August 6, 2024
Tirzepatide out of shortage?
Eli Lilly says that Zepbound will come out of shortage in the next few days, according to news reports, which suggest it could be a problem for compounded versions. Perhaps that’s how Lilly is spinning it (and far be it for us to imply that Lilly is muddying the waters again).
It’s hopeful news that Lilly’s Zepbound may soon be available again. Whether that production is enough to satisfy demand for tirzepatide injection, which is on the FDA drug shortage list, remains to be seen. Particular dosage forms and dosage strengths of a drug can be available and still not be in sufficient quantities to meet demand. With Mounjaro still largely unavailable, we feel sure FDA will be looking hard at whether Lilly’s renewed Zepbound production is sufficient to meet the extraordinary demand.
In the meantime, with tirzepatide injection listed as “currently in shortage” on the shortage list, compounding pharmacies can and will continue to receive and fill prescriptions from providers who judge the compounded drug appropriate for a patient.
