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Overview
The Zepbound shortage is over. For patients, the shift from compounded tirzepatide to brand-name options could mean facing increases in out-of-pocket costs. Click here to read the latest.
For many patients managing type 2 diabetes and obesity, tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro® for diabetes and Zepbound® for weight loss) has become a vital part of their healthcare regimen. However, the recent resolution of the tirzepatide shortage, as confirmed by the FDA, has left many patients scrambling for affordable alternatives. While this might seem like positive news from a supply perspective, it brings with it some significant challenges—particularly in terms of cost—for patients who had previously relied on compounded tirzepatide as an affordable option.
The Cost Challenge of Brand-Name Medications
One of the key issues following the resolution of the tirzepatide shortage is the historically high price of brand-name medications like Mounjaro® and Zepbound®. In some cases,these FDA-approved drugs can cost upwards of $1,000 per month for patients without adequate insurance coverage, placing a significant financial burden on those who need them most.
During the shortage, many patients were able to access compounded tirzepatide, which provided an affordable treatment alternative. Compounded medications, while not FDA-approved, are produced by state-licensed, specialized pharmacies to meet demand when there is a shortage of the brand-name version. For many patients, this became a lifeline that allowed them to continue their weight loss and diabetes management treatments. However, with the FDA ruling that the shortage is now resolved, compounded tirzepatide is no longer available nationwide, requiring patients to switch to brand-name versions or alternative treatment options.
Impact on Patients: Affordability and Accessibility
For patients, the shift from compounded tirzepatide to brand-name options could mean facing increases in out-of-pocket costs. This may be particularly challenging for individuals who do not have comprehensive insurance coverage or whose plans come with high deductibles. The financial strain of transitioning to Mounjaro® or Zepbound® may push some patients to either cut back on their medication or stop treatment altogether, which may have health implications.
Moreover, for those who were achieving significant weight loss and improved diabetes control with compounded tirzepatide, the idea of switching to more expensive alternatives can be frustrating. It’s not just a matter of cost—it’s about ensuring that patients have continuous access to the medications they need to maintain their progress and manage their health.
Why Did Compounding Pharmacies Stop Producing Tirzepatide?
The FDA has strict guidelines about when compounding pharmacies can produce copies of FDA-approved medications. When a drug is listed as "in shortage," compounding pharmacies are permitted to create and distribute compounded versions of the medication. This was the case for tirzepatide for several months, allowing pharmacies to fill the gap in supply with compounded versions. However, now that the shortage has officially been resolved, pharmacies are no longer allowed to compound tirzepatide under federal law.
For many patients, this change happened abruptly. While the resolution of the shortage signals that production of Mounjaro® and Zepbound® has increased, it does little to help those who relied on a more affordable compounded version. The transition back to brand-name medications may come with an inevitable cost increase for those paying out of pocket, leaving many patients in a difficult position.
Looking Ahead: Compounded Semaglutide as an Alternative
While the discontinuation of compounded tirzepatide is a setback, there is hope for patients who are seeking more affordable options. Compounded semaglutide, another GLP-1 receptor agonist commonly used for managing both type 2 diabetes and obesity, offers an alternative to tirzepatide medications. Like tirzepatide, semaglutide helps regulate appetite and blood sugar levels, making it an effective tool for weight loss and diabetes management.
At Eden, we recognize the challenges that this transition may pose for our members. To ensure that you continue to have access to affordable and consistent treatment options, we offer a GLP-1, compounded semaglutide, as an alternative to compounded tirzepatide. This medication has been proven to be highly effective in managing both weight and blood sugar levels, providing similar benefits to tirzepatide.
If you have been affected by the recent changes and are concerned about the cost of your medication, compounded semaglutide may be an option for you. Our team of healthcare professionals is here to help guide you through this transition and ensure that you continue to receive the support you need on your health journey.
Conclusion: Balancing Cost and Access to Care
The end of the tirzepatide shortage marks a positive step in resolving supply chain issues, but it has also created a new challenge for patients when it comes to affordability. The transition from compounded to brand-name medications like Mounjaro® and Zepbound® has left many patients struggling to manage the cost of their prescriptions.
