As I alluded to in the post, Take the Shot, my relationship with GLP-1 medications has been complicated. I’ll dive into the full history in another post, but today, a podcaster reported troubling news: Mochi Health—the telemedicine clinic that has been a godsend to me—is being sued by Eli Lilly. The lawsuit accuses Mochi Health of selling unapproved products containing tirzepatide after a U.S. judge blocked pharmacies last month from making copies of its weight-loss and diabetes medications.
Until recently, compounders were allowed to produce copies of obesity drugs while the FDA listed them as being in shortage. Before the shortage, I used the Zepbound Savings Card Program, paying $550 plus tax monthly through Amazon Pharmacy. Because my insurance does not cover the medication, I had to pay the stated amount out of pocket. Then, I received a notice from Amazon stating the medication was “unavailable.”
At that point, I contacted my doctor, who prescribed the compounded version of Zepbound (tirzepatide). I used the compounded medication for three months and noticed no difference in efficacy—I continued releasing weight as before. Then, Amazon suddenly sent me a text indicating my pharmacy cart was ready for checkout. By that time, I had been paying $399 a month for the compounded medication, and admittedly, the cost savings and effectiveness caused some hesitation about resuming the Zepbound pen. However, I did resume taking Zepbound.
After a few months, Mochi Health announced all doses of tirzepatide would cost $199, and patients had the opportunity to select a local doctor and dietitian covered by insurance while saving $10 on the monthly subscription fee. This shift led me to discontinue using Zepbound altogether and rely exclusively on compounded tirzepatide vials.
Just as I had settled into a reliable routine, Eli Lilly announced the shortage was over and began serving legal notices to telemedicine GLP-1 providers. Despite this, Mochi Health continued delivering medications uninterrupted—until today’s news broke. Mochi Health, along with Fella Health, Delilah, Willow Health Services and Henry Meds, now accused of selling “tirzepatide knockoffs.”
Upon hearing this, I logged into the Mochi Health patient portal and requested a refill. I even attempted to order a bulk prescription—but to no avail. I don’t know what will happen with Mochi Health or compounded GLP-1 medications. The matter will likely be tied up in court for months. My hope is that compounded versions remain available in the interim, helping me and so many others living with obesity.
Eli Lilly could make its medications more affordable, allowing millions of people greater access to life-changing treatments. But, sadly, in the United States, profit margins take priority over healthcare accessibility. Insurance companies have largely ignored the needs of those living with obesity, and the same could be said of branded pharmaceutical entities.