weight loss. But studies have shown a lack of patient persistence on the drugs. Only 15% of patients prescribed GLP-1s for weight loss were still taking the medications two years later, according to an analysis of pharmacy claims posted on July 10th by the pharmacy benefit manager, Prime Therapeutics. A flurry of other studies published recently show relatively high percentages of patients dropping out as early as four weeks into treatment and that discontinuation increases over time.
Patients taking Ozempic and Wegovy—injected once-weekly—were more persistent than those on Victoza and Saxenda. About 24% using Wegovy were still on the drug at the two-year mark and 22% were continuing to take Ozempic. The Prime Therapeutics study did not delve into reasons why patients quit the drugs. These can range from side effects to supply shortages. It could also be that patients had met their weight goal.Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy
These findings pose challenges for insurers and employers who make decisions whether to cover the drugs. If patients discontinue therapy, that can lead to weight rebound and ultimately a waste of resources, not only for the patient but also the payer. Wegovy and similar medicines are listed at more than $1,000 per month,conducted in late May of this year shows that just 34% of United States employer health plans offer coverage of GLP-1 drugs for both diabetes management and weight loss.
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