PRESCRIPTION WEIGHT LOSS MEDICATION FULL

While right now it's only approved to treat patients with type 2 diabetes, that's how Wegovy started.Prescription Weight Loss Medications What are weight loss medications? There's another drug called Saxenda which is used for the same thing, but it's a daily injection,' Phillips said.Įarlier this month, the FDA approved a medication called Mounjaro.

Wegovy's drug manufacturer said its unprecedented product demand caused supply shortages and that until it can meet demand it's asking healthcare providers to not start new patients on the medication. That's certainly not impacting the drug's popularity. Online people have complained of no weight loss, bad nausea, and hair loss. Like with any medication, not everyone is a fan. All of those kinds of things that happen because of being overweight,' said Phillips. They're not going to be paying as much for people getting strokes. 'They're not going to be paying as much for hypertension drugs. He feels this new prescription doesn't just benefit the patient, but the insurer. Also, he said his pharmacy has had success in helping patients with private insurance navigate better coverage.

PRESCRIPTION WEIGHT LOSS MEDICATION FULL

Phillips said some of his Medicaid patients have received full prescription coverage with prior authorization. No matter the dose, Wegovy's wholesale price is about $1,300 per month. Effectiveness and safety profile looks much better, but it's hard to get this as a treatment for patients because it's so cost prohibitive,' said Dr. 'Cost and access are our biggest concerns right now. However, the cost for many patients is a concern. 'The recommendations are around 500 kilocalories per day reduction in daily intake and then with increased activity,'' she said. It's a comprehensive approach with diet, exercise, and even sometimes adding in surgery,' said Kindel. 'It takes time and takes daily effort, and our patients taking it know that. She stresses the medication is not just a quick fix to losing weight. 'We as clinicians are desperate for good, safe options,' Dr. It slows the speed of emptying in the stomach, which makes you feel fuller for a longer period of time and you seem to feel fuller faster,' he explained.ĭoctor Tammy Kindel is the Director of Adult and Adolescent Bariatric Surgery Program at Froedtert & MCW health network.

'It works on a certain receptor and it acts to reduce your hunger. The latest CDC data says more than 70 percent of American adults are overweight. The obesity epidemic is showing no signs of slowing down. Phillips says the prescription is a game-changer and it's needed. 'What we've seen in the clinical trials is that people who have been on Wegovy for a year have lost up to thirty percent of their body weight, which is huge. 'We've had lots of patients that in the first five to six months have lost 20 to 30 pounds easily.' 'That's to help reduce the nausea side effect that can occur with this,' said Phillips. He said patients start with lower doses and work their way up. Phillips has about 50 to 60 patients currently taking the new weight loss medication. 'I think we started filling prescriptions for Wegovy in July of last year,' said pharmacist Jon Phillips with Sage Specialty Pharmacy in Shorewood. In June of 2021, the FDA approved Wegovy (semaglutide), a weekly injectible.Īccording to the federal agency, it's 'the first approved drug for chronic weight management in adults with general obesity or overweight since 2014.' SHOREWOOD, Wis. - A new prescription medication is dominating a weight loss market crowded with pills, powders, cleanses, juices, and more.

Prescription weight loss medication