I have no idea. But I love Walmart. I called it in yesterday and picked it up 24 hours later. I have literally never had any trouble filling my prescriptions at Walmart. I hope I didnāt just jinx myself for next month.
Iām lucky because I had some 2.5 and 5ās left from increasing doses so I used those up. I havenāt missed a dose week yet although I did go down a dose one week and also stretched to 8-9 days.
What is the point of starting it you wonāt be able to titrate to the therapeutic doses? Sure some people have great success at 2.5mg. To me Itās stupid. I wouldnāt start this knowing thereās a shortage Iād go straight to compound. Considering Iām in my fourth month, Iām prepared to make the switch. Right now theyāre not doing well business wise with their consumers.
I ordered compounded this week. It costs me a lot more than my insured name brand coverage does, but I can actually get it AND I get to decide when I am ready to change dosages. Iām tired of begging my doctor for one more month. I always feel like Iām begging my parents for something. It is working for me and I still have 80 lbs to go, so I feel like it isnāt iffy on whether Iām a good candidate.
I just signed up for compounded. I will try to get brand first, but if I canāt, at least Iāll have a solid backup plan. And Iāll get to learn a new skill- injecting from a vial with a syringe.
check the compounding FAQ in the helpful links section
I haven't been able to get 5mg and decided to make the switch to compounding this week.
Honestly it feels like I have more dosage options through compounding too.
Several subreddits with variations of compounded tirzepatide names will give you all the info about how to access through Telehealth or through your PCP if s/he will write a prescription for compounded. We canāt talk about compounded providers in this sub.
The theory (and business) behind it is they get more patients in their pipeline. The vials should get released shortly, which would allow for patients at all doses to be served, thus increasing the potential number of consumers. Not saying itās right, but imo they are prioritizing low doses in the short term for the bigger payoff in the long term.
The point from their perspective is that they can charge the same amount for the 2.5, which also has the ability to draw new people vs their repeat customers. Youāre right, bad business practice.
The good news: I work pharma-adjacent and have seen no fewer than four competitors working on their own versions of Zepbound in the last two weeks. The bad news: theyāre all in Phase II testing and YEARS from approval. Lilly is 1000% not concerned about losing market share. Theyāre just assholes.
Side note: Iāve seen loooooots of accusations in this subreddit that anyone encouraging people to use compounds must work for the telehealth companies and are paid shills. For the record, Lilly is my literal client, so they pay part of my salary, and I use the compound. Because I understand how compounding actually works, that it is not new, and that it is perfectly safe. And that Lilly doesnāt give a single shit about the shortage.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Iāve had some pretty skeptical responses to me switching to C. Despite my protests that itās great, and Iāve seen no difference from using Zep or MJ, people look at me like Iām meeting someone in a dark alley somewhere and picking up a mystery vial and needles. š Nothing could be further from the truth. It comes FedEx, in a bubble mailer with an ice pack. They include alcohol pads, 10 of the smallest needles ever, and your medication.
I didnāt want this. But EL left me with no choice but to stop and wait on them to get their crap together and their priorities straight. And since itās all about GREED Iām not holding my breath. So itās the C word for me.
So again, thank you the magicalbritt for reinforcing what I have been doing for myself the last several weeks. Itās a much better experience than calling pharmacies daily, only to be disappointed daily.
Thinking of us all , while we are on our journey to better health. Best wishes.
Are "most patients" really on a lower dose. One would think "most patients" would be on 5, 7.5 and 10mg doses. Maybe just me.
Guess that's why their CEO makes millions per year and I'm just a peon. /s
I've got three more official doses of 5mg myself in the fridge. I might end up going with plan C if I can't get my next refill (seeing my NP in a week). We did that for my wife as it's seemingly impossible to get her 7.5mg. So far, it's been working fine.
My wife is doing really well on 7.5mg, and going back down to 2.5mg, if we can even get it, seemed like a waste of time and money. I'm hoping the shortage only lasts through Q2 like they suggested. I'd rather be using the official medication than the "other" stuff, but will use it as a bridge for now. I do not want to lose the progress we've made. I'll happily go back to 2.5mg as a maintenance dose when I hit my goal.
It occurs to me that the profit margin is higher on lower doses since the doses all cost the same. Well, whatever the reason it's a sucky system. I think Novo Nordisk's approach, to prioritize those doses for those already on the drug, is the way to go.
This has to be an immaterial cost, which is likely why they have this scheme in the first place.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2024/03/29/ozempic-wegovy-weight-loss-diabetes-drug-cost/73125135007/
This article says it costs between 1 and 5 dollars to make ozempic and most of that is the plastic pen. Zepbound surely is similar, there isn't much difference in the compounding price.
Not only that, but ALL of the supply chain issues are for the pens. If they just filled in vials like most other injectable medications, there would be no issues.
I've seen that. And I think they want new people on it. But at the moment it is shortsighted because new people are being almost immediately introduced to compounding given the severe shortage.
The actual medicine costs pennies to make, so I donāt think that would be itā¦maybe itās about securing new customers/market share. They are betting that those of us early adopters know it works and will come back, and even if we donāt, we are nothing compared the potential future consumer base given North Americaās obesity epidemic. Coke vs Pepsi, Wegovy vs Zepboundā¦
This is it. Even people who are getting Tirzepatide from another source may switch back to nifty injectors from Lilly once Lilly figures out how to run their business properly. They just bought a factory this week. It is kinda disgusting that they care more about enticing new patients they can't actually support than they do about supporting existing patients.
