Mounjaro® Cost Without Insurance 2026

How Much is Mounjaro® Without Insurance?

Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) is an FDA-approved injectable medication for adults with type 2 diabetes, and is used alongside diet and exercise to help improve blood sugar control.

Mounjaro® works by mimicking two gut hormones—GLP-1 and GIP. These hormones slow digestion, may reduce appetite, and help the body manage glucose more effectively. The medication is administered as a once-weekly injection using a pre-filled pen, with doses ranging from 2.5 mg to 15 mg depending on your treatment plan.

While Mounjaro® is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, it is not FDA-approved for weight loss, though some healthcare providers may prescribe it off-label at their clinical discretion.

If you’re exploring Mounjaro® for reasons beyond diabetes management, a licensed healthcare provider can help determine if it’s appropriate for your individual health needs. This is especially true since Mounjaro® may cause side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, decreased appetite, and fatigue. 

So, what about the costs? 

If you’re paying out of pocket, Mounjaro® without insurance will cost between $995 and $1,300 per month, depending on where you fill your prescription and what discounts you may be able to access.

Eli Lilly’s official list price is $1,112 for a 28-day supply of four pens. But the list price isn’t necessarily what you’ll pay at the pharmacy counter. Ultimately, retail prices vary by location, pharmacy markup policies, and whether you use a discount card or a coupon.

At the lower end, some warehouse pharmacies and discount programs can bring the price down to around $995-$1,075 per month. At the higher end, some retail chains charge $1,150 or more, and the average retail price is around $1,294 before discounts.

This means uninsured patients could face annual costs exceeding $12,000 just for this one medication. But it’s worth noting that this isn’t always the case.

‍

{{primary-cta}}

‍

Factors Impacting Mounjaro® Cost

Several factors affect how much Mounjaro® costs without insurance at different locations:

• Pharmacy markup policies: Each pharmacy sets its own pricing above the wholesale cost.
• Geographic location: Prices can vary significantly across states and even within neighborhoods.
• Your prescribed dosage: While Eli Lilly’s list price is consistent across doses, some pharmacies price higher doses differently.
• Pharmacy type: Chain pharmacies, independent pharmacies, warehouse clubs, and mail-order services all price differently.

Unlike Zepbound®, Eli Lilly has not introduced a lower-cost self-pay vial option for Mounjaro®. Unfortunately, this means uninsured patients have fewer discount pathways compared to the weight-management version of tirzepatide.

How to Get Mounjaro® for $25 Without Insurance: Is It Possible?

The short answer? No, it’s not possible without some kind of insurance. The advertised $25 price is available only through Eli Lilly's Mounjaro Savings Card and requires commercial insurance coverage.

Here’s a breakdown on how the savings card actually works:

• If your insurance covers Mounjaro®, you may pay as little as $25/month for a 1-, 2-, or 3-month supply for an approved use consistent with the FDA-approved labeling.
• If your insurance doesn’t cover Mounjaro®, you may pay as low as $499 for a 1-month fill. Card savings are subject to program maximums (currently up to $647 per month and up to $8,411 per year), and require commercial insurance that does not cover Mounjaro® and a prescription for an approved use consistent with FDA-approved labeling (see full terms).
• If you have no commercial insurance, you don’t qualify for the savings card at all.

Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE®, VA, and other government-sponsored plans are also excluded from the program.

So, while “Mounjaro® for $25” makes a great headline, it’s not a reality for patients paying out of pocket. Without commercial insurance, you should expect to pay closer to $995-$1,300/month.

Tips for Saving on Mounjaro® Without Insurance

Mounjaro® is one of the more expensive medications on the market—but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. So, here are the most effective ways to lower your out-of-pocket costs if you don’t have insurance coverage.

• Use a Mounjaro® coupon without insurance. Pharmacy discount programs can bring prices down to $995-$1,062 at participating locations. These work like coupons and don’t require insurance. Simply search for Mounjaro® on a discount card website, download the coupon, and present it at the pharmacy when you fill your prescription.
• Compare pharmacy prices before filling. Prices can vary by $200-$300 between pharmacies in the same area. Warehouse clubs sometimes offer the lowest prices, while some retail chains may charge significantly more. Thus, it may be worth calling around or checking discount card websites to compare before committing.
• Order a 90-day supply. Buying in bulk may reduce your per-dose cost and save you trips to the pharmacy. Ask your healthcare provider whether a 90-day prescription is appropriate for your treatment plan.
• Try mail-order pharmacies. Mail-order options often beat local retail prices and may include free shipping. Some services also offer auto-refill discounts or subscription pricing that can add up to meaningful savings over time.
• Use telehealth services. Virtual healthcare platforms, such as Eden, coordinate access to licensed healthcare providers who can evaluate your health needs, discuss treatment options, and help you understand potential cost considerations.

Eden can help streamline your next steps by connecting you with licensed healthcare providers who can review your health history, discuss whether Mounjaro® or another option may be appropriate, and help you understand cost considerations. That may include reviewing coverage details, discussing prior authorization if relevant, and walking through potential savings programs, pharmacy discount options, or alternative medications that may better fit your budget.

‍

{{primary-cta}}

‍

Alternative Medications to Consider

If Mounjaro® isn’t affordable or accessible for your situation, other FDA-approved options may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider.

GLP-1 Alternatives

Several other GLP-1 receptor agonists are available for type 2 diabetes management, including:

• Ozempic® (semaglutide): A once-weekly injectable FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. Retail pricing is similar to Mounjaro®, though some direct-to-consumer pharmacy programs offer reduced pricing for eligible patients.
• Rybelsus® (semaglutide): An oral GLP-1 option for patients who prefer pills over injections. It contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic® in tablet form.
• Trulicity® (dulaglutide): Another once-weekly injectable for type 2 diabetes. Discount coupons may significantly reduce the retail price.

Non-GLP-1 Options

Alternatively, you and your doctor may discuss non-GLP-1 options, depending on your specific health situation. These may include:

• Metformin: This is a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes that’s been used for decades. It’s one of the most affordable prescription options available, often costing less than $20/month, and is widely covered by insurance.
• SGLT2 inhibitors: These are a different class of diabetes medication that helps control blood sugar. 

At the same time, it’s worth noting that only a licensed healthcare provider can determine which medication is appropriate for your individual health needs, medical history, and treatment goals. These alternatives may not be suitable for everyone and carry their own risks and side effects.

Patient Assistance Programs

If discount cards and alternative medications still leave Mounjaro® out of reach, patient assistance programs may help cover the cost—or eliminate it entirely.

Lilly Cares Foundation

The Lilly Cares Foundation is Eli Lilly’s charitable program that may provide certain medications at no cost to eligible U.S. patients; however, covered medications are product-specific—confirm whether Mounjaro® is currently included before applying

PAN Foundation and Other Grants

The PAN Foundation and HealthWell Foundation may also offer grants for qualifying individuals.

‍

Final Thoughts

So how much does Mounjaro® cost without insurance? The reality is $995-$1,300 per month at most pharmacies. However, some programs and other options may help cut these costs.

At the end of the day, the right medication is one that works for your health and fits your budget over the long term. A licensed healthcare provider can help you determine what’s best for you.

‍