Gallbladder Problems: Rapid weight loss associated with these medications can increase cholesterol levels in the gallbladder, potentially leading to the formation of gallstones. This can further lead to cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) or even pancreatitis Health andMed Xpress
Gastrointestinal Issues: A significant number of users report gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These side effects are quite common, with studies showing that nearly half of the people taking semaglutide experience some form of gastrointestinal discomfort. In some cases, these side effects can be severe enough to cause users to discontinue the medication AARP and The Hub and Health
The CEO of Novo Nordisk, Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen, defended the high prices of their popular drugs Ozempic and Wegovy in the United States, arguing that these medications ultimately help save taxpayers money by reducing obesity-related healthcare costs.
Ozempic costs less outside of the US, not because of price controls but because of bargaining between national healthcare providers/insurers and drug manufacturers.
The US has no such comparable service, but privately insured Americans don’t pay the OTC price of Ozempic. https://t.co/3mcbgN2Inr pic.twitter.com/YkhQl7PuaV
— Max Weber (@max_oikonomikos) August 19, 2024
In an interview on “NBC Nightly News,” Jørgensen highlighted the significant financial burden that obesity places on the U.S. healthcare system, estimating it at over $400 billion annually. “We are offering products that help alleviate this cost burden,” he stated, positioning the drugs as part of a solution to the nation’s obesity crisis.
Jørgensen dismissed accusations that Novo Nordisk operates like a drug cartel as “unfounded.” He made these comments before the company’s “quiet period” preceding its latest earnings report. Jørgensen is expected to testify about the U.S. pricing of these high-demand diabetes and weight loss medications at a Senate committee hearing next month.
Senator Bernie Sanders, chair of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, has been vocal about the pricing of Ozempic and Wegovy. He plans to question Jørgensen on why the company charges significantly more for these drugs in the U.S. than in other countries. According to a committee report, Wegovy costs around $1,300 per month in the U.S., compared to just $186 in Denmark, $137 in Germany, and $92 in the United Kingdom. Sanders accused Novo Nordisk of “ripping off the American people.”
Gastroparesis (Delayed Gastric Emptying): Semaglutide slows gastric emptying, which can be beneficial for controlling blood sugar levels in diabetics but may lead to a condition called gastroparesis. This condition causes food to remain in the stomach longer than normal, leading to symptoms such as bloating, nausea, and abdominal pain. This side effect is particularly concerning for patients with a history of diabetes, which is a risk factor for gastroparesis Health
The financial impact of obesity-related healthcare in the U.S. is considerable. A 2021 report from KFF, a nonprofit focused on health policy, found that individuals with employer-based health insurance who are overweight or have obesity incur average annual healthcare costs of $12,588. This is more than double the $4,699 in average annual health costs for those without such conditions. Additionally, people with obesity face higher out-of-pocket expenses, averaging $1,487 compared to $698 for those without obesity.
Despite Jørgensen’s defense of the drug prices, some experts argue that the high costs of Ozempic and Wegovy could outweigh the potential savings from reduced obesity-related healthcare expenses. Stacie Dusetzina, a health policy professor at Vanderbilt University, noted that while these drugs can be beneficial for some people, the current prices are too high to significantly lower overall healthcare spending. “The price of these drugs would need to come down substantially to potentially offer overall savings in healthcare costs,” she explained.
Pancreatitis: There is a noted risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) associated with GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy. While the risk is relatively low, pancreatitis can be a serious condition that may require hospitalization and can have long-term health implications Health
Jørgensen emphasized that he “volunteered” to testify about the drug prices at the upcoming Senate hearing, following Senator Sanders’ threat to subpoena Novo Nordisk’s president, Doug Langa. Jørgensen plans to discuss the “complexities of the U.S. healthcare system,” which he says the company participates in but cannot change. He suggested that insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) are partly to blame for the high out-of-pocket costs patients face.
PBMs negotiate rebates and discounts with drug companies in exchange for including certain drugs in their coverage plans. However, as PBMs have gained more influence, they have been criticized for potentially driving up drug prices. A recent interim report from the Federal Trade Commission also highlighted how PBMs might be contributing to increased costs for patients.
Psychiatric Effects: Some studies have reported psychiatric side effects, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, although these are less common. Between January 2021 and May 2023, 1.2% of reported adverse events related to GLP-1 drugs involved psychiatric issues, with a few cases leading to severe outcomes Med Xpress
Jørgensen acknowledged that some patients struggle with poor insurance coverage, making it difficult for them to afford their medications. To address this, Novo Nordisk offers patient support programs to help those in need. He also called for a broader discussion on the value of these medications to patients.
Ozempic maker defends high U.S. price: It’s ‘helping’ reduce the cost of obesityhttps://t.co/C1JlWKHZWI
NOVO NORDISK CHARGES AROUND $1300 A MONTH FOR WEGOVY OZEMPIC IN THE U.S. ACCORDING TO A HELP COMMITTEE REPORT, WHILE THE DRUG CAN BE… pic.twitter.com/GMd8P1mWiy— charley justice (@justice_charley) August 26, 2024
Cynthia Cox, a vice president at KFF, pointed out that while Ozempic and Wegovy can help prevent and reduce obesity-related diseases, their high cost remains a barrier. Furthermore, there is still uncertainty about how long patients will need to use these drugs to maintain weight loss and improved health. “The widespread use of these drugs for weight loss is still relatively new, so it’s unclear if we have enough long-term data to fully assess the costs and benefits,” Cox noted.
Major Points:
- Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen, CEO of Novo Nordisk, defended the high prices of Ozempic and Wegovy in the U.S., arguing that these drugs reduce the overall healthcare costs related to obesity, which costs Americans over $400 billion annually.
- Jørgensen dismissed accusations that Novo Nordisk operates as a drug cartel and emphasized the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system, blaming insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) for high out-of-pocket costs.
- Senator Bernie Sanders criticized Novo Nordisk for charging significantly higher prices for Ozempic and Wegovy in the U.S. compared to other countries and plans to question Jørgensen at an upcoming Senate committee hearing.
- A report from KFF highlighted the substantial healthcare costs for individuals with obesity, but some experts, like Stacie Dusetzina, argue that the current prices of these drugs are too high to lead to overall savings in healthcare spending.
- Jørgensen called for a discussion on the value of these medications and acknowledged the need for patient support programs to help those with inadequate insurance, while also recognizing the limited long-term data on the drugs’ effectiveness and cost-benefit balance.
Conner T – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
