Zepbound® vials
Prescription Online for Weight Loss
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Lose up to 20% of your body weight†
May be covered by insurance
What are Zepbound vials?
Zepbound® is a drug that mimics two gut hormones, one called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and the other, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). When you eat, these hormones slow digestion and help you feel full.
Zepbound is a brand name for tirzepatide, manufactured by Eli Lilly. It’s approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for long-term weight management. Zepbound single dose vials offer a more affordable format for self-paying patients.
How does Zepbound work?
When you eat, the food stimulates your gut to release GLP-1 and GIP.
When blood sugar levels are high after a meal, GLP-1 triggers the release of insulin by the pancreas and slows the movement of food through the digestive system. It also decreases glucagon, a hormone that controls the amount of glucose (blood sugar) the liver stores. GIP stimulates insulin release to help regulate blood sugar levels after eating.
In some people, the gut doesn't make enough of these hormones, or the brain isn't sensitive to them.
Because Zepbound is a combination of synthetic GIP and GLP-1, it activates the same receptor cells that the body’s natural hormones activate.
Because Zepbound slows digestion, it helps curb hunger and signal fullness to the brain. It also helps maintain blood sugar levels after meals by prompting insulin release. This is why some people with obesity and excess weight have lost weight while taking Zepbound.
How much do Zepbound vials cost with Found?
Zepbound vials are available from LillyDirect Self Pay Pharmacy Solutions, and are priced differently depending on the dose:
- 2.5 mg vial is $349 per month
- 5 mg vial for $499 per month
- 7.5 mg vial for $599 per month
- 10 mg vial for $699 per month
Eli Lilly offers a Self Pay Journey Program which discounts the cost of the 7.5 mg and 10 mg single dose vials to $499 per month for the first month and for refills, as long as the refills are purchased within 45 days of the previous vial delivery.
Does insurance cover Zepbound vials?
Zepbound single-dose vials are available with a prescription for self-paying patients outside of insurance coverage. If you have commercial insurance that doesn’t cover Zepbound, talk to a Found provider about your options. More on Zepbound and insurance coverage
Safety info: Zepbound vials have a black-box warning and may have serious side effects, including possible thyroid tumors. Do not use Zepbound if you or your family have a history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia 2 (MEN 2).
Get started with
Zepbound Vials
Found's clinicians understand that some people need help to reach a healthy weight. They can prescribe Zepbound to help you lose weight, depending on your needs.
As an alternative to commercially available products, where appropriate, a provider may prescribe a compounded drug, which is prepared by licensed sterile compounding partners. Although compounded drugs are permitted to be prescribed under federal law, they are not FDA-approved and do not undergo safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing review.
Medication is not included in the cost of the Found membership.
How
Zepbound Vials
work
Shut out the food noise
Zepbound mimics hormones that slow digestion, so you feel full longer. It also signals the brain that you're satisfied—helping you keep your appetite in check.
Prevent fat gain
When your insulin is balanced, your blood sugar is steady, and your body is less likely to store energy as fat.
Use energy better
Zepbound regulates insulin, the hormone that helps your body use energy (glucose) from the food you eat.
More affordable
Once a week
How Found's program works
1
Get qualified
Determine your eligibility for the Found program
2
Meet your provider
Your Found clinician will personalize a prescription for you based on your needs
3
Tailor your care
Your care provider and coach adjust your care to help you succeed
4
Start your program
Begin seeing and feeling results as soon as month 1
Why choose Found?
We check the boxes that count
Questions we hear every day
How effective is Zepbound for weight loss?
Clinical trials show Zepbound (tirzepatide) is highly effective for weight loss in those with excess weight or obesity.
In one trial, people with obesity (defined as having a BMI of 30 or more) and those with BMIs of 27+ in addition to at least one weight-related health condition, but not diabetes, were given 10 mg or 15 mg of Zepbound weekly.
After 36 weeks, those taking Zepbound while following a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity program saw an average loss of 20.9% of their body weight. Patients who continued taking Zepbound with diet and exercise maintained that weight loss—and lost an additional 5.5% of their body weight, on average—over the next 52 weeks.
Of course, individual results vary. Even in clinical trials, some people did not lose weight or tolerate Zepbound. Research on Zepbound’s effects in people with additional or overlapping health conditions or those taking other medications is still limited. And Zepbound isn’t advised for everyone.
Is there a generic version of Zepbound?
Currently, there’s no FDA-approved generic version of Zepbound.
Read more about the differences between brand name, generic, and compound medications
What is the difference between a Zepbound pen and a Zepbound vial?
A Zepbound pen is a prefilled autoinjection device with a single dose of medicine. The needle is contained within the pen. Administering a dose is easy—just put the unlocked pen against your skin and press the button at the top. The needle retracts automatically after injecting the medicine.
Zepbound single-dose vials require a needle and syringe. First, fill the syringe with the medicine from the vial, insert the needle into your skin and push the plunger down to deliver the medicine. Finally, you pull the needle out of your skin.
