Zepbound (tirzepatide (injection))
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Highest weight-loss efficacy among approved drugs. LillyDirect offers self-pay vials. Manufactured by Eli Lilly. FDA-approved status: weight-loss.
Peak weight loss
22.5%
Trial
SURMOUNT-1
Time to peak
72 wks
List price
$1,059/mo
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Zepbound pricing across every channel
Manufacturer direct prices (LillyDirect, NovoCare) are usually cheapest. Updated May 2026.
| Drug | Insurance | Mfr direct | Telehealth (brand) | Telehealth (compd) | Cash retail | Get it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zepbound 22.5% weight loss | $88 | $299 cheapest | $499 | $299 cheapest | $1,059 | Get → |
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Zepbound cost in 2026
| Payment channel | Monthly | 12 months |
|---|---|---|
| Covered by insurance ($25–150 copay) | $88 | $1,056 |
| Manufacturer self-pay (LillyDirect / NovoCare) | $299 | $3,588 |
| Telehealth: brand name (Hims, Ro, Found) | $499 | $5,988 |
| Telehealth: compounded (limited post-FDA crackdown) | $299 | $3,588 |
| Cash retail (full list price) | $1,059 | $12,708 |
Dosing
Weekly subcutaneous injection. Dose escalates from 2.5 mg → 5 → 7.5 → 10 → 12.5 → 15 mg over 20+ weeks.
What to expect on Zepbound
For someone starting at 220 lbs on Zepbound for 12 months, the projection is:
Expected loss at 12 mo
41.4 lbs
Final weight
178.6 lbs
Cost / lb lost
$145
Modeled from SURMOUNT-1 phase 3 data. Adjust for your own weight on the full calculator.
✓ Pros
- Highest efficacy of any FDA-approved GLP-1 (22.5% in SURMOUNT-1)
- Dual GLP-1/GIP mechanism
- LillyDirect self-pay vials starting around $349/mo for lower doses
- FDA-approved for chronic weight management
✗ Cons
- List price still high ($1,059/mo)
- Insurance coverage varies more than for Wegovy
- GI side effects can be more pronounced at higher doses
- Periodic supply constraints during demand spikes
Common side effects
Most-reported in SURMOUNT-1. Side effects are typically worst during dose escalation and improve over time.
NauseaDiarrheaConstipationVomitingDecreased appetite
→ Full Zepbound side effects guide (timing, severity, when to call)Related cost guides
- → How to Get Zepbound Without Insurance - LillyDirect self-pay vials, telehealth, compounded
- → Zepbound Coupon (Both Savings Card paths) - $25 covered + the lesser-known $299-$449 non-covered KwikPen path
- → Tirzepatide Cost (Every Channel) - molecule-level guide across all brands and compounded
- → GLP-1 Savings Cards Compared - manufacturer copay programs for Zepbound and others
- → GLP-1 Prior Authorization Guide - what insurers want for Zepbound and how to win an appeal
- → Cheapest GLP-1 Finder - all 8 drugs ranked by cost-per-pound-lost
Compare Zepbound to other GLP-1s
Zepbound coverage by major insurer
Coverage stance and per-carrier details for Zepbound. Each link goes to the full prior-auth requirements, cost table, and appeal playbook for that carrier.
Related guides
How much does Zepbound cost? →
LillyDirect vials, savings card, branded telehealth - every channel priced.
Zepbound without insurance →
LillyDirect vials at $299-$449/mo, plus telehealth alternatives.
Zepbound savings card →
$25 copay if covered; $299 non-covered benefit if not.
Zepbound Medicaid coverage by state →
Which states cover Zepbound for weight loss vs T2D-only.
Tirzepatide cost (Mounjaro / Zepbound / compounded) →
Molecule-level cost guide across every available channel.
Cheapest GLP-1 in 2026 →
Side-by-side cash-pay prices for every FDA-approved GLP-1, ranked by $/lb lost.
Medical disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only based on phase 3 clinical trial data and publicly listed prices. It is not medical advice. Real-world weight loss varies significantly. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any medication.