Important safety information
What you should know before taking Zepbound.
Tirzepatide (same active ingredient as Mounjaro®), for weight loss
Zepbound® (tirzepatide) Injection
Lose 20% of your body weight on average in 1 year*. See safety info below.
New FDA-approved medication for weight loss (same active ingredient as Mounjaro)
Targets two hormone receptors (GLP-1 and GIP) to maximize weight loss
What is Zepbound?
Zepbound uses the same active ingredient (tirzepatide) as Mounjaro®. It’s a dual-action GLP-1/GIP-receptor agonist that is approved by the FDA for people with obesity, or overweight plus a weight-related condition, along with diet and exercise changes.
How is Zepbound different from Ozempic® or Wegovy®?
Zepbound and Wegovy are approved by the FDA for weight loss, while Ozempic is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but can be prescribed off-label for weight loss, if appropriate.
The main difference between these medications is the active ingredient. Ozempic and Wegovy use semaglutide, while Zepbound uses tirzepatide. Tirzepatide is a dual-action GLP-1 and GIP, meaning it works by activating two receptors to curb hunger and regulate your metabolism, helping you feel full faster and longer. In comparison, semaglutide only activates the GLP-1 receptor.
What are the side effects of Zepbound?
The most common side effects of Zepbound are: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, indigestion, injection site reactions, feeling tired, allergic reactions, belching/gas, hair loss, and heartburn.
Zepbound may have serious side effects, including possible thyroid tumors. Do not use if you or your family have a history of a type of thyroid cancer called MTC or MEN 2.
Zepbound may cause other serious side effects, including severe gastrointestinal disease, kidney injury, gallbladder disease, inflammation of the pancreas, severe allergic reactions, low blood sugar, complications in patients with diabetic retinopathy, and suicidal thoughts. Zepbound may reduce the efficacy of birth control pills.
Your Ro-affiliated provider will work with you to manage any side effects.
See full Important Safety Information here.
*Patients without diabetes and with BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 plus a weight-related condition, lost an average of 20% of their body weight by 1 year in a 72-week trial studying the highest maintenance dose of Zepbound (15 mg), when paired with diet and exercise changes (compared to 3% with diet and exercise alone).
Select your current weight
252lbs
Weight you could lose (lbs):
50lbs
*In separate 68- and 72-week clinical trials studying Wegovy (2.4 mg) and Zepbound (15 mg) in patients without diabetes and with obesity, or overweight with a weight-related condition, the average weight loss was 15% and 20%, when paired with diet and exercise changes (compared to 2.4% and 3.1%, respectively, with diet and exercise alone).
Your timeline to treatment
From personalized treatment to insurance support, we help you get—and stay—on track.
Start losing weight in 5 simple steps
1. Start your online visit
Answer a few questions about your health and goals, all online—no in-person doctor’s office visit necessary. You’ll find out if you’re eligible within 2 days
2. Provider writes an Rx (if appropriate)
A provider will review your info and prescribe the right GLP-1 treatment for you, if eligible. Get ready for your first shot in two weeks if using insurance; or, less than a week if paying cash.
3. Check your insurance coverage, or pay cash
Ro navigates insurance on your behalf to see if coverage is available for your GLP-1s. If using insurance, Ro's insurance concierge submits all paperwork on your behalf. If you're covered, a prescription is sent to your pharmacy. If not, Ro will fight for your coverage or provide the alternative GLP-1 options right for you. This process takes about 2-3 weeks.
4. Start your treatment
If prescribed, your medication ships right to your door or can be picked up at your pharmacy. Once prescribed, you could take your first shot in less than a week.
5. Get support to stay on track
Keep making progress with regular check-ins, expert guidance, and access to your care team 24/7. Ongoing care and support is there for you when you need it—whether it’s a quick chat with your provider or routine check-ins, we’re with you every step of the way.
Dr. Pepper lost 30 lbs in 1 year
“I started losing weight almost immediately. To me, truly, this has been a game-changer.”
Dr. Pepper Ro Ambassador who inspired the Body Program, after taking GLP-1 medication
Stacie lost 49 lbs in 6 months
“I used to constantly crave food in general. I was always hungry before starting the Body Program.”
Stacie Ro member after taking GLP-1 medication
Meet our experts
Ro offers access to weight loss medications and care customized to your needs and goals.
Hear from Ro members
Ro members were paid for their testimonials.
Serena
Ro member
"I wasn't sure I'd ever talk about this publicly, but I think it's time we changed the conversation."
Sonia
Ro member
“I’ve had some pretty amazing success. I’m down 15 pounds and I couldn’t be happier."
James
Ro member
“It's really helping handle my cravings better, which is what I really like about this program."
Chaleeta
Ro member
“It was like a switch once I started the medication, I just wasn’t so obsessed with food.”
Zepbound FAQs
Can I get Zepbound through Ro?
Yes! If you're interested in starting treatment with Zepbound—whether single-dose pens or vials–the first step is completing an online visit so that a medical provider can determine if treatment is right for you. If you’re prescribed Zepbound single-dose vials, they will be shipped directly to your door via the LillyDirect partner pharmacy.
What are the side effects of Zepbound?
Like other GLP-1 medications, Zepbound comes with the risk of potential side effects. Most people experience these side effects when their dose is increased, and they tend to improve once a steady dose is reached. Some of the most common side effects include:
Nausea
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Constipation
Stomach pains
Upset stomach
Indigestion
Injection-site reactions
Fatigue
Belching and gas
Hair loss
Heartburn
Additionally, if you take oral birth control pills, talk to your healthcare provider before you use Zepbound. Birth control pills may not work as well while using Zepbound. Your healthcare provider may recommend another type of birth control for 4 weeks after you start Zepbound and for 4 weeks after each increase in your dose of Zepbound.
