Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has quickly become one of the most powerful once-weekly injections available for adults with type 2 diabetes or those managing obesity. The 2.5 mg starting dose is where almost every patient begins, and it’s the dose many stay on for the first month while the body adjusts to the medication’s strong appetite-suppressing and glucose-lowering effects. People often see noticeable changes in hunger and portion control even at this entry-level strength, which makes the price of that first carton a very real question.
Without insurance or discounts the 2.5 mg pen (four doses in one carton) carries a list price that feels out of reach for most households. In 2025–2026 the wholesale acquisition cost hovers around $1,000–$1,100 per carton before any pharmacy markup or fees are added. That number alone stops many people from filling the prescription the first time, even when they know the medication could make a genuine difference in blood sugar stability or daily eating patterns.
The good news is that very few patients actually pay the full list price. Manufacturer savings cards, pharmacy discount programs, cash-pay options through LillyDirect, and certain insurance plans bring the cost down dramatically—sometimes to $25 per month for eligible users. This article explains exactly what Mounjaro 2.5 mg costs right now, where the biggest savings come from, which routes are most reliable, and how to check your own situation so you can start treatment without the price tag becoming the biggest obstacle.
Current List Price and Retail Cash Cost of Mounjaro 2.5 mg
As of 2025–2026 the official wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) for one carton of Mounjaro (four single-use pens, 2.5 mg strength) is approximately $1,069 before any discounts, rebates, or pharmacy fees. All six strengths (2.5 mg through 15 mg) carry the same list price per carton, so moving up in dose does not increase the sticker price.
At retail pharmacies without insurance or coupons, cash-paying patients typically pay $950–$1,150 for the 2.5 mg carton after standard markups and dispensing fees. Prices vary by location, chain, and day-to-day competition, but $1,000 is a realistic national average when no discounts are applied.
Compounded versions of tirzepatide (custom-made by pharmacies during shortages) are sometimes advertised at lower prices, but they are not FDA-approved, carry higher variability in potency and sterility, and are not equivalent to branded Mounjaro. Most endocrinologists and obesity specialists recommend sticking with the branded product whenever possible for consistent quality and safety.
How the Mounjaro Savings Card Brings the Price to $25
The official Mounjaro Savings Card, provided by Eli Lilly, is the fastest way for many patients to pay only $25 per 30-day supply (one carton). It is available exclusively to people with commercial (private, employer-sponsored, or marketplace) prescription drug insurance—not Medicare, Medicaid, VA, TRICARE, or any government plan.
The card covers up to $150 in out-of-pocket costs per fill, reducing your copay, coinsurance, or deductible amount to as little as $25. You can use it for up to 13 fills per calendar year (resets January 1), which covers more than a full year of treatment if you fill monthly. The savings apply automatically when the pharmacist runs your commercial insurance claim first, then processes the savings card.
To get the card, visit mounjaro.lilly.com, go to the cost and savings section, and download the digital version to your phone wallet or print a physical copy. No registration or income verification is required. Your doctor’s office or the pharmacy can also provide one at the time of your first fill.
Cash-Pay Prices and Discount Programs for 2.5 mg
When the savings card is not an option (government insurance, no commercial coverage, or card exhausted), cash prices become the main route. In 2025–2026 typical cash costs for one carton of Mounjaro 2.5 mg are:
- Walmart Pharmacy: $795–$925 (frequently the lowest consistent price)
- Costco Pharmacy: $800–$880 (membership usually not required for pharmacy purchases)
- Sam’s Club Pharmacy: $810–$890 (similar to Costco)
- CVS / Walgreens: $950–$1,100 (higher base price before coupons)
- Independent / regional pharmacies: $850–$1,050 (wide variation)
Discount cards (GoodRx, SingleCare, RxSaver, Blink Health) regularly bring the price down to $780–$920 at participating locations. Prices fluctuate daily, so checking the coupon on the day of pickup often saves $50–$150 compared with the pharmacy’s standard cash price.
LillyDirect (Eli Lilly’s direct-to-patient program) offers a cash-pay price of $850–$950 per carton with free home delivery in many areas. It is a reliable option when local pharmacy prices are higher or when convenience is a priority.
