Zepbound is a popular medication for weight management and obstructive sleep apnea. Many people want to know its cost, especially without insurance.
This article explains how much Zepbound costs without coverage in 2025, along with savings options and tips to manage expenses.
What Is Zepbound?
Zepbound, with the active ingredient tirzepatide, is an FDA-approved weekly injection. It helps adults with obesity or overweight conditions lose weight. It also treats obstructive sleep apnea in those with obesity. The drug mimics hormones to reduce appetite and promote fullness.
Zepbound is available as single-dose pens or vials. It comes in strengths like 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg. Patients use it alongside diet and exercise for best results.
Why Zepbound Costs Vary
The price of Zepbound depends on several factors. Without insurance, you pay the full retail price, which can be high.
Pharmacies, dosage, and supply duration affect the cost. Discounts or patient assistance programs can lower expenses.
Insurance coverage also plays a big role. Some plans cover Zepbound, reducing out-of-pocket costs. Without coverage, you may face the full price, making it important to explore savings options.
Zepbound Cost Without Insurance
Without insurance, Zepbound can be expensive. The list price for a one-month supply (four pens) is around $1,086.37, based on 2025 data. This breaks down to about $271.59 per week or $14,122.68 per year.
For vials, costs differ. A one-month supply of 2.5 mg vials costs around $349, while 5 mg vials cost about $499 through LillyDirect. Prices vary by pharmacy, so shopping around helps.
Zepbound Vial vs. Pen Costs
Zepbound comes in two forms: prefilled pens and vials. Pens are convenient but pricier. Vials require a syringe and needle, which aren’t included, but they’re often cheaper.
Here’s a quick comparison of costs without insurance:
| Form | Strength | One-Month Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Pen | 2.5 mg | $1,086.37 |
| Vial | 2.5 mg | $349 |
| Vial | 5 mg | $499 |
Prices are estimates and may vary by pharmacy.
Factors Affecting Zepbound’s Price
Several factors influence how much is Zepbound without insurance. The dosage strength impacts the cost, with higher doses often costing more. The number of pens or vials in a prescription also matters.
Pharmacy pricing varies across locations. Online or mail-order pharmacies may offer lower prices. Additional fees, like syringes for vials, can add to the total cost.
Savings Options for Zepbound
Even without insurance, you can reduce Zepbound’s cost. Eli Lilly, the manufacturer, offers savings programs for eligible patients. These programs help lower out-of-pocket expenses significantly.
Exploring alternative pharmacies is another way to save. Some offer discounts or price matching. Patient assistance programs may also provide financial support for those who qualify.
Zepbound Savings Card
Eli Lilly’s Zepbound Savings Card is a popular option. For those with commercial insurance, it can lower costs to as little as $25 for a one- or three-month supply. Without insurance, it offers up to $469 off a one-month prescription.
The card has limits, like a maximum annual savings of $6,097. It’s not available for government insurance users, like Medicare or Medicaid. Check eligibility at zepbound.lilly.com.
Pharmacy Discounts and Price Shopping
Price shopping can save money. Websites like GoodRx or SingleCare offer discounts, sometimes up to 20% off. These platforms let you compare prices at local pharmacies.
Enter your zip code on these sites for accurate estimates. Prices fluctuate, so check regularly. Some pharmacies also offer loyalty programs for additional savings.
Patient Assistance Programs
Eli Lilly and other organizations offer patient assistance programs. These provide free or discounted medication to those with financial hardship. Eligibility often depends on income and insurance status.
Contact Lilly directly or visit their website for details. Nonprofits and local health clinics may also guide you to similar programs.
Alternatives to Zepbound
If Zepbound is too expensive, consider alternatives. Other GLP-1 receptor agonists, like Wegovy or Ozempic, may have different pricing. However, they’re also costly without insurance.
Lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise, are cost-free options. Working with a doctor or nutritionist can help manage weight without medication. Discuss all options with your healthcare provider.
Comparing Zepbound to Other Medications
Here’s a brief look at similar medications:
- Wegovy (semaglutide): Costs around $1,300 per month without insurance.
- Ozempic (semaglutide): Around $900–$1,200 per month, mainly for diabetes.
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide): Similar to Zepbound, used for diabetes, with comparable costs.
Prices vary, and savings programs may apply. Consult your doctor to find the best fit.
Tips to Manage Zepbound Costs
Managing Zepbound’s cost without insurance requires planning. Start by comparing pharmacy prices online. Use discount platforms like GoodRx to find the lowest rates.
Ask your doctor about lower doses or vials to save money. Apply for savings cards or assistance programs early. Budget for ongoing costs, as Zepbound is a long-term treatment.
Using Mail-Order Pharmacies
Mail-order pharmacies can lower costs. They often offer 90-day supplies, reducing trips and fees. Some Medicare plans cover mail-order options, even if Zepbound isn’t fully covered.
Check with your doctor or LillyDirect for mail-order availability. Ensure the pharmacy is reputable to avoid counterfeit drugs.
Appealing Insurance Denials
If you have insurance but Zepbound isn’t covered, appeal the decision. Your doctor can submit paperwork showing medical necessity, like BMI or health conditions. This may increase coverage chances.
Contact your insurance provider for appeal steps. Persistence can lead to partial or full coverage, reducing costs significantly.
How Effective Is Zepbound?
Zepbound is highly effective for weight loss and sleep apnea. Clinical trials show patients lose 15–21% of body weight in 72 weeks. For sleep apnea, 42% of users saw mild or no symptoms after a year.
These benefits make Zepbound appealing, but cost is a barrier. Weigh the effectiveness against your budget to decide if it’s worth the investment.
Is Zepbound Worth the Cost?
Deciding if Zepbound is worth the cost depends on your goals. For significant weight loss or sleep apnea relief, it can be life-changing. However, the high price without insurance requires careful consideration.
Explore all savings options before committing. Discuss with your doctor to ensure Zepbound aligns with your health and financial situation.
Summary
Zepbound is a powerful medication for weight management and obstructive sleep apnea, but its cost without insurance can be steep, around $1,086.37 per month for pens or $349–$499 for vials.
Factors like dosage, pharmacy, and supply duration affect the price. Savings options, like the Zepbound Savings Card, pharmacy discounts, and patient assistance programs, can lower expenses.
Alternatives like Wegovy or lifestyle changes may be more affordable. By comparing prices, using mail-order pharmacies, and exploring assistance, you can manage costs effectively. Always consult your doctor to balance Zepbound’s benefits with your budget.
FAQ
How much is Zepbound without insurance?
Without insurance, Zepbound costs about $1,086.37 for a one-month supply of pens. Vials are cheaper, around $349 for 2.5 mg or $499 for 5 mg. Prices vary by pharmacy.
Can I get Zepbound cheaper without insurance?
Yes, use the Zepbound Savings Card for up to $469 off a one-month supply. Compare pharmacy prices on GoodRx or apply for patient assistance programs.
Are there alternatives to Zepbound?
Wegovy and Ozempic are similar medications but also costly. Lifestyle changes like diet and exercise are affordable options. Consult your doctor for the best choice.
Does the Zepbound Savings Card work without insurance?
Yes, it offers up to $469 off a one-month supply for those without coverage. Annual savings are capped at $6,097. Check eligibility online.
Can mail-order pharmacies save money on Zepbound?
Mail-order pharmacies often offer lower prices and 90-day supplies. LillyDirect and other reputable services can reduce costs. Verify the pharmacy’s legitimacy.