GLP-1 Weight Loss Injections
The weekly dose-range for Zepbound (tirzepatide injection) is once weekly, with the following dose schedule:
- Start at 2.5 mg once weekly for 4 weeks.
- After that, increase in ~2.5 mg increments (after at least 4 weeks on the previous dose). Zepbound+1
- Maintenance doses are 5 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg once weekly (for weight-reduction indication).
- For moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) indication, maintenance is 10 mg or 15 mg once weekly.
- Maximum recommended dose: 15 mg once weekly.
Here’s the weekly dosing schedule for Zepbound (Tirzepatide injection), including milligram (mg) strength and milliliter (mL) volume per injection.
Each Zepbound pen contains tirzepatide at a fixed concentration of 5 mg/mL.
| Dose (mg) | Volume (mL) per injection | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 mg | 0.5 mL | Once weekly | Starting dose (first 4 weeks) |
| 5 mg | 1.0 mL | Once weekly | Step-up after 4 weeks |
| 7.5 mg | 1.5 mL | Once weekly | Optional next increase (after ≥4 weeks at prior dose) |
| 10 mg | 2.0 mL | Once weekly | Maintenance option |
| 12.5 mg | 2.5 mL | Once weekly | Optional next step |
| 15 mg | 3.0 mL | Once weekly | Maximum dose |
✅ Key points:
- Injections are given once per week, on the same day each week.
- May be given subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
- If you miss a dose, you can take it within 4 days (96 hours) of the missed dose; otherwise, skip it and take the next one on schedule.
Retail Pharmacy Rates
- Without a program or insurance, retail cost runs about $1,300–$1,500/month for a full 4-pen (28-day)
- Discount coupons like Single Care and GoodRx can bring it down to around $1,200–$1,300/month
- As of March 2025, Pharmacy program: cash-pay patients (insured or uninsured) can get any strength of Wegovy pens for $499 per month
Update 10.2.26
Example: Zepbound
- Cash/self-pay: roughly $299–$699/month, depending on dose and current manufacturer savings.
- ❌ Insurance doesn't cover it: you may pay the cash/self-pay price instead.
Example: Wegovy: About $349/month for injections; oral Wegovy starts at about $149/month
Example: Ozempic: $349/month for 0.25–1 mg; $499/month for 2 mg
Example: Mounjaro (Tirzepatide): Varies widely by insurance coverage and self-pay program, depending on dose
Home delivery Zepbound (Tirzepatide) injection for $450 (4 injections for 4 weeks)
With insurance: potentially $25/month if covered and eligible.
So a simple comparison would be:
Cash: ~$350–$700/month
Insurance: ~$25–$100+/month, depending on the plan
These are manufacturer/direct-pay or savings-program prices, not necessarily what your local pharmacy will charge. Insurance prices depend on your specific plan, formulary, deductible, and prior authorization. Novocare.com+3
One important update: Novo Nordisk has announced that Wegovy/Ozempic's U.S. list price will fall to $675/month starting Jan. 1, 2027, but that change isn't in effect yet.