Zepbound® (tirzepatide) Single-Dose Vials Now Available

Medically reviewed by: Kristin Baier, MD

In April 2024, the FDA approved Eli Lilly’s Zepbound® (tirzepatide) in a new format: single-dose vials available in 2.5 mg and 5 mg doses.

Starting in August, these vials were made available exclusively through LillyDirect, Eli Lilly’s direct-to-patient platform. However, as of December 2024, Zepbound® vials are now becoming more widely available in pharmacies across the United States.

The introduction of Zepbound® in vials, especially single-dose formats, is a promising development when it comes to addressing recent shortages and ensuring that patients—including Calibrate members—maintain consistent access to their medications. Read on to learn more about Zepbound® vials and their availability. 

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What is tirzepatide, and how does it differ from other GLP-1 medications?

Tirzepatide is one of the newer medications in the GLP-1 category that is designed to regulate blood sugar levels and support weight loss. It’s marketed under the brand names Mounjaro® and Zepbound®, with both being different formulations of the same active ingredient. The former is indicated for type-2 diabetes; the latter for the treatment of obesity and overweight. 

Like all medications in the GLP-1 category, tirzepatide requires that patients also make changes to their lifestyle, including their food, exercise, sleep, and emotional health habits. With programs like Calibrate’s, GLP-1 medication access is provided alongside a comprehensive app-based curriculum that guides members through these changes one small step at a time—with the added support of bi-weekly 1:1 accountability coaching. 

Among other GLP-1s, tirzepatide stands out because it targets not one but two key hormones—GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide).

Tirzepatide’s dual hormone targeting

Most medications in the GLP-1 category, such as semaglutide (marketed as Ozempic® and Wegovy®), focus solely on the GLP-1 receptor. GLP-1 helps regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion and inhibiting glucagon release, while also slowing gastric emptying. This helps patients taking these medications feel full for longer after a meal and regulates blood sugar levels.

Tirzepatide’s dual-action mechanism targets not only GLP-1 receptors, but also the GIP receptor, which amplifies the efficacy of the medication. 

This dual-receptor action gives tirzepatide an edge over other GLP-1 medications. Clinical trials (such as Eli Lilly-sponsored SURPASS-2 and SURMOUNT-1) have shown that patients taking tirzepatide experience greater reductions in HbA1c—a key marker of blood sugar control—and more substantial weight loss compared to those on GLP-1-only treatments. This makes tirzepatide a powerful tool not just for managing diabetes, but also for addressing obesity, a major risk factor for developing Type 2 diabetes.

The significance of Zepbound® vials

The shift from pre-filled injection pens to Zepbound® vials is more than just a change in packaging. It represents a strategic move by Eli Lilly to streamline production processes, meet the escalating demand for tirzepatide, and ensure that more patients can access their medication without delays.

What is a vial? 

A vial is a small glass or plastic bottle that holds liquid medication. In the context of GLP-1 medications, a vial may contain a multi-dose or a single-dose amount of the drug, which must be drawn out with a syringe before being administered. 

Most GLP-1 patients are familiar with administering their medication with convenient, pre-filled pens. Vials require a syringe to draw and inject the medication, while pre-filled pens come ready for direct injection. This is something to keep in mind when considering the pros and cons of switching from a pen to a vial. 

Manufacturing efficiency: Why Zepbound® vials are a game-changer

One of the most significant advantages of Zepbound® vials over pre-filled pens is their manufacturing efficiency. Pre-filled injection pens, while convenient for patients, are complex to produce. 

Each pen must be meticulously assembled and rigorously tested to ensure that it delivers the correct dose every time. This complexity can create bottlenecks in the manufacturing process, limiting the number of units that can be produced and distributed in a given time frame.

In contrast, Zepbound® single-dose vials are simpler and faster to manufacture. They do not require the same level of intricate assembly, which means that more vials can be produced in a shorter amount of time. This streamlined production process allows Eli Lilly to increase the supply of Zepbound® more rapidly, potentially alleviating the shortages that have plagued the market in recent months.

The impact of tirzepatide shortages

The demand for Zepbound® and Mounjaro® has skyrocketed since the drug's initial approval. This demand is driven by the medication's proven benefits: effectively regulating blood sugar levels, lowering A1C, and promoting significant weight loss. However, the surge in demand has outpaced production, leading to rolling shortages that have left many patients struggling to access their prescribed doses.

Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of tirzepatide brand names, acknowledged the urgency of the situation and has implemented several strategies in response. The introduction of Zepbound® vials is one such strategy: By diversifying the forms in which this medication is available, the company aims to ensure that more patients can receive their prescriptions on time, thus minimizing the risk of treatment interruptions. 

It’s worth noting that, as of October 2024, the FDA removed both Zepbound® and Mounjaro® from its shortage list. 

