CVS Caremark Drops Zepbound, Shifts to Wegovy for Weight Loss
Many patients using GLP-1 medications for weight loss are navigating a frustrating shift due to changes in insurance coverage. With CVS Caremark, one of the major pharmacy benefit managers in the U.S., announcing it will discontinue coverage for Zepbound (Tirzepatide) as of July 1, this transition becomes even more complex. Zepbound, developed by Eli Lilly, is being replaced with Wegovy (Semaglutide), made by Novo Nordisk.
CVS has critiqued the escalating costs associated with these medications. In a recent statement, the company noted that drug manufacturers set high prices, which can restrict access for many individuals. To address this, CVS Caremark plans to partner with Novo Nordisk to make Wegovy more accessible by lowering out-of-pocket expenses.
In their announcement, CVS affirmed, “Starting July 1, 2025, we will favor Wegovy and will initiate prescription steps to remove Zepbound. We believe this choice will enhance accessibility to weight management drugs while maintaining clinical standards.”
Dr. Tro Kalayjian, an obesity medicine physician in New York, expressed concern about how switching medications can negatively impact patients. He pointed out, “Some individuals struggle with particular drugs, and being compelled to switch can disrupt their progress. It often leads to a loss in continuity of care.” He also emphasized that switching medications isn’t always straightforward, as patients might need to restart treatments and may face returning side effects.
Patients receiving notifications about this switch have voiced their worries on social media. One user shared, “I just got approved for Zepbound two months ago and lost 25.8 pounds. Now I’m really anxious about switching.” Another echoed similar sentiments, mentioning previous experience with Wegovy and advocating for exceptions to the new policy.
CVS does offer a mechanism for patients to request exceptions if they’ve had severe side effects with Wegovy or haven’t seen adequate weight loss results. This, they noted, allows for a case-by-case review of medical needs and potential alternative therapies.
While patients can opt to buy Zepbound directly from Eli Lilly, it’s worth mentioning that the price ranges from about $300 to $500 monthly, making it a considerable financial burden. Kalayjian remarked that the desperation surrounding weight loss drives some individuals to pursue unconventional and potentially risky treatments.
Interestingly, research indicates that Zepbound might have a slight edge over Wegovy, thanks to its unique mechanism. Kalayjian observed, “Zepbound seems a bit more effective, but both drugs yield similar weight-loss results.” He mentioned feeling reduced nausea with Zepbound, which is an important detail for many patients.
In clinical studies, Zepbound has been shown to lead to greater weight loss compared to Wegovy, with participants shedding around 50 pounds on average. Meanwhile, those on Wegovy logged an average loss of about 33 pounds. In fact, 32% of Zepbound users lost at least 25% of their body weight, whereas Wegovy users saw around 16% loss.
Reported side effects between the two drugs are largely similar, with nausea and abdominal pain being common complaints. The ongoing discourse around these medications reflects a real concern for many individuals grappling with weight management and the challenges posed by medication accessibility.
