Key takeaways
Without insurance, tirzepatide can range from $299 per month (for the lowest-dose Zepbound vial paid in cash) to $1,112.16 per month (for brand-name Mounjaro).
The exact amount you pay for tirzepatide depends on the specific brand-name medication prescribed (Mounjaro or Zepbound), health insurance (if any), pharmacy, and location.
The list price of tirzepatide is $1,112.16 per month for Mounjaro and $1,086.37 per month for Zepbound pens, but there are ways to reduce those costs, such as manufacturer savings cards and paying with cash.
Tirzepatide can cost as little as $25 per month with insurance, depending on whether you've met your deductible and the brand-name drug prescribed.
Here's what we'll cover
Key takeaways
Without insurance, tirzepatide can range from $299 per month (for the lowest-dose Zepbound vial paid in cash) to $1,112.16 per month (for brand-name Mounjaro).
The exact amount you pay for tirzepatide depends on the specific brand-name medication prescribed (Mounjaro or Zepbound), health insurance (if any), pharmacy, and location.
The list price of tirzepatide is $1,112.16 per month for Mounjaro and $1,086.37 per month for Zepbound pens, but there are ways to reduce those costs, such as manufacturer savings cards and paying with cash.
Tirzepatide can cost as little as $25 per month with insurance, depending on whether you've met your deductible and the brand-name drug prescribed.
The cost of tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro) ranges from $1,086.37 to $1,112.16 per month without insurance or discounts. The final amount depends on the specific brand-name drug prescribed, insurance coverage (if any), and other factors.
There are ways to save on tirzepatide. Below, this article covers the costs for different tirzepatide medications on the market, savings options, and when insurance does (and doesn't) cover the drug.
How much does tirzepatide cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of tirzepatide is typically around $1,100 per month. The final amount may be less depending on discounts, coupons, and the specific brand-name medication prescribed.
Drug | Price |
Mounjaro | $1,112.16 (pens; list price) |
Zepbound | $1,086.37 (pens; list price) $299–$449* (KwikPen and vials; cash price on Ro) |
*With manufacturer offer
How much does Mounjaro cost?
With a list price of $1,112.16 for four prefilled pens (a monthly 28-day supply), Mounjaro can be expensive.
Most people with a prescription for Mounjaro will pay less than the list price, even without access to health insurance or assistance programs.
Eli Lilly also offers a Mounjaro Savings Card. Commercially insured patients — those not covered through Medicare, Medicaid, or another government funded program — may pay as little as $25 a month, if the plan covers Mounjaro.
If a commercial plan doesn't cover Mounjaro, the card can decrease the cost by up to $450 a month. The program isn't available to those who are uninsured or covered by a noncommercial payer.
Here's how much Mounjaro (four 5 mg/0.5 mL pens) costs at different pharmacies, according to GoodRx:
Walgreens | $1,322 |
CVS | $1,299 |
Walmart | $1,320 |
Costco | $1,425 |
*While prices were valid at the time of publication, they may vary based on date and location. For the most accurate estimates, refresh the GoodRx searches and enter your zip code.
How much does Zepbound cost?
The list price for Zepbound is $1,086.37 for four pens (a monthly 28-day supply).
Eli Lilly's savings card for Zepbound offers the same discount as it does for Mounjaro: a price as low as $25 per month for commercially insured patients with coverage for Zepbound.
For those without insurance or paying out of pocket, Zepbound single-dose vials and Zepbound Kwikpen — a multi-dose pen where a new needle is attached each week for four weeks — may offer a more affordable option. Here’s how much the Zepbound KwikPen and single-dose vials cost when you pay cash on Ro:
$299 per month: 2.5 mg dose
$399 per month: 5 mg dose
$449 per month*: 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg doses (with manufacturer offer)
In case you’re unfamiliar, Ro has an integration with LillyDirect for patients prescribed Zepbound single-dose vials or Kwikpens through the Body membership. Getting a prescription on Ro means there's no need to sign up for LillyDirect separately or to leave the Ro account to have Zepbound delivered directly to you.
