Yes, the price of Wegovy can impact a patient's decision to use it. Wegovy, also known as semaglutide, is a medication used to treat obesity and reduce the risk of serious heart problems in adults with obesity or overweight [3]. The cost of this medication can be a significant factor in a patient's decision to use it.
According to DrugPatentWatch, the estimated monthly cost of Wegovy is $1,349.98 [1]. This price point may be prohibitive for some patients, causing them to seek alternative treatments or forgo treatment altogether.
Research has shown that the high cost of medications can lead to reduced adherence and discontinuation of therapy [2]. A study published in the Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy found that patients with a high out-of-pocket cost were more likely to discontinue their medication than those with a low out-of-pocket cost [2].
Therefore, the high cost of Wegovy could impact a patient's decision to use it, potentially leading to negative health outcomes. It is essential to consider the financial implications of medication costs when making treatment decisions.
Sources:
[1] DrugPatentWatch. (n.d.). WEGOVY. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/WEGOVY>
[2] Hsu, C. Y., Chang, C. C., Chen, Y. J., & Chang, S. C. (2021). Association of out-of-pocket costs with medication adherence and discontinuation in patients with type 2 diabetes: A nationwide population-based study. Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy, 27(4), 455-462.
[3] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021, June 04). FDA approves first treatment to reduce risk of serious heart problems specifically for adults with obesity or overweight. Retrieved from <https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-treatment-reduce-risk-serious-heart-problems-specifically-adults-obesity-or>