- A recent report reveals that only one-third of patients adhere to weight-loss drugs like Wegovy for more than a year.
- The study, published by Reuters, focuses on GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy and Ozempic.
- Factors such as high costs and uncomfortable side effects contribute to patients discontinuing the use of these drugs.
A recent analysis published by Reuters reveals that only one-third of individuals prescribed weight-loss medications like Wegovy and Ozempic continue taking them after one year.
The data, sourced from Prime Therapeutics, a pharmacy benefits manager, consists of pharmacy and medical claims data for 4,255 individuals who received a new prescription for a GLP-1 weight loss drug in 2021. The study examines the use of various GLP-1 medications, including semaglutide-based drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, as well as liraglutide and Rybelsus.
In clinical trials, only 6.8% of patients taking Wegovy discontinued the medication, primarily due to gastrointestinal discomfort or other drug-related issues. Patrick Gleason, Prime’s assistant vice president for health outcomes and co-author of the analysis, suggests that these findings indicate a disparity between medication adherence during clinical trials and real-world use.
These results raise concerns as studies indicate long-term use of GLP-1 medication is necessary for optimal benefits. When patients discontinue these medications, they typically experience weight regain.
The Expensive Short-Term Cost of Drugs Like Wegovy
GLP-1 weight loss drugs target areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake. Individuals taking semaglutide-based medication experience an average 15% reduction in body weight and potential improvements in blood pressure and blood sugar levels. However, users may need to take the medication indefinitely.
These medications can be expensive, particularly for those without insurance coverage. While the monthly cost may be $25 with insurance, it can reach up to $1,627 per month without insurance, as reported by GoodRx.
According to drug manufacturers, apart from health benefits, the usage of these drugs can reduce lifetime healthcare costs, as stated in a report by Reuters.
However, this recent analysis suggests that short-term healthcare costs are significantly higher, indicating that a substantial amount is spent on individuals unlikely to experience long-term health benefits. Khyrsta Baig, a health policy researcher at Vanderbilt University, stated to Reuters.
Reasons for Patients Discontinuing Wegovy
The analysis does not delve into the specific reasons why individuals stopped taking these drugs. However, cost is likely a contributing factor. Even if covered by insurance, out-of-pocket expenses may discourage continued medication intake, especially if the desired weight loss is not achieved.
Another reason for treatment discontinuation could be side effects. Various GLP-1 drugs are known to cause unpleasant side effects, such as nausea and vomiting. Some people using Ozempic for weight loss have reported fecal incontinence, as previously noted by Insider.
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