Harmony Hub Health
Functional Medicine, Hormone Health and Weight Loss with Michele Postol, CRNP
Harmony Hub Health
GLP 1 Shortage Shenanigans: Now what?
The pharmaceutical landscape just shifted dramatically with the FDA's declaration that semaglutide and tirzepatide shortages are officially over. But behind NovoNordisk's confident production claims lies a more complex reality for patients navigating weight loss journeys with GLP-1 medications.
This watershed moment raises profound questions about big pharma's true motivations. Are they genuinely addressing supply issues or strategically manipulating market perceptions? With brand-name GLP-1s costing up to $1,200 monthly without insurance, the stakes couldn't be higher for patients. The estimated 20% of GLP-1 users sourcing medications from compounding pharmacies highlight a significant community that values personalization, accessibility, and affordability—benefits that may vanish if compounding options become restricted.
For those concerned about continued access, alternatives remain viable. Liraglutide, an established GLP-1 agonist available since 2010, offers a compelling option through compounding pharmacies. These facilities can create customized formulations with adjustable dosages and delivery methods tailored to individual needs—often at lower costs than commercial products. This personalized approach demonstrates why compounding pharmacies continue to play an essential role in patient care despite pharmaceutical giants' preference for market dominance. As you weigh your options in this changing landscape, remember that your weight loss journey deserves treatment solutions aligned with your unique health goals and financial reality. Connect with Harmony Hub Health to explore personalized approaches that put your needs first, regardless of pharmaceutical industry announcements.
Welcome to Harmony Hub Health, where my mission is to provide comprehensive, affordable, integrative care that addresses the root cause of health issues. At the Hub, the focus is on individual patient journeys. I strive to optimize health, vitality and longevity, fostering a community where each person can thrive in body, mind and spirit. Breaking news so the FDA declared semaglutide and trisepatide shortages to be over. And what does this mean for compounding pharmacies? Recently, the FDA announced that the shortages of semaglutide and trizepatide are officially over, largely based on NovoNordisk's assurances that their production capacity can sufficiently meet both current and projected nation demand. But what does that mean for patients who have been using compounded variations of these medications? And why is Novo Nordisk making such bold claims? We're going to break that down in this podcast. So there are several reasons why they may want to make this strategic statement. One is to restore consumer confidence. By declaring that the shortage is over, novo Nordisk aims to reassure healthcare providers and patients that they can access semaglutide and drosepatide consistently. This is really important for rebuilding trust after prolonged shortages. The pharmaceutical giant also wants to maintain a market position, so if patients feel confident that they can access the branded medications without interruptions, then they may be less likely to turn to compounding pharmacies for alternatives, and announcing that supply issues are resolved can positively impact stock prices. Investors appreciate stability, and good news about product availability can really bolster confidence in the company's performance. So both of these medications are newer entries in the GLP-1 class. Semiglutide was approved in 2017. Enterzepatide was approved in 2022. And they are still under patent protection and the active ingredients are not available to compounding pharmacies. The FDA typically restricts compounding pharmacies from producing any medication that is still under patent and widely available in commercial formulations, which is the case for semaglutide and trizepatide.
Speaker 1:But for those who have relied on compounding pharmacies during the shortage, this announcement presents a very mixed bag. So you know, if patients feel assured that semaglutide and trisepatide are back on the shelves, they may shift back to brand name products, leading to decreased business for compounding pharmacies. This could limit options. For those who do prefer personalized care or specific formulations, so there is reduced demand for compounded versions. When there is an abundance of the brand name and with the return to supply stability, prices at compounding pharmacies can fluctuate. So if fewer people are using compounded semaglutide or trisepatide, pharmacies might adjust their pricing to stay competitive.
Speaker 1:And while the announcement is encouraging, there is a lot of skepticism me involved, because number one, it's the historical inconsistency. Many patients have experienced the yo-yo of shortages before, leading to distrust in the assurances provided by these pharmaceutical companies. Past claims of resolving shortages have fallen flat, making some question whether this time is going to be any different or if they are still not being honest. It's estimated that around 20% of those using GLP-1 medications, including semaglutide and trisepatide, are sourcing them from compounding pharmacies. So this demonstrates that there is a significant number of patients that still rely on these alternatives, especially those who have experienced difficulties with access to brand name medications.
