Novo Nordisk, a Danish pharmaceutical company, introduced Wegovy, an injectable weight-loss medication, in India on Tuesday. Each dose costs Rs 4,336.25.

India’s first and only weight-loss drug is Wegovy, a once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA).

The medication’s primary ingredient, semaglutide, is recommended for both long-term chronic weight control and lowering the risk of serious adverse cardiovascular events in those who have the illness.

Five dosages of the medication are available: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg. It also comes with a convenient, user-friendly pen device.

According to the manufacturer, the drug’s monthly pricing starts at Rs 17,345 per pen, with the first three being charged at Rs 4,336. In contrast, 1.7 mg costs Rs 24,280 per pen, while 2.4 mg costs Rs 26,015 per pen.

According to the business, Wegovy, a prescription-only drug, has the potential to help millions of Indians who are overweight or obese live better lives.

“Obesity is a chronic illness and a national epidemic that India cannot afford to ignore; it is not only a personal health issue. In light of this, we are pleased to announce that Wegovy, a revolutionary and scientifically supported therapeutic option, would be available to Indians with the ease of a top-tier, cutting-edge pen device,” stated Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director of Novo Nordisk India.

Furthermore, we offer a price tailored to India that has the advantage of being the same for the first three dosage strengths. We are reinforcing our commitment to tackling the rising prevalence of overweight and obesity in India with this,” he said.

Notably, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach (abdomen) discomfort are among the major side effects of the medication. Low blood sugar in individuals with type 2 diabetes can also lead to symptoms including heartburn, gas, stomach flu, and sore throats or runny noses. Studies on rodents have shown that Wegovy increases the risk of thyroid tumors or thyroid cancer. Studies using Wegovy also revealed gallbladder issues and acute pancreatitis.

Wegovy functions by focusing on important brain regions related to food intake and appetite control. It eventually causes weight loss by decreasing appetite, increasing fullness, and reducing food cravings.

Along with improving insulin resistance, it also helps lower risk factors for cardiometabolic events.