How to Get Zepbound: Prescription, Eligibility, Coverage Explained!

The new Zepbound (tirzepatide) offers a promising weight-loss solution for people grappling with obesity and related health conditions. Available through both traditional in-person consultations and online telehealth services, getting Zepbound involves a few steps, including prior medical tests, obtaining a valid prescription, dealing with shortage, getting it covered by insurance, and more.

So, let’s dive into it and answer the following questions:

Who can get Zepbound?
How to get a prescription for Zepbound?
Where to buy Zepbound?
How to get Zepbound covered by your insurance?

Who Can Get a Prescription for Zepbound

First things first, Zepbound is a prescription medication, which means you can get it only with a valid medical prescription. So, let’s start with how you can obtain a prescription for Zepbound.

Who Can Get Zepbound?

According to the FDA, people who are eligible for Zepbound include:

Adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more.
Those who are overweight, with a BMI of 27 or more, and have at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Zepbound is not approved for use in children.

It’s important to understand that tirzepatide, the active drug in Zepbound, is a potent medication that can cause side effects and must be used below medical supervision. It is not intended for cosmetic or aesthetic weight loss. It's a medical treatment for those whose weight poses a serious health risk.

Can You Get Zepbound Off-label?

Physicians in the United States have the discretion to prescribe medications for conditions beyond their approved uses, a practice known as off-label prescription.

This means that doctors can prescribe Zepbound based on their professional judgment and the patient's specific health needs, even if those needs don't align perfectly with the FDA-approved indications. Thus, you may still be eligible for a Zepbound prescription even if you have a BMI below 27, for instance.

However, it is always necessary for a doctor to evaluate your medical situation before prescribing this new weight-loss injection.

How to Get Your Zepbound Prescription

Now, there are two ways to get your Zepbound prescription: either through an in-person visit with your doctor or via an online consultation.

Consult With Your Doctor

The first and most recommended step to get Zepbound is to consult in person with your healthcare provider.

Keep in mind that despite its popularity, Zepbound isn't necessarily the best option for everyone. Like any other medication, it comes with contraindications, potential drug interactions, and side effects. That’s precisely why an in-person discussion with your doctor is so essential.

Your doctor is already familiar with your medical history and can provide personalized guidance on whether Zepbound is a good, safe, and effective choice for your weight loss journey. Besides, it is the perfect opportunity to talk about your health, past weight management attempts, and your goals.

During this consultation, your doctor may also suggest undergoing some medical tests to check your cholesterol levels, liver function, kidney function, blood sugar levels, as well as blood pressure measurements, heart health checks, nutritional deficiencies, and others.

They may also orientate you towards a nutritionist or a psychologist to support you in a more holistic approach to weight loss. Zepbound isn’t a magic fix or a standalone solution. For it to be effective and for your weight loss to be sustainable over time, it must be combined with a healthy diet, physical activity, and mental strength!

See, getting a Zepbound prescription isn’t just about getting a mere piece of paper. It’s also a way to ensure you safely and effectively start your new treatment.

Once everything looks good and Zepbound is deemed to be the best fit for you, your doctor will provide you with your medical prescription.

Online Prescriptions for Zepbound

The other way to get a Zepbound prescription is via an online consultation. Telehealth has revolutionized access to healthcare in the States, making it easier to consult with a doctor without the need for an in-person visit.

Numerous telehealth platforms, including services like Calibrate, PlushCare, Ro Body, Noom M e d, EverlyWell Weight Care, and others now offer consultations for obesity and weight management and can prescribe GLP-1 medications like Zepbound, Mounjaro, or Wegovy.

These platforms often offer a holistic program to weight-loss, including several online consultations with qualified doctors, your prescription for Zepbound or other weight-loss drugs, nutrition advice, and psychological help, all from the comfort of your home.

Typically, the process starts with an initial virtual consultation, where a healthcare provider takes a deep dive into your medical history and may suggest a few lab tests to determine if Zepbound is a safe and suitable weight-loss injection for you.

A second meeting is then scheduled to go over your test results and discuss your health and weight loss objectives. Together, you and the doctor will craft a personalized weight-loss plan tailored to your needs, including lifestyle changes and a prescription for your new medication. You should also get regular virtual follow-ups to monitor your weight loss progress, evaluate how well you’re tolerating the medication, handle side effects, adjust your treatment and refill your prescriptions.

Choosing to go the online route for your Zepbound prescription can be a smart move. But make sure you're pairing up with legit and reputable telehealth services that take the time to get to know you and your health inside out before they prescribe anything. It's all about getting Zepbound in a way that's not just easy but also super safe and guided by professionals every step of the way.

4AllFamily Cooling Cases for Zepbound, Mounjaro, Ozempic, Wegovy, Insulin

Zepbound must be kept refrigerated. Don’t forget to get your medical-grade travel cooler!

Where to Buy Zepbound

So, now that you have your Zepbound prescription, you can pick up your weight-loss injections at your preferred pharmacy or order it online through various entities.

At Your Local Pharmacy

Picking up your Zepbound prescription from your local pharmacy is the most direct and accessible optionfor many. Since its launch in late 2023, Zepbound is now available in most pharmacies across the States, especially in big branches like CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, or Walmart Pharmacy.