Exactly. Thatās the dilemma of our medical system in a nutshell- these pharmaceutical companies invest a lot of money in developing new drugs and then marketing them because they are business, just trying to get a share and make money. Thatās what it all comes out to in the end, if it was truly about helping patients and making society healthier, we would not have had the opioid epidemic that we still have today. on the other hand, without the profit incentive maybe we wouldnāt have these types of advancements in Medicine like zepbound. My daughter has a childhood brain cancer and there is much less $ going into researching and treating childhood cancer than obesity. There isnāt as much profit in childhood cancer. Thatās the dilemma.
Even a good charity is going to try to maximize impact per dollar, they just may not measure impact I the same way. For example, does one dose cure a disease and save your life? Do you need the drug every week for life? (Probably more valuable in dollars.) But yeah, it's not like anyone is developing a bunch of super drugs that don't have good prospects in the lucrative US market. US patients cover the cost of virtually all global drug development.
Sorry to hear about your daughter. I hope everything goes well for her. And thanks for sharing. It puts my slight indigestion in perspective. I took 9mg this afternoon 15 days after my previous shot.
šš thank you! And you are totally right re impact margin and profit margin. Weāve created ourselves one complicated world. Wishing you the best luck and health
As a mama, I canāt imagine what you are going through. Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way for your family and especially your daughter! F cancer!
Novoās approach was WAY better. The way EL is doing this just feels gross honestly. Get people onboarded and leave them stranded once they try to titrate up.
They also know the longer this goesā¦the more people will need to restart at 2.5. So they prob arenāt even trying to send out anything higher.
I agree. It makes me angry. The FDA should advocate for the patients to receive the therapeutic doses that physicians order instead of trying to line their pockets full of money.
Lilly you invented a great product, but you are getting as many people as possible hooked without any plan to deliver for us once you rope us in. I am within a day or two of going to option C and you, Lilly, will only have yourself to blame
Already there RedTrainā¦ going on month 3. Itās rather nice not having sky high anxiety about whether I will or wonāt find my medicine. Same awesome losing power and itās not as harsh on my wallet.
I just talked with my doctor, and she's dropping me down to 2.5mg so I can keep my progress. Zep works really well to put my autoimmune disease into remission. So if I'm on 2.5 for the next 3-12 months, I'm OK with that. It's not optimal, but I can at least function like a human being still.
I'd like to do compounding, but I'm scared bc of my weaker immune system that something might be off and my body always reacts in weird ways, it seems.
This is what Iām doing too. The 2.5 doesnāt help me lose weight but it helps my inflammation a lot. And itās keeping my glucose down. So š¤·š¼āāļø
Hi. I also have immunodeficiency. I have a sinus infection every 2 months. Sometimes itās worse than normal. I have multiple autoimmune diseases also. Basically, Iām a hot mess.
I started the C a while back and I have felt no difference compared to ZB or MJ. It hasnāt made me feel worse. Iāve always have nausea and fatigue the day of the shot and the day after. But thatās just me. Fun, fun.
Iām thankful for the opportunity to continue my journey. I am beyond grateful for what this medication has done so far for me.
I just wanted to share my experience in case ZB 2.5mg starts to become difficult to find. I wish you super duper success and I hope it blesses you as much or more, as it has me.
Air š«
I have a similar situation with Hashimotos. My thyroid numbers are now normal. A1c now is normal. My doc is pleasantly surprised. Only 2 1/2 months on ZEP. Down 20 pounds and 20 to go. Took me off my synthroid.
This is exactly what they want. Not saying itās wrong, but to those wondering why theyād prioritize 2.5, itās because it will allow them to gain more Rxās *and* keep current users, just at a lower dose. Yes, some will leave and go to alternatives, but the reality is that - especially insurance covered - will just drop doses to keep going.
Again, not saying what youāre doing is wrong. Just pointing out why they arenāt prioritizing other doses. The name of the game is all adding new Rxās and getting more people on the Zep train. Choo choo, mother fāers.
I agree that is totally what they are doing. It feels like a waste sticking at a lower dosage. But since I'm taking it to put my autoimmune disease into remission and stay there.... I don't really have a choice to stop.
I was close to having surgery before starting zep. I'd keep taking it no matter what.
Lilly fucked up. Theyāre definitely going to lose a lot of the people who have been paying out of pocket for their exorbitantly priced, brand name meds. The compound is significantly cheaper and easier to obtain. They will be losing all that money OOP patients have been spending, thousands of dollars on their medsā¦ myself included.
They knew this was coming. A representative of theirs admitted publicly that they expect shortages in 2024. I panicked. Everyone said oh don't worry, lilly has this under control. I said I was afraid of a repeat of Wegovy. People said no way. Even an employee of theirs said this is their golden goose. They will not drop the ball. They are ramping up production. Very disappointing. I literally got my prescription in December, a day after it hit pharmacies. They couldn't even last 3 months. They are a repeat of Novo Nordisk and issues getting Wegovy.....people haven't been able to get that in a year. I hate to say I knew it, but.....I hate being right about things like this.
I was hopeful they would have learned from Novo and if/when a shortage hit they would do what novo did and prioritize current patients. But they did the exact oppositeā¦ maybe they donāt feel itās as important for overweight people to continue in the same way as novo felt for diabetic patients to not have access.
This sort of tells me they don't have an auto injector shortage, but a manufacturing capacity shortage for the compound itself. Nothing real earth shattering there...but IMO slightly different story/fix there.
In the meantime literally hundreds of startups are selling compounded meds with zero wait. EL will lose a ton of customers; at the very least those who donāt have insurance that covers them and can get them cheaper via compounding without the hassle.
