How to get the cheapest tirzepatide online without insurance
Searching for the cheapest tirzepatide online? Here's what you need to know before you buy.
Key highlights
- Compounded tirzepatide can be the best option to get personalized tirzepatide at a cheap price. The medication has the same active ingredient as Zepbound and Mounjaro.
- Always choose a U.S.-certified pharmacy or outsourcing facility that meets the quality standards, as the FDA does not review or test compounded medications for quality and effectiveness.
- You can buy compounded tirzepatide via telehealth services and online pharmacies.
- Do not buy the medication if the price is unrealistically low, or if the medication is marketed “for research only” or “not for human consumption”.
Tirzepatide is in high demand, but finding it affordably online can be risky. Where can you buy the cheapest tirzepatide without getting scammed?
Compounding pharmacies offer the medication at the lowest prices, but safety should come first. Always choose a reputable and licensed compounding pharmacy to buy compounded tirzepatide.
Tirzepatide is a dual agonist GLP-1 and GIP receptor medication. It comes with two brand names, Mounjaro and Zepbound. Mounjaro is FDA-approved for managing blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients. Zepbound is indicated for chronic weight management and treatment of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition when combined with a healthy lifestyle and dietary modifications.
These expensive medications are unaffordable for many patients without insurance coverage. However, patients can buy tirzepatide online at cheaper prices, which comes with certain risks. Before purchasing the medication, always be sure that you are buying from a licensed pharmacy that meets quality standards.
This article guides you on how to safely buy cheap tirzepatide online, why you need a doctor’s consultation before starting the medication, and what are safe online pharmacy practices.
How much does tirzepatide cost without insurance?
According to the manufacturer, Eli Lilly, the list price for Mounjaro is $1,079.77 per fill, and the list price for Zepbound is $1,086.37 per fill (28-day supply – four pre-filled pens). The retail price of these medications can range from $1,000 to $1,300 or more without insurance. Prices may vary between pharmacies.
The following factors influence tirzepatide prices:
- Brand name vs. generic availability: Tirzepatide is currently available only as a brand-name drug with two brand names: Mounjaro and Zepbound. Brand-name medications usually have a higher price due to the significant costs involved in research, development, and marketing. Tirzepatide has no generic alternatives, and there is less price competition.
- Dosage and treatment duration: The prescribed dosage and length of treatment directly affect the overall cost. Without insurance, the higher doses and longer treatment periods may make the medication more expensive.
- Insurance coverage: Insurance plays a major role in determining out-of-pocket costs for tirzepatide. Patients with commercial insurance may get a monthly supply of the medication for as low as $25 per month. However, the costs depend on individual insurance plans and other factors such as copays and deductibles.
- Pharmacy and geographic location: The prices of brand-name drugs may vary depending on the pharmacy and region. Local demand for the medication, supply chains, and regional economic conditions contribute to price differences. For instance, online pharmacies may offer more competitive pricing compared to traditional pharmacies, but make sure you buy the medication from a reputable pharmacy.
- Compounding pharmacies and drug shortages: Compounding pharmacies produce tailor-made compounded tirzepatide to meet patients’ needs during drug shortages or when the required dosage strength or form is commercially unavailable. Compounded versions of the medication typically have a lower cost than brand-name drugs.
- Manufacturer saving cards and assistance programs: Eli Lilly offers Mounjaro and Zepbound saving cards for commercially insured patients who meet eligibility criteria. If eligible, you may get the medication at significantly lower prices, even if you do not have insurance coverage for these medications.
- Pharmacy coupons: Online pharmacies such as GoodRx, Singlecare, Optim Perks, BuzzRx, and WellRx provide tirzepatide coupons. You may get the medication at a lower price with the help of these coupons.
Why is tirzepatide so expensive?
Tirzepatide is available only as a brand-name drug, and there are no generic alternatives to the medication. Brand-name drugs are typically expensive as there is no generic competition in the market.
Tirzepatide is a newer weight loss and anti-obesity medication, protected by patents. These patents grant the manufacturer exclusive rights to sell the drug. This exclusivity allows the company to set higher prices.
