Last week Eli Lilly and the FDA announced that the shortage of tirzepatide (under brand name Mounjaro or Zepbound) is over, and compounding pharmacies are no longer allowed to make “copy cat versions” of the medication. This bold declaration caught many people off-guard and created a lot of panic for our patients. It also alarmed us at CW Weight Loss and Solutions, as we know how helpful these compounded medications have been for our patients, and that they are in high demand due to their efficacy.
We’ve heard so many awesome testimonies over the past year of how this medication has changed people’s lives. Many have lost 50+ pounds, no longer have a high A1C or triglyceride level and say their quality of life has vastly improved. This is why we do what we do. We love to hear from our patients about their success stories so please keep them coming! Your health and well-being is our number one priority!
Unfortunately, the name brand medications both cost over $1,000 per month and most insurances aren’t covering them. This may change in the future, and we hope it does! Weight loss shouldn’t cost a fortune and we all know these medications work and improve lives every day.
We have heard and researched from many pharmacies that the name brand medications are still not available in the quantities or doses that patients are requiring. Cardinal Health Distribution Center in Utah is a good example. A certain pharmacy in Utah ordered a specific quantity of both the name brand medications and were told it would take 6 months to fulfill that quantity. As it stands, Cardinal distribution center (with which this Utah pharmacy places its orders) had in stock only a range of 29 to 67 boxes for each dose of Zepbound and a range of 88 to 308 boxes for each dose of Mounjaro. One box contains just one patient’s one-month supply, and the distribution center covers pharmacies across multiple states — Utah, Nevada, Idaho, and Wyoming. We know that this is not enough to fulfill every patient who is on this medication.
So, now what?
To understand this issue completely, we have to understand what compounding pharmacies do and what they were intended for. Until last week, tirzepatide was considered to be on the FDA’s shortage list. This meant that any compounding pharmacy could compound the medication and they could be prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional. Compounding can also be used to make a “tweak” in medication dosage or ingredients. For instance, if a patient is allergic to a specific ingredient in a medication, a compounding pharmacy can compound the medication without that ingredient so it is safe for the patient. They also can formulate different dosages of medications for patients who cannot tolerate the specific doses the drug manufacturer uses. Compounding pharmacies can also add ingredients to patient’s medications. For instance, if a patient’s B12 level is low, a compounding pharmacy can add that to the medication.
At CW Weight Loss and Solutions, we use compounding pharmacies that are US licensed/accredited and get their medications from FDA registered sources. We also work with our patients to specifically tailor doses that are most effective and safe for each individual. Every month we consult with our patients before ordering another dose to see what works best for them. This is why we are still able to prescribe the medications even though the FDA has declared tirzepatide off their shortage list. We work with you and tailor a specific dose/medication to help with your weight loss journey.
What we don’t want you to do…
- Don’t panic. We are monitoring the situation daily and working very hard with our compounding pharmacies to make sure we can safely and effectively prescribe specifically tailored compounded medications. We are also working hard to keep our patient’s in the loop as this is a fluid situation that can change day by day. We do believe there will be long, drawn-out lawsuits from Eli Lilly and compounding pharmacies as they work out the kinks. This could take years. Tirzepatide could also very likely land back onto the FDA’s shortage list.
- Do not order these medications from any website stating they are using “research chemicals” that are not regulated. You may be getting counterfeit medications that are unsafe for humans.
- Not lose hope that these medications will become more affordable and hopefully covered by insurances in the future! Medical professionals see the benefit of both semaglutide and tirzepatide daily! Insurance companies and pharmeceutical companies cannot ignore this fact forever.
You are your best advocate!
If you have changed over to the name brand medications and can’t get the dose/quantity you need, report it to the FDA: drugshortages@fda.hhs.gov
Remember to ALWAYS take care of your health in other ways! The medications can only take you so far- diet and exercise are so important to be successful. Our end goal is for you to reach your weight loss goals in a healthy way while establishing lifestyle habits that will positively affect you for the rest of your life. Both Chad and Rachel have a lot of experience in helping patient’s reach their weight loss goals. YOU are the reason we do what we do! Thank you for sharing all of your positive experiences with us, it’s the best part of our jobs. We will continue to work with you and keep you updated as this situation unfolds.
