Comprehensive medication guide to {drug} including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is a prescription injectable medication approved by the FDA in November 2023 for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) or overweight (BMI ≥ 27) with at least one weight-related comorbidity such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or obstructive sleep apnea. It is used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Zepbound is manufactured by Eli Lilly and contains the same active ingredient — tirzepatide — as Mounjaro, which is approved for type 2 diabetes. However, Zepbound is specifically branded and indicated for weight loss.
What makes Zepbound unique is that it's a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist — the first and only medication in its class. While other popular weight loss drugs like Wegovy (semaglutide) target only the GLP-1 receptor, Zepbound activates both the GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors. This dual mechanism is believed to contribute to its superior weight loss results.
In the landmark SURMOUNT clinical trials, Zepbound demonstrated remarkable results:
Zepbound was also approved in December 2024 for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity, making it the first medication approved for this condition.
Looking for Zepbound near you? Medfinder can help you find pharmacies in your area that have it in stock.
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist — meaning it mimics two naturally occurring hormones in your body that play key roles in appetite regulation, blood sugar control, and metabolism.
Here's how it works:
Together, these two pathways produce several effects that contribute to weight loss:
Zepbound is injected once weekly. Because of its long half-life (approximately 5 days), steady-state levels build over several weeks of treatment, which is why the dose is gradually increased over time.
Effects on appetite are often noticeable within the first 1–2 weeks, while meaningful weight loss typically becomes apparent after 8–12 weeks of treatment.
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is available as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection in the following strengths:
Zepbound is injected once weekly on the same day each week, at any time of day, with or without food. All patients start at 2.5 mg once weekly for 4 weeks, then increase to 5 mg weekly. From there, your prescriber may increase the dose by 2.5 mg increments every 4 weeks or longer based on your response and tolerability, up to a maximum of 15 mg weekly.
The single-dose vials were introduced by Eli Lilly at a significantly lower price than the injection pens and require the patient to use a separate syringe to draw up and inject the medication. This can be a good option for patients looking to reduce costs.
Zepbound must be refrigerated (36°F to 46°F / 2°C to 8°C) until use. An unused pen or vial can be kept at room temperature (up to 86°F / 30°C) for up to 30 days.
If your pharmacy doesn't have your prescribed dose, use Medfinder to locate a pharmacy near you with it in stock.
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is one of the most in-demand medications in the United States right now — and while supply has improved significantly since 2024, finding it at your pharmacy can still be hit or miss depending on your dose and location. We've assigned it a findability score of 55 out of 100, meaning patients should expect moderate difficulty locating this medication.
Zepbound experienced severe supply constraints from its launch in late 2023 through most of 2024, driven by unprecedented demand for GLP-1 weight loss medications. Tirzepatide (the active ingredient in both Zepbound and Mounjaro) was placed on the FDA Drug Shortage Database in December 2022 and remained there until October 2024, when the FDA determined that Eli Lilly could meet market demand. The FDA upheld this decision in December 2024, officially resolving the shortage.
However, "resolved" doesn't mean every pharmacy has it on the shelf. The FDA has acknowledged that patients may still experience intermittent localized supply disruptions as the medication moves through the supply chain. This is especially true for medications like Zepbound that require refrigeration and come in multiple dose strengths — pharmacies may stock some doses but not others.
A major development: In May 2025, CVS Health announced it would drop Zepbound from its preferred formulary starting July 2025, instead prioritizing coverage of Wegovy (semaglutide). This means CVS Caremark members may face higher costs or need prior authorization for Zepbound, potentially affecting demand distribution across pharmacies (Source: Pharmacy Times).
The end of the compounded tirzepatide market has also shifted demand. When the FDA removed tirzepatide from the shortage list, compounding pharmacies were required to stop producing copycat versions. An estimated up to 2 million patients were using compounded tirzepatide, many of whom are now transitioning to brand-name Zepbound — adding pressure on pharmacy supply.
Unlike ADHD stimulants, Zepbound is not a controlled substance, so there are no DEA production quotas or pharmacy stocking limits to contend with. The main barriers to access are insurance coverage and cost. Many insurance plans still don't cover weight loss medications, and Zepbound's list price is approximately $1,000/month.
Eli Lilly has taken steps to improve affordability, including offering single-dose vials at a lower price point (~$400/month) and a commercial savings card that can reduce copays for eligible patients with insurance coverage.