In an annual report, Lilly said that its patents for tirzepatide expire in 2036. However, the launch of generic alternatives may be restricted until 2039 due to active formulation patents.
How to get the cheapest tirzepatide without insurance
Here are some options to get the cheapest tirzepatide without insurance:
Compounded tirzepatide
Compounded tirzepatide is a custom-made version of tirzepatide. Compounded medications are dispensed in compounding pharmacies by licensed healthcare providers, licensed pharmacists, and people working under the direct supervision of licensed pharmacists. They mix, combine, or alter the ingredients of the medication to make a custom-made version that meets the patient’s unique needs.
Compounded medications are useful when the brand-name drug is in shortage, or when the patient needs a specific dosage strength or form that is not commercially available.
Compounded tirzepatide has the same active ingredient (tirzepatide) as Mounjaro and Zepbound, but it is not FDA-approved for weight management or type 2 diabetes.
Online telehealth providers
Tirzepatide is a prescription medication. You need to consult with a licensed healthcare professional before starting the medication. They will assess your medical history and suitability for treatment before prescribing the medication. If medically appropriate, they will create a customized treatment plan for you.
If you are looking for a medical weight loss program to lose weight, you can consider using NiceRx’s online telehealth weight loss program which offers compounded tirzepatide online without insurance.
You will start by completing a quick 2-minute health assessment to see if you qualify for treatment. If you qualify, you’ll have a telehealth consultation with a board-certified physician who will review your medical history and prescribe the medication, if medically appropriate. A U.S.-licensed compounding pharmacy will deliver the medication directly to your home with free shipping, and you’ll only pay for the medication.
Prescription discount cards
Prescription discount cards from GoodRx, SingleCare, Optum Perks, BuzzRx, and WellRx for Zepbound and Mounjaro can also lower the cost of these medications without insurance.
GoodRx Zepbound coupon saves 23% off the average retail price ($1,295.64). You can get the medication for $995 from most pharmacies when using this coupon.
The following pharmacies offer pharmacy discount cards. Reduced prices after applying these cards are also mentioned:
Mounjaro retail prices (GoodRx)
| Pharmacy | Price with BuzzRx Coupon | Prices with WellRx Coupon | Prices with Singlecare Coupon | Prices with GoodRx Coupon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CVS | $1,135.30 | $1,118.08 | $1,002 | $995 |
| Wallgreen | $1,103.43 | $1,181.93 | $872.00 | $995 |
| Walmart | $1,139.05 | $1,095.40 | $872.00 | $995 |
| Rite Aid | $1,124.07 | - | $872.00 | - |
Zepbound retail prices (GoodRx)
| Pharmacy | Price with BuzzRx Coupon | Prices with WellRx Coupon | Prices with Singlecare Coupon | Prices with GoodRx Coupon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CVS | $1,135.30 | $1,124.76 | $1,022 | $995 |
| Wallgreen | $1,142.30 | $1,189.11 | $947.00 | $995 |
| Walmart | $1,139.05 | $$1,102.00 | $947.00 | $995 |
| Rite Aid | $1,124.07 | - | $920.44 | - |
Disclaimer: Please note that these prices are estimated as of the date of publishing this article.
Zepbound single-dose vials (LillyDirect)
The manufacturer of Zepbound, Eli Lilly, has introduced Zepbound single-dose vials through self-pay for uninsured patients. The single-dose vials are available in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, and 10 mg strengths.
A 2.5 mg vial costs $349 per month, and the 5 mg, 7.5 mg, and 10 mg vials cost $499 per month.
Insurance is not accepted for this program. FSA/HSA cards are accepted at checkout for payment. Injection supplies are available through a pharmacy provider for a nominal fee at checkout. Additional taxes and fees may apply. You will be required to certify that you have been prescribed the Zepbound vial for an FDA-approved use (off-label use is not accepted).
Is compounded tirzepatide the best option?