Along with discounts and insurance coverage, factors such as pharmacy and zip code can affect the final price. Here's how much four 2.5 mg/0.5 mL pens of Zepbound cost at four pharmacies, according to GoodRx:
Walgreens | $1,304 |
CVS | $1,281 |
Walmart | $1,305 |
Costco | $995 |
*While prices were valid at the time of publication, they may vary based on date and location. For the most accurate estimates, refresh the GoodRx searches and enter your zip code.
How much does compounded tirzepatide cost?
Compounded tirzepatide typically costs much less than Zepbound or Mounjaro and often contains the same active ingredient as the brand-name versions. It’s not usually covered by insurance and the exact pricing varies depending on where the prescription is filled.
Access has also narrowed: Following the FDA’s determination that the tirzepatide shortage was resolved, compounded tirzepatide may only be prescribed in more limited circumstances, generally when a patient has a specific medical need that an FDA-approved version can’t meet.
Compounded medications are custom-made based on a patient's prescription. While compounding is permitted under federal law in certain circumstances, these medications are not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and have not undergone the same safety and manufacturing review as FDA-approved medications.
Does insurance cover tirzepatide?
It depends. Some commercial health insurance plans cover Mounjaro, Zepbound, or both. When they do, the savings can be significant — for example, some insured individuals may pay as little as $25 for a monthly prescription of Mounjaro or Zepbound.
When Zepbound, Mounjaro, or both are covered by a plan, they will be listed in the insurance plan's drug formulary. If not listed, a healthcare provider may be able to request prior authorization when the prescription is a medical necessity.
The Obesity Action Coalition offers a templated prior authorization request and other resources for navigating insurance coverage.
Does Medicare cover tirzepatide?
Starting July 1, 2026, Medicare will offer more affordable access to certain weight loss medications through a temporary pilot program called the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, which runs through December 31, 2027. Under the program, eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries pay a flat $50 per month for certain weight loss medications, regardless of dose.
For tirzepatide, only the Zepbound KwikPen is available under the Bridge. Other eligible GLP-1 drugs available through the Bridge program are Wegovy (pens and tablets) and Foundayo. Mounjaro is not included, because it is approved for type 2 diabetes rather than weight loss.
Outside this program, most Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans do not cover tirzepatide for weight loss. Part D may cover Zepbound when it is prescribed for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, depending on the plan's formulary and prior authorization requirements, and may cover Mounjaro when it is prescribed for type 2 diabetes.
If covered, a portion of the cost may still apply, depending on the plan's deductible and copays.
Does Medicaid cover tirzepatide?
Some Medicaid programs may cover tirzepatide. As of January 2026, 13 states cover tirzepatide and other GLP-1 medications for weight loss.
Unlike Medicare, which has national standards for coverage, Medicaid coverage varies by state. Contacting a state Medicaid agency or reviewing the plan's drug formulary can help determine whether tirzepatide is covered.
Tirzepatide may be covered under Medicaid when prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes or another health condition.
How to save on the cost of tirzepatide without insurance
Paying upwards of $1,000 a month for tirzepatide may be out of budget for many people. There are, however, ways to save.
The first is through the manufacturer's discount programs:
If uninsured or insurance doesn't cover Zepbound: Eli Lilly offers a capped cash price of $299–$449 for Zepbound Kwikpens or vials, depending on dosage, on Ro and LillyDirect.
If insurance doesn't cover Mounjaro: The savings card may provide up to $647 off per month. This discount is reserved for those who are commercially insured but whose plan does not cover Mounjaro.
If commercially insured: Both Zepbound and Mounjaro may be available for as little as $25 a month, as long as the commercial insurance plan covers the prescription.
Pharmacy coupons and savings cards can also help reduce the cost of tirzepatide. The following online databases allow users to check whether a prescribed medication is eligible for discounts, estimate potential savings, and determine where those savings are accepted (e.g. CVS, Walgreens, and other retailers).
