Company works to expand access to legitimate obesity solutions

JACKSON, Tenn. — Obesity medications, once facing shortages, are now widely available.

You see advertisements for them online, especially on social media. While these medications are available, some patients still face challenges due to cost and insurance coverage.

So how do consumers not get scammed into purchasing knockoff versions that may not be effective or safe?

Living with obesity can have serious effects on the body, both physically and mentally. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity rates have not dropped much in recent years, and severe obesity has continued to increase.

This sparked a surge in people using obesity medications, like Ozempic and Zepbound.

However, the demand and growing popularity of these medications led to shortages.

Then enters the emergence of generic or compound versions. It’s a legal pathway for compounding pharmacies to produce copies of GLP-1 drugs using active ingredients from FDA-registered facilities.

The US Food and Drug Administration recently decided to prohibit mass compounding of some of these medications, putting consumers at risk of getting scammed into purchasing knockoff versions that may not be effective or even safe.

And some patients still face challenges due to cost and insurance coverage.

Eli Lilly and Company is providing options for patients on a platform called “LillyDirect,” a self-pay pharmacy solution.

“We ensure that people living with obesity have a way to access this safe and authentic treatments,” said Rhonda Pacheco, US Cardiometabolic Health Director, Eli Lilly.

Through LillyDirect, you can access Zepbound vials starting at $349 for the first dose.

“This is with a valid prescription to get access to authentic medication,” said Pacheco.

Lilly also offers savings options, regardless of insurance status.

If you or someone you know is using or thinking about using obesity medications, health experts suggest talking to your healthcare provider to see what type of treatment or medication is best for you to ensure it is safe and legal.

LillyDirect also provides access to medications, telehealth care, and disease management resources. Click here to learn more.

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