Yahoo Lifestyle A New Version of a Popular Weight Loss Drug Is Now Available for Half the Price—Are You Eligible For it?
If you've ever wanted to try a weight loss medication but don't have insurance (or if your insurance won't cover obesity treatment), you might be in luck.
On Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024, Eli Lilly announced the release of a less expensive version of Zepbound, a GLP-1 drug and Ozempic alternative that's now available for purchase through their website.
So, what does this mean for you, and who is eligible for the treatment? We'll break it down, but first: Know that you still need a prescription from your doctor for Zepbound, and it's not recommended for short-term use.
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How Much Will the New Version of Zepbound Cost on the Eli Lilly Website?
The new version of Zepbound will cost $399 per month for 2.5 mg. doses and $549 per month for 5 mg. doses, Eli Lilly said in a statement.
Similar medications would normally set patients back close to $1,000 per month or more before rebates and insurance kick in.
The new vials of Zepbound also come with certain savings packages too. If you have insurance that covers obesity treatment, you may be eligible to pay as little as $25 per month for Zepbound through its direct-to-consumer site.
However, patients with insurance plans that don't cover Zepbound may pay up to $650 monthly. Eli Lilly does note that Medicare patients are likely ineligible for their direct-to-consumer Zepbound, but that supplemental plans may provide some coverage for the drug.
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How Is the New Zepbound Different?
Eil Lilly's new version of Zepbound is just as effective as the original. The difference between the direct-to-consumer Zepbound and the type that patients have typically received from their local pharmacies is in how you use it: Eli Lilly's new version of Zepbound requires patients to use a syringe and needle to inject themselves with each dose from a single-use vial.
Other weight loss medications, on the other hand, typically come in the form of autoinjector pens (similar to epi-pens for allergies, but you jab yourself in the abdomen). You'll be able to purchase syringes and needles from Eli Lilly's website as well.
Related: What Is the Maximum Dose of Ozempic for Weight Loss? Here's What You Need to Know
Why Is Eli Lilly Selling Zepbound Directly to Consumers?
According to Eli Lilly, the new version of Zepbound will improve the availability of and accessibility for the drug, which is often in short supply.
However, before you confuse smart business for altruism (remember, this is America), know that that's not the only motive: Other websites and digital pharmacies have begun to offer compounded versions of weight loss medications similar to Zepbound for considerably less money than major pharmaceutical companies have charged previously. This will make Eli Lilly competitive in those markets.
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