Wegovy: who can buy this obesity drug?

The weight loss medication Wegovy® is available in France from October 1, 2024 without reimbursement. Before this date, it was only issued as “early access” for certain people. Health authorities are monitoring it closely because it is being misused to lose weight for cosmetic purposes.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy® is a medication containing semaglutide, marketed by the Novo Nordisk laboratory. The Medicines Agency granted it early access authorization on July 21, 2022 in France and then informed of its expanded availability from October 1, 2024. Wegovy comes in the form of a pre-filled pen. self-inject under the skin weekly (in the abdomen, thigh, upper arm). It is an analogue of GLP-1. It works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is able to target areas of the brain that regulate appetite as well as food intake, leading to weight loss since one has less hunger. This is the principle of the appetite suppressant. Additionally, semaglutide reduces the preference for foods with a high fat content.

Who can take it?

In accordance with the press release of the ANSM, Wegovy® can only be delivered to adults with a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 35 kg/m² (severe obesity stage) and aged under 65. It should only be used as a second line, in the event of failure of nutritional support and in combination with a low-calorie diet and physical activity.

What is the difference with Ozempic?

Both Ozempic and Wegovy contain the same active substance (semaglutide) and are produced by the same laboratory, Novo Nordisk. The main difference between these two drugs is their indication. Ozempic® is indicated for diabetes while Wegovy® is indicated for weight control in obese patients. Thus, if Wegovy® and Ozempic® both have the
active ingredient semaglutide, they are not interchangeable and have been the subject of clinical development for different indications.

Wegovy® is only available by prescription. Its initial prescription is reserved for specialists in endocrinology, diabetology, nutrition or holders of specialized transversal training in “Applied Nutrition”. Renewals can be carried out by general practitioners.

“Between 270 and 330 euros per box”

What weight loss with Wegovy?

In a 68-week double-blind trial, the results of which were described by the European Medicines Agency611 patients suffering from obesity or overweight received semaglutide or a placebo. During the trial, all patients received intensive behavioral therapy consisting of a highly restrictive diet, increased physical activity, and behavioral counseling. Patients taking semaglutide lost 17 kilos on average compared to 6 kg for the other group. Patients taking semaglutide lost an average of 15 cm in waist circumference compared to 6 cm for patients taking placebo.

What are the side effects?

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Headaches
• From fatigue
• Dizziness
• Risks of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in patients with type 2 diabetes
• Flatulence (accumulation of gas),
• Gastroenteritis
• A risk of gastroesophageal reflux

Wegovy® should not be used for weight loss for cosmetic purposes, that is, for weight loss in people without obesity or in overweight people who do not have health problems. It is also not recommended for patients with a history of serious allergic reactions to semaglutide or any of the other components of Wegovy®. Patients should seek the advice of their doctor if they have a history or onset of inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), gallbladder problems (including gallstones), hypoglycemia, acute kidney injury, diabetic retinopathy (damage to the retina of the eye), increased heart rate, and suicidal behavior or thoughts. Finally, studies are underway to monitor the risk of thyroid cancer or gastrointestinal cancer.

What is the price of Wegovy?

The price of Wegovy® is freely set by the laboratory. According to Philippe Besset, president of the Federation of Pharmaceutical Unions of France interviewed by The Parisianpharmacies could sell it “between 270 and 330 euros per box” (the box contains four injections which represents 1 month of treatment). It is not reimbursed by health insurance.