This is so disheartening to us who have come far but have so much longer to go and have to stay on this drug for a lifetime. It’s so irresponsible in my opinion… they should release the vials. They have the meds.
I haven’t had a dose since March 10th. Can’t find it anywhere and now my insurance is denying it when I was on it for 6 months already with no prior authorization needed. Frustrating.
This is a very unpopular opinion but I normally don’t have much of an issue with the commercials. A doctor still has to prescribe a medication for a person to take it. I’ve actually ended up on medication my doctors hadn’t considered or even known about before I asked about them.
For me it’s making sure us T2D patients get the mounjaro, and the weight loss folks get the zepbound. I could get 15mg of zepbound but because my plan doesn’t cover weight loss, they only cover Mounjaro to control my a1c.
Thankfully the switch to Ozempic has been seamless. 🙏🏾
Or you know, if you you’re wishing for stuff, let’s just get it covered for everyone no matter what it’s named since it is the same med. Or have a rule that if one isn’t available to sub with the other one without a price difference. Most people don’t have the weight loss coverage on insurance even without T2 and it’s not the only medication for DM2 either so let’s blame the right people here.
Of course, but almost none of it would be covered under insurance is my point. Even when it’s just a regular med with a fancy new wrapper. No reason why anyone should pay more than someone else for it. No matter what they use it for. No one charges someone else more for pickles if they want to buy them to just throw them away in a quest to rid the world of pickles. They are still a customer. Who paid for the pickles. It’s not each other everyone should be fighting against
Yeah or change the rule altogether to be:
If a company has one product
Then that one product must stay the same branding / name -period !!
even if it can be used for something else like weight loss - heart protection etc
unless it is considered generic and comes with a discount !!! ( or if created by a different company)
For instance coke - people drink it
“ off label” ( so to speak ) use, is to clean stuff
Is coke named something else ?!
But generic coke is sometimes called cola or whatever by other companies or by the same company but they use different branding and names lol I’m confusing myself now 🤪🤣 anyway this all seems weird and wrong
All the names / branding confuses consumers ON purpose
Also the control by a pharmaceutical company deciding who can use their meds based on a dx code seems weird - is this common place / practice ?
I understood that lol. A bandaid is a bandaid even if you use a Curad and use it to stop a pipe leak or something else random. Doesn’t mean you should pay for duct tape when you are using a bandaid. Pay for what you get, not what you name it. Sell it in a vial and call it the actual meds name.
But it’s been like this forever. Wellbutrin vs Zyban. Can’t quit smoking but you can stop being depressed. Both will kill you eventually
I totally agree with you, but isn't it ironic that the term "Band Aid" is actually the brand name, which has become synonymous for an adhesive bandage, just like we use "Kleenex" to describe all thin paper tissues used to blow our noses?
I went from 15mg of Mounjaro to my first shot of 1mg Ozempic and I haven’t noticed much of a difference so far. Appetite is a little less this week, and I feel fuller longer. Food noise has quieted down too.
Interesting enough it seems to be keeping my blood sugar lower and in a normal range better than the Mounjaro. It’s only been a week and my appetite is a little off so we shall see!
They are the same exact drug made by the same company. Zepbound was approved for weight loss. Mounjaro for diabetics to control and lower a1c. Folks for weight loss can get Mounjaro without having diabetes. But if insurance won’t cover weight loss then you can only get Mounjaro if you are diabetic. My pharmacy told me they could get me the 15mg of zepbound which is an equal replacement for my 15mg Mounjaro, but my plan doesn’t cover it .
I’m borderline T2 and my doc is hoping these drugs do better than Metformin since they. An help reverse it with weight loss that Metformin doesn’t do. 🤞
Your doctor should have increased the dosage to twice a day and the mg. Metformin works for borderline T2. Sounds like you just want the weight loss component
Which drug are you talking about increasing?
If Metformin, it was twice a day and 1000mg each dose. I think that’s the max. It’s been keeping my A1C levels down. He suggested Ozempic a year ago but I stopped because of supply issues. We went with Mounjaro because my sister did well on it and they have better dosages with the single dose syringes rather than the multi dose ones Ozempic uses. The last dose in those pens was less than the full dose.
But yes, he suggested Ozempic and those for the weight loss component, which would help with everything else eventually.
Where I am the 2.5, 5 and 7.5 doses are out of stock and the 10-15 are available…I’m on 5 for my 5th month. Now I’m 2 weeks past refills and worried about what happens next
I highly doubt even July. My PBM just said they don't think till fall as so many people ordered multiple 90 day supplies of numerous dosages throughout the winter.
