Key Takeaways
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Tirzepatide , the active ingredient in both Mounjaro fortype 2 diabetesand Zepbound forweight loss , was in curt supplying for more than two eld . But the drugmaker Eli Lilly is “ currently foregather or exceeding demand ” for all battery-acid of these medicines and should continue to do so break down forward , the FDA enjoin in a December 19 statement .
The End of Compounded Tirzepatide?
With provision issues resolved , so - call combination pharmacy that have been de jure selling copycat translation of these medicine during the deficit will have to stop doing so within the next two to three months , the FDA said .
While some patient role with insurance insurance coverage for Mounjaro and Zepbound may now find it easy to get prescriptions filled at their regular pharmacies , people who have been pay up out - of - pocket for imitator versions may now have a strong time accessing or affording treatment , saysMelanie Jay , MD , a prof and a codirector of the obesity research program at the New York University Grossman School of Medicine in New York City .
“ A circle of people who have been going to compounding pharmacies probably do n’t have policy coverage for tirzepatide , and now they ’re not become to be able to open it , ” Dr. Jay says .
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In August Eli Lilly begin sellingvials of tirzepatideon its direct - to - consumer site LillyDirect , starting at $ 399 a month — a significant discount compared with the cost for prefilled injectant pens .
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What to Do if You Can No Longer Afford Tirzepatide
Patients study copycat versions of Zepbound and Mounjaro should reach out to their doctor to discourse what choice they can switch to , says Jay . Some people might get prescriptions for the brand name version of these drug , and others might need to consider other case of medicinal drug , Jay says .
Their alternative may depend on what their insurance plan will cover , and what they can afford to pay out - of - scoop for medicines that are excluded by their wellness plan , Jay say . While GLP-1 drug are often cover for type 2 diabetes , this is often not the case forweight loss , Jay notes .
“ If you ca n’t get it covered for fleshiness or ca n’t afford it , there are someless expensive optionsthat may be less effective , but they ’ll at least help oneself you maintain your weight loss , ” Jay says . “ The full affair you’re able to do is work with a doctor who has a lot of experience in obesity medicine . ”
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