Zepbound® Cost Without Insurance 2026

What is Zepbound®?

Zepbound® (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly injectable medication approved by the FDA for chronic weight management. It’s prescribed to adults with:

• A BMI of 30 or higher (obesity), or
• A BMI of 27 or higher (overweight) with at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.

Zepbound® works by mimicking two gut hormones—GLP-1 and GIP, which regulate appetite and blood sugar. 

In December 2024, the FDA also approved Zepbound® for adults with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and obesity—making it the first medication approved to treat OSA directly. 

Like all prescription medications, Zepbound® has risks and side effects. Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort; a licensed healthcare provider can help determine whether Zepbound® is appropriate for you.

Yet, healthcare costs can quickly add up. So, what should you expect to pay for tirzepatide? And what exactly is the cost of Zepbound® without insurance?

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Tirzepatide Cost Without Insurance

Without insurance, Zepbound® is one of the pricier weight-loss medications on the market—but recent price cuts have made it more affordable for some self-paying patients.

Eli Lilly’s list price is $1,086 per month (for four pens), which works out to roughly $272/week or over $14,000/year for continuous treatment. However, what you’ll actually pay depends on where you fill your prescription and your specific dosage.

List Price vs. Actual Price

The list price is what Eli Lilly charges wholesalers, not necessarily what you’ll pay at the pharmacy. Here’s how costs break down:

• With commercial insurance + savings card: As low as $25/month
• With insurance, no savings card: $100-$800/month (depending on your plan’s tier)
• Without insurance (retail pharmacy): $1,250-$1,284/month for pre-filled pens
• Without insurance (LillyDirect vials): $299-$449/month

Often, cash-paying patients at major pharmacy chains can expect to pay above the list price. And this is why many uninsured patients are turning to Eli Lilly’s direct-purchase or telehealth options instead.

Eden can help you navigate Lilly’s Self Pay Journey Program by connecting you with a licensed healthcare provider who can evaluate whether Zepbound® is appropriate for you. If you are prescribed brand-name medications like Zepbound® (tirzepatide) (and, when clinically appropriate, Mounjaro®), Eden-affiliated providers can help facilitate access by providing a valid prescription. That prescription may be used to access discounted self-pay single-dose vial options through LillyDirect’s Self Pay Journey Program, subject to Lilly’s terms. Eden does not dispense medication; LillyDirect’s pharmacy partners dispense and ship it, and pricing and eligibility may change.

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Zepbound® Cost by Dose (2.5 mg to 15 mg)

Depending on your situation, doctors may start with a 2.5 mg weekly dose for four weeks before moving to a gradual increase or a maintenance dose. And luckily, Eli Lilly recently reduced prices for cash-paying patients with valid prescriptions. 

The new monthly rates for single-dose vials are:

• 2.5 mg dose: $299 (reduced from $349)
• 5 mg dose: $399 (reduced from $499)
• 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg doses: $449 each (reduced from $499)

It’s worth noting, however, that LillyDirect’s Self Pay Journey Program exclusively offers these discounted prices.

Monthly Cost Range: $299-$449

For self-paying patients, LillyDirect’s vial pricing represents one of the more affordable ways to access Zepbound® without insurance. At $299-$449/month, it’s roughly 50-70% less than retail pharmacy prices for pre-filled pens.

That said, even at these reduced rates, annual costs can still exceed $5,000, making it essential to explore all your savings options before committing.

Tools, such as GoodRx and SingleCare, may also help reduce costs by up to 20% at retail pharmacies, though prices vary by location. 

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Tips for Saving on Zepbound®

Here are the most effective ways to lower your out-of-pocket costs:

• Use the Zepbound® Savings Card. Eli Lilly and Company offers a savings card for eligible patients with commercial insurance. If your plan covers Zepbound®, you may pay as little as $25/month. If it doesn’t, the card may still reduce your out-of-pocket costs, though pricing can vary. Medicare, Medicaid, and government plans aren’t eligible. Enroll at zepbound.lilly.com or call 1-800-545-6962.
• Compare pharmacy discount programs. For those paying cash for prefilled pens, discount cards such as GoodRx, SingleCare, and Optum Perks can reduce retail prices by 10-20%. However, prices vary by pharmacy and location.
• Choose single-dose vials through LillyDirect. If you’re comfortable using a syringe, LillyDirect’s Self Pay Journey Program offers the lowest uninsured pricing, ranging from $299 to $449 per month, depending on the dose. For the 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg vials, refills must be completed within 45 days of delivery/receipt to maintain discounted pricing.
• Appeal an insurance denial. Coverage decisions aren’t always final. When providers submit detailed documentation, some patients are approved on appeal, though success rates and processing times differ by insurer.

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Alternatives to Zepbound®

Individuals looking to save money on Zepbound® without insurance may want to consider several alternative medications that work similarly to Zepbound® but may cost less. In fact, your healthcare provider may recommend some of these options before Zepbound® due to the cost. 

Wegovy® (semaglutide) is often considered an alternative because it has the same FDA-approved chronic weight management indication as Zepbound® (eligibility depends on BMI and weight-related conditions). However, a licensed healthcare provider must determine whether Wegovy® is appropriate for you based on your health history and goals and provide a prescription before you’re eligible to purchase it.

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Final Thoughts

While the list price of Zepbound® is $1,086/month, many individuals pay far less through savings cards, LillyDirect’s self-pay program, or insurance coverage.

With that said, cost is just one factor. The right medication for you depends on your health history, current conditions, and treatment goals. A licensed healthcare provider can help you weigh your options and determine if Zepbound®—or an alternative—is the best path forward for you and your health.

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