Written by Chad Terhune for Reuters
A recent analysis of U.S. pharmacy claims has revealed that only one in four patients prescribed Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy or Ozempic for weight loss continued taking these medications after two years. The data also showed a decline in usage over time, shedding light on real-world patient experiences with these drugs.
While the reasons for discontinuation were not specified in the analysis, the findings have sparked a debate on the cost of these medications to patients, employers, and government health plans. Drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic, classified as GLP-1 receptor agonists, can be expensive, with prices exceeding $1,000 per month.
The high cost of these drugs has raised concerns, especially as recent estimates suggest that widespread use could result in a significant financial burden. President Joe Biden and other officials have criticized the prices of these medications, highlighting the potential economic impact.
Dr. Rekha Kumar, an obesity specialist, emphasized the need for cost-effective solutions in providing obesity care. The analysis focused on 3,364 patients with commercial health plans who were prescribed GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, excluding those using the medications for type 2 diabetes.
The data showed that persistence with these medications declined over time, with only a small percentage of patients continuing their therapy beyond two years. While newer drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic had higher persistence rates compared to older options like Saxenda, overall adherence remained low.
Factors such as side effects, out-of-pocket costs, and supply shortages likely contributed to patients discontinuing their medication. Lack of long-term guidance on the duration of treatment and inadequate support in nutrition and exercise alongside drug therapy were also identified as potential reasons for poor outcomes.
The study did not track the long-term use of some newer medications like Mounjaro and Zepbound. Concerns were raised about the sustainability of weight loss and the need for interventions to achieve lasting results.
Dr. David Lassen, Chief Clinical Officer of the pharmacy benefits manager, expressed concern over the steady decline in persistence with therapy, emphasizing the importance of sustainable weight loss for long-term health outcomes.
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