Comparison of Monthly Cost Options for Mounjaro 2.5 mg (2025–2026)
Different payment routes produce very different final prices depending on insurance status and eligibility. Here is a realistic comparison:
| Payment Route | Typical Monthly Cost (1 carton) | Eligibility Requirements | Annual Max Savings / Fills | Delivery Option? | Reliability & Availability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mounjaro Savings Card | $25 (up to $150 savings/fill) | Commercial insurance only; no government plans | $1,950 (13 fills × $150) | No | Very high | Commercially insured patients |
| Cash price at Walmart / Costco | $795–$925 | No insurance needed | None | No | Very high | No commercial insurance or card eligibility |
| GoodRx / SingleCare / RxSaver coupon | $780–$920 | No insurance or savings card needed | None | No | High (prices change daily) | Quick savings at local pharmacies |
| LillyDirect cash-pay program | $850–$950 | No insurance needed | None | Yes (free in many areas) | High | Convenience + free delivery |
| Medicare Part D (various plans) | $100–$500+ (varies by phase) | Medicare Part D enrollment | Depends on plan | No | Moderate to high | Medicare beneficiaries |
| Lilly Cares Patient Assistance Program | $0–$50 (case-by-case) | Uninsured/underinsured + income ≤400 % FPL | Varies | Yes | Limited availability | Financial hardship |
The savings card remains the lowest-cost option for eligible patients; cash prices at big-box pharmacies or with discount cards are the most reliable fallback.
Practical Steps to Pay $25 or Close to It Right Now
Visit mounjaro.lilly.com and download the savings card from the cost and savings section. Save the digital version to your phone wallet or print a physical copy—no registration or personal details are needed to get the card.
Take the card (digital or printed) and your commercial insurance card to the pharmacy when filling your prescription. Ask the pharmacist to process the claim through insurance first, then apply the savings card to the remaining balance.
Confirm the final price is $25 (or very close to it) before leaving the counter. If the price is higher, ask the pharmacist to re-run the claim or call Lilly support (number on the card) while you wait.
Keep the card accessible for every refill—digital copies are easiest. The card is valid for 13 fills per calendar year; after that you pay your plan’s full copay/coinsurance until January 1.
If you lose commercial coverage or the card is exhausted, compare cash prices at Walmart, Costco, or with GoodRx/SingleCare coupons. LillyDirect provides a reliable $850–$950 option with free delivery when local prices are higher.
Summary
The lowest realistic price for Mounjaro 2.5 mg in 2025–2026 is $25 per 30-day supply (one carton) using the official Lilly Savings Card—if you have commercial insurance and meet the eligibility rules. The card covers up to $150 per fill for 13 fills per calendar year and is the single best way to make treatment affordable for privately insured patients. Without the card, cash prices at Walmart, Costco, or with discount coupons typically range from $780–$950 per month, while LillyDirect offers $850–$950 with free home delivery.
Medicare, Medicaid, and other government plans cannot use the savings card, though some Part D plans cover Mounjaro with prior authorization and variable copays. Patient-assistance programs provide free or heavily discounted medication for qualifying uninsured or low-income patients. To secure the lowest price, download the savings card from mounjaro.lilly.com, present it with your commercial insurance card at the pharmacy, and compare cash options if ineligible. Consistent follow-up with your doctor and pharmacist ensures you never overpay for a medication that can make a genuine difference in blood sugar control and weight management.
FAQ
Who can get Mounjaro for $25 per month?
Only patients with commercial (private, employer-sponsored, or marketplace) insurance qualify for the Lilly Savings Card that reduces the cost to $25 per 30-day supply. Medicare, Medicaid, VA, TRICARE, and other government plans are not eligible.
How do I get the Mounjaro Savings Card?
Go to mounjaro.lilly.com, find the cost and savings section, and download the digital card to your phone wallet or print a physical copy. No registration or personal information is required. Your doctor or pharmacy can also provide one.
What is the maximum savings with the Mounjaro Savings Card?
The card covers up to $150 per 30-day fill, bringing your cost to as little as $25. If your copay is already $25 or lower, no additional savings apply. You can use the card for up to 13 fills per calendar year.
Can I use the savings card if I have Medicare or Medicaid?
No—the savings card is not valid with any government-sponsored insurance, including Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, VA, or TRICARE. Attempting to use it with these plans violates the terms and can deactivate the card.
What if I don’t have commercial insurance—how can I get Mounjaro cheaper?
Cash-paying patients typically pay $780–$950 per month using GoodRx, SingleCare, or similar coupons at pharmacies like Walmart or Costco. LillyDirect offers $850–$950 with free home delivery. Lilly Cares provides free or discounted medication for uninsured/underinsured patients meeting income guidelines.
Dr. Hamza is a medical content reviewer with over 12+ years of experience in healthcare research and patient education. He specializes in evidence-based health information, medications, and chronic conditions. His reviews are grounded in trusted medical sources and current clinical guidelines to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Content reviewed by Dr. Hamza is intended for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.