The cost of Zepbound®: What you need to know

What you’ll learn:   

• Zepbound^® is an FDA-approved weight loss medication that’s been shown to help people lose an average of 15-21% of body weight when combined with lifestyle changes.
• While Zepbound^® can be highly effective, it can cost more than $1,000 per month without insurance coverage.
• Noom Med offers budget-friendly weight loss solutions alongside coaching and tools to support sustainable lifestyle changes for enhanced results, if you qualify.

If you’re thinking about looking into a medication to help with weight loss, you have options. While most people are familiar with the name Ozempic^® as an off-label solution, there are several others in the same family of medications you can now consider. Zepbound^® is one choice that works similarly to Ozempic but is FDA-approved for weight management in people who meet certain conditions. 

Like Ozempic^®, Zepbound^® mimics a hormone called GLP-1 which can help people lose weight by reducing appetite, slowing digestion, and helping to regulate blood sugar. Zepbound^® also mimics another hormone called GIP, adding an extra boost to its weight loss potential. Studies have shown that people have lost an average of 15 to 21% of body weight in 72 weeks with Zepbound^®.

Sounds great, right? Well, here’s the catch, Zepbound^® can cost over $1,000 for a monthly supply. We’ll go through what influences these costs, like insurance coverage, dosage, and location, to help you make a decision in coordination with your clinician.

If the cost of Zepbound^® puts it out of your reach, we have other options that might work for you. If you qualify for Noom Med, our qualified clinicians can go through other medications that may cost significantly less. Let’s take a look at your options! 

What is Zepbound^®?

Zepbound^® is a medication that you take once a week by injection in the upper arm, stomach, or thigh. Its active ingredient is tirzepatide. Zepbound^® is FDA-approved to help weight management in people who have a BMI of 30 or higher or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition—like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.

Zepbound^® stands out as a dual-action medication. It targets two hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, to:

• Decrease hunger
• Increase feelings of fullness (so you feel satisfied after eating less)
• Regulate blood sugar

How much does Zepbound^® cost per month?

The list price for Zepbound^® is $1,059 for four auto-injector pens as a four-week supply. Your final cost will vary depending on your insurance coverage and the price your pharmacy sets. Since Zepbound^® is FDA-approved for chronic weight management, it is possible for your insurance to cover the cost of the medication—though this is still rare.

If your insurance doesn’t cover the cost of Zepbound^®, you still have options.

Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Zepbound^®, offers a more affordable alternative for those paying out of pocket. It offers single-use vials of Zepbound^® with a prescription through its LillyDirect® platform. The difference is that these are sold in standard medication vials instead of pre-loaded injector pens. 

The prices for these vials for a month’s supply are:

• $399 for the 2.5 mg/0.5 mL dose (4-dose package)
• $549 for the 5.0 mg/0.5 mL dose (4-dose package)

Since many people use Zepbound^® for several months, you’ll need to think about whether the ongoing cost fits into your budget. Also, Eli Lilly does not provide vials at higher doses than 5 mg.

Why does Zepbound^® cost so much?

The cost of Zepbound^® is shaped by a mix of market forces, supply and demand, and the fact that Eli Lilly holds the exclusive patent for tirzepatide. With this patent, Eli Lilly is the only company allowed to make and sell tirzepatide, which means no lower-cost generic versions can be made. This patent allows them to set higher prices since patients and healthcare providers don’t have alternatives. When demand is high, and there’s nothing else like it on the market, prices stay up.

Supply has also played a big role in the fluctuating cost of Zepbound^®. A global shortage of tirzepatide over the past two years caused major challenges, with demand far outpacing supply. The company simply could not make enough to cover all of the people who wanted the medication. This imbalance drove up prices and resulted in people who couldn’t find their dosage in stock. 

This shortage also opened up the door to companies that made compounded versions of tirzepatide. These custom-made medications made at special pharmacies are allowed to be created and sold while the medication is in shortage. Recently, though, the FDA announced that the shortage is officially over, giving compounders a 90-day grace period to stop producing tirzepatide. Several sources dispute this, though, and stress that medications containing tirzepatide are still difficult to find.

If you qualify for Noom Med, your clinician can help you find your medication in stock if prescribed or suggest alternatives if needed.  

Does insurance cover Zepbound^®?

Insurance coverage for Zepbound^® depends on your specific health plan and how it handles weight-loss medications. Many insurance providers don’t cover prescriptions meant strictly for weight loss, but there are exceptions. Some plans may provide coverage if the medication is considered medically necessary. Here’s how you can figure out what you’ll pay:

• Review your insurance plan: Check your policy to see if Zepbound^® is included in the list of covered medications.
• Consult your healthcare provider: Talk to your doctor about getting a prescription and whether your medical history meets the coverage criteria.
• Contact your insurance company: Contact your insurer to confirm whether Zepbound^® is covered and ask about any out-of-pocket costs you might need to budget for.

What are alternatives to Zepbound?

If Zepbound^® is too costly for you, there are other options you can consider. 

• Compounded semaglutide through Noom GLP-1^Rx: Our compounded semaglutide features the same active ingredient as Wegovy^® and Ozempic^® but is readily accessible and could be more budget-friendly. If you qualify for Noom Med, you’ll be connected with a clinician who can prescribe it, all online. Then, you’ll pay $149 to start, and medication will be delivered right to your door. This price covers your medication, clinical support, and Noom’s behavior change program and tools.
• Metformin: If you are looking for a pill option, you can ask your Noom Med clinician about metformin. If prescribed, you’ll pay $29 for the first month and $89 per month after that (billed in three-month increments). This price covers your medication, ongoing clinical support, and full access to Noom’s behavior change program and tools, as with Noom GLP-1^Rx.
• Semaglutide medications: Wegovy^® and Ozempic^® contain the active ingredient semaglutide, which works similarly to tirzepatide. Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight loss, while Ozempic can be prescribed off-label. They are still quite expensive without insurance, but it’s worth checking to see if yours will cover them.
• Other GLP-1 medications: While medications containing semaglutide and tirzepatide are generally the most effective, there are others that can help you lose weight. Your Noom Med clinician can help you explore the alternatives. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have issues finding the medication you need. 

Making the best choice for your weight loss journey

Zepbound^® offers a promising option for weight management, delivering significant results for those who qualify. However, its high cost can be a barrier for many, especially without insurance coverage. And some may still experience difficulty fulfilling their prescription, though the official shortage is over.

Whether you’re considering Zepbound^® or exploring alternatives like compounded semaglutide or metformin, combining medication with sustainable lifestyle changes is the key to maximizing your results. Noom Med provides the support you need to navigate your options, find the right medication for your needs, and build healthier habits to achieve your weight loss goals. Ready to take the next step? Explore your options today!

*Compounded semaglutide available on the Noom platform is produced in an FDA-registered facility but not reviewed by the FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality.

Note: Ozempic^® is not FDA-approved to treat obesity or for weight loss.