Starting July 1st, CVS Caremark is dropping Zepbound from its preferred obesity drug list. What does this mean for patients, and is there another option? Read on.
CVS Dropped Zepbound: What It Means and How You Can Still Get Tirzepatide
If you’re using Eli Lilly’s Zepbound and CVS Caremark manages your pharmacy benefits, there’s a major change that could affect your treatment plan. As of July 1, 2025, CVS Caremark is removing Zepbound from its preferred weight loss drugs list. CVS will prioritize Wegovy in its formularies, a competitor GLP-1 drug made by Novo Nordisk.
This means patients who previously had coverage for Zebound through their CVS Caremark plan may now face higher out-of-pocket costs or may not get it at all.
A head-to-head study comparing Wegovy and Zepbound showed that Zepbound produced greater weight loss results than Wegovy. For people who have experienced this life-changing effect of Zepbound, finding a replacement can be challenging.
Fortunately, there’s a solution: compounded tirzepatide. If you’ve been affected by CVS’s decision, you still have options.
What Is Zepbound and Why Do Patients Use It?
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is Lilly’s new weekly injectable medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating chronic weight management in adults.
Zepbound is also approved to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in people with obesity.
Zepbound belongs to a powerful class of drugs called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These hormones are important in regulating digestion, insulin response, and hunger.
By imitating the action of GIP and GLP-1, Zepbound may slow down the rate at which food leaves the stomach, enhance blood sugar management, and prolong feelings of fullness after eating.
Zepbound is considered a blockbuster weight-loss medication. Its first-quarter sales hit $2.3 billion, which means it’s effective but expensive. Without insurance, a 28-day supply of brand-name Zepbound costs about $1,060 per month.
Like other weight-loss injections, such as Wegovy or Saxenda, Zepbound is a prescription-only medication. To be prescribed, you need to meet certain criteria, such as having obesity, which is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or being overweight (a BMI of 27 or higher) with a weight-related medical condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, or obstructive sleep apnea.
Why CVS Dropped Zepbound
CVS’s move to remove Zepbound from its standard national formulary likely stems from behind-the-scenes price negotiations and contracting strategies. Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) like CVS Caremark often work with drug manufacturers to negotiate discounts or rebates for giving a medication preferred placement on their formulary.
When several medications fall into the same category, like Zepbound and Wegovy, PBMs may take advantage of the competition to negotiate cheaper prices or rebates, which can influence which medications remain covered.
This decision highlights the significant power pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) have over patients’ access to medications. As intermediaries between insurers, pharmaceutical companies, and pharmacies, PBMs control formularies, negotiate drug pricing, and handle prescription claims.
In this case, CVS Health reported that as of July 1, the medications Wegovy and Saxenda from competitor Novo Nordisk will be the preferred choices on its standard formulary, or list of covered drugs. Zepbound will not be included.
CVS Health also announced that it will start offering Wegovy at a discounted monthly rate of about $500 at any of its 9,000 pharmacies nationwide to any patient without insurance coverage for Wegovy or Saxenda medications.
What This Means for You as a Patient
CVS Caremark manages pharmacy benefits for millions of Americans. While this decision will not affect everyone, it could impact many patients who rely on Zepbound. Some insurance plans, especially self-funded ones, may direct Caremark to include Zepbound, but access could become much more limited for others.
CVS says patients already on Zepbound can be switched to Wegovy when coverage changes. Wegovy is a similar weekly GLP-1 injection but may have slightly different side effects. Not all will tolerate them.
Because Zepbound targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, higher doses of this drug have been shown to result in greater weight loss in clinical trials compared to Wegovy; for some patients, this difference has transformed their lives. Wegovy does not offer higher doses compared to Zepbound’s 7.5 mg to 15 mg doses.
Patients who choose Novo Nordisk’s savings program to buy Wegovy at $500/month will still need a new prescription and prior authorization. This price is also not affordable for everyone.
A Safe, Affordable Option: Compounded Tirzepatide
Compounded tirzepatide offers a cost-effective alternative for patients affected by the recent changes to Zepbound coverage. It contains the same active ingredient found in brand-name medications like Zepbound and Mounjaro, both manufactured by Eli Lilly for type 2 diabetes and weight loss.
While compounded tirzepatide isn’t FDA-approved like its brand names Zepbound or Mounjaro, it’s manufactured in specialized pharmacies using the same active ingredient, tirzepatide, to meet individual patient needs.
The FDA allows compounding for several reasons, such as
- Removing allergens (like dyes or oils) for sensitive patients
- Creating liquid versions for those who can’t swallow pills
- Customizing dosages to suit an individual’s needs
- Offering alternatives during FDA-approved drug shortages
When sourced from a reputable, licensed provider, compounded tirzepatide can offer many of the same health benefits as the FDA-approved versions.
Patients using tirzepatide, whether compounded or not, have reported:
- Better blood sugar control for those with type 2 diabetes
- Significant weight loss for people living with obesity or overweight
Research supported by Eli Lilly, the maker of Zepbound and Mounjaro, has shown that tirzepatide works by curbing appetite, reducing cravings, and helping you feel full longer. These effects can make it easier to stick to your weight loss goals and support long-term success.
One of the biggest benefits of compounded tirzepatide is affordability. It’s often cheaper than the brand-name, FDA-approved versions, making it a more accessible option for many people. Compounded tirzepatide is also readily available and quicker to start using.
FAQs About CVS Caremark Dropping Zepbound
Why did CVS drop Zepbound?
CVS Caremark removed Zepbound from its preferred drug list because of contract and pricing negotiations. Instead, it chose Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Saxenda, likely for cost-saving reasons. This change takes effect on July 1, 2025.
Is Zepbound available at CVS?
Starting July 1, 2025, Zepbound will not be available through CVS Caremark’s preferred drug list. Some patients may still access it if their plan specifically allows it.
Is compounded tirzepatide FDA-approved?
No, compounded tirzepatide is not FDA-approved. However, it contains the same active ingredient as Zepbound and is prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies when commercially available versions are in short supply.
How do I get started with compounded tirzepatide?
You can begin with a virtual or in-office consultation at NP2GO. A provider will review your health history and determine if compounded tirzepatide is a safe, effective fit for your weight loss goals.
Do I need insurance to get started with NP2GO?
No insurance is needed. NP2GO offers transparent, affordable pricing for virtual weight loss visits and compounded medications. Flexible payment options, including FSA and HSA cards, are available.
Don’t Let CVS’s Decision Derail Your Progress: NP2GO Makes It Easy for You
If CVS dropping Zepbound has left you feeling stuck, NP2GO is here to help you move forward. We offer compounded tirzepatide, an affordable, accessible alternative with the same active ingredient used in Zepbound and Mounjaro.
At NP2GO, we believe in personalized, compassionate care. Our experienced team of nurse practitioners specializes in weight loss and is committed to helping you achieve real, lasting results. Whether you’re just starting or want to switch your weight loss medication, we’ll guide you with convenient virtual visits, transparent pricing, and treatment plans tailored to your needs.
If you’re ready to get back on track, book your consultation with us today and discover how compounded tirzepatide can help you regain confidence and control.