The End of Cheaper Tirzepatide: What It Means for Patients

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently declared that the shortage of branded tirzepatide is over. This decision has significant implications for patients and compounding pharmacies. For patients like Willow Baillies, who relied on compounded, cheaper versions of the drug to manage weight loss and autoimmune issues, this change could force them to find alternative treatments or face financial burdens. Compounded tirzepatide, which costs around $350 per month, has been a lifeline for many who couldn't afford the $1, 000 monthly price tag of the branded version, Zepbound. The FDA's move is good news for insurers and Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of tirzepatide, as more patients with coverage may access Zepbound. However, those without insurance or with limited coverage face a tough choice. They might stockpile doses, switch to other treatments, or even attempt to mix the drug themselves at home, which can be dangerous. Compounding pharmacies, which make custom versions of brand-name medications, will have a limited time to continue producing tirzepatide. Some may still be able to make the drug under special circumstances, such as when a specific patient needs a specialized dose. But overall, the scale of this practice will decrease, leaving many patients in a bind. The legal battle between the FDA and trade groups is ongoing, adding to the uncertainty. Many patients are exploring alternatives, like compounded semaglutide, but the future of these drugs is also uncertain. Some patients are even turning to the "gray market, " buying powdered versions of the drugs and mixing them at home, highlighting the desperation for affordable treatment options.