As British pharmacies vie for weight-loss patients, prices for Wegovy and Mounjaro have been reduced.

UK Pharmacies Slash Prices for Weight-Loss Medications Wegovy and Mounjaro Amidst Growing Competition. With a surge in demand for effective weight-loss solutions, pharmacies across Britain are engaging in price wars, driving down costs for popular medications. The move aims to attract more patients seeking alternatives for managing obesity, signaling a shift in accessibility and affordability within the healthcare market.

Online pharmacies and slimming clinics in the UK are reducing prices for Wegovy and Mounjaro, two weight-loss drugs, following the easing of initial supply shortages. However, there are concerns that patients purchasing these drugs themselves may miss out on long-term aftercare if they switch providers frequently.

Self-paying patients contribute significantly to the revenues of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Eli Lilly's rival drug Mounjaro. With the potential global market for these weight-loss therapies estimated at $100 billion annually, drug retailers are increasingly competing for these patients' business.

Simple Online Pharmacy, for example, has lowered the price of starter doses of Mounjaro and further reduced prices for various strengths. They have observed unprecedented demand for these drugs and believe that Mounjaro's launch has alleviated pressure on supply chains. Other providers, such as Mayfair Weight Loss Clinic and London Slimming Clinic, have also reduced prices for either Mounjaro or Wegovy in recent months.

Darrin Baines, a health economics professor, notes that the market is opening up after initial supply constraints, with pharmacies offering deals to attract customers.

One patient, Tasha, who purchases Mounjaro injections from Simple Online Pharmacy, acknowledges the numerous options available for the best price. She emphasizes the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on everyone and appreciates Simple's price guarantee, which ensures a refund if cheaper offers are found elsewhere.

Britain, with high obesity rates, is among the few countries where potent weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro are available. These drugs, known as GLP-1 agonists, are also used for type 2 diabetes and have demonstrated significant weight reduction benefits.

While promotions and price reductions may benefit patients seeking affordable options, experts warn against frequent switching between suppliers due to the risk of inconsistent supervision and potential side effects. They stress the importance of ongoing medical oversight, as these drugs can have side effects such as nausea and diarrhoea.

Access to these drugs via the NHS is limited, requiring patients to meet specific criteria and undergo specialist consultations. Despite the potential benefits, experts caution against treating these drugs as commercial consumer products and emphasize the need for comprehensive medical care and supervision.

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Source: Reuters‍