare, OptumPerks, and GoodRx which offer up to 25% off the retail price. These coupons work at pharmacies near you without insurance. Prices vary by quantity, pharmacy, location, and medication form.
90-day refills
Some mail-order pharmacies offer discounts on a 3-month supply of medications. Ordering a 90-day supply at a time can also be more convenient. Eligibility may vary by your insurance plan’s quantity limits.
Alternative options such as HSA or FSA funds
If you have an HSA or FSA, you can use those funds to help pay for Zepbound.
Patient assistance programs (PAP)
Patient Assistance Programs are programs offered by drug manufacturers to provide medications at a lower cost or for free to those who need financial help. Currently, Eli Lilly’s Lilly Cares Foundation does not cover Zepbound, but this could change. Call The Lilly Answers Center Monday to Friday at 1-800-Lilly-Rx (1-800-545-5979) to see if you qualify for any other financial assistance programs.
Single-dose vials
You can purchase single-dose Zepbound vials (2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg and 10 mg) through LillyDirect, which can be cheaper than the pens if you’re paying out of pocket.
With LillyDirect, Zepbound vials have a monthly cost of $349 for 2.5 mg and $499 for 5 mg, 7.5 mg, and 10 mg.
FDA-approved alternatives for weight loss
It’s essential to remember that any changes to your weight loss medication, whether starting, stopping, or switching, depend on your medical condition and should only be made under the medical advice of a qualified healthcare provider. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all over-the-counter medications, supplements, and vitamins you take.
Here are some commonly used GLP-1 receptor agonists and non-GLP-1 Zepbound alternatives currently available in the U.S. for weight loss:
Wegovy (semaglutide)
Wegovy contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic, semaglutide, but at a higher dose (2.4 mg). It is specifically approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight who have at least one weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.
In addition to weight loss, Wegovy is approved to lower the risk of serious heart problems for adults who are overweight or obese and have heart disease.
Wegovy and Ozempic are also FDA-approved for reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke) in adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease and for reducing the risk of worsening kidney disease and cardiovascular death in adults with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes.
Novo Nordisk has a savings card program for Wegovy. If eligible, you could get Wegovy for as low as $0/month.
Ozempic (semaglutide)
Ozempic is a prescription medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Its active ingredient, semaglutide, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps regulate blood sugar levels and also promotes weight loss. However, a lower dose of semaglutide is used in Ozempic as compared to that in Wegovy, a medication specifically approved for chronic weight management.
Ozempic is typically prescribed in doses ranging from 0.5 mg to 2.0 mg once weekly.
Despite being approved only for diabetes, Ozempic is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss. Doctors may consider this approach for patients who meet clinical criteria for weight management.
Novo Nordisk has a savings card program for Ozempic. If eligible, you can pay as low as $25/month.
Ozempic is also available through the Novo Nordisk patient assistance program for those who meet insurance and income requirements. If eligible, you could receive free Ozempic directly from the manufacturer.
Saxenda (liraglutide)
Saxenda is another GLP-1 medication with the same active ingredient as Victoza, liraglutide. It’s used for chronic weight management in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity in adults with obesity or overweight.
Saxenda is a daily injection approved for weight loss. Approved in 2010, Saxenda (liraglutide) was the first GLP-1 medication approved for weight loss in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related health issue. It is also approved for certain children 12 and older with obesity.
Saxenda, being an older GLP-1 medication, has some downsides compared to newer options like Zepbound. For example, it’s taken daily instead of weekly, and you might lose less weight with it.
In a 56-week clinical trial, people taking Saxenda 3 mg once a day lost an average of 18 lbs, while those using a placebo injection only lost 8 lbs. It has also shown heart health benefits for people with diabetes or those at high risk of heart disease.
Novo Nordisk has a savings card program for Saxenda. If eligible, you could get Saxenda for as low as $25/month.
Generic liraglutide
The FDA approved liraglutide, the first generic of a once-daily GLP-1 injection, in December 2024.
Manufactured by Hikma Pharmaceuticals, this once-daily injectable is for glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes. It has a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors and other safety considerations.
Contrave (Naltrexone/bupropion)
Contrave is a combination of two drugs, naltrexone and bupropion. It is an oral medication taken twice daily and used to help with weight loss by reducing hunger and cravings. It combines two drugs, naltrexone and bupropion, to affect brain chemicals that control hunger.
On average, Contrave costs $694–817 per month without insurance.
