Summary: Lilly will make the two highest doses of Zepbound available in single-dose vials for $499/month via its self-pay program, effectively expanding access for adults with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea.
Key takeaways:
- The 12.5 mg and 15 mg doses of Zepbound will be available starting July 7 for prescribing, with shipments beginning in early August.
- Through LillyDirect’s Self Pay Pharmacy Solutions, eligible patients with obesity can obtain any Zepbound dose for $499/month or less.
- The discounted $499 price for higher doses is only valid if prescriptions are refilled within 45 days; otherwise, prices rise to $849–$1,049.
- Zepbound is FDA-approved for adults with moderate-to-severe OSA and obesity, but not for cosmetic weight loss.
The highest approved doses of Zepbound (tirzepatide)—12.5 mg and 15 mg—will soon be available in single-dose vials for $499 per month through LillyDirect’s Self Pay Pharmacy Solutions and the Zepbound Self Pay Journey Program. Zepbound is US Food and Drug Administration cleared as the first prescription medication for adults with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and obesity.
Health care providers can begin prescribing the 12.5 mg and 15 mg vials on July 7, and shipments to patients will begin in early August. With the addition of these doses, every strength of Zepbound vial will be available for $499/month or less ($349 for the 2.5 mg starter dose) to any eligible adult with obesity and a valid prescription, regardless of insurance. The Zepbound Self Pay Journey Program lowers the price of the 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg vials only on first fill and when prescriptions are refilled within 45 days of their previous delivery. The 12.5 mg and 15 mg vials are priced at $849 and $1,049, respectively, if refilled outside of the 45-day window.
“Obesity is a serious, chronic disease, and access to obesity medications should be treated with the same urgency as other chronic conditions,” says Rhonda Pacheco, group vice president of U.S. Cardiometabolic Health at Lilly, in a release. “Lilly was the first company to offer a self-pay solution for an FDA-approved obesity medication, and we continue to work to expand coverage for Zepbound. In the meantime, the availability of the two highest-dose Zepbound vials gives providers and patients another important treatment option.”
Patients with obesity who choose to self pay will soon be able to access the complete range of Zepbound single-dose vials, including 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg. Patients on the 2.5 mg starter dose will pay $349 for their first month, then $499 per month for the 5 mg dose, which is the next step in treatment. Through the Zepbound Self Pay Journey Program, designed to support patients throughout their obesity treatment journey, the 7.5 mg ($599), 10 mg ($699), 12.5 mg ($849), and 15 mg ($1,049) doses will be available at a reduced monthly cost of $499 for the first fill and refills made within 45 days of the prior delivery. Zepbound is also available in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, or 15 mg per 0.5 mL doses in a single-dose pen (autoinjector).
Individual results vary. Zepbound is not for cosmetic weight loss. 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 health care 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). Do not use Zepbound if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Do not use Zepbound if you have had a serious allergic reaction to tirzepatide or any of the ingredients in Zepbound.
