Richmond Aesthetic Surgery and Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss are fielding an influx of patient inquiries following the FDA’s announcement on Friday stating that the shortage of highly sought-after GLP-1 medications, including Wegovy® and Ozempic®, has officially ended. This decision, which impacts blockbuster weight-loss and diabetes treatments, comes just two months after similar news regarding the supply of competitor Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide injections, Zepbound® and Mounjaro®.
GLP-1 medications had been on the FDA’s shortage list since 2022, a result of soaring demand for these highly effective treatments. In response to these shortages, compounding pharmacies were authorized to step in, creating versions of these drugs using the same active ingredients but produced outside of the original pharmaceutical companies. This measure allowed millions of patients to access treatments utilizing weight loss injections at a significantly lower cost.
With the FDA’s latest update, the agency has given compounding pharmacies until April or May 2025 to cease the production, distribution, and dispensing of compounded semaglutide products. The FDA has stated that this extended period aims to avoid unnecessary disruptions to patient care.
Impact on Richmond Aesthetic Surgery / Weight Loss Patients
So, what does this mean for local patients at Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss? “Our practice has always prided itself on providing sound medical care and affordable access to these effective weight loss treatments,” says Neil Zemmel, M.D., FACS, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Richmond and the CEO of Richmond Aesthetic Surgery. “We accept all major commercial insurance plans, meaning that eligible patients can receive FDA-approved weight loss medications such as Wegovy® and Zepbound® for as little as $25 per month.”
For patients without insurance coverage for weight loss, Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss has been in close contact with its compounding pharmacy partner, who will continue to supply compounded semaglutide according to current protocols until April 22, 2025, or until further guidance is issued by the FDA. The pharmacy has also assured Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss that it is actively working on future compounded offerings of both semaglutide and tirzepatide.
“While the landscape of GLP-1 therapy is changing, we remain committed to ensuring that our patients have access to the treatments they need, whether through insurance coverage or continued compounding solutions,” adds Dr. Zemmel.
For media inquiries, contact:
Andrea Emery
Phone: 804-312-4102
Email: [email protected]
For more information about Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss and available treatments, visit:
Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss Website
Injectables for Weight Loss Information