Zepbound vials are less expensive than Zepbound pens for a monthly fill and are available for self-paying customers via LillyDirect (with a prescription). On the other hand, local pharmacies can fill prescriptions for Zepbound pens.
How soon will I see results on Zepbound?
Individual results vary, but it’s possible to notice changes in appetite and digestion within three days of taking an initial dose of Zepbound and to experience some weight loss within one to four months as the dosage is adjusted.
Whether and how quickly you see results depends on your unique physiology, diet, exercise level, how well your body tolerates the medication, and how quickly you progress to a therapeutic dosage.
The standard dosing schedule for Zepbound involves starting at the lowest dose (2.5 mg) and, if tolerated, making gradual monthly dose increases (up to a maximum of 15 mg) until a patient reaches their optimal weekly dose for weight loss. This dosage will vary person to person.
In clinical trials, people taking 10 mg or 15 mg weekly dosages lost an average of 20.9% of their baseline body weight after 36 weeks (nine months) and 26.4% after 88 weeks (one year and nine months).
Is Zepbound better than Wegovy®?
Head-to-head comparisons are limited, and individual results vary, but based on one cohort study of similar patient populations, people with obesity or overweight who take Zepbound (tirzepatide) appear to lose more weight than those taking Wegovy (semaglutide) over similar time periods.
Early findings from one study yet-to-be published in a peer-reviewed journal, a head-to-head clinical trial funded by Eli Lilly, also support more significant weight loss with Zepbound. The study involved 751 U.S. and Puerto Rican patients with obesity and patients with overweight and at least one weight-related condition. Over the course of 72 weeks, on average:
- Those taking weekly doses of 10 mg or 15 mg of Zepbound lost 20.2% of their body weight.
- Those taking weekly doses of 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg Wegovy lost 13.7% of their body weight.
Researchers theorize this may be because Zepbound simulates both GLP-1 and GIP. These two naturally occurring hormones help regulate blood sugar, stomach-emptying, and appetite in the body. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, only simulates the GLP-1 hormone.
Learn more about the differences between Zepbound and Wegovy.
Is Ozempic® the same as Zepbound?
No. Ozempic and Zepbound are not the same.
While both are injectable medications commonly prescribed for weight loss, they have different active ingredients. Ozempic’s active ingredient is semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist; Zepbound’s active ingredient is tirzepatide, an agonist for GLP-1 and GIP receptors. The indications, dosages, and risks are different for each drug.
Ozempic has more in common with Wegovy since they both have the same active ingredient: semaglutide. Ozempic is FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight loss.
Learn more about the differences between Zepbound and Ozempic.
Do I have to take Zepbound long term or for life?
Because Zepbound supports a process the body isn’t doing well on its own, it may require long-term use.
Zepbound Vials
101
How often do you take Zepbound?
Zepbound is taken once a week. Follow your care provider’s instructions for using it. Eli Lilly recommends injecting Zepbound under the skin in your upper arm, upper thigh, or stomach, rotating injection sites each week to minimize irritation. Store the Zepbound vials in a refrigerator.
Should you avoid certain foods while taking Zepbound?
Eli Lilly recommends pairing Zepbound with a well-balanced diet focused on whole foods.
While no foods are off-limits when taking a tirzepatide medicine like Zepbound, limiting alcohol, high-sugar foods and drinks, and calorie-dense or fried foods may help curb gastrointestinal issues.
Discuss side effects and dietary changes with your health care provider for best results.
What are Zepbound’s side effects?
Commonly reported side effects of this medication include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Bloating
Are there any precautions I should take if I use Zepbound?
Prevent muscle loss
Rapid or significant weight loss can lead to too much muscle loss. To protect your muscles, it’s important to exercise regularly and start a strength training program while taking Zepbound.
Use birth control
Use effective contraception while taking this medication. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant, do not take Zepbound.
Report stomach issues
Tell your health care provider if you have severe stomach problems that won’t go away, including abdominal bloating or pain, acid reflux, a feeling of fullness after eating just a few bites of food, nausea, and vomiting, including vomiting undigested food eaten a few hours earlier. These may be symptoms of stomach paralysis (gastroparesis).
Be aware of health conditions
Zepbound is not appropriate for those with insulin-dependent diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. So, if that’s you, Zepbound isn’t the right fit.
Does Zepbound have any drug interactions?
Some drugs can also interact with Zepbound, including:
- Insulin
- Sulfonylureas (these can cause blood sugar levels to drop dangerously low)
- Some birth control pills
- Other GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist medications such as liraglutide, dulaglutide, or semaglutide
You should not drink alcohol while taking this drug because drinking can lower blood sugar. Combining alcohol with Zepbound may cause blood sugar levels to fall too fast, leading to fainting and dizziness.
Who shouldn’t use Zepbound vials?
