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Weight loss medications have become household names as of late. One of those is the medication Zepbound, and we saw it go from the FDA-approved list to the FDA shortage list in a matter of months. Zepbound’s impressive weight loss results made it a patient favourite. However, the manufacturer Eli Lilly wasn’t expecting the level of demand. Add that to some problems with manufacturing, and you have the shortage we are seeing today.
Zepbound’s shortage has been happening since late 2023. Those who have been using it are now struggling to continue the medication. For those who’ve been using Zepbound, this shortage is more than just an inconvenience, it’s a setback that threatens their hard-earned progress. As with any medication, setbacks in manufacturing mean setbacks on real patient’s health goals.
As of recent there have been some updates on Zepbound’s availability, keep reading to find out more.
The FDA and Eli Lilly have both gone on record saying the shortage has been resolved. So that is that right? Well while it is officially marked as resolved, the FDA has gotten some backlash from an unlikely source, compound pharmacies.
Compound pharmacies started creating their own version of Tirzepatide, basically a copy of Zepbound helped patients during the shortage. This is a non-FDA-approved version of the popular weight loss medication that patients have been using in the absence of true Zepbound. But with Zepbound coming off the shortage list, these pharmacies are at risk. This is because compounded drugs occur in a sort of legal grey zone. As long as a medication is facing a shortage, they are free to compound medications. But once the shortage is over, the FDA wants the real medication to be the only one available. Patients are caught in the middle and they’re not happy. Many who found success with the compounded version are worried they’ll either lose access to their medication or be forced to pay significantly more for the brand-name Zepbound. Some are sharing stories about finally finding a weight loss solution that works for them, only to potentially have it taken away.
All that being said, Eli Lilly and the FDA have remained consistent on their statement that Zepbound is no longer facing a shortage. Of course, the high demand does not mean it will stay this way. Also, some areas and pharmacies may still have problems supplying customers which the FDA has stated is normal as Zepbound moves back through the supply chain. If you are a compound Tirzepatide user then you will be happy to hear that the FDA has also promised to not stop compounders until December 19th, 2024.
Zepbound’s shortage was due to a pretty simple reason, demand. Zepbound’s popularity goes beyond people just wanting to shed a few pounds. Those with Type-2 Diabetes or other health issues that can improve with healthy weight maintenance have found this drug to be a lifesaver.
Eli Lilly realized quickly that they were underprepared in the manufacturing and storing side of things. Their solution was to open new manufacturing facilities in Concord, North Carolina and Germany. Along with the new plants, Eli Lily increased its investment into an Indiana manufacturing complex by another $5.3 billion.
In the meantime, compound pharmacies picked up the slack. Doctors and patients alike leaned on the compounded versions to help maintain weight loss and treatment plans during the shortage. Even with the lack of a shortage, many patients want to see the compounded version stay on the market. This is due to the cost difference between the two, many can not afford the $1,000 price tag associated with Zepbound or other name-brand drugs.
Unfortunately, building new production plants takes time. The number one focus of Eli Lilly has been to increase capacity.
While demand is certainly a key factor, Eli Lilly also made a surprising decision that perpetuated the need. They allowed new patients to continue starting Zepbound. Normally, manufacturers will limit the drug to only current users when facing a shortage, choosing to handle that hurdle before introducing more. Eli Lilly’s decision meant they were struggling to keep up with demand while creating more.
Over time though, manufacturing has stepped up and the drug is now ready to be distributed to users old and new.
Calling your local pharmacies is going to be the best way to see availability. If you don’t feel like sitting on hold all day, there are websites that allow you to check availability, though some rely on other users calling themselves, meaning you might not get the most accurate picture.
An alternative strategy in this search is contacting a doctor or healthcare professional. They could be more aware of where and how to receive the medication you need. They can also offer alternative medications that could work. While Zepbound is the only one FDA-approved for weight loss, it isn’t the only drug out there that is capable of impressive results. Other medications could have “off-label” uses for weight loss and, depending on your budget, be some great alternatives.
While Eli Lilly remains hopeful, they are also aware that demand makes it hard to make solid promises on the future of Zepbound’s availability. Even though it is off the shortage list, they have stated that there may still be some “intermittent supply disruptions”. They have also said, however, that they have almost all the stock needed to fulfill backorders for wholesalers. This alone should massively improve the majority’s access to the medication.
This doesn’t mean everyone is seeing Zepbound available yet though, and when it comes to their health, they aren’t going to wait. Some alternatives to Zepbound include:
These medications are not FDA-approved for weight loss, but doctors and patients have been using them as alternatives to Zepbound in the meantime. These medications may also be more affordable or help you avoid the poke of a needle as Contrave and Qsymia are both pills. That being said, each of These medications was created to treat something beyond weight. Always check with your doctor before suddenly switching medications. You can also bring up other health issues and see if any of these medications will hurt or help.
Zepbounds shortage may be coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean everyone is seeing the results. Eli Lilly has made countless efforts to improve the manufacturing of the drug and address the increasing demand. Expect updates to continue as more information becomes available.
As always, stay informed and stay in touch with your healthcare professional. Shortages can be hard, but there are solutions to allow you to keep reaching your health goals.
Check out My RX Outlet for affordable prescription medication from Canada shipped to the United States.
The FDA and Eli Lilly have both stated that Zepbound is no longer on the shortage list.
Eli Lilly has stated they are beginning to deliver backorders of Zepbound. Check with your local pharmacies to confirm they have the medication.
Due to demand, Zepbound has been facing shortages for about 2 years. Many patients have struggled to get or maintain their access to this medication.
Yes, Zepbound requires a prescription in order to obtain the medication.
Zepbound is around $1,000 a month without insurance.
Zepbound is FDA-approved for weight loss while Ozempic is not. However, many have found success using either drug. Check with your doctor to see which would be right for you.
Check with local pharmacies and get on their waiting list. You can also search online for Zepbound. If you continue to miss doses due to it being out of stock, contact your healthcare professional for alternative medication.
Written & Reviewed By
The MyRx Team
The MyRx Outlet team is a dedicated group of healthcare professionals and pharmacists dedicated to delivering up-to-date and accurate information on medications and key healthcare topics. With years of experience in the healthcare field, our team is passionate about supporting individuals in reaching their health and wellness goals through our articles.
The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. It should not be taken as an endorsement of any specific medication or treatment. Individual health conditions and responses to treatment can vary greatly; therefore, this information should not be seen as a guarantee of safety, suitability, or effectiveness for any particular individual. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized medical advice and before making any decisions regarding your health or treatment plans.
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