The following discounts can be used in place of insurance plans, but cannot be combined with them:
GoodRx: Free service that offers coupons on various medications.
SingleCare: Free service that offers coupons on various medications.
WellRx and Optum Perks: These free membership programs may reduce drug costs by up to 80%. Coupons are available for specific medications, and a general discount card can be used at over 60,000 participating pharmacies across the US.
Costco Membership Prescription Program: Costco members who are uninsured or underinsured may save up to 80% on drug costs. Program pricing applies only to in-person or mail-order prescriptions filled at Costco and participating neighborhood pharmacies.
How to get tirzepatide
Tirzepatide is available by prescription only. To find out if it’s a good fit, a healthcare provider can evaluate health history and goals to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
For those interested in potentially getting tirzepatide on Ro, the Ro Body membership includes access to licensed healthcare providers who can assess whether tirzepatide is safe and appropriate. If prescribed, members also receive:
A personalized treatment plan
1:1 health coaching
Ongoing support from healthcare providers
Insurance concierge services to help navigate tirzepatide coverage
(Note: Ro offers access to Zepbound single-dose pens, single-dose vials, and multi-dose Kwikpens, but not Mounjaro.)
Zepbound and Mounjaro work best alongside diet and exercise. The two brand-name prescriptions are also FDA-approved for different medical needs.
Zepbound is FDA-approved for adults:
To reduce body weight and maintain long-term weight management in those who have excess weight and a weight-related health condition (e.g. high cholesterol, high blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, or type 2 diabetes)
To treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in people with obesity
Mounjaro is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes but not weight loss.
Alternatives to tirzepatide
Tirzepatide can be expensive. More affordable alternatives may be available and worth discussing with a healthcare provider.
Semaglutide
Ozempic and Wegovy are GLP-1 medications containing semaglutide as the active ingredient, each available as a weekly injection or a daily pill. The Ozempic pill and injection is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is approved for weight loss.
Wegovy costs $1,349 a month versus $1,086 for Zepbound for a 28-day supply. On Ro, the Wegovy pill costs $149–$299 per month and the Wegovy injection costs $199–$399 per month as a cash price, depending on the dose.
Novo Nordisk offers a patient assistance program for those on Medicare or uninsured. Eligible patients with type 2 diabetes may be able to get Ozempic at no cost. Novo Nordisk also offers savings programs for Ozempic and Wegovy to help offset the cost for those with private or commercial insurance.
Here's the cost of a one-month supply of injectable semaglutide, by drug, according to SingleCare:
Pharmacy | Ozempic | Wegovy |
Walgreens | $888.24 | $1,264 |
CVS | $855.63 | $1,215 |
Walmart | $856.42 | $1,214 |
*While prices were valid at the time of publication, they may vary based on date and location. For the most accurate estimates, refresh the SingleCare searches and enter your zip code.
Liraglutide
Liraglutide is the active ingredient in the brand-name medications Victoza and Saxenda. Victoza costs $541–$815 per month, depending on the dosage, and Saxenda costs $1,349 per month. By comparison, Zepbound costs $1,086 for a monthly 28-day supply.
Victoza is FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes, while Saxenda is approved for weight loss. Liraglutide is an injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist that’s given as a daily injection. Unlike most GLP-1s, liraglutide is FDA-approved as a generic medication that may cost less.
Prices vary depending on location and pharmacy, but here's an example of how much a 30-day supply of Saxenda costs, according to GoodRx:
Walgreens | $1,538 |
CVS | $1,500 |
Walmart | $1,542 |
Costco | $1,241 |
Orforlipron (Foundayo)
Foundayo (orforglipron) is the first oral GLP-1 that can be taken any time of day, with or without food. It was FDA-approved for weight loss in April 2026 for adults with obesity, or overweight with at least one weight-related health condition.
On Ro, Foundayo costs $149–$299 per month as a cash price (with manufacturer offer), depending on the dose — making it one of the more affordable GLP-1 options compared with tirzepatide's $1,086–$1,112.16 per month.