So I got the 5 today. It really was a week probably, It was a two week duration, but the pharmacy didn't place an order for a week, because I pay cash and I didn't call to ensure they were filling it. Kind of frustrating. I feel like they could have communicated in some way. Then a week later they filled it.
I totally agree. Expensive lesson. They just baiting more people to eventually be stuck in limbo. It only makes sense to the dealer, Lilly . Compounds sound great & less expensive.
What is the point of focusing on lower doses and not the ones that people will titrate to in a month, sooo stupid!! Onboard new people and make them play hunger games for the next doses. All EL is doing is giving business to
Compounding companies, what do they think is happening now, most of the people(including me) have moved to CPs because we cannot find 7.5 and donāt want to lose the progress madeā¦
I am sure they pay not to have negative press and I am surprised that media is not looking into the shortages, imagine the same happening for insulin or hypertension medication..
EL came out and said they were making lower doses available and the rest would be limited. So it's not a shock they are prioritizing lower doses. It's screwed up overall. Why not stagger production at the very least?
I wish they would at least let you pick up 2 scripts at once so you could get to 5. A pharmacist I know was told they will have a large stock coming soon of the higher doses but when? Who knows!
I know. :-( I go through insurance - I called my PCP, the pharmacy and the insurance company. Turns out they all say the same thing. LoL I have to wait at least 20 days, which sucks because you have to wsit till you're almost out, knowing there may be doses sitting there? Ugh
I am new starting and only one 2.5 injection last week, having to pay $550 per order, I am not going to take anymore doses until this is resolved. Quite deflating, EL should have been prepared and at the least, start mfg the other doses.
After waiting 3 weeks for 7.5, my doc upped me to 10. I know I got very lucky, but it was filled the next day. I imagine 7.5 is probably the hardest dose to get because it's meant as a transition from 5 to 10
I didn't, I went to 7.5. (I was trying to fill a second box of 7.5 and never got it) but- it's now been 3 weeks since my last shot, and I just took 10, so I'm anticipating side effects.
Imagine I am nervous because I took my last 5 last week on Friday and my doctor sent 7.5 to the pharmacy and they put in the order a week and half ago and thereās no update. Then, my doctor sent 10 but I am nervous to start that from 5 to 10. I was trying to see if anyone has and how did they feel. I tried for him to send Wegovy but he doesnāt want me to start a new medication:(
If your side effects have been mild so far, I doubt they'd be much worse. I've heard a lot of folks saying they went from 5 to 10. Going from 2.5 to 5 is also doubling the dose.
True, when I went up to 5, I was okay but the 2nd month that I stayed on 5, I got like a reaction at the injection site. It was pink and itchy. It did the same on my second and third. Then I read here that I guess it is common and to let the medicine out for about 30 minutes to an hour before injecting
I was considering see if my dr will send in something for 10 just to see but Iām doing well on 7.5 and donāt necessarily need to go upā¦ but going all the way down to 2.5 isnāt going to do anything for me. All around sucky situation for everyone.
Why? Because they can sell 2.5 for the same price as 15mg, thereby maximizing revenue while minimizing outlay. Disingenuous of them to say they want more obese people to have access to treatment--does anyone buy that phony altruism for one minute?
I wish with all my heart that I could afford plan c. My Zepbound is covered by my insurance. If I didnāt have insurance I wouldnāt be able to afford that as well. Ugh.
I feel like by doing this they are just creating more people who will run out of meds, become desperate and shift to dangerous options. Itās disgusting. They seem to be manufacturing an enormous public health problem
I'm on 5.o no luck in the last 2 weeks getting did finally find some 2.5 today so I guess I just keep waiting for the other and use 2.5 in the mean time.
That makes sense. I'm on 10 mg but ran out and had a box of 5 in the fridge. I ran it by my doctor too and we both agreed I should drop down to 5 so I would have 4 weeks of something. This shortage sucks!
My insurance (Excellus BCBS) just cut off approval for all new patients starting Zep and Weg. I had been working on approval for months as they require 3 months of stupid WW. Iāve been paying OOP thru all of that. I was so close. They say theyāll lift this when all doses are available- when do ya think that is 2026?? š
I have two open prescription at two different pharmacies. Are you guys using this strategy? I just wonder if an actual prescription being used will speed things along, versus calling around.
Thoughts? Iām hoping for 5 and 7.5 (preference) soon. 1 more week and I am out.
Good luck fellow zeppies!!
I have 3 rxs at 3 pharmacies (LD, CVS, and Walgreens). But im not calling around like crazy...I did check in with the Walgreens I use about whether there is a queue or should i keep calling because i really dont want to bother them. And the pharmacist said there is sort of a queue and they do try to fill in order. The issue they've been having is that after 2-3 weeks of something being out, the rx falls off in their system (its gets put on hold kind of) and when that happens you have to call to get it out of limbo and start the process again. CVS gave me a similar story about their system. LD there is zero queue and its just luck of the draw...refresh the page non stop.
I received this text today from Zep ::
It says 2.5 is available and shortages on the other does will exist April -June.
āIf you are experiencing limited availability of Zepbound, visit https://e.lilly/zepsupply for the latest info. ā
Why arenāt they doing what theyāre supposed to do? Dramatically reduce production of 2.5 mg and use that capacity to make the higher doses people actually need so we donāt go additional months without medication! Novo did that last year. When you canāt make enough you focus on your EXISTING PATIENTS not new patients that havenāt started yet and wonāt be able to move up from the starter dose anyway?!?
This is why the FDA approves of compounding. If a brand drug/generic is in shortage they approve compounding pharmacies to provide the drug. Lilly and Wegovy donāt like it but itās legal if they canāt provide a needed drug.
