Zepbound vials: what they are, how to use them, and more

Zepbound (tirzepatide) is one of the most effective weight loss injections available today, with people losing up to 20.9% of their body weight in clinical trials. But with a list price of over $1,000, Zepbound can also be expensive. That’s where Zepbound vials (and the Zepbound KwikPen, for that matter) can come in as more affordable alternatives.  

How do Zepbound vials differ from the pens? How many doses come in a Zepbound vial? In this guide to Zepbound vials, we answer those questions and more.

Zepbound vials contain the same medicine approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the Zepbound prefilled single-dose and multi-dose pens — the liquid, if you will, is just housed in a different package. Like the pens, Zepbound vials are made by Eli Lilly and intended for weekly use.  

They’re currently available in six dosage strengths (2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg). Each vial holds a single dose of the drug. You must use a separate syringe to draw the medication from Zepbound vials before administering your dose with a needle.

Zepbound vials were introduced in late August 2024 in an effort to increase supply of and accessibility to the medication. They’re available for “less than half the list price” of the Zepbound pens, according to an Eli Lilly press release.

See if you qualify

Zepbound vials and pens contain the same active ingredient (tirzepatide), which is a dual-action GLP-1 and GIP agonist that helps regulate your metabolism. This means you can expect the same efficacy and side effects when taken at the same dose. However, there are some key differences between Zepbound vials and pens.

• Dosage strengths. Zepbound pens and vials are available in six dosage strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg.

• Administration. With Zepbound vials, you use a separate needle and syringe to draw out the medication yourself. Zepbound single-dose injector pens come prefilled with a needle attached, while Zepbound multi-dose KwikPens come prefilled with doses you dial in after attaching a separate needle.

• Cost. Zepbound vials cost $299/month for the 2.5 mg, $399/month for the 5 mg dose, and $499/month for the 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg doses (with manufacturer offer). These are cash-only prices, as the Zepbound vials are not eligible for insurance coverage. The Zepbound single-dose pens can cost more than double, with a list price of $1,086.37 for a four-week supply.

• Insurance coverage. Zepbound vials are not eligible for insurance coverage. They can only be purchased when paying cash. And the same is true of Zepbound KwikPens. Zepbound single-dose pens, on the other hand, are eligible for insurance coverage, but coverage may vary.

• Coupon eligibility. Zepbound vials and KwikPens cannot be purchased with any coupons. Meanwhile, you can use Zepbound coupons to pay for your refill of the traditional pen, such as the official Zepbound Savings Card from Eli Lilly (if you’re eligible) or pharmacy discount cards like those offered by certain sites (e.g. SingleCare, GoodRx).

• Availability. Zepbound vials can only be purchased directly from Eli Lilly through their LillyDirect program.  Zepbound KwikPens are available for the same price as the vials, but can be purchased on Ro (if prescribed). Both forms of the drug require a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. (Keep in mind, though, that the vials are single-dose and the KwikPen is multi-dose.)  

*Terms and conditions may apply; see more on Eli Lilly’s website  

**Terms and conditions may apply; see more here 

To use Zepbound vials, you’ll need to use a separate needle and syringe to draw the medication out from the vial and give yourself a shot. These needles and syringes may be included with the vials. If not, they can be purchased separately. (This is something to discuss with your pharmacies or prescriber.)

You’ll use a new needle and syringe each time you inject Zepbound. 

You should always follow your healthcare provider’s advice and the instructions that come with the medication. But here’s a general idea of how to use Zepbound vials:

1. Gather your supplies and wash your hands with soap and water.

2. Pull off the plastic cap from the vial, but keep the rubber stopper intact.

3. Wipe the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab.

4. Remove the outer wrapping from the syringe and the needle. Attach the needle to the syringe if needed.

5. Remove the needle shield by pulling it straight off.

6. Hold the syringe in one hand with the needle pointing up. Use your other hand to pull down on the plunger until the tip reaches the line on the syringe indicating the 0.5 mL of air has been drawn into it.

7. Push the needle through the rubber stopper of the vial, then push the plunger all the way in.

8. With the syringe still in the vial, turn the vial and syringe upside down. Make sure that the needle tip is in the liquid and slowly pull the plunger until the plunger tip is past the 0.5 mL line. (If you see any air bubbles, tap the syringe gently a few times.)

