Here we would like to highlight for you how recent developments in the market for semaglutide and tirzepatide might affect you directly.
Compound pharmacies are permitted to produce these medications only as long as there is a national shortage in brand versions. But, once the FDA declares a shortage is resolved, then by law, the compound market has to cease.
Both drug-makers Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are declaring adequate supply of their brand Wegovy and Zepbound medications, though many patients are still experiencing trouble filling their prescriptions. As the FDA sorts through conflicting reports, Doc’s Diet, wants to help you avoid getting caught in the lurch.
It’s impossible to predict when the shortages will be officially over. But, with Ely Lilly, it took about 2 months between their announcement that Zepbound was sufficiently available and the FDA stamping the shortage’s end. This decision is now being contested in the courts, and while that’s happening, we understand the FDA is allowing compounded tirzepatide prescriptions once again. As of right now (things can change), we do anticipate being able to resume this option for you later this month, though for how long, we are unsure.
Now that Novo Nordisk is announcing the same, we can expect a similar response from the compound market for semaglutide.
How could this affect you?
- There are several of you that have purchased and even completed questionnaires requesting either semaglutide or tirzepatide, but have not yet finished the appointment. There is no pressure! The questionnaire is good for one year from the time that you received it. However, we do want you to be aware of the difference in cost between the compounded and brand versions of these medications. If you wait until after the shortages have officially ended, Doc’s Diet will still be able to prescribe for you brand Wegovy or Zepbound, but those prescriptions are significantly more expensive than their compounded counterparts.
- The other thing that you should be aware of is, even though we are not involving insurance, retail pharmacies may require diagnostic codes before filling a prescription. So, if you don’t weigh enough, or you haven’t been diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, diabetes, or heart disease, then a pharmacy can deny filling your prescription.
- Once the brand shortages stop, if you are already on a compound prescription from us, again, we can continue your treatment with a brand prescription if you wish. But, if that is too expensive, or your weight doesn’t qualify, we can also talk about transitioning you to other weight loss medications like ‘our old friend’ phentermine or Adipex is still available and easy to obtain. In some cases, metformin can also be helpful.
Doc’s Diet Patients: we know. We dislike this stuff, too. We would much rather keep focus on the balance between mind, body, and spirit, and on supporting you in achieving your weight loss goals. As far as cost goes, even though we can’t control the price of medications, we do strive to keep our own prices as low as possible. Now that you know about these impending changes in the pharmaceutical realm, some of you may want to visit us sooner than later. Regardless, we look forward to seeing you next time at Doc’s Diet!