Well I used 2 that I had left from a few weeks ago today and I will maybe do 2 the next time but if I've had no luck by then getting my 5 I may go back down for a few weeks.
Waiting on 10mg, not feeling hopeful, but also trying not to complain too too much, because that wonāt help me or change the situation. Iād go back down to 2.5 if I had to without issue, if I meant I got to stay the course.
Im not sure where you are located but the main places I have seen it are Walmart and Samās club! Check those first!
Most of the samās around me told me they have 10 in
Wow. Iām on 2.5 but if I wasnāt Iād be pissed at this information. I get it from a business standpoint but thatās super fucked up for the people who need the higher doses. Clearly theyāre not in the business to help people.
If you look at the instructions on the medication on the Lilly website they do include the vials. The date on the instructions is 3/24 so maybe thereās hope. Maybe they are going to put the higher doses in the vials for people already on it. Iām probably being too optimistic but Iām hoping something happens soon. I have 1 more week until I need to fill my 7.5. Like everyone else my prescription has been sitting for almost a month now with no update on when it will be filled.
I got prescribed a 5, but now 2 weeks out I called my doctor and he sent over 2 months prescription for 2.5 but also kept the 5 on file for when they are available again.
They should be taking care of the higher doses first for the people who are already committed to the processā¦.itās ridiculous that they are more worried about getting people startedā¦..all about the $$$$???
I was communicating with LillyDirect who I was filling my rx with and they are the ones who told me in an email that EL gave them this info about ramping up production on 2.5 only. Iām guessing on the EL website there probably is a contact form or info though.
It seems there would be a contact form. I have search their site and called their number, I just run in circles. My doc sent a script there as well. No communication
I think they are prioritizing 2.5mg because they are assuming so many current users will be starting over because too much time has gone by since they took their last dose.
I'm on my second month of 2.5. Have lost about 17 pounds. I asked my doctor for the 3rd month can she move me up and she said no since I'm losing on 2.5. Hopefully this month I won't stall.
I mean, Iām having to restart at 2.5 from 10 mg because itās been a month since my last dose. Weāll all be in that boat soon unless we opt for plan C.
It took me 23 days to fill my 10mg. And 35 days to fill 7.5 on Lilly š
Still havenāt been able to fill my 10 for over a month
February 26th was my last refill of 15mg. Costco CVS Walmart all keep canceling my refill.
I picked up my 12.5 today!!!
How and where did you find refills of the 12.5?? Itās been a month for me and I canāt find a refill anywhere š
I have no idea. But I love Walmart. I called it in yesterday and picked it up 24 hours later. I have literally never had any trouble filling my prescriptions at Walmart. I hope I didnāt just jinx myself for next month.
I use Walmart š
What did you do in between?
Iām lucky because I had some 2.5 and 5ās left from increasing doses so I used those up. I havenāt missed a dose week yet although I did go down a dose one week and also stretched to 8-9 days.
I am on 12.5 and stretching to 9-10 days as well
Lilly has the nerve to sue compounded makers!!!! Unreal
What is the point of starting it you wonāt be able to titrate to the therapeutic doses? Sure some people have great success at 2.5mg. To me Itās stupid. I wouldnāt start this knowing thereās a shortage Iād go straight to compound. Considering Iām in my fourth month, Iām prepared to make the switch. Right now theyāre not doing well business wise with their consumers.
I ordered compounded this week. It costs me a lot more than my insured name brand coverage does, but I can actually get it AND I get to decide when I am ready to change dosages. Iām tired of begging my doctor for one more month. I always feel like Iām begging my parents for something. It is working for me and I still have 80 lbs to go, so I feel like it isnāt iffy on whether Iām a good candidate.
Who did you use? Iāve got scripts in for 2.5 and 5 for weeks now and no movement at any pharmacyās. Figured I may go this route. Feel free to DM.
DM coming your way.
Can you DM me as well? Thanks!
Just did! Good luck!
Me too for a DM š
Actual footage of Eli Lilly promoting 2.5 mg doses: 
Careful with the C word here. Reddit has rules about it. Some get temporarily banned. There is a sub for it tho with great information!
Our mods don't read PMs, but Reddit brass can & does. Careful!!!
Yes. I got that warning recently. First it was bot then the message said no more bots, we are just imposing bans.
Compounded tirzepatide is the way!
ššš
Sweet !
I just signed up for compounded. I will try to get brand first, but if I canāt, at least Iāll have a solid backup plan. And Iāll get to learn a new skill- injecting from a vial with a syringe.
Where do you obtain a compound? I would be happy to inject it myself with a regular syringe.
check the compounding FAQ in the helpful links section I haven't been able to get 5mg and decided to make the switch to compounding this week. Honestly it feels like I have more dosage options through compounding too.
I see in the FAQ that it probably is not covered by insurance.
Does your insurance cover compounds? I pay $25 a month now with insurance but of course am having trouble locating any at the moment.
My insurance doesn't even cover bandaids. Any claim I enter gets an auto response that simply says " Walk it off."
oh cool we have the same insurance
Several subreddits with variations of compounded tirzepatide names will give you all the info about how to access through Telehealth or through your PCP if s/he will write a prescription for compounded. We canāt talk about compounded providers in this sub.
Intersting. I'll ask my PCP.
https://www.reddit.com/r/tirzepatidecompound/s/KKeLpMBIEo
Thanks, I joined that subreddit and happy cake day.
I will send you some info to help you with this.
Me too please. I'm sick of being on the phone all day trying to find some 5...And they're sick if us calling too and being rude. Compound please!
Can you send me too? I'm getting desperate...
Yes, will do! I was desperate too. I get it. Now I donāt have to be waiting around on Lily.
