Still having trouble finding Zepbound (Tirzepatide)? Still seeing shortages? What’s the issue with Lilly and Zepbound anyway?

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You may have been following the ongoing Big Pharma drama surrounding Eli Lilly and Zepbound (Tirzepatide). Lilly holds patent rights to both Zepbound and Mounjaro, but here’s where things get interesting: when a medication like GLP-1s is listed on the FDA shortage list, compounding pharmacies can step in to produce it until the shortage is resolved.

During the shortage, compounding pharmacies were able to offer Tirzepatide at about half the cost of Zepbound (which retails at around $1,200 per month). Consumers found the compounded version just as effective and safe, and they were happy to pay the lower price.

In response, Lilly sought to push consumers back to their product at a higher price by persuading the FDA to declare the shortage over. This worked—for about 24 hours. As consumers began to notice the increased price and continued unavailability of Zepbound in pharmacies, compounding pharmacies took action, suing and prompting the FDA to revisit the decision.

The result? Zepbound remains on the FDA’s national shortage list, allowing consumers to continue obtaining Tirzepatide from compounding pharmacies. And paying much less than retail.

NOTE: Bridgeside only works with NABP and Legit Script certified pharmacies.  All of these pharmacies are located in the United States and have been in business at least 10 years.  It is our goal to provide you with board certified physician consults and effective, safe medications.

Next topic? Insurance companies. Yikes!

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