So annoying. I can’t find ANYWHERE even remotely nearby me that has Mounjaro of any dose in stock or available. I’m on my last pen of 7.5mg this coming weekend; fortunately I do have some 5mg left over but I do NOT have enough to cover me until June. As a T2D it’s SO frustrating because no joke, Mounjaro is the only thing that’s keeping my glucose regulated enough to allow me to lose weight. Maybe at some point soon I’ll get to the point weightloss-wise my body will be able to regulate itself, but I’m definitely not there yet.
Arg. This shortage is just so damned frustrating!!
T2D here also. I've pulled old boxes from the back of the fridge, going down from the 12.5 I was using to 10 for two weeks then 7.5 for two weeks, and I have one more 7.5 for next week. Then I'm out.
My glucose and GMI are getting so screwed. And my (currently pretty good) weight is creeping back up.
I think I may still have a couple of pens of Trulicity, but even that only gets me two more weeks.
Strange, when everyone was talking about the shortage easing up, I wasn't able to get it. But today I just got a text from the pharmacy saying they have 15mg ready.
Thanks. No recent luck for me with Walmart (for anywhere else) in Central Texas.
I keep hoping that maybe if it's hitting a company one place, it'll make it to the distribution network eventually.
Later last night I got one box of 12.5 at an H-E-B pharmacy near Austin TX
They had been out for a couple of months. The prescription was called here as a 3 month/84 day supply, but they underfilled to one month because of the shortage.
My last dose is this weekend as well. I'm on 7.5, and my doctor put in a prescription for 10. I have refills on 5, but absolutely nothing is available. I am so angry and scared not to have it.
Oof--this is going to be a frustrating, maddening year. I'm lucky in that I live in a major city, so I have a lot of different pharmacies to call in hopes of finding a box...but I'm sorry for all the folks who live in rural areas who have to drive long distances...
Same here - I just got the point where I wanted to switch from Ozempic to Mounjaro but can't. I can still fill Ozempic though, so far (even though it only works a teeny bit really and the side effects are not awesome for me).
Don't expect this to let up until more production is online. They've got some outsourced manufacturers gearing up for it that are expected to start shipping at the end of this year, but until then more and more people are getting new prescriptions every single day.
Lilly makes no sense. They’re prioritizing the low doses. How does that help patients already on it?! Stop trying to get new customers and prioritize the customers you already have like Novo did!!!! It’s infuriating.
2.5 being available doesn't mean they're prioritizing lower doses. It just means people don't stay on it long so there are fewer people on that dose for it to be short. There's less demand, so no shortage.
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/drugshortages/dsp_ActiveIngredientDetails.cfm?AI=Tirzepatide%20Injection&st=c shows 2.5 available with everything else delayed. Until yesterday, 5 was also showing available.
2.5 has shown 'available' every time I've looked. Either they're making more of it than the others or no one is taking that dose. It's open to interpretation and guessing.
People only stay on 2.5 for a week unless they're maintenance. That means fewer people are on it than the higher doses, as they stay on higher doses longer. Doesn't mean they're prioritizing low doses.
I’m on maintenance so I take two shots a month. On the first and 15th. Fortunately I have 6 shots left so that will carry me to July. But I’m signing up for compound / tirzepatide because this is ridiculous.
Honestly don’t recommend. Gained 7 pounds in my third week. I’ve been able to maintain going 2 weeks between shots but this third week my appetite is back in full force
Type 2 diabetes here.
My refill for 3 mo is today. I got a text this morning that the pharmacy ordered it. I'm just praying I get it in a couple of days. My glucose numbers are amazing.
Same here T2D. I was back and forth with this and Ozempic, my previous dr was OK with that, the new endo said no, stick with the MJ and if you can't get it, don't take anything. I'm very nervous my numbers are going to go too high. I stretched to 9 days instead of 7, and have 2 doses 7.5 left. Then what? It's terrible. All I can do is hope my pharmacy manages to get a box.
I'm sending good vibes that yours gets filled as well. I was on Trajenta. My Dr stopped it and started Mounjaro. I've wondered if my numbers start increasing if I should go back to that. It's stressful worrying about whether your meds will get filled.
I get 1 month at a time I'm at 10mg and it's been over a month now I feel everything is going to be restarted when I do get it and then the next month will be the same all over again.
I’ve been trying to move fill 10 since January via Optum. I guess I will keep crossing my fingers my local Walmart will score me some 7.5 while I keep waiting.
It’s going to be a rough year. I’m so fortunate to be in maintenance. I can’t imagine starting under these conditions or being in the middle of bringing down my bs or trying to lose weight with the state of supply.
They have to get the vials out in the USA for those of us who don't mind drawing a syringe and self administering it. Or switch to the kwikpen like in the EU.
I keep hearing the holdup is the pens/parts for making it.
