First Obstructive Sleep Apnea Drug Approved by FDA
At the end of 2024, the FDA approved Zepbound as the first-ever drug treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in people with obesity.1 Zepbound, Eli Lilly’s brand name for tirzepatide, is a GLP-1 medication that activates gut hormones to reduce appetite and food intake, helping people lose weight—a key factor in reducing OSA symptoms.2
Zepbound’s approval is based on clinical studies comparing it to a placebo over a year, including participants using and not using CPAP therapy. The studies showed that Zepbound significantly reduced breathing interruptions during sleep and led to greater remission of OSA symptoms, with many cases improving to mild or resolving entirely.1 These improvements were linked to substantial weight loss, highlighting Zepbound’s dual ability to address both OSA and obesity effectively.
Is Zepbound Covered by Your Insurance?
Certain Medicare plans can now cover Zepbound for obstructive sleep apnea,3 but it’s too early to tell if other healthcare providers will follow suit. However, we do currently work with insurance companies for coverage on CPAP supplies.
Allow us to check with your insurance provider for you to find out what CPAP supplies are covered (for free!). Click below to get started:
How Can You Get Started on GLP-1s like Zepbound?
At Easy Breathe, we have an affordable first step to see if GLP-1 medications are right for you. For just $80, you can have a personalized consultation with one of our qualified healthcare providers. During this consult, they will discuss your health and weight loss goals to determine if you’re eligible for GLP-1 medications. This consultation is a cost-effective and accessible way to explore your options without any commitment to purchase medication.
Scheduling your consult is simple:
- Checkout: Click the button below and select the $80 Virtual Consultation product.
- Questionnaire: Complete a questionnaire with your personal information.
- Schedule consultation: Schedule your virtual consultation through email.
If you qualify for GLP-1 medications, you can start your first month of compounded tirzepatide for only $299. That’s compared to $1,000+ for Zepbound, which has the same active ingredients!
Sources:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “FDA Approves First Medication for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.” FDA News Release, 8 Jan. 2025, www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-medication-obstructive-sleep-apnea. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
- American Academy of Sleep Medicine. “Zepbound Approved by FDA as First Sleep Apnea Medication.” AASM Newsroom, 8 Jan. 2025, aasm.org/zepbound-approved-fda-first-sleep-apnea-medication/. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
- Clifford, Tyler. “Medicare Can Now Cover Eli Lilly’s Zepbound for Sleep Apnea, CMS Says.” CNBC, 8 Jan. 2025, www.cnbc.com/2025/01/08/medicare-can-now-cover-eli-lillys-zepbound-for-sleep-apnea-cms-says.html. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
