Weight Loss
11 min read
Written by Klarity Editorial Team
Published: Mar 19, 2024
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Sheelu Bhatnagar
If you’ve been prescribed Zepbound for weight loss — or want to be — you may be wondering how much does Zepbound cost. This article gives you the details on what the manufacturer Elli Lilly charges pharmacies, what you’ll pay if you don’t have insurance or a coupon, how to save, and how insurance coverage may impact your price.
First, here’s the skinny on Zepbound if you don’t already know.
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is a newer weight loss medication. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2023 and started hitting U.S. pharmacy shelves in December 2023. Its active ingredient, tirzepatide, is a dual glucagon-like peptide-1/gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GLP-1/GIP) agonist medication.
GLP-1 agonists, like Wegovy, are popular for weight loss. Combining a GIP agonist with a GLP-1 receptor agonist may work even better. The 2 together help reduce appetite and food intake while they increase feelings of fullness (satiety) at the same time.
In clinical trials, people taking Zepbound for weight loss combined with diet and exercise lost up to 18% of their body weight over 72 weeks. For a 200-pound person, 18% weight loss equals 36 pounds. Comparatively, in a clinical trial on Wegovy, participants lost an average of 14.9% of their starting body weight in 68 weeks. That’s just under 30 pounds for a 200-pound person.
You’re a potential candidate for Zepbound if your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or more or is equal to or more than 27 and you have one or more weight-related health conditions, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes. You do need to use Zepbound as part of a medical weight loss program that includes exercise and a reduced calorie diet.
So how much will Zepbound set you back if you do end up taking it? Here’s a breakdown of pricing and savings options.
In a press release in November 2023, Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Zepbound, reported the list price for Zepbound (what it charges pharmacies) at $1,059.87 for a 28-day tirzepatide dose supply of 4 prefilled single-use injection pens. A 28-day supply of all doses, which includes 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, and 15 milligram single-dose pens — costs the same.
List price isn’t the price you pay. Pharmacies charge you or your insurance a retail price, which is list price plus the pharmacies’ markup.
The retail price is what a pharmacy charges for Zepbound. That may be the price you pay or the price the pharmacy charges your insurance if you have it.
At the time of publication of this article, the retail price of a 28-day supply of Zepbound — regardless of dosage — is $1,125.54 according to drugs.com.
Every pharmacy is going to have a different mark up though. So your actual retail price will vary. You may pay anywhere from $1,000 to $1,400, give or take.
And whether you have insurance or not, you may not pay the full retail price.
To help make Zepbound more affordable, Eli Lilly offers the Zepbound Savings Card program. It’s only available to people who have insurance. But, you can save whether Zepbound is covered by insurance or not.
If your insurance covers Zepbound (you can find out on Elli Lilly’s Zepbound website), you could pay just $25 for a 1-month or 3-month supply of Zepbound.
If your insurance doesn’t cover Zepbound, you could still pay just $550 for a 1-month supply for up to 24 months, which is 2 years.
To be eligible for the Zepbound Savings Card, you need to:
If you have insurance, whether or not your plan covers Zepbound depends on your plan. Check with your insurance provider to find out if it covers Zepbound under your prescription benefits. You also want to find out how much they’ll pay toward it.
There’s no generic versions of Zepbound. Your plan may put it in a higher drug tier, which means you pay a higher out-of-pocket cost compared to preferred brand or generic drugs in a lower tier..
Even with insurance, you’ll likely pay a drug copay or coinsurance until you meet your deductible and/or out-of-pocket costs. The best way to find out details on what you’ll pay, is to call your insurance company’s customer service number, which can be found on the back of your ID card. Know that Medicaid, Medicare, and government insurance program coverage of weight loss drugs, like Zepbound, varies by program and state.
According to Elli Lilly, most insurance companies also require a prior authorization before they cover Zebpound, even if it’s covered on your plan. Prior authorization requires your health care provider to submit a letter to your insurance company telling them that the medication is medically necessary. The process may take 1 to 3 weeks. And your plan may not approve the authorization, in which case you can appeal.
At an average retail cost of $1,125.54 for a 28-day supply, what Zepbound costs can put a dent in our wallet if you don’t have insurance. But, you don’t likely have to pay full price. If you have insurance that covers Zepbound, you’ll pay less. And whether or not you have insurance, you can take advantage of the Zepbound Savings Card program to cut your costs.
Always talk to your provider about any medication you’re prescribed. Know that Zepbound has side effects as does any medication. Know what they are and make sure you follow your providers’ instructions for taking any weight-loss injection or pill.
If the cost of Zepbound proves too high, talk to your doctor about alternative prescription weight loss options.
Find a healthcare provider on Klarity Health specialized in weight loss and start your journey to a healthier weight by having an appointment within 24 hours.*
*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.
If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.
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