9. Slowly push the plunger up until the tip reaches the 0.5 mL line. 

10. Pull the syringe out of the vial’s rubber stopper.

11. Choose your injection site (i.e. abdomen, thigh, or, if someone else is giving your injection, back of your upper arm).

12. Insert the needle into the skin of your injection site.

13. Push down on the plunger to inject your dose and keep it there for at least 5 seconds.

14. Pull the needle out and throw it and the syringe in an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container.

15. If you see any blood on the skin of your injection site, dab it with gauze or an alcohol swab. Do not rub.

Each Zepbound vial contains a single dose of the medication, which makes it easy to ensure you’re getting a full dose when you take the medication. Each order of Zepbound vials comes in a four-week supply. It contains four vials, each of which contains one dose of the medication. 

The 2.5 mg vials cost $299, the 5 mg vials cost $399, and the 7.5 mg–15 mg vials cost $449 with the manufacturer offer. 

The eligibility criteria for Zepbound vials are generally the same as for Zepbound pens since both forms of the medication are prescribed based on the drug’s FDA-approved uses. 

Need a quick refresher? You got it. Zepbound is indicated in combination with diet and exercise to:

• Reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in adults with obesity or with overweight and at least one weight-related health condition (e.g. high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, heart disease)

• Treat moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity

The choice between vials and pens is often influenced by patient preference, dosing flexibility, or specific medical needs — all of which should be discussed with a healthcare provider to best determine which form of the drug might be the best fit for you. 

You can get Zepbound vials through Eli Lilly with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. The Rx must be “valid, on-label, [and] electronic,” according to the manufacturer. 

Once you have a prescription, visit the LillyDirect website. After you select “Zepbound” from the dropdown menu, you’ll see the NPI and NCPDP numbers you’ll need to share with your healthcare provider so they can send your prescription to LillyDirect pharmacy providers. 

Zepbound vials cost between $299 and $449 per month, depending on your prescribed dose and as long as you’re using (and following the instructions of!) the manufacturer offer. 

Here’s a complete breakdown:

• $299 per month for 2.5 mg dose

• $399 per month for 5 mg dose

• $449 per month (with manufacturer offer) for 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg doses 

To keep this discounted price for the 7.5 mg–15 mg doses, you must complete your next refill check-in within 45 days of your last delivery. If you miss that window, you’ll be charged:

• $499 for a 7.5 mg refill

• $699 for a 10 mg refill

• $699 for a 12.5 mg refill

• $699 for a 15 mg refill

Zepbound vials cost just as much as the Zepbound KwikPen, which is available on Ro for $299–$449 per month, depending on dose (if eligible). As with the higher doses of the vials, the costs of the higher doses of the KwikPen also reflect the manufacturer offer. 

Compared to the single-dose pen, however, the Zepbound vials cost less than half the list price of Zepbound pens, which is $1,086.37 for a four-week supply. The list price is the price at which Eli Lilly sells the products to wholesalers, so the retail price of Zepbound tends to be even higher. 

*Terms and conditions may apply; see more on Eli Lilly’s website  

**Terms and conditions may apply; see more here 

Start your journey

Zepbound single-dose vials can offer an accessible, cost-effective alternative to Zepbound single-dose pens. Here’s a recap: 

• Zepbound vials are available in the same dosage strengths as the pens. Both come in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg doses.

• Zepbound single-dose vials cost less than half the list price of Zepbound single-dose pens. Zepbound vials cost $299–$449 per month (with manufacturer offer) for a four-week supply, while a four-pack of traditional autoinjector pens costs $1,086.37 per month. However, the vials are not eligible for insurance or coupons and can only be purchased when paying cash.

• Zepbound single-dose vials and pens each contain a single dose of the medication. Vials require the use of a separate needle and syringe, while pens come with a needle already attached.

• However, the case is a bit different when comparing Zepbound vials vs. Zepbound KwikPens. Both forms cost $299–$499 per month (with manufacturer offer), can only be purchased (if prescribed) with cash, and are not eligible for insurance coverage.