If your pharmacy doesn't have your prescribed Zepbound dose in stock, Medfinder can help you find a pharmacy near you that does — saving you time and ensuring you don't miss a dose in your treatment plan.
Struggling to find {drug} in stock? We'll call the pharmacies, sit on hold, and find you one that can fill your prescription.
Zepbound is a prescription medication but is not a controlled substance, which means any licensed prescriber can write a prescription for it without the DEA restrictions that apply to stimulant medications. The following providers commonly prescribe Zepbound:
Zepbound can also be prescribed via telehealth. Several direct-to-consumer telehealth platforms now offer virtual consultations specifically for weight management medications, though patients should ensure they're receiving FDA-approved brand-name Zepbound and not compounded alternatives.
The bigger challenge with Zepbound is usually insurance coverage and cost, not getting the prescription itself. If your pharmacy doesn't stock your dose, Medfinder can help you locate one that does.
No, Zepbound is not a controlled substance. Unlike ADHD stimulant medications (such as Adderall or Vyvanse), Zepbound has no DEA scheduling or restrictions related to abuse potential.
This means:
While Zepbound itself is not a controlled substance, it is only available by prescription. You cannot purchase it over the counter. Additionally, the FDA has cracked down on compounded and counterfeit versions of tirzepatide — patients should only use FDA-approved Zepbound obtained from licensed pharmacies.
The primary access barriers for Zepbound are insurance coverage and cost, not regulatory restrictions. Many insurance plans do not cover weight loss medications, and Zepbound's list price is approximately $1,000/month without coverage.
If your pharmacy doesn't carry Zepbound, Medfinder can help you find a pharmacy near you that has your prescribed dose in stock.
The most common side effects of Zepbound are gastrointestinal and tend to be most pronounced during the first few weeks and during dose increases. They typically improve as your body adjusts.
Contact your healthcare provider or seek medical attention if you experience:
Boxed Warning: Zepbound carries a boxed warning about the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors based on animal studies. It is not known whether tirzepatide causes these tumors in humans. Zepbound should not be used in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Tip: Most GI side effects can be minimized by eating smaller meals, avoiding high-fat foods, staying hydrated, and following the gradual dose escalation schedule. Don't skip dose increases too quickly.
If Zepbound isn't available at your pharmacy, isn't covered by your insurance, or your prescriber wants to explore other options, there are several alternatives for weight management:
Several next-generation obesity medications are in late-stage clinical trials, including oral GLP-1 drugs and triple-agonist molecules that may offer even greater weight loss. Discuss the latest options with your prescriber.
If you'd prefer to stay on Zepbound, Medfinder can help you find a pharmacy near you that has it in stock.
Zepbound can affect how other medications work because it slows gastric emptying — meaning food and oral medications stay in your stomach longer, which can change how quickly other drugs are absorbed.
Because Zepbound slows gastric emptying, it's a good practice to inform all of your healthcare providers and pharmacists that you're taking it. Any oral medication you take could potentially have altered absorption timing.
Always consult your prescriber before starting or stopping medications while on Zepbound.
Zepbound represents a major advance in weight management — as the first and only dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, it delivers the most significant weight loss results of any FDA-approved obesity medication to date. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of over 20%, and the recent SURMOUNT-5 trial confirmed it outperforms Wegovy by a substantial margin.
The good news: Zepbound is no longer in shortage. The FDA officially resolved the tirzepatide shortage in late 2024, and Eli Lilly has invested billions in manufacturing capacity. Unlike ADHD stimulants, Zepbound is not a controlled substance, so there are no DEA quotas or pharmacy stocking restrictions.
The challenge remains cost and insurance coverage. With a list price near $1,000/month and many plans not covering weight loss medications, affordability is the biggest barrier for most patients. CVS Caremark's decision to drop Zepbound from its preferred formulary in favor of Wegovy may further complicate access for some patients. If you have insurance coverage, check Eli Lilly's savings card program. If paying cash, the single-dose vial option (~$400/month) offers a more affordable path.
Don't let pharmacy availability slow down your treatment. Medfinder helps you find pharmacies near you that currently stock your prescribed Zepbound dose — so you never have to miss a weekly injection or spend time calling around.
Search for Zepbound availability near you and stay on track with your weight management goals.
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