When will Zepbound be available at U.S. pharmacies?

The release of Zepbound has been highly anticipated since the launch of the breakthrough type 2 diabetes medication Mounjaro, manufactured by the same U.S. pharmaceutical company, Eli Lilly and Company. Mounjaro and Zepbound have the same active ingredient, tirzepatide, while Zepbound was recently approved by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) in 2023 as a chronic weight management prescription medication.

Zepbound is currently available in pharmacies throughout the United States. Learn more about Zepbound benefits, where to buy it, and money-saving options.

Zepbound benefits

Zepbound (tirzepatide) is an innovative injectable prescription medicine used along with diet and exercise for weight loss in adults with obesity and and at least one weight-related health condition.

Zepbound has not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis, or with severe gastrointestinal disease, including severe gastroparesis. Discussing your medical history with your healthcare providers is important, as these may be reasons to avoid the medication.

Following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval on Nov. 8, 2023 , people with obesity can purchase Zepbound in the following six doses: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg, through a valid prescription that can be filled at a mail-order pharmacy or retail pharmacy.

In clinical trials, tirzepatide has proven to be more effective for weight loss compared to similar medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy.

Zepbound combines glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) to help regulate blood sugar levels that effectively promote weight loss.

Along with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity, Zepbound is FDA approved for weight loss and chronic weight management in:

• adults who have obesity, which is defined as a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or more, or;
• adults who are overweight, which is defined as a BMI of 27 or more in addition to at least one weight-related medical problems, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, or type 2 diabetes

Common side effects of Zepbound include nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach (abdominal pain), injection site reactions, and stomach (abdominal) pain, although clinical trials have shown that these side effects will likely subdue with continued use once the body gets used to using the medication. Stop using Zepbound if you experience any serious allergic reactions and seek medical advice promptly from a healthcare professional.

Clinical trials

The superior efficacy of this medication has been demonstrated in clinical trials compared with other similar medications. Evidence from a 36-week SURMOUNT-4 clinical trial showed that patients taking tirzepatide experienced an initial mean weight reduction of 20.9% from a mean body weight of 236.6 lbs.

The clinical trial also demonstrated the overall safety of tirzepatide as reported in previous trials, with the most common side effect reported as gastro-related including nausea and other stomach-related problems.

Zepbound availability at U.S. pharmacies

Availability may change occasionally in different parts of the country as this medication is in high demand since it was FDA approved.

Is Zepbound available now?

Zepbound is available now for purchase at U.S. pharmacies with a prescription from a licensed U.S. healthcare provider.

Shortages

Shortages are expected with this newly FDA approved medication as has been the case with other new medications such as Mounjaro, Ozempic and Wegovy. “Unprecedented demand” is expected for Zepbound once it is launched.

Pharmacists, physicians, and patients have reported a strained supply of Zepbound, Lilly’s new weight-loss medication.

You can monitor the up to date list of medication shortages on the FDA Drug Shortages website.

How to save money on Zepbound

There are multiple options to save money on this weight loss drug. Check with your insurance company if they cover anti-obesity medications such as Zepbound and start exploring your options.

Savings cards

If you have commercial insurance coverage, you may be eligible for the Zepbound Savings Card and could possibly pay as low as $25.  The savings card is provided by the manufacturer, Eli Lilly.

Compounded tirzepatide

You can also consider buying compounded tirzepatide (the same active ingredient as Zepbound), available through the NiceRx Weight Loss Program.

The bottom line

As demonstrated in clinical trials, Zepbound is a superior weight loss medication in comparison to other medications on the market and is currently available at U.S. pharmacies, although shortages are expected due to strong demand from patients.

Stay updated with the latest availability of this medication. If you can’t purchase this medication due to shortages and the medication is on the FDA drug shortage list, consider purchasing the compounded version of tirzepatide or consult with healthcare professionals regarding alternative options that may be appropriate for you.