One of the nicest parts about buying Zepbound from your local pharmacy is the chance to chat directly with your pharmacist. They’re there to help with any questions you may have about taking Zepbound, subcutaneous injections, keeping tirzepatide refrigerated, handling it properly, etc. The pharmacists get to know you over time and can offer advice tailored just for you. There’s definitely something reassuring here.

Besides, if they’ve got Zepbound in stock, you can grab your prescription on the same day you drop it off,without having to wait for shipment.

Buying Zepbound Online

Zepbound is also available just a click away, as you can get it from online pharmacies too. However, to stay on the safe side, there are some things to consider before buying Zepbound online:

Stick to well-known, trusted pharmacy chains, like CVS Health, Walgreens, or services directly linked to healthcare providers. Look for seals of approval from organizations like the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) or similar credentials that indicate the online pharmacy is safe and legit.

Verify your Zepbound prescription. Legit online pharmacies will always require a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

Risk of counterfeit GLP-1 drugs. The risk of counterfeit medications is real, especially with in-demand GLP-1 drugs like Zepbound or Mounjaro. Fake compounding Zepbound has already been found on the market, so be on the lookout.

Refrigerated shipping. Tirzepatide, the active drug in Zepbound, is highly sensitive to temperatures. Your Zepbound injection pens must be kept refrigerated, including during shipment and when at home. Make sure the online pharmacy offers swift and refrigerated shipping conditions to ensure your medication remains effective.

Keep Zepbound cool at all time with 4AllFamily’s portable cooling cases!

Buying Zepbound Directly from Eli Lilly

In January 2024, Eli Lilly, the pharmaceutical giant behind Zepbound, has introduced a direct-to-consumer approach with their LillyDirect online pharmacy service. You can now purchase Zepbound online directly from its manufacturer.

You can register online and ask your doctor to send your Zepbound prescription directly to LillyDirect Pharmacy Solutions, or you can even connect with Lilly’s partnering healthcare providers to get your prescription.

Buying Zepbound at Amazon Pharmacy

In a groundbreaking move, Eli Lilly, Zepbound manufacturer, has also joined forces with Amazon Pharmacy, making Zepbound available through Amazon's platform. This partnership is designed to enhance accessibility, offering the ease of online ordering with the trust and efficiency associated with both entities.

While buying Zepbound through Amazon Pharmacy may be convenient and potentially offers quicker delivery times right to your doorstep, stay informed about the costs, as they might be higher than elsewhere.

Zepbound Shortage

If you’ve recently been prescribed Zepbound, filling your prescription may become a bit tricky in the upcoming months. Eli Lilly, the manufacturer, is experiencing a shortage due to an overwhelming demand. The FDA has recently announced that we can expect limited supplies of certain doses of Zepbound at least through the end of April 2024.

To help manage this situation, there's a growing online conversation among users about the possibility of Eli Lilly offering Zepbound in vial form, not just in pre-filled pens. The manufacturing of these pens is complex, and offering a single-dose vial alternative may be a quicker solution.

So, if you're using Zepbound, try to plan ahead and discuss with your healthcare provider about how best to navigate this shortage to continue your treatment without interruption.

How To Get Zepbound Covered by Your Insurance?

Zepbound is one of the most expensive obesity drugs on the market, with a list price of $1,059.87 for a one-month supply. But insurance coverage and discount programs can help you cover part of the cost. For those who might face hurdles with insurance, a Zepbound savings card is available and can lower the price to as little as $25.

Navigating the insurance maze to get Zepbound covered might seem daunting, but it's possible. Let's break down the steps and understand how to get your Zepbound prescription covered by insurance.

What Insurances Cover Zepbound?

Most commercial and private insurance plans offer at least partial coverage for GLP-1s like Zepbound, Mounjaro, or Wegovy. But you will have to dive into the specifics of your plan to know how much they’ll cover exactly.

Employer-sponsored health plans are often more likely to include these medications as part of their prescription drug coverage, especially if they emphasize preventive health and chronic disease management. On the other hand, plans purchased through health insurance marketplaces might have more variable coverage.

Medicare generally doesn't cover Zepbound or other weight loss medications, but Medicaid coverage may vary by state.

If your insurance does not cover Zepbound, or if the coverage is insufficient, you might also consider discussing alternative GLP-1 medications with your doctor that might be more likely to be covered under your plan.

Getting Approved for Zepbound (Prior Authorization Criteria)

Now, getting insurance approval for Zepbound often involves prior authorization, a process where your doctor needs to justify the need for this specific medication. This means presenting a solid case that includes your medical history, BMI, any weight-related health conditions, and perhaps evidence of past weight loss efforts.

Meeting the FDA’s eligibility requirements is a good start, but your insurance may have additional prior authorization criteria for Zepbound. Make sure to call your insurer to know these before starting the whole process.

Can You Get Zepbound Cheaper or For Free?

If you don’t have health insurance or your plan doesn’t cover the cost of Zepbound, this isn’t always a barrier. There are several strategies to reduce the price, from manufacturer coupons to patient assistance programs.

For detailed information on reducing your out-of-pocket costs for Zepbound, including where to find discounts and how to apply for assistance, check out our related article or ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.

What about you? Are you on the process of getting a Zepbound prescription or have you faced any obstacle along the way? Sharing you experience may help others find solutions too!