Speaker 1:And just because a product is declared available does not mean that everyone can get it. There's factors of insurance coverage, of where the pharmacy is located. Personal financial situations can also impact your ability to obtain them from these traditional sources. So, for patients currently on these GLP-1s, like semaglutide or trisepatide, or if you're considering to starting one of them, here's what you have to keep in mind. The first is, you know, those that have relied on compounded versions may have to reconsider their options. If they decide to switch back to the brand name products. They should discuss this with their healthcare provider to ensure that there is a smooth transition.
Speaker 1:Also, some patients might still prefer compounded medications for various reasons. It could be dose adjustments. You know the commercial versions come in fixed dose pens and me personally, I do microdose people that they get much lower or they get in between doses and you can't get that right now. There's also different delivery methods. So some people don't like a needle. You can also get these medications in oral delivery it so some people don't like a needle. You can also get these medications in oral delivery. There's some that go under the tongue and you know personal experiences with side effects have happened. So the need for compounding pharmacies will likely persist even if mainstream options become more available and when you switch back to brand name semaglutide or trisepatide. And when you switch back to brand name semaglutide or trisepatide, patients need to be very vigilant about any changes in how they feel. It is essential to communicate any side effects or concerns with healthcare providers to adjust treatment plans accordingly.
Speaker 1:My biggest concern is are they crying wolf? It's the big pharma conundrum. Are the manufacturers really being honest about the end of the shortage? Are they just crying wolf? It's a fair question to ask. Because of the history, pharmaceutical companies tend to play their cards close to their chest and sometimes their announcements seem more like wishful thinking than reality. And why would they do that?
Speaker 1:Here, I think, is where it gets juicy. So the big pharmaceutical companies stand to gain a lot from maintaining a sense of scarcity around their products. So when there's a shortage, prices can spike. The companies can charge a premium, knowing that desperate patients will pay almost anything to get their hands on the medication. This can lead to inflated profits, which is a major incentive for them to manipulate the narrative around supply, and by creating a perception of limited availability, companies can maintain their market dominance. This makes it harder for generic versions to enter the market, keeping consumers reliant on their brand name product. And when pharmaceutical companies announce shortages, it can lead to short-term spikes in stock prices due to increased demand. So investors love a good story, and if it means more money in their pockets, the truth can sometimes become a casualty.
Speaker 1:And why is it bad anyway for generics Like? Why is it so bad to have a generic version of these medications available to the public? Wouldn't it be better for everyone if there were cheaper, accessible options? Well, generic versions of medications can significantly lower costs for consumers. So if semaglutide and trisepatide had generic alternatives, patients could access these life-changing medications without breaking the bank. It's simple economics like more competition, leads to lower pricing.
Speaker 1:With generics, more people can afford the medications they need, which is particularly important in the context of rising obesity and diabetes rates. The more people that can afford treatment, the better the overall public health. While pharmaceutical companies argue that the high prices fund research and innovation, having generics can encourage more companies to invest in new treatments. A healthier competitive landscape can lead to advancements that benefit pretty much everyone. But in the end, the announcement that the shortage of semaglutide and trisepatide being over raises more questions to me than answers. So are companies genuinely addressing the supply issues or are they playing a dangerous game of market manipulation? Why aren't generics more readily available to help people access these crucial medications?
Speaker 1:As patients navigate their weight loss journeys, it is important to be aware of the bigger picture and not just the numbers on the scale. So as you consider your options whether sticking with compounding pharmacies or waiting for the latest announcement from the pharmaceutical giants stay informed and advocate for your health. You do deserve access to affordable treatments without the stress of shortages or inflated prices, which is what really led, you know, so many people to flock to compounding pharmacies. To begin with, it's the customization, because you can tailor medications to suit individual needs, whether that means adjusting dosages, changing formulation or even creating a more palatable version of a medication. And when pharmaceutical companies drop the ball on supply, compounding pharmacies can step in, fill the gap, making sure more patients have access to the medications they need. And many patients report a higher level of service and support from compounding pharmacies, which makes a world of difference on a weight loss journey.