Qsymia (Phentermine/topiramate)
Qsymia is a combination of two drugs, phentermine and topiramate. Topiramate is a once-daily medication used to treat seizures and prevent migraines. Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that works by increasing levels of norepinephrine in the brain, which signals a decrease in hunger.
It can also be used for weight loss in combination with other drugs. On average, Qsymia costs $149 per month without insurance.
Xenical or Alli (Orlistat)
It is taken three times daily and helps with weight loss by blocking the absorption of some fat from the food you eat.
It works in the stomach and intestines to reduce the number of calories your body absorbs. On average, Xenical costs $709 per month without insurance.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is an FDA-approved medication to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It’s also prescribed off-label for reducing body weight combined with diet and exercise.
Mounjaro works by targeting two hormones (GLP-1 and GIP), unlike Ozempic, which only targets GLP-1, which may explain its stronger effects. It’s a powerful option, but the higher cost can be a barrier for many patients.
Mounjaro is a newer injectable medication that is more potent than Ozempic for both blood sugar control and weight loss. However, it is also more expensive and may not be covered by all insurance plans.
When will generic Zepbound be available in the U.S.?
A generic version of a drug can only be made after the brand-name drug’s patent and exclusivity rights expire. For Zepbound, the company Eli Lilly has a patent on the medicine and the injection device.
The timeline for a true generic Zepbound is unknown due to ongoing patent protections. Eli Lilly’s patents on tirzepatide and the injection device will not expire until at least 2036, but legal delays and challenges could push generic availability to 2037 or 2038.
Teva and Lupin are expected to be first in line to make authorized generics once these patents expire or are challenged.
The process is complicated by the nature of pharmaceutical patent law, which involves not just patents on the drug itself but also on formulations, delivery methods, and manufacturing processes. Legal disputes over these patents could further delay generic entry, especially for tirzepatide used for weight loss.
In the meantime, there are growing efforts and conversations around making medications more affordable for people with obesity, including calls for lower prices, expanded insurance coverage, and greater transparency in drug pricing.
Why Zepbound’s generic timeline is different than Ozempic
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is a newer drug that is protected by patents until 2036 (and possibly longer with secondary patents), while Ozempic (semaglutide) patents expire around 2032.
Generics can only launch after primary and secondary patents expire (or are invalidated). This means Zepbound is legally protected for a longer time.
Zepbound works in a more complex way. It targets two hormones (GIP and GLP-1), while Ozempic targets only one (GLP-1). The dual-targeting nature of tirzepatide makes it more complex to replicate, especially maintaining the same activity and stability, key for FDA biosimilar approval.
Due to its novel structure and dual action, creating a biosimilar (not just a generic, since it’s a biologic) is far more difficult and costlier. Manufacturing tirzepatide requires advanced peptide synthesis and conjugation technology, which few companies have access to, so it’s unlikely that a generic or biosimilar version will come out before 2030.
FAQs
Can I get Zepbound for $25/month?
Yes, you can get Zepbound for $25 per month if you have commercial insurance that covers the medication through Eli Lilly’s Zepbound savings card program.
Is compounded tirzepatide safe?
Compounded tirzepatide is not approved by the FDA, and may be safe depending on which compounding pharmacy you purchase from. Always buy compounded medications from licensed 503A pharmacies or 503B registered facilities.
What’s the closest drug to Zepbound?
The closest drug to Zepbound is Mounjaro because they both have the same active ingredient, tirzepatide. Ozempic and Wegovy are similar but use a different ingredient called semaglutide.
Does Canada sell generic Zepbound?
No, Canada does not currently sell a generic version of Zepbound (tirzepatide). However, Sandoz plans to launch a generic version of semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) in Canada in 2026, following the expiration of Novo Nordisk’s patent.
Conclusion
As of 2025, no FDA-approved generic version of Zepbound is available in the United States.
While compounded tirzepatide has been offered by some pharmacies, it is not a generic drug and lacks the rigorous safety, quality, and efficacy reviews of FDA-approved medications.
If you have private or commercial insurance, you could pay as low as $25 with the Zepbound Savings Card. You can also consider buying Zepbound vials through LillyDirect which are 50% less expensive than Zepbound pens.
If you were prescribed the medication for weight loss, you should check if your insurance covers other GLP-1 weight loss medications like Wegovy, which also has a savings card program.
It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to choose the best treatment plan for weight loss based on individual needs, insurance coverage, and cost considerations.
You can also speak with your healthcare provider about other options, including alternative medications that may be less expensive or covered by your insurance plan.
