— An Anonymous Contribution

I learned about Tirzepatide from a colleague. I knew I was about 45 pounds overweight and jumped at a chance to actually lose weight in a meaningful manner.  My husband, a doctor, is an avid exerciser and has always encouraged me to join him.  Unfortunately, my knees and hips had always been problematic and with the weight gain, they would blow up after I started any exercise. Twice I worked with trainers and three times I started programs on my own, and each time I ended up working with physical therapists and, finally, with a rheumatologist. 

“I became frightened to try exercising, knowing the extra weight would cause my joints to swell and hurt abominably, no matter how slowly I started.”

Within a few weeks of learning about it, I had researched the medication, spoken with my primary care doctor, and started on compounded Tirzepatide.

I was well informed both by the physician I worked with and the pharmacy I ordered from.  I was made aware of potential side effects. I also know if I had not found a compounding pharmacy, I would not have been able to afford the medication.

“The brand name medication was out of my reach, despite living in a high-income household. “

And my insurance would not have covered it because I was not pre-diabetic.

Within 6 months of starting the injections, I had started exercising again. After 8 months, I had lost 45 pounds and reached my goal weight of 135 pounds. I am absolutely gobsmacked with how well this medication works. 

I could grocery shop for just what I needed without loading my cart with item after item because I always felt hungry. I could eat reasonable sized meals without simultaneously thinking about what snack I would eat later. That constant, droning food “noise” was simply turned off, allowing me to develop healthy habits again.

“The benefits have been outstanding.”

I had a tachycardic heart arrhythmia, which has resolved, my high cholesterol levels have plummeted, my joints don’t hurt anymore so I am exercising, I have lowered doses of other medications dramatically, I have stopped snoring so I am sleeping more soundly and longer, and my energy levels have vastly increased. I even ran up two flights of stairs yesterday, without panting or even breaking a sweat. 

In a vainer line, losing the weight has been absolutely delightful for my self-esteem.  Seeing a fit body in the mirror is incredibly satisfying. Fitting into clothes that haven’t fit in over a decade was delightful.  An increased libido is lots of fun.  My body has changed since the last time I weighed this amount, but that is to be expected (and celebrated!) as I age.

“The ability to access the medication at a reasonable cost has changed my whole world. “

Unfortunately, my eldest son is overweight. He does not admit it, but it negatively affects him in so many ways.  Interacting with peers, difficulty doing physical activities, getting clothes to fit, managing strangers’ attitudes all caused him to pull in both physically and emotionally. 

He has also started on Tirzepatide.  Our family physician ordered the brand name, but it was too expensive.  (Again, even with two high income parents willing to help him.)  So, we turned again to the compounded medication.

His weight loss journey has already brought him so many positive outcomes.  His energy is improving and he is starting to exercise again. His mood has improved, and because he is feeling brighter, his joy is coming back. Our concerns with potential diabetes and other health issues have abated. 

“Having learned compounding pharmacies will have to stop making the medication has caused us fear and trepidation.”

My son still has probably 8-10 months to go (he is purposely losing weight more slowly than I did,) but if we can’t afford it, his journey may come to an abrupt halt.

I am amazed doctors and insurance companies are not demanding that more of their patients have easy access to the drug, given the improvements in my health.  But the FDA regulations have changed, which is heartbreaking.  While the FDA may not care that my clothes fit well, reducing cholesterol, resolving tachycardia, and reducing medications for joint pain are all worthy results. 

We may come to compounded tirzepatide for different reasons, but each of those reasons is of momentous consequence to us. Not just for us as individuals, but for our society as a whole. 

“Please do not let this medication be taken from us.”

— We’re grateful to this anonymous contributor for sharing their experience, helping to shed light on the importance of accessibility and affordability to GLP-1s.