Medical Director
JourneyLite
GlP-1 receptor agonists have quickly become one of the most popular categories of medications on planet earth. Used for both diabetes and weight loss, there are many patients who could potentially benefit from these drugs. In fact, they became so popular that the manufactures could not meet demand and some of them were placed on the FDA drug shortage list.
When a drug is on this list, compounding pharmacies are allowed to make a generic version of the medication, despite the fact that it is still covered by a patent. Many patients were able to get less expensive forms of these medications due to this exception. Earlier in the month of October, however, the FDA removed tirzepatide from their drug shortage list as the manufacturer had reportedly caught up with demand.
What does this change mean? Well, basically it means that patients who have been using generic compounded tirzepatide will no longer be able to get it. They will have only 3 choices:
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- Stop the medication
- Transition over to semaglutide, which is still on the list and can be compounded
- Transition over to brand-name tirzepatide, which is Zepbound
Zepbound is more expensive than compounded tirzepatide, but Eli Lilly the manufacturer does offer a savings program where patients can get it without insurance coverage for around $650/month. Still, this is nearly twice as much as the compounded version.
The good news is that there are many different weight loss options that patients can consider, and our team of trusted experts can help you figure out an option that can be both effective and within your budget! If you’re interested in learning more about GLP-1 receptor agonists, more traditional and affordable weight loss medications, or even procedures such as gastric balloon or gastric sleeve, contact our team for more information!
