The weight loss and health management industry has seen a transformative shift with the introduction of GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic and Wegovy. These medications have enabled individuals to effectively lower their body mass index (BMI), manage blood sugar levels, and support heart and kidney health. Yet, despite their proven benefits, the financial burden they impose is significant. More than half of Americans—approximately 137 million people—could be eligible for semaglutide, the active component in both Ozempic and Wegovy. However, the high cost of these drugs, which can exceed $1,000 per month, renders them inaccessible to many.
The availability of generic options remains limited in the market, with only one GLP-1 drug currently sold as a generic. The financial strain is further amplified due to the complex landscape of insurance coverage. Beverly Tchang, MD, an endocrinologist and assistant professor at Weill Cornell Medicine, highlights the challenges:
"Insurance coverage is tricky and often difficult to navigate." – Beverly Tchang, MD
Some insurance companies provide coverage for GLP-1 medications, and there is potential relief on the horizon. The Biden Administration has proposed expanding access to weight loss drugs for those enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid. Still, many individuals find themselves seeking alternatives.
The FDA has issued warnings about compounded GLP-1s due to inconsistencies in their formulations. These compounded drugs may offer a cost-effective solution but come with risks. The batch-to-batch variability poses significant concerns regarding their safety and efficacy. Sharon Giese, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon, cautions against buying these less-regulated versions:
"You know nothing about the sterility or effectiveness [of the product], so you’re essentially experimenting." – Sharon Giese, MD
Furthermore, compounded medications are not the sole alternative for those seeking lower-cost options. Generic liraglutide, found in medications like Victoza and Saxenda, may provide a more affordable choice. Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Zepbound, has introduced a program offering a lower-cost version of their drug directly to consumers.
In June, Teva Pharmaceuticals announced its plans to release an authorized generic version of Victoza, aiming to make affordable options more accessible. Despite these efforts, the popularity of GLP-1 drugs continues to surge. Approximately one in eight U.S. adults have tried these medications, underscoring a growing demand.
Healthcare professionals advise patients to engage actively with their healthcare providers when considering GLP-1 medications. Beverly Tchang emphasizes the importance of understanding one's health needs and navigating coverage complexities:
"Even some providers choose to not prescribe GLP-1s to patients without diabetes because they assume it won’t be covered." – Beverly Tchang, MD
"Have a risk [and] benefit discussion with your provider, and if you decide to pursue it, be sure to choose a trusted pharmacy." – Beverly Tchang, MD
Sharon Giese also stresses maintaining a strong relationship with healthcare providers as an essential step:
"An ongoing relationship with a healthcare provider is really going to help you out." – Sharon Giese, MD
Allison Rhodes, MD, from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, advises against self-prescribing or purchasing medications from unverified sources:
"Individuals should never take a medication that was not prescribed for them by a medical provider who is aware of their medical history." – Allison Rhodes, MD
"Individuals who take medications without a prescription written for them run the risk of having significant side effects or drug-drug interactions that could potentially be life-threatening." – Allison Rhodes, MD
For those considering compounded peptides, Dr. Rhodes recommends thorough scrutiny:
"Consumers considering purchasing compounded peptides should ensure that these are legally produced by source companies whose identities are readily disclosed, and who have documented manufacturing processes compliant with oversight." – Allison Rhodes, MD
"If an individual sees a medication labeled as a GLP-1 receptor agonist being sold at a very low price point, they should question how the supplier is able to obtain or produce the medication at a much lower cost than an accredited compounding pharmacy." – Allison Rhodes, MD
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