Accessing Affordable Zepbound (Tirzepatide) Treatment

Understanding Zepbound Costs

The American Diabetes Association acknowledges that Zepbound (tirzepatide) has a median Average Wholesale Price (AWP) of $1,283 and a National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) of $1,030 for a 30-day supply, making it one of the more expensive weight management medications on the market, comparable to GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide (Wegovy) which costs around $1,619 AWP 2, 1, 3

Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Zepbound, offers a savings card program that can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs, with eligible patients paying as little as $25-30 per month for up to 12 months of therapy, according to the American College of Endocrinology 1, 2
Pharmaceutical companies often provide medications at reduced or no cost for patients who meet specific income requirements, as recommended by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 2, 1
Third-party discount cards (GoodRx, SingleCare, RxSaver) may offer modest discounts, although these typically won't reduce costs as much as manufacturer programs, as noted by the American Academy of Family Physicians 1, 2

The American Medical Association warns that counterfeit medications can be a significant risk, and patients should only purchase from legitimate pharmacies or directly through manufacturer programs 1
The Endocrine Society advises against splitting doses of tirzepatide, as it is formulated in specific doses and should not be divided to save money 2
Many savings programs, including those offered by Eli Lilly, exclude government insurance beneficiaries, as stated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services 2