Is there a cheaper version of Wegovy?

Wegovy is the brand name of semaglutide and has been licensed for chronic weight management. It has been FDA-approved (Food and Drug Administration) in the US and NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) & MHRA (Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency) approved in the UK. Wegovy is a trending weight loss injection and not a day goes by in 2024 without a weight loss story involving this drug, on TikTok or another social media platform.

Wegovy is a high-dose version of the type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic, containing semaglutide. Semaglutide has been found to be more effective than other weight loss drugs and has been licensed by the FDA and MHRA as a weight loss medication under the brand Wegovy. It has been gaining popularity, but its high cost is a major issue for many patients. In this blog post, we will discuss whether there is a cheaper version of Wegovy available.

What is Wegovy?

How does Wegovy work?

Wegovy is a prescription drug manufactured by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. It contains the active ingredient known as semaglutide, which belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. The drug mimics a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which regulates appetite and food intake. Wegovy slows down the emptying of the stomach, increasing satiety, and reducing cravings and calorie intake. Clinical trials have shown that Wegovy can help people lose up to 15% of their body weight over 16-68 weeks.

Who is Wegovy suitable for?

Wegovy is only recommended for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or for those with a BMI of 27 or higher who also have weight-related health conditions, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease or high cholesterol.

How to take Wegovy

Wegovy is given as a subcutaneous injection, which means it’s injected just under the skin on your stomach, thigh, or upper arm, on a weekly basis.

Common side effects of Wegovy

Some of the most common side effects of this weight loss drug include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, and constipation. However, it is important to note that not everyone experiences side effects, and for those who do, they are typically mild and go away after a few days. If you are concerned about any side effects, do not hesitate to speak with your doctor, who can provide advice on how to manage them.

Some of the more serious side effects of Wegovy include pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), gallbladder disease, thyroid cancer, kidney problems, and low blood sugar. These risks may be increased in patients who have a history of these conditions or are taking other medications that may interact with Wegovy.

However, it is important to note that many of these side effects are rare and can be managed through close monitoring and communication with your healthcare provider. As with any medication, it is important to carefully weigh the benefits and risks before starting treatment with Wegovy and to follow all prescribed doses of semaglutide injections.

Why is Wegovy so expensive?

Wegovy is a patented drug developed by the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. The high cost of the drug is primarily due to its research and development costs, which are usually very high for new medicines. Additionally, Novo Nordisk has to recoup its investment and make a profit from the drug. The company claims that the drug’s high cost is justified by its higher effectiveness than other weight loss medications.

Are there cheaper versions of Wegovy?

Wegovy is a licensed and patented drug developed by the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. This means that for the life of the patent, no other pharmaceutical company can market this drug. Therefore, the simple answer is that there is no cheaper version of Wegovy available. However, as a GLP-1 class medication, there are alternatives that may be cheaper and possibly more effective. An example is the Eli Lilly drug tirzepatide which is marketed in the US for weight loss under the brand name Zepbound; and in the UK under the brand name Mounjaro.

Also when considering costs, it’s important to put it in the context of your insurance status. For example, Novo does provide patient assistance and if you are commercially insured, you may be able to benefit from a manufacturer-sponsored copay card. This means that if Wegovy is covered by your health plan, then you may be able to use the copay card meaning you pay as little as $0 for a 28-day supply of Wegovy for up to 13 fills.

Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover Wegovy. This often means underinsured or uninsured individuals would need to pay the cash price if they want to access treatment.

Unfortunately, the high costs for cash-paying individuals means people often turn to compounded Wegovy suppliers. The costs can be substantially less than the brand name supplied product, however, there are risks and you should check the supplier is bona fide and also be aware that they can only supply compounded Wegovy when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declares that there’s a shortage.

Are there alternatives to Wegovy?

Currently, there is no generic version of Wegovy available in the market. However, there are other medications that are similar to semaglutide, the active ingredient of Wegovy. These medications are also used to treat type 2 diabetes and have been found to be effective in aiding weight loss. Diabetes medications are intended for diabetics (to lower blood glucose levels), not people who want to lose weight. They are not specifically approved for weight loss, but they can help manage obesity if prescribed off-label.

Ozempic

Ozempic is an FDA-approved weight loss medication that works similarly to Wegovy. Like Wegovy, Ozempic also mimics GLP-1 and helps regulate blood sugar levels. However, unlike Wegovy, it only needs to be taken once a week. Studies have shown that it is just as effective in promoting weight loss as Wegovy. The cost of Ozempic is relatively lower, making it a good alternative for patients who cannot afford Wegovy.

Saxenda

Saxenda is an injectable medication containing the active ingredient liraglutide prescribed for weight loss. It is another GLP-1 drug that belongs to the same drug class as Wegovy. This medication works by decreasing appetite and promoting a feeling of fullness. It is taken once daily, and studies have shown that it can lead to significant weight loss when used consistently. Like Wegovy, Saxenda can be expensive, but some insurance companies may cover its cost partially or in full.

Victoza

Victoza is also an injectable medication used to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. However, it has also been found to be an effective weight loss drug. Although it is not specifically labelled as a weight loss medication, it works similarly to Wegovy by increasing feelings of fullness and slowing down digestion. It is considerably cheaper than Wegovy, making it a more affordable option for those who want to shed some pounds.

Should patients wait for a cheaper version of Wegovy?

Since Wegovy is a patented drug, it is unlikely that a generic version will be available soon. Even if the generic version becomes available in the future, it may not be much cheaper than the branded drug, as is the case with other weight loss drugs. Since obesity is a chronic condition that requires long-term management, delaying the treatment until a cheaper version is available may not be a wise decision. Patients should discuss the cost of the medication with their healthcare providers and explore various cost-saving measures available.

Other lifestyle changes for weight loss

Apart from medications, there are various lifestyle modifications that can help in the management of obesity. These include dietary changes, exercise, stress management, and sleep hygiene. Patients can also consider joining support groups or seeking the help of a registered dietitian or a weight loss coach.

Is there an over-the-counter version of Wegovy?

For those hoping to shed some extra pounds, it’s natural to wonder if there’s an over-the-counter equivalent to Wegovy. Unfortunately, the answer is no. As of now, Wegovy, a medication approved by the FDA in 2021 for weight loss, is only available by prescription. However, don’t despair just yet. There are other over-the-counter weight loss options, such as supplements and appetite suppressants, that may still help you reach your goals.

If you’d rather not take a prescription medication, there are some natural alternatives you might consider to help prevent weight gain, such as PhenQ. It’s important to remember that any weight loss product should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise routine. Plus, it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new weight loss regimen.

In conclusion, Wegovy is an effective weight loss medication, but its high cost is a major concern for many patients. While no cheaper version of Wegovy is available, alternative medications and cost-saving measures can help reduce the out-of-pocket cost for patients. However, patients should also consider other lifestyle modifications to achieve their weight loss goals. Discussing the cost of the medication with the healthcare provider and exploring various options is always a wise idea.

Sources

• Weight-Loss Prescription Medication – Wegovy® (semaglutide) Injection 2.4 mg
• Prescription Weight-Loss Medicine – Saxenda® (liraglutide) injection 3mg
• Effect of Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Daily Liraglutide on Body Weight in Adults With Overweight or Obesity Without Diabetes: The STEP 8 Randomized Clinical Trial – PubMedNCBI
• FDA Approves New Drug Treatment for Chronic Weight Management, First Since 2014
• FDA approves weight management drug
• Overview | Liraglutide for managing overweight and obesity – Guidance – NICE
• NICE recommends new drug for people living with obesity