Certain medical conditions may influence a person’s ability to safely take Zepbound. According to the black box warning on Zepbound’s drug label, those with a personal or family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 or medullary thyroid cancer should not take Zepbound.
People who plan to become pregnant should stop taking Zepbound two months prior to trying to conceive. Talk to your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. If you are scheduled to have surgery utilizing anesthesia or deep sedation ask your medical provider when you should discontinue the use of Zepbound.
Additionally, people who have known allergies to the drug; have experienced depression, suicidal thoughts, or mental health issues; have a history of diabetic retinopathy; or have had problems with their pancreas or kidneys should consult with their doctor before starting Zepbound.
Older patients should use caution before starting Zepbound as they may experience more severe side effects and be at increased risk for nutritional deficiencies, loss of bone density, and muscle loss.
Sources
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2024, November). Ozempic (semaglutide) injection, for subcutaneous use. Novo Nordisk. [Drug label & prescribing information]. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2024/209637s032lbl.pdf
- Novo Nordisk. (2025, January 28). FDA approves Ozempic® (semaglutide) as the only GLP-1 RA to reduce the risk of worsening kidney disease and cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. [Press release.] https://www.ozempic.com/content/dam/diabetes-patient/ozempic/pdfs/Ozempic_CKD_sNDA_Press_Release_January_28_2025.pdf
- Seal, D. (2025, January 28). Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic gets FDA approval as kidney-disease treatment. The Wall Street Journal. https://apple.news/A4wM-55T2RpK3u6wpMPImrA
- Novo Nordisk. (2025, January). Once-weekly Ozempic® semaglutide injection, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg. https://www.ozempic.com/
- Novo Nordisk. (2023, October). Ozempic® (semaglutide) injection 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg. https://www.novopricing.com/ozempic.html
- Lankford, K. (2025, January 23). Does Medicare cover Ozempic and drugs taken for weight loss? AARP.org. https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-qa-tool/does-medicare-cover-ozempic-weight-loss-drugs.html
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, Office of Health Policy. (2024, November 26). Issue brief: Medicare coverage of anti-obesity medications. https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/127bd5b3347b34be31ac5c6b5ed30e6a/medicare-coverage-anti-obesity-meds.pdf
- Wilding, J. P. H., Batterman, R. L., Calanna, S., Davies, M., van Gaal, L. F., Lingvay, I., & McGowan, B. M. (2021). Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity [the STEP 1 trial]. New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11), 989-1002. https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
- Garvey, W. T., Batterham, R. L., Bhatta, M., Buscemi, S., Christensen, L. N., Frias, J. P., Jódar, E., Kandler, K., Rigas, G., Wadden, T. A., Wharton, S., & the STEP 5 Study Group. (2022). Two-year effects of semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity: the STEP 5 trial. Nature Medicine, 2022(28), 2083–2091. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-022-02026-4
- Frías, J. P., Auerbach, P., Bajaj, H. S., Fukushima, Y., Lingvay, I., Macura, S., Søndergaard, A. L., Tankova, T. I., Tentolouris, N., & Buse, J. B. (2021). Efficacy and safety of once-weekly semaglutide 2.0 mg versus 1.0 mg in patients with type 2 diabetes (SUSTAIN FORTE): a double-blind, randomised, phase 3B trial. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 9(9), 563–574. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-8587(21)00174-1
- Texas Board of Pharmacy. (n.d.) Why do I need a prescription from a doctor for some medications and not for others? https://www.pharmacy.texas.gov/consumer/broch1.asp#
- Sorli, C., Harashima, S. I., Tsoukas, G. M., Unger, J., Karsbøl, J. D., Hansen, T., & Bain, S. C. (2017). Efficacy and safety of once-weekly semaglutide monotherapy versus placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes (SUSTAIN 1): a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multinational, multicentre phase 3a trial. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 5(4), 251–260. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-8587(17)30013-X
- Ryan, D. H., Lingvay, I., Deanfield, J., Kahn, S. E., Barros, E., Burguera, B., Colhoun, H. M., Cercato, C., Dicker, D., Horn, D. B., Hovingh, G. K., Jeppesen, O. K., Kokkinos, A., Lincoff, A. M., Meyhöfer, S. M., Oral, T. K., Plutzky, J., van Beek, A. P., Wilding, J. P. H., & Kushner, R. F. (2024). Long-term weight loss effects of semaglutide in obesity without diabetes in the SELECT trial. Nature Medicine, 2024(30), 2049–2057. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-02996-7
Perkovic, V., Tuttle, K. R., Rossing, P., Mahaffey, K. W., Mann, J. F. E., Bakris, G., Baeres, F. M. M., Idorn, T., Bosch-Traberg, H., Lausvig, N. L., Pratley, R., & FLOW Trial Committees and Investigators. (2024). Effects of semaglutide on chronic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. New England Journal of Medicine, 391(2), 109–121. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2403347