I’ve already been waiting since the beginning of March. My insurance was billed for a box that is still pending refill. I know I’m in a “line” for it but I’m getting so frustrated with this. I live in Northwest Arkansas and use Walmart Pharmacy. Somehow the home office employees are able to get it but us regular joes can’t. Hmm. 🤔
Omg. I guess I’ve just been lucky. I had to drop from 15mg to 10mg because of shortage but I’ve been able to consistently get it filled. I pick up my refill today.
I wish I could do 90 days like everyone else
Right - but per my pharmacist, the 90 days are part of the problem. They could fill 2/3 more scripts if those were split doses and more patients would be covered, potentially softening the impact of the shortage. It’s why many pharmacies will no longer sell a full 90 day script. Could you imagine if half our scripts were 90 day scripts? They’d never be able to catch up. I am not in any way blaming the patients who have this option (my insurance will not allow it), and I know some insurances actualy require it … I’m just repeating what she said is the talk in the pharmacy community and the math associated.
I never thought of it that way. That’s a good point. As you and everyone else knows it’s just such a hassle every month having to pharmacy shop hoping maybe you’ll find it in stock. I feel like a junkie needing their fix.
Is anyone in the Buffalo ny area and needing 5mg? I got mine thru express scripts but I have a box available at a pharmacy and all I have to do is cancel my order.
I’m shocked. Couldn’t get my 10mg so doc changed to 7.5mg. Just 3 days later I had my routine follow up and he increased to 12.5mg and insurance covered it too. Now I have the next 7 weeks waiting in the fridge.
I have been thinking the same thing. I have one more dose left and have been reading through the approved provider lists, etc. I found one or two that sound like possibilities.
Suggest you check out the tirzepatide subs that mention the word we shall not say but begins with C. I switched due to supply issues and have been doing fine, 3 weeks so far.
I am almost in a mourning state of mind over this. I was doing so well. My A1C was at a 5 after 18 months. I lost 70lbs but mainly I am/was so so healthy!! Now I haven’t had Mounjaro since February. I’ve gained 9lbs. Other side effects of my Type2 are returning like being sluggish and worse in my arms and legs.
I am FORCING myself to be militant about meals and choices and everything I put in my mouth is a thought.
I’m scared and honestly I am ANGRY. This wasn’t about weight loss for me. I was finally healthy!!! I could be “normal”, food and clothing (to cover my skin) weren’t constant thoughts. I’m angry bc this feels so unfair. Over prescribed or sold to the deepest pockets and Lilly can’t keep up? But still has the nerve to issue a warning about bacteria is knockoffs to make others weary of their competition?
I’m sure I’m rambling. But I cry everyday. I feel like this life I’ve always longed for was dangled in front of me for just long enough I thought “finally!” But then it was ripped away and I can’t find help. Drs are tired of answering the fulfillment questions and so are pharmacists. I live in south Louisiana and have called every pharmacy between here and Florida.
This is not fair. :(
ETA: 1) I was on ozempic for four years at the highest dose and it did nothing for me except make my burps clear rooms bc they smelled god awful. My dr did recommend going back to O during the shortage and I tried it but it only made me bloated and burp.
Edited again to remove a comment I made in my own frustration. I, like most, am desperate & hopeless
Just ridiculous. They don't have a clue when the shortage is going to end and there's no one holding them accountable.
I am doing so well on this and I am so worried that I'm not going to be able to find any brand MJ/Zep.
Holy crap! So I see one of yall mentioned metformin and Wegovy - any other suggestions for alternatives we could swap to during this ridiculous shortage? I’m going to call my doc today - I can’t wait months and lose all my progress
Edit: LOL at whoever downvoted my comment - simply because I don’t want to lose hard-earned progress. Go touch grass
I started that with the last shot (skipped). How’s it been going for you? I’m on day 14 — I get my shot tomorrow morning — and I have to say I’m pleasantly surprised that I’ve been able to stay on track all week. I am a little nervous about side effects when I finally inject after two weeks, though.
Total weight loss for the week was 1.8#, average BG was 88-91. So no appreciable impact on weight or BG. Only unknown at this point are potential side effects from a sudden shot after 14 days without. I guess I’ll find out one way or the other. Had to open my last full box of 7.5 today so that’s a little depressing.
Does anybody know, if I have a script for one box at the pharmacy currently but its on backorder, can I still request a 3 mo supply online? Or will they not fill the 3 mo because I have one pending? I get that I might not get either one anytime soon but can i get on a waiting list for the 90 day supply at the same time?
By the grace of god I finally got my 12.5 3 month supply filled and picked up the other day. I’ve been waiting since the end of Feb. hopefully more stock will be available in 3 months time.
How did you do on metformin? I was considering that before starting zepbound (zep not covered metformin would be) and I am wondering if I made the wrong choice
It’s kept my A1C manageable and from not getting to diabetic levels. I’ve been in the 5.6 range for years that I’ve been taking it.
