The end of a shortage of popular weight-loss drugs may mean many people lose access to them

A woman who has tried numerous diets found success using a diabetes drug, Mounjaro, off-label for weight loss. Living in North Carolina, she began the treatment at the end of 2022, fearing for her health after losing close family members to heart disease. Mounjaro is part of a drug class called GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Ozempic and Wegovy.

Experiencing significant success with nearly 100 pounds lost, the treatment was costly. When the original drug was not an option due to price, she opted for a less expensive compounded version from a local pharmacy. This option might soon disappear due to the FDA declaring the original drug no longer in shortage, ending compounding rights.

The FDA's decision has affected many who relied on the compounded version for affordability. Patients worry about the safety and effectiveness of compounded drugs, as they aren't FDA-approved, though many have depended on them as alternatives due to high costs. Drug makers are expanding supply, but access issues persist. Discussions about pricing and insurance coverage continue, acknowledging the challenge for many patients who may struggle to maintain their health improvements if access is restricted.