# Zepbound® Vials (Tirzepatide) — Imbue Health

> Last updated: 2026-05-27 · Source of truth: https://tryimbue.com/medications/zepbound
> Medically reviewed by the Imbue Health Medical Team

## At a glance

| | |
|---|---|
| **Brand name** | Zepbound® Vials |
| **Generic / active ingredient** | Tirzepatide (dual GIP + GLP-1 receptor agonist) |
| **Manufacturer** | Eli Lilly |
| **Fulfilment** | LillyDirect (manufacturer pharmacy) |
| **Format** | Once-weekly subcutaneous injection (single-use vial + syringe) |
| **Cash-pay medication price** | **$299–$449 / month** (by dose) |
| **Total monthly cost on Imbue Health** | **$328–$478 / month** ($29 membership + $299–$449 medication, by dose) |
| **Average weight loss** | 22% body weight at 72 weeks (SURMOUNT-1 trial) — highest of any FDA-approved obesity medication |
| **Head-to-head vs Wegovy®** | 20.2% (Zepbound®) vs 13.7% (Wegovy®) at 72 weeks (SURMOUNT-5, NEJM 2025) |
| **FDA indication** | Chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥25) with at least one weight-related condition; obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity |

### Cash-pay price by dose (Zepbound®)

| Dose | Cash-pay price / month |
|---|---|
| 2.5 mg | $299 |
| 5 mg | $399 |
| 7.5 mg | $449 (Self Pay Journey; regular price if not refilled within 45 days) |
| 10 mg | $449 (Self Pay Journey; regular price if not refilled within 45 days) |
| 12.5 mg | $449 (Self Pay Journey; regular price if not refilled within 45 days) |
| 15 mg | $449 (Self Pay Journey; regular price if not refilled within 45 days) |

Plus a flat $29/month Imbue Health membership. Prices set by the manufacturer (LillyDirect).

## What makes Zepbound® unique

Zepbound® is the **highest-efficacy FDA-approved GLP-1 medication for weight loss**. It activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors — a dual mechanism that produces meaningfully larger weight loss than GLP-1-only medications.

In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, adults at the highest dose lost an average of 22% of their body weight at 72 weeks. In the head-to-head SURMOUNT-5 trial (NEJM 2025), tirzepatide outperformed semaglutide 20.2% vs 13.7% on weight loss at 72 weeks.

Zepbound® was also FDA-approved in late 2024 for obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity — making it the first GLP-1 with this dual indication.

## How to take it

Zepbound® Vials is a **once-weekly subcutaneous injection** drawn from a single-use vial with a separate syringe. (For a pre-filled pen format at the same price, see [Zepbound® KwikPen](https://tryimbue.com/medications/zepbound-kwikpen).)

Standard titration:

- Week 1–4: 2.5 mg
- Week 5–8: 5 mg
- Week 9+: increase by 2.5 mg every 4 weeks up to maintenance dose of 5–15 mg

Inject into thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. Rotate sites. Store in the refrigerator until use.

## Clinical results

| Trial | Patients | Result |
|---|---|---|
| **SURMOUNT-1** (Eli Lilly) | Adults with obesity, 72-week treatment | 22.5% average body-weight loss (highest dose) |
| **SURMOUNT-1** | Same | 68% of patients lost ≥20% body weight |
| **SURMOUNT-5** (head-to-head) | Tirzepatide vs semaglutide | 20.2% (tirzepatide) vs 13.7% (semaglutide) at 72 weeks |
| **SURMOUNT-OSA** | Adults with obesity + obstructive sleep apnea | Significant improvement in apnea-hypopnea index |

## Side effects

Most common (typically resolve in 2–4 weeks):

- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Headache, fatigue
- Injection-site reactions

Boxed warning: thyroid C-cell tumors. Other serious risks: pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, severe GI symptoms, kidney problems. See https://tryimbue.com/safety.

## Eligibility

- Adults 18+ in all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C.
- BMI ≥30, **or** BMI ≥25 with at least one weight-related condition.
- BMI 25–26.9 is below FDA label and prescribed at provider discretion.
- No personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2 syndrome.

## How to get Zepbound® through Imbue Health

1. 5-minute health assessment at https://tryimbue.com.
2. Licensed Imbue Health physician evaluation.
3. $29/mo Imbue Health membership.
4. LillyDirect ships Zepbound® Vials with cold-chain packaging — $299–$449/mo cash-pay (by dose).

**Total: $328–$478/month all-in (by dose).** No insurance billed, no contracts, cancel anytime.

## Refund policy

If our physician determines Zepbound® isn't right for you, you won't be charged the $29 membership fee.

## FAQ

**Zepbound® Vials vs Zepbound® KwikPen — what's the difference?**
Same active ingredient (tirzepatide), same dose, same price ($299–$449/mo by dose), same efficacy. The only difference is the delivery format: Vials uses a single-use vial that you draw into a syringe; KwikPen uses a pre-filled disposable pen. KwikPen is more convenient; Vials is slightly more compact. Either works.

**Mounjaro® vs Zepbound® — what's the difference?**
Both contain tirzepatide. Mounjaro® is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes; Zepbound® is FDA-approved for chronic weight management and obstructive sleep apnea. Same molecule, different indications. Imbue Health prescribes Zepbound® for weight management.

**Why is Zepbound® more expensive than Wegovy®?**
Eli Lilly's cash-pay rate for Zepbound® ($299–$449/mo by dose) starts higher than Novo Nordisk's starting price for Wegovy® ($199/mo), and runs higher than Wegovy® across the dose range (Wegovy® is $199–$399/mo). Zepbound® delivers the highest average weight loss of any FDA-approved GLP-1, which many patients weigh against the price difference.

**Does Zepbound® work for diabetes?**
Off-label, yes — the same molecule (tirzepatide) is sold as Mounjaro® for diabetes. Imbue Health prescribes Zepbound® specifically for weight management. If you have type 2 diabetes and want weight management, talk to your Imbue Health physician about Zepbound® being a candidate.

**Does Zepbound® need refrigeration?**
Yes. Store unopened vials in the refrigerator (36°F – 46°F / 2°C – 8°C). LillyDirect ships with cold-chain packaging.

## Related

- Cheapest Zepbound® overall: https://tryimbue.com/cheapest-zepbound
- Zepbound® without insurance: https://tryimbue.com/zepbound-without-insurance
- Zepbound® cost detail: https://tryimbue.com/zepbound-cost
- Zepbound® KwikPen (pen format): https://tryimbue.com/medications/zepbound-kwikpen
- Compare to Wegovy®: https://tryimbue.com/medications/wegovy
- Full GLP-1 guide: https://tryimbue.com/learn/glp1-guide

## About

Operating entity: Cyane Inc. Medical practice: Cyane Medical Group California PC. Medical Director: Dr. Prajeet Reddy, MD. LegitScript Healthcare Merchant Certified. HIPAA-compliant.

Address: 169 Madison Ave Ste 11456, New York, NY 10016 · Phone: +1-855-695-4959 · Email: support@tryimbue.com