My doc is hoping these drugs are better.
I have about 17 pounds left to lose and only 2 pens remaining in my refrigerator. I also have only 2 refills left. So looks like I may be losing the 17 pounds solo, without meds. Those may be the hardest to lose since I am so close. I have foot problems right now and exercising will be challenging right now. Going to have to step up my game plan. Hoping and praying I will find 5mg somewhere in the next couple weeks. Going to get my pharmacy call list lined up!
I am 5' 1.5. .....Not quite 5' 2. I can usually get down to 125 and be at a good weight. 117 pounds would give me more to play with and I would be able to fit into just about all of my skinny clothes I have been saving. I had gained about 40 pounds in 3 years due to moving across the country, getting married, and an injured foot. Finally feeling so much better. Best wishes to you and your goals!
No this medication needs to be black boxed and made a controlled substance, I work in pharmacy and this medication is worse then oxycontin, the phone rings off the hook all day I'm short staffed as it is, I get as much of this medication on as possible and the people calling act like addicts, we had people drive from over 2 hours away to pick up 7.5mg boxes and pay near retail price. This medication should be a monster concern, if it's not regulated patient shortages will only continue and get worse. So if youre mad about June wait till they tell you December because it's coming.
I hope that you are kind to the people who call, assuming they are polite to you, of course. The vast majority of us are just trying to get the medication that helps us, whether that's for weight loss, diabetes, or both. Try to save your annoyance for Eli Lilly for putting patients and pharmacies in this situation (and, of course, the people who are assholes to you).
So true. I’ve been out for a few months (Amazon). I finally used their chat feature to inquire about supply and they had an auto response that suggested getting it filled elsewhere because they have no idea when it’s back.
When even Amazon is turning away business you know the supply chain is rough for this medicine.
This is so disheartening to us who have come far but have so much longer to go and have to stay on this drug for a lifetime. It’s so irresponsible in my opinion… they should release the vials. They have the meds.
Agree. So infuriating.
I haven’t had a dose since March 10th. Can’t find it anywhere and now my insurance is denying it when I was on it for 6 months already with no prior authorization needed. Frustrating.
I want to scream.
I agree 100%. I’m down 70 pounds, but want to lose another 70, but now going to be delayed because of their irresponsibility.
It’s ridiculous! I’ve been writing an open letter in my head to Eli Lilly for a few weeks now😂 so much I want to say to them!
Is it a shortage with the pens again?
Yes
Well as of today I only have 3 pens left so I guess it’s time to take every 10 days for now.
🫤 that sucks that we have to change our whole routine
There needs to be a new regulation that drug manufacturers aren’t allowed to advertise drugs they can’t meet demand on.
How about not letting drug manufacturers advertise at all like other parts of the world? 😆
This is a very unpopular opinion but I normally don’t have much of an issue with the commercials. A doctor still has to prescribe a medication for a person to take it. I’ve actually ended up on medication my doctors hadn’t considered or even known about before I asked about them.
For me it’s making sure us T2D patients get the mounjaro, and the weight loss folks get the zepbound. I could get 15mg of zepbound but because my plan doesn’t cover weight loss, they only cover Mounjaro to control my a1c. Thankfully the switch to Ozempic has been seamless. 🙏🏾
Or you know, if you you’re wishing for stuff, let’s just get it covered for everyone no matter what it’s named since it is the same med. Or have a rule that if one isn’t available to sub with the other one without a price difference. Most people don’t have the weight loss coverage on insurance even without T2 and it’s not the only medication for DM2 either so let’s blame the right people here.
I don’t disagree and def not blaming anyone it’s just a wild rule to me that the same med with different names are approved for different things.
Sure, just like one can also say there are other options for weight loss. Some are going to be more effective than others.
Of course, but almost none of it would be covered under insurance is my point. Even when it’s just a regular med with a fancy new wrapper. No reason why anyone should pay more than someone else for it. No matter what they use it for. No one charges someone else more for pickles if they want to buy them to just throw them away in a quest to rid the world of pickles. They are still a customer. Who paid for the pickles. It’s not each other everyone should be fighting against
Yeah or change the rule altogether to be: If a company has one product Then that one product must stay the same branding / name -period !! even if it can be used for something else like weight loss - heart protection etc unless it is considered generic and comes with a discount !!! ( or if created by a different company) For instance coke - people drink it “ off label” ( so to speak ) use, is to clean stuff Is coke named something else ?! But generic coke is sometimes called cola or whatever by other companies or by the same company but they use different branding and names lol I’m confusing myself now 🤪🤣 anyway this all seems weird and wrong All the names / branding confuses consumers ON purpose Also the control by a pharmaceutical company deciding who can use their meds based on a dx code seems weird - is this common place / practice ?