Yes, compounded tirzepatide may be the best option if you are looking for personalized tirzepatide with custom dosing at the cheapest prices. The compounded medication costs around $300 to $400 for a monthly supply and is easily accessible, even during drug shortages.
However, it is important to choose a reputable compounded pharmacy because compounded versions of medications do not undergo the same rigorous testing and review as brand-name drugs. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not directly monitor the manufacturing process of compounded medications. Always buy from licensed pharmacies or outsourcing facilities that follow the rules and regulations when purchasing compounded tirzepatide.
How to buy tirzepatide online without insurance
1. Telehealth services
You can book an online consultation with a licensed healthcare professional from the comfort of your home by using telehealth services. They will assess your condition online and prescribe you the right medication, if medically appropriate to do so.
Choose a trustworthy telehealth platform that has licensed healthcare professionals. Keep in mind the following factors while choosing a telehealth provider:
- Their services comply with state regulations and ensure patient safety and security.
- The platform offers 24/7 real-time support and is available for assistance in case of technical issues.
- Check the average wait time to ensure you will have timely access to a provider when needed.
- Review patient reviews on communication, satisfaction, and service quality.
- Look for a telehealth service that can provide personalized treatment plans.
After booking a consultation, you will meet your healthcare provider online via a secure video call. The healthcare provider will check your medical history including your pre-existing medical conditions, other medications, and allergies, and assess your weight loss goals when personalizing a suitable treatment plan for weight management. Healthcare providers usually start patients on lower doses of tirzepatide and increase the dose gradually over time to reduce the risk of side effects.
You can discuss your concerns about insurance coverage with your healthcare provider. Generally, most insurance companies do not cover weight loss medications, but some plans may cover them if you meet eligibility criteria. Your doctor will help you choose the most suitable medication for you.
2. Online pharmacies
You can also get the medication from online pharmacies after getting a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional. Make sure you choose a licensed and reputable pharmacy. You can verify the accreditation of the online pharmacy with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). You can also use the BeSafeRx tool to check if the pharmacy is licensed.
Unlicensed online pharmacies that offer tirzepatide at unrealistically low prices may be selling counterfeit products, which may contain too little, too much, or no tirzepatide at all.
You can legally buy tirzepatide from online pharmacies or local pharmacies, but you should have a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. The FDA recommends purchasing the medication with a prescription from a state-licensed pharmacy, or an outsourcing facility registered with the FDA.
How to avoid scams when buying tirzepatide online
Look for these red flags when buying tirzepatide online to avoid scams:
Red flags
- Do not buy medications from pharmacies that do not require a prescription. They might not be authentic.
- Online pharmacies that offer dramatically lower than market prices are more likely to sell fake products that may contain harmful ingredients and may not contain tirzepatide at all.
- Products labeled as “for research purposes only” or “not for human consumption” are not safe.
- Do not use medications that do not list the ingredients on their labeling.
- Avoid purchasing the medication from platforms that market tirzepatide as a miracle drug and make exaggerated claims.
- Pharmacies with no clear cancellation or refund policy are not recommended. Certified pharmacies typically have a cancellation and refund policy on their website.
Safety considerations
Always purchase the medication from U.S.-certified compounding pharmacies that manufacture legitimate products. You can check the certification status of pharmacies with the following methods:
- Submit an online form with the name and location of your chosen pharmacy to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). They will respond with a detailed report on whether your chosen pharmacy is accredited for compounding medications.
- Use the online tool provided by the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB) to check if your selected pharmacy is included in the list of accredited pharmacies.
- You can contact The Joint Commission to verify if the pharmacy is certified for compounding.
- You can also contact licensed pharmacists in your state who can compound medication by using the Board of Pharmacy Specialists (BPS) online tool.
- Look for the USP-797 compounding certification of pharmacies before purchasing the medication.
- Avoid products that contain “research chemicals” or have a label of “not for human use”.
Alternatives to tirzepatide for weight loss
The following are alternatives to tirzepatide for weight loss. You can discuss these alternatives with your healthcare provider.
