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Cash Pay Pricing for Zepbound and Wegovy: How Much Do They Cost Through LillyDirect and NovoCare?
For patients struggling to get insurance coverage for GLP-1 weight-loss medications, cash-pay options through LillyDirect and NovoCare are offering a more affordable way to access Zepbound and Wegovy. With rising demand for these FDA-approved obesity treatments, both Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have introduced direct-to-consumer pricing, allowing patients to purchase these medications at a significant discount compared to pharmacy retail prices.
If you’re considering paying cash for your weight-loss medication, here’s what you need to know about the current pricing through LillyDirect and NovoCare.
Zepbound Pricing Through LillyDirect
Eli Lilly offers Zepbound (tirzepatide) vials at reduced prices for patients paying out-of-pocket through LillyDirect. The self-pay program provides tiered pricing, rewarding patients who refill within 45 days with lower monthly costs.
Current Cash Pay Prices for Zepbound:
2.5 mg vial → $349 per month
5 mg vial → $499 per month
7.5 mg vial → $599 per month (or $499 with timely refills)
10 mg vial → $699 per month (or $499 with timely refills)
💡 Savings Tip: If you maintain regular refills (within 45 days of the previous order), the 7.5 mg and 10 mg vials drop to $499 per month, saving you up to $200 monthly.
Wegovy Pricing Through NovoCare
Novo Nordisk has also lowered the cost of Wegovy for cash-paying patients through NovoCare, its direct-to-consumer program.
Current Cash Pay Price for Wegovy:
Flat rate: $499 per month
Unlike Lilly’s tiered pricing structure, NovoCare offers Wegovy at a single discounted price—a steep drop from its $1,349 list price at traditional pharmacies.
Who Should Consider Paying Cash for Zepbound or Wegovy?
These self-pay programs may be a good option if:
✔ Your insurance won’t cover Zepbound or Wegovy
✔ You don’t qualify for manufacturer savings cards or copay assistance
✔ You are currently paying full retail price at a pharmacy
✔ You want to avoid delays from prior authorization or insurance denials
Final Thoughts: Is Paying Cash Worth It?
If you lack insurance coverage or are currently paying full retail price, using LillyDirect or NovoCare for self-pay pricing could save you hundreds per month on Zepbound or Wegovy.
While these programs aren’t a perfect solution, they provide a critical alternative for patients struggling with insurance denials and high retail costs.