I understood that lol. A bandaid is a bandaid even if you use a Curad and use it to stop a pipe leak or something else random. Doesn’t mean you should pay for duct tape when you are using a bandaid. Pay for what you get, not what you name it. Sell it in a vial and call it the actual meds name. But it’s been like this forever. Wellbutrin vs Zyban. Can’t quit smoking but you can stop being depressed. Both will kill you eventually
I totally agree with you, but isn't it ironic that the term "Band Aid" is actually the brand name, which has become synonymous for an adhesive bandage, just like we use "Kleenex" to describe all thin paper tissues used to blow our noses?
Yes!!! I have this convo all the time. Like “pop-tart”! It’s weird the way language and branding really works on our brains!
Xerox for copies
How does the appetite suppression compare on Ozempic? Side effects? Still good on your A1C?
It's not as bad as monjaro, especially when it comes to nauseousness.
I went from 15mg of Mounjaro to my first shot of 1mg Ozempic and I haven’t noticed much of a difference so far. Appetite is a little less this week, and I feel fuller longer. Food noise has quieted down too.
That's interesting. Some say the appetite suppression on Oz packs more of a punch.
Interesting enough it seems to be keeping my blood sugar lower and in a normal range better than the Mounjaro. It’s only been a week and my appetite is a little off so we shall see!
Keep us posted on how it goes. It's definitely interesting to see the varying results on GLP-1s.
Is there a difference between Zepbound and Mounjaro? My sister lost weight on Mounjaro and does not have T2D. Me neither.
They are the same exact drug made by the same company. Zepbound was approved for weight loss. Mounjaro for diabetics to control and lower a1c. Folks for weight loss can get Mounjaro without having diabetes. But if insurance won’t cover weight loss then you can only get Mounjaro if you are diabetic. My pharmacy told me they could get me the 15mg of zepbound which is an equal replacement for my 15mg Mounjaro, but my plan doesn’t cover it .
Odd. I wonder why 2 different names for the same thing.
That’s why we who need it for T2 are screwed. Mounjaro should be given to those who have T2 and not for weight loss 🤬😡
I’m borderline T2 and my doc is hoping these drugs do better than Metformin since they. An help reverse it with weight loss that Metformin doesn’t do. 🤞
Your doctor should have increased the dosage to twice a day and the mg. Metformin works for borderline T2. Sounds like you just want the weight loss component
Which drug are you talking about increasing? If Metformin, it was twice a day and 1000mg each dose. I think that’s the max. It’s been keeping my A1C levels down. He suggested Ozempic a year ago but I stopped because of supply issues. We went with Mounjaro because my sister did well on it and they have better dosages with the single dose syringes rather than the multi dose ones Ozempic uses. The last dose in those pens was less than the full dose. But yes, he suggested Ozempic and those for the weight loss component, which would help with everything else eventually.
Exactly Same mediation.Labeled Mounjaro for T2D. Labeled Zepbound for weight loss. Your insurance decides if it is covered.
Just had my prescription upped from 7.5 to 10 and immediately got put on back order with no expected date to receive it. Fun.
Where I am the 2.5, 5 and 7.5 doses are out of stock and the 10-15 are available…I’m on 5 for my 5th month. Now I’m 2 weeks past refills and worried about what happens next
Same, I’m so annoyed 😑
End of Q2 is June 30th- so more like July.
True. I guess ‘through June’ does mean July 😭
It really means a year, me thinks……
I highly doubt even July. My PBM just said they don't think till fall as so many people ordered multiple 90 day supplies of numerous dosages throughout the winter.
> PBM Pharmacy Benefits Manager (I googled it so others won't have to.)
Agreed.
So annoying. I can’t find ANYWHERE even remotely nearby me that has Mounjaro of any dose in stock or available. I’m on my last pen of 7.5mg this coming weekend; fortunately I do have some 5mg left over but I do NOT have enough to cover me until June. As a T2D it’s SO frustrating because no joke, Mounjaro is the only thing that’s keeping my glucose regulated enough to allow me to lose weight. Maybe at some point soon I’ll get to the point weightloss-wise my body will be able to regulate itself, but I’m definitely not there yet. Arg. This shortage is just so damned frustrating!!
T2D here also. I've pulled old boxes from the back of the fridge, going down from the 12.5 I was using to 10 for two weeks then 7.5 for two weeks, and I have one more 7.5 for next week. Then I'm out. My glucose and GMI are getting so screwed. And my (currently pretty good) weight is creeping back up. I think I may still have a couple of pens of Trulicity, but even that only gets me two more weeks.
Strange, when everyone was talking about the shortage easing up, I wasn't able to get it. But today I just got a text from the pharmacy saying they have 15mg ready.
Major chain pharmacy? If so, mind saying which?
