Introduction to Wegovy and Its Importance
Wegovy is a prescription medication for chronic weight management that regulates appetite and blood sugar levels. It helps individuals lose weight and maintain weight loss. Wegovy is popular due to its impressive weight loss results.
What Is Wegovy?
Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide, an FDA-approved medication used alongside diet and exercise to help manage excess weight and obesity in certain individuals. Ozempic is a form of semaglutide designed to treat type 2 diabetes, while Rybelsus is the oral version of the same active ingredient. The generic name for all of them is semaglutide.
Who Is Wegovy For? (Eligibility and Benefits)
Wegovy is used to treat obesity in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher (obese) or 27 or higher (overweight) who have at least one weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. Wegovy is also approved for use in children and adolescents 12 years of age or older with obesity.
There is strong evidence that Wegovy can help people lose weight and maintain this weight loss. In clinical trials, people taking Wegovy lost an average of 15% of their body weight over a year, significantly more than people taking a placebo. A recent study found that over four years, participants taking Wegovy as indicated experienced an average weight loss of 10.2% body weight and a reduction in waist circumference of 7.7cm.
Why Patient Assistance Programs Matter
Prescription medications can be expensive, making it difficult for many individuals to afford necessary treatments. PAPs are designed to help eligible patients access the medicines they need, regardless of their ability to pay.
Often, PAPs provide financial assistance or drug-free products, usually through in-kind product donations to low-income individuals to reduce existing prescription drug expenses. Whether you're eligible for a PAP or considering it, exploring PAPs can be valuable in managing the expense.
PAPs are typically sponsored by pharmaceutical companies and help individuals with low incomes, uninsured, or underinsured access medications at no cost or with discounts. The program provides Wegovy to eligible patients based on income and insurance status.
The Wegovy manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, typically offers a savings program for private or commercial insurance patients to get affordable treatment. The Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program offers Wegovy free to qualifying individuals, with no monthly fees, making it easier for those who struggle to afford their medications.