New Tirzepatide Access and Pricing Through Self-Pay Options

Eli Lilly and Company announced that the highest approved doses of tirzepatide (Zepbound), 12.5 mg and 15 mg, will soon be offered in single-dose vials for $499 per month through LillyDirect’s Self-Pay Pharmacy Solutions and the Zepbound Self-Pay Journey Program. This expanded access will join the 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, and 10 mg tirzepatide doses, which are also available at a reduced price through the savings program for self-pay patients.^1,2

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About LillyDirect Self-Pay Pharmacy Solutions

With the Zepbound Self-Pay Journey Program, offered exclusively through LillyDirect Self-Pay Pharmacy Solutions, self-pay individuals will have access to all approved doses of tirzepatide at more affordable prices.¹

For individuals starting on the 2.5 mg dose, the initial cost is $349 for the first month. The price then increases to $499 per month at the 5 mg dose. Through the savings program, higher doses—7.5 mg and 10 mg—are available at $499 for the first fill and subsequent refills within 45 days, with 12.5 mg and 15 mg joining that price soon, regardless of insurance.¹

"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,” Rhonda Pacheco, group vice president of US Cardiometabolic Health at Lilly, said in a news release.¹

Tirzepatide’s Role in Weight Management

Tirzepatide is an injectable prescription medicine that is indicated to treat individuals with obesity and overweight who experience weight-related medical issues and is aimed at promoting weight loss and keeping off excess body weight while limiting risks of other complications. Individuals with obesity and overweight are more likely to develop various potentially serious health problems, including heart disease and strokes; type 2 diabetes; certain cancers; digestive problems; sleep apnea; osteoarthritis; fatty liver disease; and severe COVID-19 symptoms.^1,3

"Obesity is a serious, chronic disease, and access to obesity medications should be treated with the same urgency as other chronic conditions," Pacheco said in a news release.¹

The medication works by reducing appetite and how much an individual can eat. To work effectively, tirzepatide should be used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.¹

The FDA approved the injection for chronic weight loss in November 2023, in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.⁴ Additionally, tirzepatide received FDA approval in December 2024 for the treatment of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and obesity, in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.⁵

Additionally, tirzepatide is the first and only dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist indicated to treat adults with obesity and overweight and is available in dosages of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, or 15 mg per single-dose pen. The recommended maintenance dosages are 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg injected once weekly subcutaneously, along with 10 mg or 15 mg for OSA.1

REFERENCES

1. Lilly to offer all approved doses of Zepbound (tirzepatide) single-dose vials through LillyDirect Self Pay Pharmacy Solutions. Eli Lilly and Company. News release. June 16, 2025. Accessed June 16, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lilly-to-offer-all-approved-doses-of-zepbound-tirzepatide-single-dose-vials-through-lillydirect-self-pay-pharmacy-solutions-302481906.html

2. Ferruggia K. New Pricing, Access to Tirzepatide Available Through Self-Pay Options. Pharmacy Times. February 26, 2025. Accessed June 16, 2025. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/pharmacist-s-guide-to-new-pricing-and-access-to-tirzepatide-through-self-pay-options

3. Mayo Clinic. Obesity. News release. July 22, 2023. Accessed June 16, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obesity/symptoms-causes/syc-20375742

4. Antrim A. FDA Approves Tirzepatide for Chronic Weight Management. Pharmacy Times. Published November 8, 2023. Accessed February 26, 2025. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/fda-approves-tirzepatide-for-chronic-weight-management

5. Halpern L. FDA Approves Tirzepatide as First Treatment for Moderate-to-Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults With Obesity. Pharmacy Times. Published December 20, 2024. Accessed February 26, 2025. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/fda-approves-tirzepatide-as-first-treatment-for-moderate-to-severe-obstructive-sleep-apnea-in-adults-with-obesity