As we look ahead to 2025, many are asking a burning question: will Eli Lilly continue to offer a savings card for Zepbound? With increasing demand for GLP-1 medications, the importance of these savings programs cannot be overstated, especially for those managing both obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
Historically, it would be highly unusual for a major pharmaceutical company like Eli Lilly to discontinue a savings card program so soon after the launch of a medication. Companies tend to extend these offers to encourage long-term adherence to treatment, which fosters brand loyalty. We’ve seen this trend with similar GLP-1 medications, like it's sister diabetes drug: Mounjaro, where savings programs have been extended beyond their initial launch periods.
Currently, Zepbound’s savings card can help reduce costs for patients with commercial insurance, but it’s important to acknowledge that, for many without insurance coverage, the savings card still leaves patients with monthly expenses of around $650. For those who have been using compounded versions of tirzepatide, which typically run between $300-$400 monthly, this jump to the branded version with a savings card could feel like a significant financial burden. This is why the continuation of a savings card in 2025 remains a crucial topic for many patients.
Adding to the urgency, the Lilly's efforts to resolve tirzepatide shortages will likely lead to a significant reduction in access to compounded versions of the medication. Many patients had relied on these cheaper compounded alternatives, but with the shortage being resolved, the FDA will likely tighten restrictions on compounding pharmacies’ ability to produce tirzepatide, forcing more patients to shift to the more costly branded Zepbound. In this context, the continuation of a savings card is essential, as it helps cushion the financial impact on those transitioning from compounded tirzepatide to the brand-name medication.
While we can’t make any guarantees about 2025 yet, it seems highly likely that Lilly will continue some form of savings support as more patients turn to GLP-1 treatments for weight Zepbound and Mounjaro alike. Not doing so would be highly unorthodox. Stay tuned for updates as we approach the new year.
Stay tuned to OnThePen.com for more updates and in-depth analysis on the latest developments in weight loss and diabetes treatments. Sharing this article is a powerful form of advocacy that brings us closer to our goal of educating the masses and reducing the stigma of obesity. If you found this article insightful, please share it within your networks, especially in Facebook groups and Reddit forums dedicated to GLP-1 medications and diabetes management. Together, we can make a difference.