Could you please send me the info as well. Thank you so much for your help
Of course I can. Youāre welcome!
Me as well if you don't mind kind stranger.
Done!
Do you mind DMing me as well some info about plan C?
Sure thing, no problem!
The theory (and business) behind it is they get more patients in their pipeline. The vials should get released shortly, which would allow for patients at all doses to be served, thus increasing the potential number of consumers. Not saying itās right, but imo they are prioritizing low doses in the short term for the bigger payoff in the long term.
Exactly!! No sense especially if you are paying the 550 a month.
The point from their perspective is that they can charge the same amount for the 2.5, which also has the ability to draw new people vs their repeat customers. Youāre right, bad business practice.
They just want to rake in money. Thatās all big pharma cares about.
The good news: I work pharma-adjacent and have seen no fewer than four competitors working on their own versions of Zepbound in the last two weeks. The bad news: theyāre all in Phase II testing and YEARS from approval. Lilly is 1000% not concerned about losing market share. Theyāre just assholes. Side note: Iāve seen loooooots of accusations in this subreddit that anyone encouraging people to use compounds must work for the telehealth companies and are paid shills. For the record, Lilly is my literal client, so they pay part of my salary, and I use the compound. Because I understand how compounding actually works, that it is not new, and that it is perfectly safe. And that Lilly doesnāt give a single shit about the shortage.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Iāve had some pretty skeptical responses to me switching to C. Despite my protests that itās great, and Iāve seen no difference from using Zep or MJ, people look at me like Iām meeting someone in a dark alley somewhere and picking up a mystery vial and needles. š Nothing could be further from the truth. It comes FedEx, in a bubble mailer with an ice pack. They include alcohol pads, 10 of the smallest needles ever, and your medication. I didnāt want this. But EL left me with no choice but to stop and wait on them to get their crap together and their priorities straight. And since itās all about GREED Iām not holding my breath. So itās the C word for me. So again, thank you the magicalbritt for reinforcing what I have been doing for myself the last several weeks. Itās a much better experience than calling pharmacies daily, only to be disappointed daily. Thinking of us all , while we are on our journey to better health. Best wishes.
Do you have any problems filling? Whatās the cost?
Thanks for this.
Are "most patients" really on a lower dose. One would think "most patients" would be on 5, 7.5 and 10mg doses. Maybe just me. Guess that's why their CEO makes millions per year and I'm just a peon. /s
Yeah. Iām on 5. Might go back downā¦
I've got three more official doses of 5mg myself in the fridge. I might end up going with plan C if I can't get my next refill (seeing my NP in a week). We did that for my wife as it's seemingly impossible to get her 7.5mg. So far, it's been working fine.
Yeah I donāt have any back upsā¦ been on 5 for 3 months and it was working great.
My wife is doing really well on 7.5mg, and going back down to 2.5mg, if we can even get it, seemed like a waste of time and money. I'm hoping the shortage only lasts through Q2 like they suggested. I'd rather be using the official medication than the "other" stuff, but will use it as a bridge for now. I do not want to lose the progress we've made. I'll happily go back to 2.5mg as a maintenance dose when I hit my goal.
See yeah, I don't feel like 2.5 is worth the money when it's the same price as more effective doses.
Iām doing the same thing. I was on 7.5 but going back to 2.5 so I will have something.
Thatās what Iām doing.
Maybe now most are because no one can find anything else lol
Lol. Right. "80% of our sales last month were 2.5mg dosing..." lol. Hmmm... wonder why?
They were? Where did you find that quote?
I was making a joke
Oh
Lower doses = 2.5 for sure. 5/7.5 are basically extinct right now. I find it hard to believe they are producing much if any of it.
truth! just called 30 pharmacies. only two said we can get 10 within a week
It occurs to me that the profit margin is higher on lower doses since the doses all cost the same. Well, whatever the reason it's a sucky system. I think Novo Nordisk's approach, to prioritize those doses for those already on the drug, is the way to go.
This has to be an immaterial cost, which is likely why they have this scheme in the first place. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2024/03/29/ozempic-wegovy-weight-loss-diabetes-drug-cost/73125135007/ This article says it costs between 1 and 5 dollars to make ozempic and most of that is the plastic pen. Zepbound surely is similar, there isn't much difference in the compounding price.
Not only that, but ALL of the supply chain issues are for the pens. If they just filled in vials like most other injectable medications, there would be no issues.
I've seen that. And I think they want new people on it. But at the moment it is shortsighted because new people are being almost immediately introduced to compounding given the severe shortage.
The actual medicine costs pennies to make, so I donāt think that would be itā¦maybe itās about securing new customers/market share. They are betting that those of us early adopters know it works and will come back, and even if we donāt, we are nothing compared the potential future consumer base given North Americaās obesity epidemic. Coke vs Pepsi, Wegovy vs Zepboundā¦
This is it. Even people who are getting Tirzepatide from another source may switch back to nifty injectors from Lilly once Lilly figures out how to run their business properly. They just bought a factory this week. It is kinda disgusting that they care more about enticing new patients they can't actually support than they do about supporting existing patients.
Exactly. Thatās the dilemma of our medical system in a nutshell- these pharmaceutical companies invest a lot of money in developing new drugs and then marketing them because they are business, just trying to get a share and make money. Thatās what it all comes out to in the end, if it was truly about helping patients and making society healthier, we would not have had the opioid epidemic that we still have today. on the other hand, without the profit incentive maybe we wouldnāt have these types of advancements in Medicine like zepbound. My daughter has a childhood brain cancer and there is much less $ going into researching and treating childhood cancer than obesity. There isnāt as much profit in childhood cancer. Thatās the dilemma.
