Dismay at being unable to access semaglutide despite apparently being eligible

[clare56]

I am diabetic (diagnosed 8 years ago) and I although I tried to keep off medication through diet and exercise I had to start taking metformin 2 years ago. Like many others, I've found it increasingly difficult to lose the weight I believe has been a major factor in controlling my diabetes. I've repeatedly asked my GP if I can try the semaglutide injections and been repeatedly refused. My GP seemed sympathetic, but said it was up to the local health authority's diabetes centre. They have again said no. (Brighton and Hove)
Last week I was involved in some research for a well known pharmacy who sell weight loss drugs on line, including Wegovy and Mounjaro. I had to explore the websites of various online clinics - famous names such as Superdrug and LLoyds - and see what I liked and disliked about each offering.
All of them asked me to fill in a form about my medical history and they then all told me I couldn't get these drugs because I was diabetic.
So, it would appear that despite these drugs being for diabetes, I can't access them. I think the criteria in Brighton and Hove to access semaglutide is extremely high, and I feel really upset and frustrated with this system, particularly when I hear that they may be rolled out for people who are jobless and obese. (I have nothing against that happening, but it seems crazy that I'm not eligible.)
I'd be interested to hear if other people have had similar experiences.

 

[Rachox]

I’m type 2 and put on weight after family bereavements. At my diabetes review in 2023 I asked if I could start on a GLP1 med of which semaglutide is an example. My BMI was 34.8 just short of the NICE guideline of 35, I joked with my diabetes nurse that I could eat a few more high calorie meals to achieve 35! She then agreed after consulting one of the GPs, that I could start in Victoza injections, another GLP1 med. This became impossible to get by the end of ‘23 (due to all the skinny jab hype) and long story short I was switched to Rybelsus, the tablet version of semaglutide which is only licensed for use in diabetes. I continue on these tablets and along with a low carb diet I keep my diabetes under control and have lost 3 stone.
If I was in your position I’d ask for a second opinion. Can you book an appt with a different GP? See if they are prepared to prescribe it for you?

 

[clare56]

I’m type 2 and put on weight after family bereavements. At my diabetes review in 2023 I asked if I could start on a GLP1 med of which semaglutide is an example. My BMI was 34.8 just short of the NICE guideline of 35, I joked with my diabetes nurse that I could eat a few more high calorie meals to achieve 35! She then agreed after consulting one of the GPs, that I could start in Victoza injections, another GLP1 med. This became impossible to get by the end of ‘23 (due to all the skinny jab hype) and long story short I was switched to Rybelsus, the tablet version of semaglutide which is only licensed for use in diabetes. I continue on these tablets and along with a low carb diet I keep my diabetes under control and have lost 3 stone.
If I was in your position I’d ask for a second opinion. Can you book an appt with a different GP? See if they are prepared to prescribe it for you?

Your story is very interesting and I will definitely try for another opinion. I have been given dapagliflozin, following my last failed attempt. My GP suggested this could help with weight loss, but so far it hasn’t helped, although my blood sugar is less spiky now. I read that if 3 drug regimes have failed to control the diabetes successfully, my health authority will consider the semaglutide injections. I hadn’t heard about Rybelsus, and will follow that up. Thank you!