As Zepbound Shortage Grows, Eli Lilly Says No Immediate End Is In Sight

As the demand for weight loss medications surges, the availability of Zepbound, manufactured by Eli Lilly, faces significant shortages, with no immediate solution in sight. The FDA approved Zepbound in November, offering a new option for weight loss alongside Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy. However, despite earlier assurances from Lilly’s CEO, Dave Ricks, shortages have become widespread just months after approval.

The scarcity is attributed to the overwhelming demand for Zepbound, which shares its active ingredient, tirzepatide, with Lilly’s diabetes medication, Mounjaro. Both drugs are facing shortages, posing challenges for patients seeking these drugs.

Dr. Alexander Abkin, New Jersey’s ‘Top Doc’ in Bariatric Surgery, emphasizes that while weight loss medications may face shortages, consultations with bariatric surgeons remain accessible and unaffected. “There’s no shortage of consultation time with a bariatric surgeon,” Dr. Abkin states. He stresses that bariatric surgery, such as Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy, offers a safe and sustainable option for weight loss, unaffected by medication shortages.

The shortage of Zepbound has left patients scrambling to find pharmacies with available stock. Despite efforts to locate the drug, many patients are left frustrated and anxious about their treatment continuity. Dr. Abkin understands these challenges, emphasizing the importance of patient access to consistent and reliable treatment options. Dr. Abkin reassures patients facing such uncertainties, highlighting the stability and efficacy of bariatric surgery as a viable long-term solution for weight loss.

If you are looking for safe, effective and long-lasting weight loss, please call 973-410-9700 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.