Compounded semaglutide
Compounded semaglutide has the same active ingredient (semaglutide) as Wegovy and Ozempic. It is a custom-made version of semaglutide You can get a monthly supply of the medication for $200 to $300. However, it is important to buy the medication from legitimate pharmacies, as the FDA warns about using dangerous semaglutide containing salt forms of semaglutide, such as semaglutide sodium and semaglutide acetate.
Consult with your healthcare provider before starting compounded semaglutide to discuss potential risks and considerations.
Compounded semaglutide is not suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding females and patients with a history of thyroid tumors (medullary thyroid carcinoma or mtc) and MEN 2 syndrome (multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 syndrome).
Wegovy (semaglutide)
Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, with semaglutide as an active ingredient. It has 94% structural similarity to glucagon-like peptide-1. GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the body after food intake to give you a feeling of fullness. The medication delays gastric emptying, promotes insulin release, reduces glucagon release, and affects the hunger control centre of the brain to suppress appetite and make you feel full for a prolonged period.
At first, Wegovy was FDA-approved for chronic weight management when paired with exercise, dietary modifications, and increased physical activity in patients with obesity (body mass index 30 kg/m² or more) and overweight (BMI 27 kg/m² or more) with at least one weight-related health condition such as heart diseases, high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol levels, type 2 diabetes, and sleep apnea.
On March 8, 2024, the FDA approved Wegovy for cardiovascular risk reduction (for reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death) in adult patients with cardiovascular diseases and obesity or overweight in combination with dietary modifications and increased physical activity.
A clinical study concludes that patients showed a mean weight loss of 10-15% or 10 to 15 kg with Wegovy (2.4 mg once weekly) after 68 weeks. In contrast, the placebo lost 2-3% of body weight. Approximately 70-80% of participants on Wegovy lost more than 5% of their body weight.
Novo Nordisk offers a Wegovy Savings Card for eligible patients. If you do not have insurance coverage for Wegovy, you can get Wegovy for $499 per month by using the Wegovy Saving Card. NovoCare Pharmacy also offers Wegovy to cash-pay customers for $499 per month, regardless of insurance coverage.
Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate)
Phentermine is an appetite suppressant. It is a non-GLP-1 medication that works by increasing levels of norepinephrine in the brain. High levels of norepinephrine signal a decrease in hunger. It can also be used for weight loss in combination with other weight loss drugs. Clinical trials show that the medication promotes significant weight loss in obese patients and is well-tolerated among individuals. Qsymia costs $160-190 on average for a monthly supply.
Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion)
Naltrexone/bupropion is a new combination of drugs that are used for chronic weight management in obese and overweight patients in combination with a low-calorie diet and increased physical activity. The medication is taken twice a day. It can be an affordable alternative to tirzepatide, as it costs $330-340 for a monthly supply.
Saxenda (liraglutide)
Saxenda is a brand name for liraglutide. Liraglutide is the first GLP-1 medication that was approved for weight management in adults with obesity and overweight with at least one weight-related health condition when combined with increased physical activity and dietary modifications. Unlike other GLP-1 medications that are taken once weekly, Saxenda is taken daily, and it doesn’t have the same cardiovascular benefits as semaglutide.
Manufactured by Novo Nordisk, Saxenda has a list price of $1,349.02 without insurance.
If you are commercially insured, you can pay $25 per month for Saxenda through Novo Nordisk’s Saxenda Savings Card.
Bottom line
You can buy cheap tirzepatide online with the help of telehealth services and online pharmacies that sell compounded tirzepatide. Always remember to choose a licensed pharmacy that meets quality standards to ensure you receive safe and effective medications. You can verify the accreditation status of the pharmacy with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) or use the FDA’s BeSafeRx tool.
Do not buy medications if they are sold at drastically lower than the market prices or are marketed as “for research only” or “not for human consumption”.
Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting the medication. When using a telehealth service, you can book an online consultation from the comfort of your own home and get the medication prescribed online if it is right for you. Your telehealth doctor will check your medical history and decide if a tirzepatide prescription is right for you.