Navigating the transition: From pre-filled pens to Zepbound® vials

While the introduction of Zepbound® in vials is a positive development, it does come with a learning curve for patients who are accustomed to using pre-filled injection pens. Pre-filled pens are user-friendly: they come ready to go, with no need for measuring or preparation. Patients simply twist the pen, select their dose, and inject. This ease of use has made pre-filled pens the preferred option for many.

Zepbound® vials require patients to take a more hands-on approach to their medication. While this may seem daunting at first, with proper training and practice, most patients can quickly become comfortable with the process.

As a Calibrate member, you should talk to your clinical team if you are currently prescribed Zepbound® or Mounjaro® and are interested in switching to Zepbound® vials. Keep in mind that Zepbound® vials may not be clinically-appropriate for all patients and insurance coverage may vary. 

How to inject tirzepatide from a Zepbound® vial:

If you’re new to using vials, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Prepare your supplies: Before you begin, gather everything you’ll need: a new syringe, an alcohol swab, and the vial of tirzepatide. Make sure your hands and the injection area are clean.
2. Inspect the Zepbound® vial: Check the vial for any particles or discoloration. The medication should be clear and free of debris. If it appears cloudy or has particles floating in it, do not use it.
3. Prepare the syringe: Remove the cap from the syringe and draw air into it equal to the dose of tirzepatide you plan to inject. This step is important because it helps to balance the pressure in the vial, making it easier to draw the medication.
4. Insert the syringe: After swabbing the top of the Zepbound® vial with an alcohol swab, insert the needle into the vial and inject the air into it. Then, carefully turn the vial upside down and pull back on the syringe plunger to draw the correct dose of medication.
5. Remove air bubbles: Tap the syringe gently to move any air bubbles to the top. Push the plunger slightly to expel the bubbles and ensure you have the correct dose in the syringe.
6. Choose your injection site: Common injection sites include the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. Rotate your injection sites to avoid irritation or damage to the tissue.
7. Inject the medication: Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab, pinch the skin to create a small fold, and insert the needle at a 90-degree angle. Slowly push the plunger to inject the medication.
8. Dispose of the syringe: After injecting, remove the needle, apply pressure to the injection site with a clean cotton ball or gauze, and dispose of the syringe in a sharps container.

Learning to use Zepbound® vials may take a bit of practice, but with time, it will become a routine part of your treatment. Your Calibrate clinical team is available to answer any questions you may have if you switch to Zepbound® vials.

The broader impact on programs like Calibrate

The introduction of Zepbound® vials has implications far beyond individual patients. Programs like Calibrate’s, which focus on sustainable weight loss through metabolic health, stand to benefit from the increased availability of tirzepatide as a counter-measure against recent GLP-1 medication shortages.

Calibrate’s approach combines GLP-1 medication with coaching, lifestyle changes, and a science-backed curriculum to help members achieve and maintain significant weight loss. Tirzepatide is one of several medications prescribed by Calibrate clinicians—and the availability of Zepbound® vials ensures that more Calibrate members can continue their treatment without interruption, even amidst ongoing shortages.

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The road ahead: What this means for patients and providers

The approval of Zepbound® vials is a key step in addressing the recent waves of tirzepatide shortages, but it is not the final solution. Eli Lilly continues to explore ways to increase production capacity and streamline distribution channels to meet the growing demand for these medications.

For patients, the introduction of Zepbound® in vials offers both opportunities and challenges. While there is a learning curve associated with using vials, the benefits—namely, increased availability and potentially fewer treatment disruptions—are significant. Patients who are willing to learn how to use Zepbound® vials may find that they have more consistent access to their medication, reducing the stress and uncertainty that comes with shortages.

Calibrate clinicians will be available to support members every step of the way should they be prescribed Zepbound® vials: Your clinical team is available 7 days a week and is only a few taps away through the Calibrate app. 

Conclusion: Zepbound® single-dose vials, a new chapter in tirzepatide treatment

The availability of Zepbound® (tirzepatide) single-dose vials marks a new chapter in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. By offering a more flexible and efficient means of delivering tirzepatide, these vials have the potential to alleviate shortages and improve patient outcomes.

As Eli Lilly continues to refine its production processes and increase the availability of tirzepatide, the future looks brighter for patients and healthcare providers alike. For those enrolled in programs like Calibrate, this development is particularly significant, ensuring that members can stay on track with their weight loss and metabolic health goals, even in the face of supply chain challenges.

In the end, the shift to vials may require some adjustment, but the benefits of Zepbound® single-dose vials are undeniable, promising greater access and continuity of care for those prescribed tirzepatide. 

Ready to take the first step? Join Calibrate today and start your journey to lasting, sustainable weight loss.