For those looking for a consistent and affordable out-of-pocket solution, compounded semaglutide offers a promising alternative. As always, Eden remains committed to providing our members with the best possible care at an affordable price. If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment options, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us—we are here to support you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Compounded Tirzepatide is no longer available, what does that mean for me?
When name-brand FDA-approved drugs are on the FDA shortage list, compounding pharmacies can meet the needs of patients around the country as deemed medically appropriate by their healthcare providers. Since both Mounjaro® and Zepbound®, which contain the active ingredient of tirzepatide, were deemed in short supply through October 2, that allowed compounding pharmacies (like the trusted ones in Eden’s network) to create compounded tirzepatide at an affordable price and deliver it to prescribed patients. Based on your provider’s recommendation, you may have other options such as compounded semaglutide programs or name brand tirzepatide options.
What are my options with Eden to continue treatment after my current supply?
Orders placed through October 2, will be fulfilled. For auto-refills and to discuss alternative options, please reach out to your doctor through the Care Portal. Upon medical review from your Eden network doctor, you may have a number of options including the ones listed below. We’re here for you no matter what. Current Eden pricing is below:
Compounded semaglutide ($296/mo) The active ingredient in Ozempic® and Wegovy®.
Zepbound® (tirzepatide) ($1,399/mo without insurance) FDA-approved for weight management for patients with obesity.
Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) ($1,399/mo without insurance) FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and improved glycemic control.
Can I access compounded tirzepatide from other companies?
Due to the shortage ending nationwide, U.S. companies can no longer market compounded tirzepatide and compounding pharmacies can no longer ship it to U.S. patients. While you may see offers for compounded tirzepatide from other companies, it violates FDA regulations to fulfill them except in limited circumstances.
What if I placed a recent order for compounded tirzepatide?
Due to the FDA lifting the shortage, orders that were placed after October 2, will not be fulfilled. Based on your doctor’s recommendation, a switch to another GLP-1 alternative may be available to you. Please reach out to your doctor through your care portal to ensure continued care as there are options for you.
What should I do with any compounded tirzepatide I still have?
The shortage resolution does not affect products already at home or shipped. You should continue to abide by all safety instructions on your medication, including the best-use date and to only use multi-dose vials for up to 28 days after it was first punctured.
I see other options for compounded tirzepatide only, are these legal?
We care passionately about opening up access to safe and affordable health programs for millions of Americans and will keep fighting to do so. There are a lot of alternative options available for weight management but you need to be aware of any unlicensed online companies and providers that are still offering compounded tirzepatide because it is a direct violation of FDA regulation, meaning those sources are not operating legally.
I have insurance, how can I get Tirzepatide?
At Eden we do not take or submit for insurance reimbursement. This allows us to keep our prices low and offer the same service to all patients
What happens if compounded tirzepatide comes back on shortage, can I return to Eden to receive compounded tirzepatide?
Eden complies with all legal requirements for compounded medications. In the event that our partner pharmacies are able to fulfill orders in the future we will update our website with more information.
I saw an ad for another company that is still offering compounded tirzepatide, why isn’t Eden?
The FDA’s determinations on October 2 prohibit compounding pharmacies from compounding tirzepatide. Different companies may be slower or faster to respond to changes. Eden closely complies with all regulations regarding safety and shortages. At this point, new prescriptions (whether or not the patient has used tirzepatide in the past) cannot be legally fulfilled by compounding pharmacies. Please be advised that this will be a nationwide impact and will affect all compounding pharmacies from all providers.
I have an existing tirzepatide prescription that was written by the doctor but I haven’t received it yet. Will my order be shipped?
- Orders accepted by the pharmacy by 11:59pm on October 2, 2024 will be shipped.
- Orders received by the pharmacy after 11:59pm on October 2 will be canceled automatically. Members will receive a cancellation email confirming this cancellation as our team updates our order processing.
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