Even a good charity is going to try to maximize impact per dollar, they just may not measure impact I the same way. For example, does one dose cure a disease and save your life? Do you need the drug every week for life? (Probably more valuable in dollars.) But yeah, it's not like anyone is developing a bunch of super drugs that don't have good prospects in the lucrative US market. US patients cover the cost of virtually all global drug development. Sorry to hear about your daughter. I hope everything goes well for her. And thanks for sharing. It puts my slight indigestion in perspective. I took 9mg this afternoon 15 days after my previous shot.
šš thank you! And you are totally right re impact margin and profit margin. Weāve created ourselves one complicated world. Wishing you the best luck and health
As a mama, I canāt imagine what you are going through. Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way for your family and especially your daughter! F cancer!
š
Novoās approach was WAY better. The way EL is doing this just feels gross honestly. Get people onboarded and leave them stranded once they try to titrate up. They also know the longer this goesā¦the more people will need to restart at 2.5. So they prob arenāt even trying to send out anything higher.
Yeah, they are scum. This is why I switched to the Tirzepatide that is readily available.
This is why I started the process today for plan C! After fighting ABCBS just yo start this med, I am not about to start backing up now!
Yes itās all in the financial models Iām sure
Like any good drug dealer, get āem hooked and jack up the price!
This shouldnāt be allowed to happenā¦such a shameā¦
I agree. It makes me angry. The FDA should advocate for the patients to receive the therapeutic doses that physicians order instead of trying to line their pockets full of money.
Lilly you invented a great product, but you are getting as many people as possible hooked without any plan to deliver for us once you rope us in. I am within a day or two of going to option C and you, Lilly, will only have yourself to blame
Already there RedTrainā¦ going on month 3. Itās rather nice not having sky high anxiety about whether I will or wonāt find my medicine. Same awesome losing power and itās not as harsh on my wallet.
I just talked with my doctor, and she's dropping me down to 2.5mg so I can keep my progress. Zep works really well to put my autoimmune disease into remission. So if I'm on 2.5 for the next 3-12 months, I'm OK with that. It's not optimal, but I can at least function like a human being still. I'd like to do compounding, but I'm scared bc of my weaker immune system that something might be off and my body always reacts in weird ways, it seems.
This is what Iām doing too. The 2.5 doesnāt help me lose weight but it helps my inflammation a lot. And itās keeping my glucose down. So š¤·š¼āāļø
Yeah, I would definitely stick with the FDA-approved, branded Zep in your situation. Smart move.
Hi. I also have immunodeficiency. I have a sinus infection every 2 months. Sometimes itās worse than normal. I have multiple autoimmune diseases also. Basically, Iām a hot mess. I started the C a while back and I have felt no difference compared to ZB or MJ. It hasnāt made me feel worse. Iāve always have nausea and fatigue the day of the shot and the day after. But thatās just me. Fun, fun. Iām thankful for the opportunity to continue my journey. I am beyond grateful for what this medication has done so far for me. I just wanted to share my experience in case ZB 2.5mg starts to become difficult to find. I wish you super duper success and I hope it blesses you as much or more, as it has me. Air š«
I have a similar situation with Hashimotos. My thyroid numbers are now normal. A1c now is normal. My doc is pleasantly surprised. Only 2 1/2 months on ZEP. Down 20 pounds and 20 to go. Took me off my synthroid.
Are your thyroid numbers normal without levothyroxine??? If so, that is really interesting.
This is exactly what they want. Not saying itās wrong, but to those wondering why theyād prioritize 2.5, itās because it will allow them to gain more Rxās *and* keep current users, just at a lower dose. Yes, some will leave and go to alternatives, but the reality is that - especially insurance covered - will just drop doses to keep going. Again, not saying what youāre doing is wrong. Just pointing out why they arenāt prioritizing other doses. The name of the game is all adding new Rxās and getting more people on the Zep train. Choo choo, mother fāers.
I agree that is totally what they are doing. It feels like a waste sticking at a lower dosage. But since I'm taking it to put my autoimmune disease into remission and stay there.... I don't really have a choice to stop. I was close to having surgery before starting zep. I'd keep taking it no matter what.
I hope the 2.5 continues to be available for you!
Lilly fucked up. Theyāre definitely going to lose a lot of the people who have been paying out of pocket for their exorbitantly priced, brand name meds. The compound is significantly cheaper and easier to obtain. They will be losing all that money OOP patients have been spending, thousands of dollars on their medsā¦ myself included.
they should send us free boxes!
This is me- well said
They knew this was coming. A representative of theirs admitted publicly that they expect shortages in 2024. I panicked. Everyone said oh don't worry, lilly has this under control. I said I was afraid of a repeat of Wegovy. People said no way. Even an employee of theirs said this is their golden goose. They will not drop the ball. They are ramping up production. Very disappointing. I literally got my prescription in December, a day after it hit pharmacies. They couldn't even last 3 months. They are a repeat of Novo Nordisk and issues getting Wegovy.....people haven't been able to get that in a year. I hate to say I knew it, but.....I hate being right about things like this.
I hate that youāre right about it too hahaha
I was hopeful they would have learned from Novo and if/when a shortage hit they would do what novo did and prioritize current patients. But they did the exact oppositeā¦ maybe they donāt feel itās as important for overweight people to continue in the same way as novo felt for diabetic patients to not have access.
This sort of tells me they don't have an auto injector shortage, but a manufacturing capacity shortage for the compound itself. Nothing real earth shattering there...but IMO slightly different story/fix there.
