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Approval of Wegovy weight loss pill prescription in the USA; Residents of the UAE Await Authorization

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the Wegovy weight loss pill prescription, but this medication is still not authorized in the UAE. Novo Nordisk has announced that it is focusing on the U.S. market and must wait for regulatory authorities' approval to launch this product in the UAE. This pill, taken once daily, is designed for adults with obesity or overweight along with related health conditions.

According to clinical trial results, patients taking the 25 mg Wegovy pill daily lost an average of 13.6% of their body weight over 64 weeks, equivalent to about 15 kg. This medication has been available as a weekly injection, and its pill form offers a more convenient alternative for those who fear needles or prefer not to inject.

Health specialists in the UAE expect a significant increase in demand for weight loss medications following the approval of the Wegovy pill prescription in the USA. However, hospital and pharmacy officials emphasize that this medication is still not authorized in the UAE, and any new formulation must receive separate approval from regulatory authorities. This process may take several months to a year.

Wegovy, Ozempic, and Munjaro medications in the UAE are only available with a doctor's prescription. Licensed pharmacies are required to verify a valid prescription, physician credentials, and patient details. Selling or purchasing these medications without authorization can lead to fines, license suspension, and legal action. The official price of the pill version in the UAE has not yet been announced, but experts predict it will be close to or less than the injectable version.

Insurance coverage for weight loss medications in the UAE is limited, and in most cases, patients must pay out of pocket. Insurance coverage is usually restricted to approved medical conditions such as diabetes or metabolic disorders. Doctors emphasize that these medications are not for cosmetic weight loss and yield the best results alongside a low-calorie diet and exercise. Suitable candidates for Wegovy are those with a body mass index over 30 or over 27 with conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or hypertension.

Source: Gulf News