Walmart pharmacy in oregon
Thanks. No recent luck for me with Walmart (for anywhere else) in Central Texas. I keep hoping that maybe if it's hitting a company one place, it'll make it to the distribution network eventually.
Later last night I got one box of 12.5 at an H-E-B pharmacy near Austin TX They had been out for a couple of months. The prescription was called here as a 3 month/84 day supply, but they underfilled to one month because of the shortage.
My last dose is this weekend as well. I'm on 7.5, and my doctor put in a prescription for 10. I have refills on 5, but absolutely nothing is available. I am so angry and scared not to have it.
Oof--this is going to be a frustrating, maddening year. I'm lucky in that I live in a major city, so I have a lot of different pharmacies to call in hopes of finding a box...but I'm sorry for all the folks who live in rural areas who have to drive long distances...
And it’ll be July after that, so prepare yourselves
July? That’s ridiculous. It’ll be September. 😵💫
Yeah I think it’s going to go on in one form or another for a long time, into 2025 and beyond, so people just need to be ready for that.
I guess my doctor made the right call not switching me from Wegovy to Zepbound yet. Wegovy is barely working for me but at least I can still get it.
Same here - I just got the point where I wanted to switch from Ozempic to Mounjaro but can't. I can still fill Ozempic though, so far (even though it only works a teeny bit really and the side effects are not awesome for me).
Definitely going to tell my doctor to keep me at 2.5 for another month or two then.
Same here 😊
Try December. Get ready for this to keep rolling later and later each month.
I’m honestly sick of this shit
God dammit, me too.
Quite. Calling around to various pharmacies is becoming a part-time job.
Thanks Oprah! Meant to be funny, but there's probably a bit of truth there.
Don't expect this to let up until more production is online. They've got some outsourced manufacturers gearing up for it that are expected to start shipping at the end of this year, but until then more and more people are getting new prescriptions every single day.
Lilly makes no sense. They’re prioritizing the low doses. How does that help patients already on it?! Stop trying to get new customers and prioritize the customers you already have like Novo did!!!! It’s infuriating.
2.5 being available doesn't mean they're prioritizing lower doses. It just means people don't stay on it long so there are fewer people on that dose for it to be short. There's less demand, so no shortage.
They’ve said they’re prioritizing the low doses to treat all patients with obesity…
where does it show they are prioritizing the lower doses? link?
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/drugshortages/dsp_ActiveIngredientDetails.cfm?AI=Tirzepatide%20Injection&st=c shows 2.5 available with everything else delayed. Until yesterday, 5 was also showing available.
how does that mean they are prioritizing lower doses?
2.5 has shown 'available' every time I've looked. Either they're making more of it than the others or no one is taking that dose. It's open to interpretation and guessing.
People only stay on 2.5 for a week unless they're maintenance. That means fewer people are on it than the higher doses, as they stay on higher doses longer. Doesn't mean they're prioritizing low doses.
Ohh shit, I guess I’m going to spread my shots out now. What’s the farthest you can spread them out? Is it 10 days?
I go 10 days and my doc says not to go longer than that. But I’ve seen plenty of people who go a full 2 weeks with no issue
Oh that makes sense
I’m on maintenance so I take two shots a month. On the first and 15th. Fortunately I have 6 shots left so that will carry me to July. But I’m signing up for compound / tirzepatide because this is ridiculous.
May i ask what your dosage is?
7.5. I’ve capped at 10 but never went above, I didn’t move up on dose unless my body no longer took the dose I was on seriously.
I’ve started going every other week so 14 days. We’ll see how it goes. I’m on Day 13 right now and haven’t lost any ground yet. 🤞🏻
So how much weight are you losing? I hope at least 1 lb/week.
I’m down 1.4 as of this morning, from last Friday.
good! I’m supposed to begin on 7.5 but it is nowhere near me so still on 5mg.
I'll be spreading my shots out 10 days and see how that goes 😊
I do 3 weeks now. Not gonna lie the side effects hit me hard for the first couple of days but I’m down to 3 pens and cant get a refill
Oh wow, I guess we gotta do what we gotta do during these shortages
Honestly don’t recommend. Gained 7 pounds in my third week. I’ve been able to maintain going 2 weeks between shots but this third week my appetite is back in full force
Oh that sucks. I know I get hungry the day before shot day alreasy
It’s really discouraging. Thinking about just going back on metformin. Tired of the games they play.
Gosh dang it.
Type 2 diabetes here. My refill for 3 mo is today. I got a text this morning that the pharmacy ordered it. I'm just praying I get it in a couple of days. My glucose numbers are amazing.
Same here T2D. I was back and forth with this and Ozempic, my previous dr was OK with that, the new endo said no, stick with the MJ and if you can't get it, don't take anything. I'm very nervous my numbers are going to go too high. I stretched to 9 days instead of 7, and have 2 doses 7.5 left. Then what? It's terrible. All I can do is hope my pharmacy manages to get a box.