Prices vary depending on pharmacy and location. Through a savings program offered by Eli Lilly and GoodRx, a 30-day supply of Foundayo (0.8 mg) costs around $149 at major pharmacies:
Walgreens | $149 |
CVS | $149 |
Walmart | $149 |
Costco | $149 |
Metformin
A month's supply of metformin costs as little as $9, according to GoodRx, compared with Zepbound, which costs $1,086 for a monthly 28-day supply.
Metformin (Glumetza, Fortamet) is an oral medication that helps control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes and isn't a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
While people who take metformin may lose weight, it isn't FDA-approved as a weight loss medication.
Here’s a quick look at the price of a 30-day supply of 500 mg tablets of generic metformin, according to GoodRx:
Walgreens | $22.28 |
CVS | $21.66 |
Walmart | $9.00 |
Sam’s Club | $9.82 |
*While prices were valid at the time of publication, they may vary based on date and location. For the most accurate estimates, refresh the GoodRx searches and enter your zip code.
Weight loss pills
Other weight loss pills are available by prescription effective for weight management. In addition to Foundayo and the Wegovy pill, the FDA has approved these prescription weight loss medications for long-term weight management:
Prices will vary depending on your location and pharmacy, but here’s an idea of how much a 30-day supply of each prescription medication costs, according to GoodRx:
Pharmacy | Qsymia | Contrave | Xenical |
Walgreens | $279.90 | $753.01 | $780.89 |
CVS | $250.29 | $739.77 | $674.02 |
Walmart | $251.75 | $750.72 | $682.47 |
Costco | $260.02 | $768.21 | $726.48 |
*While prices were valid at the time of publication, they may vary based on date and location. For the most accurate estimates, refresh the GoodRx searches and enter your zip code.
Alli, a lower-dose form of orlistat, is also available over the counter from various retailers. A starter pack typically costs around $45, and coupons are available on the product website.
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Bottom line
The cost of tirzepatide depends on insurance coverage (if any) and the savings programs available to you. The specific brand-name drug prescribed — Mounjaro vs. Zepbound — can also affect the final cost.
The cost of tirzepatide varies depending on factors like the specific drug prescribed, your location, insurance coverage, and your preferred pharmacy. Unfortunately, there is no generic version for tirzepatide. Brand-name drugs usually come at a steeper price than generics.
Without insurance, tirzepatide can cost as little as $299 per month on Ro. The lowest-dose Zepbound KwikPen starts at $299 per month when paying cash. List prices for brand-name pens are $1,112.16 (Mounjaro) and $1,086.37 (Zepbound) per month.
In addition to insurance coverage, manufacturer offerings (e.g. savings cards) and pharmacy coupons can help reduce the cost of a prescription. Paying cash for Kwikpens or single-dose vials of Zepbound, for example, can be a more affordable option.
Insurance coverage for tirzepatide depends on the specific plan. Insurers often cover a medication only when it's prescribed for an FDA-approved indication, though a healthcare provider may be able to submit a prior authorization to demonstrate that the prescribed drug is a medical necessity.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How much does tirzepatide cost per month?
Tirzepatide's monthly cost varies based on the brand-name drug, insurance coverage, location, and pharmacy, among other factors. For commercially insured patients, it can cost as little as $25 a month, and for those paying cash on Ro, tirzepatide can cost $299–$499, depending on the dose.
Without those savings, Eli Lilly's list prices apply. Mounjaro, at a 5 mg weekly dose, has a list price of $1,112.16 per month. Zepbound, at a 2.5 mg weekly dose, has a list price of $1,086.37 per month for pens.
What is the cheapest way to get tirzepatide?
The cheapest way to get tirzepatide depends on insurance coverage, location, and other factors.
For those who are uninsured or want to pay cash, one of the most affordable options is the Zepbound KwikPen or single-dose vials through Ro, which start at $299 per month, depending on the dose (if prescribed).
