How to Use a Zepbound Savings Card for Affordable Weight Loss

Understanding the Newly Approved Zepbound for Weight Loss

In November 2022, the FDA approved a new prescription medication called Zepbound (tirzepatide) for chronic weight management in adults who are overweight or have obesity. It will be available under this name starting in early 2023.

Zepbound is a once-weekly injectable medication that mimics the effects of two gut hormones - GIP and GLP-1 - which work together to regulate appetite and calorie intake. It was developed by Eli Lilly and Company.

In clinical trials, Zepbound has shown impressive results in helping people lose significant weight and keep it off long-term when combined with diet and exercise. Patients receiving the highest tested dose of 15mg lost an average of 25% of their body weight over 72 weeks.

For those struggling with obesity, Zepbound offers new hope for substantial and sustainable weight loss with a convenient weekly dose. But it does come at a cost - around $1,300 per monthly prescription without insurance. This is where a Zepbound savings card can provide much needed financial assistance.

Benefits of the Zepbound Savings Card

The manufacturer Eli Lilly is offering a co-pay assistance program to help patients afford Zepbound treatment. The Zepbound savings card provides the following benefits:

• Lowers out-of-pocket costs - Patients pay as little as $25 per monthly prescription.
• Valid for 24 months - Card can be used for up to 2 years of savings on Zepbound.
• Easy to use - Just present card to the pharmacist when filling your prescription.
• No income requirements - All commercially insured patients are eligible.
• Significant savings - Saves hundreds to over $1000 per monthly fill.
• Can be combined with insurance - Applies after insurance claim is processed.

This savings card is an excellent way for eligible patients to gain more affordable access to Zepbound treatment. With the high monthly cost, the card can mean the difference between being able to take the medication or not for some people.

How to Obtain a Zepbound Savings Card

There are a couple ways to get a Zepbound savings card:

• Ask your doctor - They should have savings cards available to give patients.
• Go to zepbound.com - You can download or print a card directly from the website.
• Contact Eli Lilly - Call them and request they mail a card to you.

Just be sure to lookup any insurance criteria before obtaining a card. The manufacturer provides all details on eligibility and how to use the card when getting yours.

Using Your Zepbound Savings Card

Be sure to follow these tips for properly using your Zepbound savings card:

• Check expiration date - Most cards are valid for 24 months.
• Read terms carefully - Know eligible prescription amounts and any limitations.
• Keep card with you - Have it ready when picking up your prescription.
• Provide insurance info - The card is for use after your insurance claim is processed.
• Use only as directed - Do not give your card information to anyone else.
• Call the support line - If you have any usage questions or problems.

Using the Zepbound savings card is as simple as showing it when you go to fill your weekly Zepbound prescription. The pharmacist will apply any discount after submitting and collecting on your insurance claim.

Who Can Use the Zepbound Savings Card?

The Zepbound savings card is available to patients who meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Have commercial prescription insurance - Uninsured patients cannot use the card.
• Live in the United States or Puerto Rico - Other countries are not eligible at this time.
• Are 18 years or older - No savings for patients under 18.
• Have a valid Zepbound prescription - Card is for discount on this medication only.

You are not eligible for the savings card if you are enrolled in a state or federally funded healthcare program, including Medicare Part D, Medicaid, TRICARE, and certain Health Insurance Marketplace plans.

The card cannot be combined with any free trial or sample offers for Zepbound. Be sure to check full terms and conditions to ensure you qualify for the savings card before obtaining one.

Covering Other Costs of Zepbound Treatment

In addition to the actual prescription cost, there may be other expenses to take Zepbound that aren’t covered by the Zepbound savings card. Some strategies for managing these additional costs include:

Health Insurance

Having health insurance can help cover costs like doctor visits for check-ups and monitoring while on Zepbound. Choose an affordable plan that meets your needs.

Free Clinic

Uninsured patients may be able to access free or discounted medical care and lab testing at a community health clinic.

Prescription Assistance

Lilly and some third-parties offer financial assistance programs for uninsured patients to access Zepbound affordably.

Negotiate Medical Bills

If you receive any bills for Zepbound care, try negotiating the charges down or setting up a payment plan that works for your budget.

Healthcare Sharing Ministries

These nonprofit programs allow members to share healthcare costs. They offer an alternative to traditional insurance.

Government Programs

In certain cases, patients may qualify for Medicaid coverage for diabetes medication like Zepbound through state waivers.

Clinical Trials

Some clinical trials testing new doses of Zepbound provide the medication and care at no cost to participants.

Explore all possible resources to help make your total Zepbound treatment affordable. The savings card reduces the biggest cost which is the actual prescription.

Lifestyle Changes to Complement Zepbound

While Zepbound can be very effective for weight loss results, making healthy lifestyle changes enhances its effects even more.

Follow a Nutritious Diet

Eat a balanced, low-calorie diet full of lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables to promote weight loss.

Increase Physical Activity

Aim for 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise like brisk walking to burn extra calories and build metabolism-boosting muscle.

Reduce Stress

Chronic stress can negatively impact weight loss. Try yoga, meditation, or talking with friends to manage stress.

Improve Sleep Habits

Getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep supports a healthy metabolism. Establish good sleep hygiene to enhance weight loss.

Limit Alcohol

Reduce empty alcohol calories by limiting intake to 1 drink per day maximum for women and 2 for men.

Stop Smoking

Quit smoking to eliminate unhealthy calories and improve overall health on your weight loss journey.

Monitor Progress

Weigh yourself weekly, track food intake, and record exercise to stay on track towards your goals.

Combining Zepbound with healthy lifestyle changes gives you the best chance for long-term weight management success and improvement in obesity-related conditions.

Safety Considerations With Zepbound

While generally safe and effective for most people, be aware of the following side effects and risks of Zepbound treatment:

• Nausea - Can be severe initially but usually resolves within a few weeks.
• Indigestion
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Gallbladder disease - May require removal of gallbladder.
• Hypoglycemia - Low blood sugar, especially in patients with diabetes also taking glucose-lowering medication.
• Pancreatitis - Serious inflammation of the pancreas.

Tell your doctor about any side effects. Do not stop taking Zepbound without medical supervision. Rare but serious allergic reactions are also possible with this medication.

Zepbound is not recommended in patients with:

• Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2)
• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
• Severe kidney disease

Talk to your doctor about whether Zepbound is appropriate for your individual health status and weight loss goals. Following their advised monitoring and lab testing is important while taking this medication.

The Future of Zepbound

Pending FDA approval, Eli Lilly plans to release a 7.5mg dose Zepbound pen injection in mid-2023. This lower dosage could potentially help reduce side effects.

The manufacturer is also studying combining Zepbound with other anti-obesity medications to see if dual-therapy provides added weight loss benefit. More convenient dosing schedules are being researched too.

As more patients start using Zepbound over the next year, more data will be available about its long-term efficacy and safety with chronic use. This can help guide future treatment recommendations and best practices.

Obesity medicine is progressing rapidly, providing new and advanced options like Zepbound for substantial weight management success. But treatment is only effective if you can access and afford it consistently. The Zepbound savings card removes a major financial barrier for eligible patients wanting to use this new medication.

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.