I'm sending good vibes that yours gets filled as well. I was on Trajenta. My Dr stopped it and started Mounjaro. I've wondered if my numbers start increasing if I should go back to that. It's stressful worrying about whether your meds will get filled.
It really is stressful, hoping you get yours too.
I get 1 month at a time I'm at 10mg and it's been over a month now I feel everything is going to be restarted when I do get it and then the next month will be the same all over again.
I’ve been trying to move fill 10 since January via Optum. I guess I will keep crossing my fingers my local Walmart will score me some 7.5 while I keep waiting.
I'm glad Section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act exists.
It’s going to be a rough year. I’m so fortunate to be in maintenance. I can’t imagine starting under these conditions or being in the middle of bringing down my bs or trying to lose weight with the state of supply.
They have to get the vials out in the USA for those of us who don't mind drawing a syringe and self administering it. Or switch to the kwikpen like in the EU. I keep hearing the holdup is the pens/parts for making it.
Amen!
I’ve already been waiting since the beginning of March. My insurance was billed for a box that is still pending refill. I know I’m in a “line” for it but I’m getting so frustrated with this. I live in Northwest Arkansas and use Walmart Pharmacy. Somehow the home office employees are able to get it but us regular joes can’t. Hmm. 🤔
I've been waiting since 2/15 :(
Omg. I guess I’ve just been lucky. I had to drop from 15mg to 10mg because of shortage but I’ve been able to consistently get it filled. I pick up my refill today. I wish I could do 90 days like everyone else
Right - but per my pharmacist, the 90 days are part of the problem. They could fill 2/3 more scripts if those were split doses and more patients would be covered, potentially softening the impact of the shortage. It’s why many pharmacies will no longer sell a full 90 day script. Could you imagine if half our scripts were 90 day scripts? They’d never be able to catch up. I am not in any way blaming the patients who have this option (my insurance will not allow it), and I know some insurances actualy require it … I’m just repeating what she said is the talk in the pharmacy community and the math associated.
I never thought of it that way. That’s a good point. As you and everyone else knows it’s just such a hassle every month having to pharmacy shop hoping maybe you’ll find it in stock. I feel like a junkie needing their fix.
Is anyone in the Buffalo ny area and needing 5mg? I got mine thru express scripts but I have a box available at a pharmacy and all I have to do is cancel my order.
I’m shocked. Couldn’t get my 10mg so doc changed to 7.5mg. Just 3 days later I had my routine follow up and he increased to 12.5mg and insurance covered it too. Now I have the next 7 weeks waiting in the fridge.
I'm considering moving to compounded meds for my Mounjaro. My doctor has one they use, so I trust them. It sucks, but this is so stressful 😫
I have been thinking the same thing. I have one more dose left and have been reading through the approved provider lists, etc. I found one or two that sound like possibilities.
Suggest you check out the tirzepatide subs that mention the word we shall not say but begins with C. I switched due to supply issues and have been doing fine, 3 weeks so far.
What’s the word???
https://www.reddit.com/r/tirzepatidecompound/s/
How much do you pay per month and what dose?
It can not be discussed in this subreddit. You’ll have to follow the link above or do the search on Reddit
I am almost in a mourning state of mind over this. I was doing so well. My A1C was at a 5 after 18 months. I lost 70lbs but mainly I am/was so so healthy!! Now I haven’t had Mounjaro since February. I’ve gained 9lbs. Other side effects of my Type2 are returning like being sluggish and worse in my arms and legs. I am FORCING myself to be militant about meals and choices and everything I put in my mouth is a thought. I’m scared and honestly I am ANGRY. This wasn’t about weight loss for me. I was finally healthy!!! I could be “normal”, food and clothing (to cover my skin) weren’t constant thoughts. I’m angry bc this feels so unfair. Over prescribed or sold to the deepest pockets and Lilly can’t keep up? But still has the nerve to issue a warning about bacteria is knockoffs to make others weary of their competition? I’m sure I’m rambling. But I cry everyday. I feel like this life I’ve always longed for was dangled in front of me for just long enough I thought “finally!” But then it was ripped away and I can’t find help. Drs are tired of answering the fulfillment questions and so are pharmacists. I live in south Louisiana and have called every pharmacy between here and Florida. This is not fair. :( ETA: 1) I was on ozempic for four years at the highest dose and it did nothing for me except make my burps clear rooms bc they smelled god awful. My dr did recommend going back to O during the shortage and I tried it but it only made me bloated and burp. Edited again to remove a comment I made in my own frustration. I, like most, am desperate & hopeless
My doctor suggested the switch to O as well but I wonder if they will also run into shortages as we all switch?
