Weight loss medication and savings guide
It seems like everyone is talking about GLP-1s – the latest in weight loss medications. Unfortunately, not all insurance providers cover these medications, and they can be expensive to pay for out of pocket, even with online savings card programs, such as GoodRx. Thankfully, Zepbound and Wegovy, two FDA-approved medications, offer some cash-saving options you might qualify for. You will need to talk with your Inova 360° Concierge Medicine provider to see if you are eligible to start one of these medications and get a prescription. Both Zepbound and Wegovy have had great weight loss success. However, it must be combined with diet and exercise to get the best benefit.
These medications can cause side effects, the most significant of which are gastrointestinal. Nausea, vomiting, constipation and diarrhea are all possible and common. As these are all injectable mediations, injection site reactions can occur.
If these medications are right for you, here’s how you can save:
Zepbound
- Zepbound vials: patients can access a cash program through the LillyDirect pharmacy, which may be used with commercial or government insurance (this includes Medicare):
- $349/month for 2.5 mg vial
- $499/month for 5 mg, 7.5 mg* and 10 mg* vials (*must refill within 45 days of receiving last Zepbound prescription, otherwise the cost increases)
- “Nominal fee” for injection supplies
Advantages: a more cost-effective option without insurance coverage
Disadvantages: you must prepare the medication dosage yourself and fill your prescription via the LillyDirect mail-order pharmacy
- Zepbound pens
- If you have commercial insurance but no GLP-1 coverage, you might qualify to pay as little as $650/month. Please note, Medicare and other government insurance are not eligible. Check out these Lilly resources for more information: Zepbound pricing and program info
Advantages: medication comes in an autoinjector pen, which can be filled at any pharmacy that carries Zepbound
Disadvantages: more expensive than the vial program, and you must sign up for the copay card online and bring the information to the pharmacy
Wegovy
- Wegovy pens are now available through a cash program for those without GLP-1 coverage, $499/month for all doses in the autoinjector pen
- Patients are eligible for a free sharp’s container, for safe pen disposal, mailed directly to their home with the Novo Nordisk program. Check out the Novo Nordisk website for more information
If you have any questions about these medications, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Inova 360° Concierge Medicine provider. Our teams have demonstration devices that help patients get comfortable handling the devices prior to administering medication. Patients may schedule an educational visit with Lauren Warren, PharmD, Inova 360° Concierge Medicine’s clinical pharmacist. Contact your physician to learn more.