Weight Loss
12 min read
Written by Stephanie Brown
Published: Mar 21, 2025
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Sheelu Bhatnagar
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is an injectable medication specifically approved for medication-managed weight loss. While it’s only been available since December 2023, it hasn’t had supply shortages so far, unlike other weight loss medications. In this article, we go over Zepbound availability, including how and where to get it.
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is a prescription weight loss injection. It was originally sold as Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. People taking Mounjaro found they lost weight. The drugs’ manufacturer, Eli Lilly, got tirzepatide approved as Zepbound by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically for weight loss in November 2023. It hit U.S. pharmacy shelves the following month.
You can get Zepbound at any pharmacy with a valid prescription if they have it in stock.
Zepbound had experienced shortages due to high demand and limited production capacity. It was listed on the FDA’s shortage list, with shortages beginning in April 2024. Shortages of Mounjaro, another tirzepatide-based drug, had been ongoing since late 2022.
Eli Lilly sold 25,000 new Zepbound prescriptions each week during its first month on the market (December 2023). In an interview with Reuters, Eli Lilly CEO David Ricks said they’re “working hard to fulfill demand.” The company is even starting to produce Zepbound at 2 new facilities within the year according to an Eli Lilly spokesperson who shared details with Becker’s Hospital Review. Ricks admitted though that production might not keep up with demand in 2024.
Zepbound availability is now wider, and supply is expected to meet market demand. Eli Lilly invested heavily in expanding production to address shortages. In October 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that the shortage of tirzepatide injection, a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) medication, had been resolved.
To further improve availability, Eli Lilly launched additional Zepbound vial doses and introduced the Zepbound Self Pay Journey Program on February 25, 2025. Through LillyDirect, patients can now purchase 7.5 mg and 10 mg vials for $499 monthly. This aims to provide a more consistent Zepbound supply and offer cost-effective options for individuals without insurance.
For the latest updates on Zepbound availability, check real-time stock at your local pharmacy or use online tools to locate in-stock supplies.
If you’re looking for Zepbound, here are 4 ways to check availability:
Call or visit nearby pharmacies, as many receive regular medication shipments. Large chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart may have better availability, though stock can vary by location.
Websites like GoodRx provide real-time inventory updates, helping you find Zepbound before heading out. The FDA’s drug shortage website also tracks medication availability.
Many insurance plans offer mail-order pharmacy options that help get Zepbound delivered directly to your home. It may be helpful if your local supply is inconsistent.
To get Zepbound availability, you need a prescription from a healthcare provider. Your provider may prescribe Zepbound if you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher or 27 or higher and a weight-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes or heart disease.
If you have other health conditions or take medications that make you a poor candidate for Zepbound, your provider can work with you on a medical weight loss program that may include an alternative prescription weight loss medication.
Before prescribing Zepbound, your healthcare provider may ask if you’ve ever had problems with your bowels, pancreas (such as pancreatitis), gallbladder (such as gallstones), or a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or attempts. They may also order an obesity lab panel. The test measures thyroid, kidney, and liver function, as well as blood count, blood sugar (glucose), A1C, and cholesterol and insulin levels. Your provider will review your lab results to determine whether you’ll benefit from a Zepbound prescription.
Zepbound is available at pharmacies. If you plan to get it by mail order, check with your online pharmacy of choice. Because Zepbound has to be refrigerated, some pharmacies aren’t equipped to ship it.
You may be able to get Zepbound delivered to your door through LillyDirect, which is Eli Lilly’s direct-to-consumer service. In March 2024, Eli Lilly partnered with Amazon Pharmacy to fulfill LillyDirect orders as demand continues to increase. It has previously also partnered with TruePill.
If you prefer to get Zepbound from a local pharmacy, watch for updates on shortages and call your pharmacy to check on availability.
If Zepbound availability is limited, consider Zepbound alternatives, such as Mounjaro, Wegovy, Ozempic, and Saxenda:
Medication | Generic name | FDA-approved uses | Price with Insurance | Price without insurance | Availability (as of the publication date) |
Mounjaro | Tirzepatide | Type 2 diabetes, off-label for weight loss | As little as $25 per month | $1,136.53 (2 mL, according to drugs.com) $935 (via SingleCare discount) | Available |
Wegovy | Semaglutide | Weight management | As little as $0 per month | $1,417.62 (2 mL/3mL, according to drugs.com) $499/month for all Wegovy doses (via NovoCare Pharmacy discount) | Available |
Ozempic | Semaglutide | Type 2 diabetes, off-label for weight loss | As little as $25 per month | $1,050.73 (1.5 mL/3 mL) according to drugs.com | Available |
Saxenda | Liraglutide | Weight management | As little as $25 per month | $1,417.62 (15 mL) according to drugs.com | In shortage |
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is a prescription weight loss medication that was FDA-approved and became available in pharmacies in late 2023. The active ingredient, tirzepatide, is also approved to treat type 2 diabetes under the brand name Mounjaro. Both Zepbound and Mounjaro are dual receptor agonists that cause weight loss and improve blood sugar control.
Zepbound availability has improved in 2025 and is now more widespread as of the publication date. You can get Zepbound from any pharmacy that has it in stock and if you have a prescription from your healthcare provider. Home delivery of Zepbound is available through LillyDirect and any online pharmacy that has it in stock and can ship it.
If you’re considering Zepbound as part of a medical weight loss program, Klarity Health can help you find a healthcare provider who specializes in weight management. Your provider will help you determine whether Zepbound or another medication is right for your weight loss journey. It also includes considering Zepbound availability. Get started and find a weight loss provider on Klarity Health today!
*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.
If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.
Get free, credible health and wellness tips from Klarity Health
By clicking the button above, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.