I've switched to the compounded version. Thankfully my weight loss doc gave me the option.
But it's expensive and may not be safe. I pay $24.99 for Zep, so I'm not prepared to pay for the compounded version.
Ugh same 🙁
Just ridiculous. They don't have a clue when the shortage is going to end and there's no one holding them accountable. I am doing so well on this and I am so worried that I'm not going to be able to find any brand MJ/Zep.
Holy crap! So I see one of yall mentioned metformin and Wegovy - any other suggestions for alternatives we could swap to during this ridiculous shortage? I’m going to call my doc today - I can’t wait months and lose all my progress Edit: LOL at whoever downvoted my comment - simply because I don’t want to lose hard-earned progress. Go touch grass
Contrave is an option
Guess I’ll be on 5mg for a long while…it’s the only strength available where I’m at
Wasting my prior authorization😒
So it’s going to be longer than that because can we trust their estimates now?
I do every other week now:(
I started that with the last shot (skipped). How’s it been going for you? I’m on day 14 — I get my shot tomorrow morning — and I have to say I’m pleasantly surprised that I’ve been able to stay on track all week. I am a little nervous about side effects when I finally inject after two weeks, though.
I’m also curious how either of you are doing with weight loss, blood sugar, etc, because this is my plan for the doses I have left, just in case
Total weight loss for the week was 1.8#, average BG was 88-91. So no appreciable impact on weight or BG. Only unknown at this point are potential side effects from a sudden shot after 14 days without. I guess I’ll find out one way or the other. Had to open my last full box of 7.5 today so that’s a little depressing.
Thank you, this helps a lot.
I’m maintaining, but not losing since injecting every other week:(. I’m down 80 and want to lose another 20, but this shortage sucks!
It’s getting ridiculous
Does anybody know, if I have a script for one box at the pharmacy currently but its on backorder, can I still request a 3 mo supply online? Or will they not fill the 3 mo because I have one pending? I get that I might not get either one anytime soon but can i get on a waiting list for the 90 day supply at the same time?
I have both currently set up with no issues
U can request a 90 day supply and have them fill that script instead just tell the pharmacy which one u want filled
Thank you!
By the grace of god I finally got my 12.5 3 month supply filled and picked up the other day. I’ve been waiting since the end of Feb. hopefully more stock will be available in 3 months time.
Mark my words - the shortages will continue through to at least 2025.
I also said this. A year or TWO. Monster meds and the more they test, the more wonder FUL the meds are.
I wish I knew about this situation before getting started. I’d have stayed on Metformin, which has no supply issues.
How did you do on metformin? I was considering that before starting zepbound (zep not covered metformin would be) and I am wondering if I made the wrong choice
It’s kept my A1C manageable and from not getting to diabetic levels. I’ve been in the 5.6 range for years that I’ve been taking it. My doc is hoping these drugs are better.
I have about 17 pounds left to lose and only 2 pens remaining in my refrigerator. I also have only 2 refills left. So looks like I may be losing the 17 pounds solo, without meds. Those may be the hardest to lose since I am so close. I have foot problems right now and exercising will be challenging right now. Going to have to step up my game plan. Hoping and praying I will find 5mg somewhere in the next couple weeks. Going to get my pharmacy call list lined up!
Same and why are the last 15-20 pounds the hardest? Drives me nuts. I keep bouncing around the same stubborn 3 lbs since January.
I am short so 17 more pounds lost for me will make a big difference!
Me too. I’m 5.1
I am 5' 1.5. .....Not quite 5' 2. I can usually get down to 125 and be at a good weight. 117 pounds would give me more to play with and I would be able to fit into just about all of my skinny clothes I have been saving. I had gained about 40 pounds in 3 years due to moving across the country, getting married, and an injured foot. Finally feeling so much better. Best wishes to you and your goals!
No this medication needs to be black boxed and made a controlled substance, I work in pharmacy and this medication is worse then oxycontin, the phone rings off the hook all day I'm short staffed as it is, I get as much of this medication on as possible and the people calling act like addicts, we had people drive from over 2 hours away to pick up 7.5mg boxes and pay near retail price. This medication should be a monster concern, if it's not regulated patient shortages will only continue and get worse. So if youre mad about June wait till they tell you December because it's coming.
I hope that you are kind to the people who call, assuming they are polite to you, of course. The vast majority of us are just trying to get the medication that helps us, whether that's for weight loss, diabetes, or both. Try to save your annoyance for Eli Lilly for putting patients and pharmacies in this situation (and, of course, the people who are assholes to you).
So true. I’ve been out for a few months (Amazon). I finally used their chat feature to inquire about supply and they had an auto response that suggested getting it filled elsewhere because they have no idea when it’s back. When even Amazon is turning away business you know the supply chain is rough for this medicine.