Where To Access the New Diabetes Drug Mounjaro

Where to Get the New Diabetes Medication Mounjaro

Mounjaro is a recently approved injectable medication for treating type 2 diabetes. Its generic name is tirzepatide and it works by mimicking intestinal hormones that lower blood sugar levels after meals. Mounjaro made big headlines for its exceptional A1C lowering abilities and considerable weight loss benefits in clinical trials.

As doctors and diabetes educators rush to get up to speed on tirzepatide, many patients are wondering where they can access Mounjaro injections close to home. Here’s what to know about current and upcoming locations offering the promising new diabetes drug Mounjaro.

Limited Retail Pharmacy Availability Currently

Mounjaro was approved by the FDA in May 2022 and only became commercially available in the United States in early 2023. As of now, retail pharmacy locations stocking Mounjaro are still quite limited compared to other staple diabetes medications.

The manufacturer Eli Lilly chose to initially restrict retail availability, likely to control overwhelming demand as production scales up. So checking large chain pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens or Rite Aid likely won’t yield Mounjaro access presently.

Mail Order Specialty Pharmacies

For most patients not near major medical institutions dispensing Mounjaro currently, mail order specialty pharmacies represent the best option for conveniently accessing this breakthrough treatment.

Specialty pharmacies like AllianceRx Walgreens Prime, Accredo, and Optum Specialty have existing contracts with top insurers. They specifically help patients start specialized therapies like injectable diabetes drugs. Home delivery removes travel barriers to sticking with effective new meds like Mounjaro.

In-Office Direct Orders Through Prescriber

Rather than dealing with pharmacies at all, patients can also obtain Mounjaro pens directly through their diabetes care providers able to prescribe the medication.

Many endocrinology clinics are prioritizing stocking Mounjaro for qualified patients desiring its extensive benefits. The prescriber acquires the medication then handles instructing proper injectable administration procedures.

This SingleCare survey found 66% of endocrinologists planned to directly prescribe tirzepatide for appropriate patients in 2023. So checking with your existing diabetes provider is prudent.

Upcoming Widespread Availability of Mounjaro

Pharmacy chain executives also confirm broader access to Mounjaro is imminent at additional retail locations during 2023 to meet intense consumer need.

CVS Health CEO Karen Lynch announced CVS Pharmacy and CVS Caremark plan to expand tirzepatide coverage rapidly. Express Scripts and OptumRx soon intend to add Mounjaro to their national formularies as well.

Once ramped up production from Eli Lilly meets release restrictions, most physicians should be able to electronically prescribe Mounjaro knowing local pharmacies can then stock ample quantities.

Eventual Generic Tirzepatide Formulations

Longer-term, FDA approved generics of tirzepatide should greatly widen availability and lower costs. Lilly’s initial patent protection extends through 2033 before other pharmaceutical companies can produce bioequivalent formulations.

But precedents with other high-profile diabetes drugs like Ozempic suggest generics enter around six years post-approval. This likely puts one or more tirzepatide generics on the market by 2028 or 2029.

Lower priced versions will expand prescribing by primary care doctors and make mail order specialty pharmacies even more affordable for diabetics.

Ideal Candidates for Mounjaro Treatment Currently

Until more plentiful tirzepatide supply enters circulation, providers are reserving Mounjaro for specific diabetes patients most likely to gain advantage from its robust effects:

Those with Higher A1C >7% Despite Other Medications

Many patients struggle keeping A1C under the general target of 7% signaling acceptable blood sugar control. Yet Mounjaro trials repeatedly showed A1C reductions between 1-2 entire percentage points after just 3-6 months of treatment.

Such substantial decreases make Mounjaro perfect for getting high A1Cs back into normal reference in patients not achieving glycemic control through other medications alone.

Patients with Weight Issues Impacting Health

For overweight or obese type 2 diabetics, Mounjaro also provides major weight loss most other diabetes meds don’t match. Losing 10-15% of body weight markedly lessens disease severity and risk of complications.

So those weighed down by excess pounds worsening their diabetes health make suitable tirzepatide recipients when supply constraints limit prescription volume.

High Cardiovascular Risk Patients

Considering cardio and cerebrovascular diseases represent the leading cause of death among diabetics, patients facing heightened risk here warrant Mounjaro as a preventative catalyst.

In particular, tirzepatide shows early evidence of benefiting diabetics with atherogenic dyslipidemia, hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, and growing arterial plaque buildup.

The Future Outlook for Better Tirzepatide Access

While still confined presently, locations offering the latest anti-diabetic therapy Mounjaro should open up progressively throughout 2023. Eli Lilly is investing heavily to enhance production and remove distribution barriers for this highly promising treatment.

Through mail order pharmacies, specialty prescribers, and expanding retail availability, many more patients will gain affordable options for leveraging tirzepatide’s exceptional therapeutic properties in the coming year.

If you struggle with keeping blood sugars controlled through other medications or contend with excess weight worsening your type 2 diabetes, ask providers about potential access to transformative new Mounjaro injections where you live.

FAQs

Where can I currently get prescribed Mounjaro injections?

Your best options now are mail order specialty pharmacies that deliver medications directly to your home or endocrinology clinics able to directly prescribe and provide Mounjaro pens.

When will Mounjaro be more widely available?

Major pharmacy chains anticipate broader retail availability of Mounjaro in locations across the country during 2023. Generic versions around 2028-2029 should also expand access and reduce costs.

What patients are being prioritized for Mounjaro prescriptions?

Providers are reserving limited Mounjaro supplies for type 2 diabetics struggling with uncontrolled A1Cs over 7% on other medications, those with excess weight worsening health, and patients facing heightened cardiovascular risk.

How much weight can you lose taking Mounjaro?

In clinical trials, participants lost between 10-15% of their body weight over 6 months taking the highest dose of Mounjaro. This equals 60 pounds lost for a 400 pound person at the high end.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.