Speaker 1:Then we have to talk about dollars and cents, so the price of these GLP-1 medications are very steep. Semiglutide and trisepatide can cost upwards of $1,000 to $1,200 a month without insurance, and compounding pharmacies sometimes offer these medications at a lower price point, making them more accessible to those who are paying out of pocket. But will insurance companies finally get on board and start covering these medications? Only time will tell. I'm going to say probably not. The pharmaceutical industry is notoriously slow to change, and patients may be left in limbo for quite a while.
Speaker 1:So the announcement that semaglutide and trisepatide are no longer in shortage is Certainly welcome news, but it's really crucial to remain cautious. The reality is that, for many patients, compound medications will still play an essential role in their treatment plan and, you know, without a reliable alternative, patients may not have other options in their weight loss journey. And for those that are still on their weight loss journey, the news really is like that a mixed bag. The popularity of GLP-1 medications really has skyrocketed. As of 2023, it's estimated that over 3 million people in the United States are currently using GLP-1s, including semaglutide and trisepatide, and a significant portion of these users are turning to compound pharmacies because of the ongoing shortages and personalized care they often provide. As many as 20% of GLP-1 users are estimated to be getting their medications from compounding pharmacies, so that really highlights the important roles that these facilities play in patient care.
Speaker 1:So what do you do? What do you do if you're currently on semaglutide or tricepidide and your insurance does not cover them? What if you don't have $1,000 or $1,200 a month to pay for them? Well, luckily for you, harmony Hub Health is here to the rescue. Not only do I have more than 20 weight loss programs utilizing different nutraceuticals and prescriptions, I have access to a dozen compounding pharmacies that I've been preparing for this day for a very long time. Luckily, they are allowed to continue to produce the compounds through April and, being that they're ongoing lawsuits, they are estimating that the time frame to be able to compound semaglutide and trisepatide are going to be extended for quite a while. But even if it's not, these pharmacies have been preparing for those that really love the injectable GLP-1s and have had great success, which, as long as you're with a great provider, you can have amazing, sustainable long-term effects.
Speaker 1:But there is another option that we have at Harmony Hub Health and that is liraglutide. So liraglutide is an older GLP-1 agonist, so it's been available on the market since 2010 under the brand names like Victoza and Saxenda, because it is a well-established profile and it is available in various formulations. Compounding pharmacies can create this custom formulation of liraglutide, tailoring dosages and delivery methods to meet individual patient needs. Given its history and established presence on the market, compounded liraglutide can be produced without infringing on patents or market exclusivity. This allows compounding pharmacies to offer it as a customized solution for patients who may need a specific dose or formulations, and compounding pharmacies can adjust dosages of liraglutide to create personalized treatment plans. This is really beneficial for patients who require lower or higher doses than those available in commercial formulations. Compounding pharmacies can often provide liraglutide at a lower cost than brand name options, making it more accessible for many patients, and insurance coverage for compounded medications can vary, but some patients find it easier to obtain coverage for compounded options.
Speaker 1:So, for those of you still navigating the winding road of weight loss, remember that every individual's journey is unique, whether you opt for mainstream medications, compounded options or a combination of both. What's most important is finding the right fit for your lifestyle and your health goals. And if you're curious about liraglutide, don't hesitate to check out Harmony Hub Health, because I have you covered. So keep your chin up, weigh your options and remember the journey to health is never a straight line, but with the right support, you can definitely get there. Happy weight loss, friends.
Speaker 1:Oh, and just a quick note, the information shared on this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health routine. What works for one person may not work for everyone, and we don't endorse any specific products or treatments mentioned. By listening, you accept that you're responsible for your own health decisions. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and review me. Your support helps me continue delivering valuable content. So thank you for listening. You can reach me at wwwharmonyhubhealthcom. You can also find me at Facebook, on the page of Harmony Hub Health, or contact me directly. You can email me at michelle M-I-C-H-E-L-E at harmonyhubhealthcom.