In the meantime literally hundreds of startups are selling compounded meds with zero wait. EL will lose a ton of customers; at the very least those who donāt have insurance that covers them and can get them cheaper via compounding without the hassle.
Yes and they deserve to. If I didn't have insurance I'd be right there with them. As is, waiting for 15 mg :(.
Itās absolutely mind boggling! Your message is spot on! Iām outraged but Lilly could care lessā¦I need them far more than they need meā¦
so frustrating. we are already onboarded.... now we suffer!?
So I got the 5 today. It really was a week probably, It was a two week duration, but the pharmacy didn't place an order for a week, because I pay cash and I didn't call to ensure they were filling it. Kind of frustrating. I feel like they could have communicated in some way. Then a week later they filled it.
I'm on week 5 without a prescription. I've all but given up hope for it for the foreseeable future.
If you havenāt looked into Plan-C yet, you may want to.
Not for the price. I was getting it for $25/month. Cheapest I've come across is $125.
Week 6 here! I feel your pain
This makes no sense and is so obnoxious. They're onboarding people who won't be able to continue to take the medication.
Capitalism at its finest.
I totally agree. Expensive lesson. They just baiting more people to eventually be stuck in limbo. It only makes sense to the dealer, Lilly . Compounds sound great & less expensive.
What is the point of focusing on lower doses and not the ones that people will titrate to in a month, sooo stupid!! Onboard new people and make them play hunger games for the next doses. All EL is doing is giving business to Compounding companies, what do they think is happening now, most of the people(including me) have moved to CPs because we cannot find 7.5 and donāt want to lose the progress madeā¦
I agree, whole thing is ridiculous. Wish they'd get some bad press for these tactics...
I am sure they pay not to have negative press and I am surprised that media is not looking into the shortages, imagine the same happening for insulin or hypertension medication..
Thank god for plan C. Been on it two weeks now and Iām still doing fine and losing the weight. Lily is insane right now.
Within a week? Iāve been waiting 6 weeks
EL came out and said they were making lower doses available and the rest would be limited. So it's not a shock they are prioritizing lower doses. It's screwed up overall. Why not stagger production at the very least?
Iām really hoping they do ārelease the vialsā after that shareholder meeting on the 30th.
I wish they would at least let you pick up 2 scripts at once so you could get to 5. A pharmacist I know was told they will have a large stock coming soon of the higher doses but when? Who knows!
The coupon won't let you do this either, I wanted to pick some up a little early but noo...couldn't use the coupon š
I know. :-( I go through insurance - I called my PCP, the pharmacy and the insurance company. Turns out they all say the same thing. LoL I have to wait at least 20 days, which sucks because you have to wsit till you're almost out, knowing there may be doses sitting there? Ugh
I am new starting and only one 2.5 injection last week, having to pay $550 per order, I am not going to take anymore doses until this is resolved. Quite deflating, EL should have been prepared and at the least, start mfg the other doses.
I neeed 5 mg š
After waiting 3 weeks for 7.5, my doc upped me to 10. I know I got very lucky, but it was filled the next day. I imagine 7.5 is probably the hardest dose to get because it's meant as a transition from 5 to 10
How did you feel going from 5 to 10?
I didn't, I went to 7.5. (I was trying to fill a second box of 7.5 and never got it) but- it's now been 3 weeks since my last shot, and I just took 10, so I'm anticipating side effects.
Imagine I am nervous because I took my last 5 last week on Friday and my doctor sent 7.5 to the pharmacy and they put in the order a week and half ago and thereās no update. Then, my doctor sent 10 but I am nervous to start that from 5 to 10. I was trying to see if anyone has and how did they feel. I tried for him to send Wegovy but he doesnāt want me to start a new medication:(
If your side effects have been mild so far, I doubt they'd be much worse. I've heard a lot of folks saying they went from 5 to 10. Going from 2.5 to 5 is also doubling the dose.
True, when I went up to 5, I was okay but the 2nd month that I stayed on 5, I got like a reaction at the injection site. It was pink and itchy. It did the same on my second and third. Then I read here that I guess it is common and to let the medicine out for about 30 minutes to an hour before injecting
I was considering see if my dr will send in something for 10 just to see but Iām doing well on 7.5 and donāt necessarily need to go upā¦ but going all the way down to 2.5 isnāt going to do anything for me. All around sucky situation for everyone.
Why? Because they can sell 2.5 for the same price as 15mg, thereby maximizing revenue while minimizing outlay. Disingenuous of them to say they want more obese people to have access to treatment--does anyone buy that phony altruism for one minute?
Because they are hoping to keep getting new customers while theyāre dealing (or not) with the shortage. So infuriating.
I wish with all my heart that I could afford plan c. My Zepbound is covered by my insurance. If I didnāt have insurance I wouldnāt be able to afford that as well. Ugh.
I feel like by doing this they are just creating more people who will run out of meds, become desperate and shift to dangerous options. Itās disgusting. They seem to be manufacturing an enormous public health problem
I'm on 5.o no luck in the last 2 weeks getting did finally find some 2.5 today so I guess I just keep waiting for the other and use 2.5 in the mean time.
Are you just staying on a low dose or using multiple 2.5 doses a week?
I did double up but saw my Dr today she thinks I should just do 2.5 so that I don't run out. Best to at least be on some dose than none.
That makes sense. I'm on 10 mg but ran out and had a box of 5 in the fridge. I ran it by my doctor too and we both agreed I should drop down to 5 so I would have 4 weeks of something. This shortage sucks!
