Novo Nordisk is expanding access to its weight loss and diabetes medications, Ozempic and Wegovy, by selling them at Costco pharmacies nationwide. A one-month supply of either drug will cost $499 out of pocket for Costco members with a prescription, a move designed to compete with compounding pharmacies. While the price is the same as offered through other retailers, the expanded availability aims to improve access, despite the fact that cost and insurance coverage remain significant barriers for many, especially those with lower incomes who may benefit most from these medications. Recent research highlighting the drugs’ potential benefits for conditions like stroke and heart health further underscores the importance of wider accessibility.
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Health officials are investigating a potential link between weight loss and diabetes injections (GLP-1 medicines) and an increase in reports of acute pancreatitis. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has received nearly 400 reports of acute pancreatitis associated with medications like Mounjaro, Wegovy, Ozempic, and liraglutide, with nearly half involving Mounjaro. Due to the severity of the disease and increased usage of these medicines, the MHRA is launching a study, including genetic testing, to explore potential factors. Both the MHRA and drug manufacturers emphasize the importance of reporting adverse events and the need for healthcare professionals to monitor patients closely.
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Novo Nordisk has ended its partnership with telehealth provider Hims & Hers Health, citing concerns about deceptive marketing practices related to weight-loss drugs. The collaboration, initiated in April, enabled Hims & Hers to offer Wegovy, a branded weight management medication, at a discounted price. However, Novo Nordisk took issue with Hims & Hers’ ongoing promotion of compounded versions of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, which are not FDA-approved and were only permitted temporarily due to a shortage that has since been resolved. Novo Nordisk emphasized its commitment to taking action against companies involved in “illegal sham compounding” that endangers public health.
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John Q. Hosedrinker