In this article, the roughly $1,000 monthly cost of Eli Lilly’s weight loss drug Zepbound has made it unaffordable for Willow Baillies, 29, whose insurance does not cover it. Baillies, a human resources specialist from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has been struggling with weight loss and chronic autoimmune issues. She opted for a cheaper alternative – a compounded, off-brand version of tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Zepbound and Eli Lilly’s diabetes drug Mounjaro.
Baillies shared that the compounded tirzepatide has significantly improved her life, reducing autoimmune pain and aiding in a weight loss of about 52 pounds at a cost of around $350 per month. However, the FDA’s recent announcement that branded tirzepatide is no longer in short supply may hinder access to compounded versions in the near future.
Patients and experts fear this could lead to stockpiling, treatment switches, or discontinuation due to financial constraints. The FDA’s decision aims to increase Zepbound availability for insured patients and reflects Eli Lilly’s efforts to boost tirzepatide production. Nonetheless, it leaves some patients in uncertainty, ending a market for compounded tirzepatide that filled a gap in care for those unable to afford Zepbound.
While the shortage of tirzepatide may be resolved for now, concerns linger about future demand and access. Patients like Baillies, Amanda Bonello, Erin Hunt, and Jill Skala are navigating options as the landscape shifts. Some may resort to alternative sources like the “gray market” for medications, while others hope for continued access to compounded versions. The legal battle between the FDA and compounding pharmacy associations adds complexity to the situation, leaving patients and providers in a state of flux.
As patients adapt to changing circumstances, healthcare professionals like Dr. Shauna Levy and pharmacy representatives emphasize the importance of patient safety and access to effective treatments. The evolving situation surrounding compounded GLP-1 medications underscores the challenges faced by patients seeking affordable and reliable care in the realm of weight loss and chronic conditions.
