Since October 8, Wegovy, a new medication prescribed for obesity, has been available in France. Who can benefit from it, how much does it cost? We take stock.
Published: October 13, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.
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On Tuesday, October 8, the Novo Nordisk laboratory announced the marketing in France of Wegovy, an anti-obesity drug. It was authorized by the European Medicines Agency since the beginning of 2022 for adults, but accessible early only for 10,000 patients in France.
Can this medicine be purchased in a pharmacy?
Wegovy is not available over the counter in pharmacies. To obtain it, you need a prescription. The idea is that this medication is really intended for people suffering from obesity and that the National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) seeks to prevent it from being used by people who “simply” seek to lose weight. weight.
Who can prescribe this medication?
Only doctors specializing in endocrinology-diabetology-nutrition or holders of specialized transversal applied nutrition training will be able to prescribe this medication to allow patients to start treatment, the ANSM has decided. Prescription renewals can, however, be made directly to the general practitioner (but not directly to the pharmacy).
Under what conditions can the medicine be prescribed?
The ANSM, on the recommendation of the High Health Authority, recommends “ prescribe aGLP-1 (which includes Wegovy) indicated in the treatment of obesity to patients with an initial body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 35 kg/m2, aged less than 65 years (and over 12 years old) “. In addition, the medicine cannot be obtained “ only after the failure of nutritional support », et « in combination with a low-calorie diet and physical activity “. We are therefore far from the miracle drug which, on its own, would allow you to lose weight.
How much does it cost?
The treatment could be expensive “between 270 and 330 euros” for a box of four injections, according to our colleagues from Le Parisien. And it is not refunded…
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