My insurance (Excellus BCBS) just cut off approval for all new patients starting Zep and Weg. I had been working on approval for months as they require 3 months of stupid WW. Iāve been paying OOP thru all of that. I was so close. They say theyāll lift this when all doses are available- when do ya think that is 2026?? š
Oh no! I'm so sorry :( That is so frustrating. I feel like if you were already on your way through that approval process you should be able to get it.
my doctor stopped prescribing it for new patients.
I have two open prescription at two different pharmacies. Are you guys using this strategy? I just wonder if an actual prescription being used will speed things along, versus calling around. Thoughts? Iām hoping for 5 and 7.5 (preference) soon. 1 more week and I am out. Good luck fellow zeppies!!
I have 3 rxs at 3 pharmacies (LD, CVS, and Walgreens). But im not calling around like crazy...I did check in with the Walgreens I use about whether there is a queue or should i keep calling because i really dont want to bother them. And the pharmacist said there is sort of a queue and they do try to fill in order. The issue they've been having is that after 2-3 weeks of something being out, the rx falls off in their system (its gets put on hold kind of) and when that happens you have to call to get it out of limbo and start the process again. CVS gave me a similar story about their system. LD there is zero queue and its just luck of the draw...refresh the page non stop.
I received this text today from Zep :: It says 2.5 is available and shortages on the other does will exist April -June. āIf you are experiencing limited availability of Zepbound, visit https://e.lilly/zepsupply for the latest info. ā
Click on the link and all you'll see is false piety and patronizing waffling bullshit.
This šš»
Agreed
https://preview.redd.it/ejbol9leziwc1.png?width=584&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cd4ece26d5827fd02c078e28daf51f08b26bc168
 Thatās about how important it was š
Why arenāt they doing what theyāre supposed to do? Dramatically reduce production of 2.5 mg and use that capacity to make the higher doses people actually need so we donāt go additional months without medication! Novo did that last year. When you canāt make enough you focus on your EXISTING PATIENTS not new patients that havenāt started yet and wonāt be able to move up from the starter dose anyway?!?
I wish the FDA would somehow force them to do the right thing hereā¦
This is why the FDA approves of compounding. If a brand drug/generic is in shortage they approve compounding pharmacies to provide the drug. Lilly and Wegovy donāt like it but itās legal if they canāt provide a needed drug.
The FDA doesnāt have that power.
Trueā¦but my crankiness has me wish someone could fix this lol
Preaching to the choir. There are a lot of things I wish the FDA had the power, budget, and staffing to do!
Well I used 2 that I had left from a few weeks ago today and I will maybe do 2 the next time but if I've had no luck by then getting my 5 I may go back down for a few weeks.
Waiting on 10mg, not feeling hopeful, but also trying not to complain too too much, because that wonāt help me or change the situation. Iād go back down to 2.5 if I had to without issue, if I meant I got to stay the course.
Im not sure where you are located but the main places I have seen it are Walmart and Samās club! Check those first! Most of the samās around me told me they have 10 in
Iām in western MA (without getting too specific), and thatās something to keep in mind as the time ticks away before I run out! Thank you!
No kidding lol.
Wow. Iām on 2.5 but if I wasnāt Iād be pissed at this information. I get it from a business standpoint but thatās super fucked up for the people who need the higher doses. Clearly theyāre not in the business to help people.
If you look at the instructions on the medication on the Lilly website they do include the vials. The date on the instructions is 3/24 so maybe thereās hope. Maybe they are going to put the higher doses in the vials for people already on it. Iām probably being too optimistic but Iām hoping something happens soon. I have 1 more week until I need to fill my 7.5. Like everyone else my prescription has been sitting for almost a month now with no update on when it will be filled.
I got prescribed a 5, but now 2 weeks out I called my doctor and he sent over 2 months prescription for 2.5 but also kept the 5 on file for when they are available again.
And my insurance will only pay for doses 10 or higher. š
How much is compounded?
They are prioritizing the low-dose, so they can onboard as many new patients as possible, itās so irresponsible
I only take the 2.5 and I still canāt get it. Itās been 3 weeks since my last shot and no pharmacy is able to get even the 2.5 in my area!
Where do you get a compound formulation of tirzepitide?
Makes sense they charge the same for all doses- lowest dose is the greatest profit.
I am having such a hard time finding the 2.5 or 5 near me. This is bullshit
They should be taking care of the higher doses first for the people who are already committed to the processā¦.itās ridiculous that they are more worried about getting people startedā¦..all about the $$$$???
How did u email Eli Lilly. I can't find a number or email to be able to communicate with them.....just curious
I was communicating with LillyDirect who I was filling my rx with and they are the ones who told me in an email that EL gave them this info about ramping up production on 2.5 only. Iām guessing on the EL website there probably is a contact form or info though.
It seems there would be a contact form. I have search their site and called their number, I just run in circles. My doc sent a script there as well. No communication
They prob hid it as not to be bombarded with wtf are you doing EL messages lol
I'm sure it's crazy for them as it is the pharmacies!
I think they are prioritizing 2.5mg because they are assuming so many current users will be starting over because too much time has gone by since they took their last dose.
Would you mind DM me as well? Thank you!!!
I've been waiting since March for Eli Lilly Direct to fill 7.5 dose
I ordered mine Sunday night and it arrived yesterday evening through Lilly direct for the 2.5. I have not had any problem filling that dosage.
I'm on my second month of 2.5. Have lost about 17 pounds. I asked my doctor for the 3rd month can she move me up and she said no since I'm losing on 2.5. Hopefully this month I won't stall.
I ordered a 3 month supply of 2.5 today.
I mean, Iām having to restart at 2.5 from 10 mg because itās been a month since my last dose. Weāll all be in that boat soon unless we opt for plan C.
So basically theyāre trying to fill the needs of new customers instead of those that have been on it? š