For those who are commercially insured and whose plan covers Zepbound or Mounjaro, Eli Lilly offers a savings card for either medication for as little as $25 a month. Those with commercial insurance that doesn't cover Mounjaro may pay as low as $499 a month, or up to $647 off that prescription.
Will insurance cover tirzepatide?
Not all insurance plans cover tirzepatide, but some do — whether coverage is through a private company, Medicare, Medicaid, or another payer. A policy's drug formulary will indicate whether the plan offers coverage.
How can you get Mounjaro for $25?
Eli Lilly offers a Mounjaro Savings Card that allows eligible, commercially insured patients to pay as little as $25 for a one- or three-month prescription. To qualify, it must be used for an FDA-approved use of Mounjaro and the insurance plan must include coverage for Mounjaro. If it doesn't, the savings card may bring it down to $499 for a one-month prescription. Those with government-funded insurance plans are not eligible for the manufacturer's savings card.
What is the generic of tirzepatide?
There isn't currently a generic version of tirzepatide. It is available only as the active ingredient in the brand-name drugs Mounjaro and Zepbound, both of which are FDA-approved for different indications.
DISCLAIMER
If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on Health Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Zepbound Important Safety Information: Read more about serious warnings and safety info.
Mounjaro Important Safety Information: Read more about serious warnings and safety info.
GLP-1 Important Safety Information: Read more about serious warnings and safety info.
Ozempic Important Safety Information: Read more about serious warnings and safety info.
Wegovy Important Safety Information: Read more about serious warnings and safety info.
Saxenda Important Safety Information: Read more about serious warnings and safety info.
Foundayo Important Safety Information: Read more about serious warnings and safety info.
References
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2024). Medicare & you 2024 (Publication No. CMS-10050). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved from https://www.medicare.gov/publications/10050-Medicare-and-You.pdf
Costco. (n.d.). Member Prescription Program. Retrieved from https://www.costco.com/cmpp
Eli Lilly. (n.d.). Authentic Zepbound shipped directly to you. Retrieved from https://lillydirect.lilly.com/pharmacy/zepbound
Eli Lilly-a. (2024). How much should I expect to pay for Mounjaro? Retrieved from https://pricinginfo.lilly.com/mounjaro
Eli Lilly. (2025). How much should I expect to pay for Zepbound® (tirzepatide)? Retrieved from https://pricinginfo.lilly.com/zepbound
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Eli Lilly-c. (2024). Savings Options for Zepbound. Retrieved from https://zepbound.lilly.com/coverage-savings
Optum Perks. (n.d.). Get your free prescription discount card! Retrieved from https://perks.optum.com/discount-card
SingleCare-a. (n.d.). Mounjaro Coupons & Prices. Retrieved from https://www.singlecare.com/prescription/mounjaro?q=Mounjaro
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Tchang, B. G., Aras, M., Kumar, R. B., et al. (2024). Pharmacologic Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults. Endotext [Internet]. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279038/
U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA-a). (2026). Highlights of Prescribing Information: Mounjaro (tirzepatide) Injection, for subcutaneous use. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2026/215866s009lbl.pdf
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2017). Highlights of Prescribing Information: RYBELSUS (semaglutide) tablets, for oral use OZEMPIC (semaglutide) tablets, for oral use. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2026/213051s030lbl.pdf
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA-b). (2026). Highlights of Prescribing Information: Saxenda (liraglutide) injection, for subcutaneous use. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2026/206321s025lbl.pdf
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2025). Highlights of Prescribing Information: Victoza (liraglutide) injection, for subcutaneous use. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2025/022341s046lbl.pdf
U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA-c). (2026). Highlights of Prescribing Information: Zepbound (tirzepatide) Injection, for subcutaneous use. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2026/217806s042lbl.pdf
WellRx. (n.d.). Get Your Rx Discount Card. Retrieved from https://www.wellrx.com/rx-discount-card/enroll/
Williams, E., Rudowitz, R., & Bell, C. (2024). Medicaid coverage of and spending on GLP-1s. Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). Retrieved from https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/medicaid-coverage-of-and-spending-on-glp-1s/
