Weight loss drug Zepbound is now available, Eli Lilly says

On Tuesday, Eli Lilly announced that their weight loss medication, Zepbound, is now available for use by patients. The medication’s active ingredient, tirzepatide, was initially approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes under the name Mounjaro. However, last month, the FDA also granted approval for its use in chronic weight management, thus officially recognizing the drug’s efficacy for weight loss, despite being commonly prescribed off-label for this purpose.

Zepbound is intended for adults who are obese, with a BMI higher than 30. It can also be prescribed for overweight individuals with a BMI of 27 or higher, who have weight-related medical issues such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease.

The medication works by mimicking two hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, which stimulate insulin release and reduce appetite. Additionally, it slows down the rate at which the stomach empties after a meal, leading to a sensation of fullness. Unlike Wegovy, a similar weight loss medication that specifically targets GLP-1, Zepbound focuses on both GLP-1 and GIP.

Zepbound will be available in six different doses, ranging from 2.5 milligrams to 15 milligrams. It will require a prescription and can be filled at retail and mail-order pharmacies.

Patients are advised to combine Zepbound with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for optimal results. However, Eli Lilly warns against using the drug alongside other similar weight loss medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy.

In clinical trials, Zepbound demonstrated an average weight loss of over 20% at higher doses over a span of 72 weeks, surpassing the weight loss achieved with other approved medications.

The FDA has outlined potential side effects of Zepbound, including gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. The drug label will also contain warnings regarding potential complications such as pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, low blood sugar, kidney injury, diabetic retinopathy, and suicidal behavior or thoughts.

The cost of Zepbound before insurance is around $1,060 per month, slightly higher than the list price of Mounjaro at $1,023. However, the coverage of Zepbound remains uncertain, as Medicare and Medicaid do not currently cover obesity medications. Eli Lilly has launched a savings card for individuals with commercial insurance, allowing them to obtain Zepbound for $25 for a one- or three-month prescription if their plans cover the medication. For those without coverage, the savings card will reduce the cost to $550 per month, approximately half the list price.

Due to the high demand for weight loss drugs, many therapies have experienced shortages. While Mounjaro remains in shortage according to the FDA’s list, all dose sizes are reported as available.