What it's approved for
- Chronic weight management, with a reduced-calorie diet and more physical activity, in adults with obesity (BMI 30 or higher) or overweight (BMI 27 or higher) with at least one weight-related condition
- Moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity (added December 2024)
How it works
It acts on two gut-hormone receptors, GIP and GLP-1. Together they slow stomach emptying, reduce appetite through signals in the brain and help the pancreas release insulin when blood sugar is high.
Zepbound has a half-life of about 5 days, which is why it's dosed once a week.
The same medicine is sold as Mounjaro. See Mounjaro vs Zepbound.
Dose steps on the label
Increase in 2.5 mg steps after at least 4 weeks on the current dose. Maintenance: 5 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg once weekly (10 mg or 15 mg for sleep apnea).
What the main trial found
Most common side effects
| Side effect | Zepbound | Placebo |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 25% to 29% | 9% |
| Diarrhea | 19% to 23% | 7% |
| Constipation | 11% to 17% | 6% |
| Vomiting | 8% to 13% | 2% |
| Stomach pain | 9% to 10% | 5% |
| Heartburn and indigestion | 7% to 9% | 2% |
Pooled placebo-controlled weight-management trials in the Zepbound label (5 mg, 10 mg and 15 mg). See all side effects.
Cost snapshot
| Option | Per month | Per year | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| List price | $1,086 | $14,118 | List price per 4-week supply of pens, before insurance |
| 2.5 mg vial (LillyDirect self-pay) | $299 | $3,588 | Self-pay |
| 5 mg vial | $399 | $4,788 | Self-pay |
| 7.5 mg to 15 mg vials | $449 | $5,388 | Self-pay |
Compiled mid-2026 from manufacturer announcements; re-checked monthly. All savings options.
Everything about Zepbound
Dosage
Every dose step, timing and the maximum
OpenSide effects
How common each one is vs placebo
OpenCost and savings
List price, self-pay and savings cards
OpenInsurance coverage
Prior authorization and appeals
OpenMissed dose
What the label says to do
OpenStorage
Fridge, room temperature and travel
OpenHow to take it
Step by step, from the label
OpenWarnings
Boxed warning and who shouldn't use it
OpenExplainer · 0:23
Read the transcript
- After you eat, your gut releases a hormone called GLP-1. GLP-1 medicines copy it, but last much longer in the body.
- It slows how fast your stomach empties, so you feel full sooner and stay full for longer.
- It also acts on appetite centers in the brain, which quiets hunger and constant thoughts about food.
- When blood sugar is high, it helps the pancreas release insulin. Tirzepatide also acts on a second gut hormone, GIP.
Compare Zepbound
Common questions
What is Zepbound?
Zepbound is tirzepatide, a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist made by Eli Lilly. It's a once weekly injection.
What is the starting dose of Zepbound?
The label starts at 2.5 mg, 4 weeks first. Increase in 2.5 mg steps after at least 4 weeks on the current dose.
What is the highest dose of Zepbound?
The highest dose on the label is 15 mg once weekly.
How much weight do people lose on Zepbound?
In SURMOUNT-1, people on 15 mg lost an average of 20.9% of body weight over 72 weeks, vs 3.1% on placebo. Results vary widely.
What if I miss a dose of Zepbound?
Take the missed dose as soon as possible within 4 days (96 hours). If more than 4 days have passed, skip it and take the next dose on your usual day.
Sources
Clinician review pending. Drafted from primary sources and waiting for sign-off by a licensed clinician (MD, DO or PharmD) before launch. Every number is checked against its source. Drug facts are re-checked quarterly, prices monthly and whenever a label changes. How we review · Report an error