Virtual Health and Wellness Platform Hims & Hers Offers Injectable Weight Loss Drug at 85% Discount
Virtual health and wellness platform Hims & Hers Health, Inc. has made headlines with its latest offering—a discounted injectable weight loss drug containing the active ingredient semaglutide, the same ingredient found in Novo Nordisk’s popular brand-name injectables Ozempic and Wegovy. The company announced that customers can now access the Hims & Hers glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) injectable, along with unlimited virtual consultations and 24/7 access to a licensed medical provider, all for just $199 a month.
What sets this offering apart is that the semaglutide injectable by Hims & Hers is a compounded drug, a type of pharmaceutical that is customized by a licensed pharmacist or medical professional to meet an individual’s specific prescriptive needs. While compounded drugs are not FDA-approved, they can be a valuable option for individuals who cannot take FDA-approved medications or are facing drug shortages.
However, not everyone is on board with the use of compounded drugs like semaglutide. Adrienne Youdim, M.D., a Forbes Health Advisory Board member specializing in medical weight loss and clinical nutrition, does not support the use of compounded semaglutide. She points out that compounded drugs are not subject to the same scrutiny as FDA-approved medications in terms of ingredients and production. In fact, the FDA issued a warning about compounded GLP-1 semaglutide injections in 2023 after reports of side effects and adverse events.
Despite the controversy surrounding compounded drugs, Hims & Hers is confident in the safety and efficacy of their compounded GLP-1 injectable. The company’s chief medical officer, Patrick Carroll, M.D., assures that all offerings are delivered in accordance with current clinical guidelines. The $199 per month subscription includes close follow-up and unlimited medical consultations with a licensed provider, making it a comprehensive weight loss solution.
GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide are commonly used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, overweight, and obesity. These drugs can help lower blood sugar levels, curb appetite, and promote feelings of satiation. While some experts recommend waiting for FDA-approved drugs to become available, others see compounded drugs as a viable option for those in need.
In conclusion, the introduction of the Hims & Hers compounded GLP-1 injectable at a discounted price is a significant development in the world of weight loss medications. It offers a more affordable option for individuals seeking to manage their weight and improve their overall health, albeit with some controversy surrounding the use of compounded drugs.
