How much does Zepbound cost without insurance coverage?
Zepbound, the brand name for the medication tirzepatide, is a relatively new weight loss drug approved by the FDA in 2022.
This makes it one of the first new prescription weight loss medications to hit the market in over a decade.
The average retail price for Zepbound without insurance coverage can range from around $1,500 to $1,650 per month.
This high cost is due to Zepbound being considered a specialty medication.
The active ingredient in Zepbound, tirzepatide, works by targeting two key hormones that regulate appetite and glucose levels - glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP).
By activating these receptors, it helps patients feel fuller for longer and improves blood sugar control.
Eligible patients may be able to access manufacturer coupons or patient assistance programs that can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket cost of Zepbound for those without insurance coverage.
These savings can bring the monthly price down to as low as $25-$100.
In clinical trials, patients taking Zepbound lost on average 15-20% of their body weight, significantly more than other available weight loss medications.
This makes it one of the most effective pharmaceutical options for weight loss.
Zepbound is administered via a weekly subcutaneous injection, similar to insulin pens used by diabetics.
This delivery method helps ensure consistent drug levels in the body to maximize its weight loss effects.
The FDA has approved Zepbound for use in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or more with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
While Zepbound has been shown to be generally well-tolerated, potential side effects can include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and increased heart rate.
Patients should be closely monitored by their healthcare provider.
In addition to the medication cost, those seeking Zepbound treatment may also face expenses for provider visits, lab tests, and ongoing monitoring.
These supplementary costs can add hundreds more per month.
The high price tag of Zepbound has led some experts to caution that it may exacerbate healthcare inequities, as the drug may be inaccessible for many patients without robust insurance coverage or financial assistance.
Researchers are continuing to explore the long-term safety and efficacy of Zepbound, as clinical trial data has primarily focused on its effects over 1-2 years of use.
Longer-term data will be important for evaluating its risk-benefit profile.
For patients considering Zepbound, it's crucial to work closely with a qualified healthcare provider to determine if it is the right treatment option, understand the full costs involved, and explore any available cost-saving measures.