More severe side effects are rarer but possible. Serious side effects include:
Thyroid cancer: Zepbound may cause tumors in the thyroid, including thyroid cancer. Watch for possible symptoms, such as a lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. If you have any of these symptoms, tell your healthcare provider. Do not use Zepbound if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Severe stomach problems
Pancreatitis
Gallbladder disease
Rapid heartbeat
Severe allergy (hypersensitivity)
Low blood sugar
Changes in vision in patients with type 2 diabetes
Kidney disease
Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Pulmonary aspiration during general anesthesia or deep sedation: . In rare instances, some patients undergoing anesthesia during surgical procedures have had stomach contents enter their lungs, which can cause pneumonia and other problems.
You can report quality complaints and side effects to The Lilly Answers Center (TLAC) at +1(800) 545-5979 to notify Lilly, the manufacturer of your medication. They use side effect information to monitor and sometimes report on drug safety.
These are not all of the possible side effects of Zepbound. For more complete information about Zepbound, including Boxed warning, see full Important Safety Information.
How do you store Zepbound?
Both Zepbound pens and vials should be stored in the refrigerator at 36-46º F, but they may be kept between 46-86º F for up to 21 days, if needed. Store unopened pens and vials in their original cartons to protect them from light.
If you store Zepbound pens at room temperature, do not return them to the refrigerator. Do not freeze the pens. The pen contains glass parts, so if you drop the pen on a hard surface, do not use the pen for your injection.
If you store Zepbound vials at room temperature, throw away any unused portion after 21 days. Do not freeze the medication, and do not use it if it has been frozen. Be sure to throw away any opened vial after using it, even if there is medication left in the vial.
How much does Zepbound cost?
This depends whether you’re prescribed Zepbound single-dose pens or vials.
For Zepbound pens, insurance coverage and copays will vary depending on your plan. Our insurance concierge will work with your provider to determine your coverage for GLP-1 medication and, if necessary, submit a prior authorization request for you. If you’re paying cash, Zepbound pens cost about $1,050/mo. If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible for a discount through the manufacturer. Learn more about the Zepbound savings card here.
Zepbound vials are available as a cash pay-only offering through LillyDirect®:
$349/mo for 2.5 mg dose
$499/mo for 5 mg dose
$499/mo for 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg doses (with manufacturer offer)
More on the manufacturer offer: LillyDirect is offering the 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg doses of Zepbound vials at a discounted $499 price—for first fills and refills.
To keep this discounted price for 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg refills: You must complete your next refill check-in within 45 days of your last delivery.
What happens if you miss the 45-day window? You’ll be charged the full price for your refill:
$599 for a 7.5 mg refill
$699 for a 10 mg refill
$849 for a 12.5 mg refill
$1049 for a 15 mg refill
We'll send you reminders to complete your refill check-in as the 45-day deadline gets closer.
These medication costs are separate from your Ro Body membership ($45 first month, $145/mo thereafter), which includes our insurance concierge, provider visits, ongoing coaching, and anytime messaging. Learn more about pricing here.
How is Ro helping patients navigate GLP-1 medication shortages?
Ro and Ro-affiliated providers are following GLP-1 medication shortages closely so we can support new and existing patients on their weight loss journeys.
Thanks to our new partnership with LillyDirect, you can now access Zepbound single-dose vials, which contain the exact same FDA-approved weight loss formulation as Zepbound pens. These are in stock now and if prescribed, will ship directly to your home.
From the experts at ro
Read more about Zepbound
Zepbound 101
How does Zepbound work?
Zepbound mimics two naturally occurring hormones (GLP-1 and GIP) in your body to help you regulate your metabolism. This slows digestion and makes you feel full faster and longer. It also communicates with the part of your brain in charge of hunger to help you regulate how much you eat. On average, patients lost 20% of their body weight in a year using the highest dose of Zepbound when combined with healthy lifestyle changes.
What is Zepbound’s dosing?
If prescribed, you’ll start on the lowest dose (2.5 mg) for the first four weeks, and then work with your provider to slowly increase your dose every four weeks until you reach a steady dose that works best for you.
How do you take Zepbound?
Zepbound is a once-weekly injection that comes in a pre-filled, single-dose pen. If prescribed, you’ll receive detailed instructions from your provider on how to inject it in your stomach, arm, or thigh.
How much weight can I expect to lose with Zepbound?
In clinical trials, patients lost an average of 20% of their body weight in a year when they combined the highest dose of Zepbound with healthy lifestyle changes.
Who can use Zepbound? Who shouldn’t use it?
Zepbound is approved for weight loss in adults who either have a BMI of at least 30 or a BMI of at least 27 with a weight-related condition, like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or cardiovascular disease.
How are side effects for Zepbound different from Ozempic or Wegovy?
The side effects of Zepbound are similar to Ozempic and Wegovy. However, birth control pills have been shown to be less effective when taking Zepbound. If you’re considering treatment with Zepbound, tell your provider about what contraception you’re taking. For more information about side effects, learn more here: ro.co/safety-info/zepbound
Will insurance cover Zepbound?
Some health plans cover Zepbound for weight loss, but coverage and copay amounts vary. Plans may also require prior authorization before approving coverage. If you’re interested in paying with insurance, we’ll work with your provider to help you get coverage.