Novo Nordisk's Wegovy pill now available in U.S. pharmacies
by Danielle Haynes · UPIJan. 5 (UPI) -- Pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk announced Monday that a new pill-version of its GLP-1 weight-loss drug is now "broadly available" at U.S. pharmacies.
The Wegovy pill, available in doses from 1.5 mg to 25 mg, can be purchased at more than 70,000 pharmacies in the United States, including chains such as CVS and Costco, and telehealth providers including Ro, LifeMD and Weight Watchers.
"Wegovy pill is here, and it represents a significant innovation as the first and only GLP-1 pill for weight loss," said Ed Cinca, senior vice president of marketing at Novo Nordisk. "This moment is about changing what's possible, we have worked to ensure Wegovy pill is affordable and accessible to those who need it, however they choose to receive their care."
Wegovy for weight loss was previously available only by weekly injection. It's the same drug as Ozempic, which was originally developed by Novo Nordisk as a treatment for diabetes.
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Trials of the new pill showed that patients on the Wegovy pill lost 17% of their body weight after 64 weeks, compared to 3% for those on a placebo. A analysis of all patients -- regardless of if they stayed on the treatment -- showed a 14% weight loss after 64 weeks, compared to 2% on a placebo.
For those who are self paying, the starting dose of Wegovy pill, 1.5 mg, will be $149 per month. The next dose, 4 mg, will be $149 per month through April 15, after which point it will increase to $199 per month. Higher doses of Wegovy pill will be $299 per month. Some insurance plans will cover the drug for $25 per month out of pocket.