President Donald Trump announced that his administration had struck a deal with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to lower the prices of GLP-1 products.
“These are two companies that behind the groundbreaking weight loss drugs that have helped millions of Americans struggling with obesity live better, longer lives, everything else,” said Trump.
This is excellent news. Ozempic has helped me go from 220 lbs to 155 lbs. I only have to lose 20 more pounds to hit my healthy goal weight! Stupid perimenopause and old age. For some of us, especially as we get older, diet and exercise are not enough.
The deal lowers the cost of Wegovy from $1,350 a month to $250 a month. The amount of Zepbound will decrease from $1108 a month to $346.
GLP-1 oral pills under review for weight loss will start at $149 a month.
It does not apply to Rybelsus, the only pill approved by the FDA.
The injectable drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic will also be lower in price under Medicare Part D, Medicaid, and self-pay channels:
For self-pay patients, Lilly said it will offer Zepbound starting at $299 for the lowest dose and up to $449 for higher doses – roughly $50 below current direct-to-patient prices and comparable to prices in Europe through the company’s digital pharmacy platform, LillyDirect. Orforglipron, Lilly’s once-daily oral obesity pill that is still awaiting federal approval, will also start at $149 for the lowest dose. Medicare beneficiaries will pay no more than $50 per month for Zepbound and Orforglipron.Additional drugs, including Emgality, Trulicity and Mounjaro, will be added to LillyDirect at 50% to 60% off current list prices.
The Hill reported that Medicare cannot cover obesity medications. It “can cover GLP-1s indicated for heart conditions.”
Do not be ashamed or fearful to speak to your doctor. I was at my wits end after a year of diet and exercise and seeing it not working after it did for so long.
A good doctor will run full blood panels to rule out any underlying issues, encourage questions, and demand you keep them updated on your progress and notify them about any side effects.
A good doctor will determine if any of the drugs are right for you. If so, a good doctor will start you off at the lowest dose and work your way up while reminding you that you need a balanced diet and exercise.
It took me a year and a half to lose 65 lbs (granted 8 months of that was a stoppage of exercise due to shoulder pain and surgery) but still. My doctor made me go slow, which is the right way.
STAY HEALTHY!
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