Getting popular weight loss drug just got easier and cheaper
A wave of new drugs have revolutionised the weight loss industry. Now, getting your hands on one popular medication could get a lot easier if you're uninsured
Getting your hands on a popular weight loss drug is about to get a lot cheaper and easier, especially if you don’t have insurance.
WeGovy will soon be available at a reduced cost of $499 a month via telehealth platforms.
Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company behind the drug, announced on Good Morning America it will be available through telehealth services including Ro, Hims, and LifeMD.
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The medication will be dispensed the same way via auto-injector pens but access will be limited to people who already have a prescription for Wegovy but do not have insurance coverage for it.
On top of the $499 medication cost, patients will have to subscribe to one of the approved telehealth providers. That means paying a monthly fee for virtual check-ins, support from a medical professional, and advice on nutrition.
For example, Hims plans to charge $100 a month for a package that includes a monthly consultation and ongoing medical supervision.Wegovy is FDA-approved for chronic weight management for obese adults and people with weight-related health conditions.
Typically, those without insurance can expect to pay $1,000 a month for the drug.
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Insurance coverage for weight loss medications like Wegovy and Ozempic varies widely across plans, depending on factors like diagnosis, state laws, and individual policy details.
Earlier this year, Novo Nordisk began selling Wegovy for the same $499 monthly price through its own NovoCare Pharmacy for uninsured customers.
The active ingredient in Wegovy, semaglutide, works by slowing digestion and reducing appetite. Common side effects include nausea and constipation. In serious cases, some have experienced gallbladder and pancreas problems.
Experts strongly recommend discussing potential risks with a healthcare professional before beginning treatment.
Rival drug Zepbound is also sold via telehealth services and directly from maker Eli Lilly’s own pharmacy. Prices for this range from $349 to $499 a month depending on dosage.
Telehealth services increase access to obesity medications like WeGovy, but experts have warned that without continued conversations with a long-term provider, patients may not get the same level of oversight.
