Munjaro, cost and rationing.

[BigAlan]

I have been on munjaro for 2 months now.
Started at 2.5mg, then after 4 weeks went to 5mg.

I was expecting to go up to 7.5mg today when my nurse rang, but when she did, she said I was to stay on 5mg as
" There are no determinal benefits to going above 5mg."

My surgery is in financial trouble, so I am thinking it is a cost issue.

Does anyone know how much munjaro costs a GP surgery?

Also, is there an increase in costs for munharo the higher you go? For instance, it is prescribed at 2.5 and then 5mg.
Does it cost more for 7.5mg and 10mg, then is there a price increase for the top two bands of 12.5mg and 15mg.

I suspect there is hence why it is being restricted to 5mg.

If there is no clinical benefit going above 5mg, why are there 4 levels above this?

Just seems like rationing on a cost basis if you ask ne.

Thanks in advance.

Alan.

 

[Rachox]

How is your weight loss going and what are your blood sugar readings? I take Rybelsus tablets another GLP-R medication. I’ve never gone above the 7mg dose as I’m happy with my weight loss and blood sugar readings. Maybe you’re doing ok on the dose you are on?

 

[AndBreathe]

This is from the February NHS electronic drug tarrif. The columns are "Quantity", "Basic Price" (that is in pennies), then Category of drug.

 

[BigAlan]

How is your weight loss going and what are your blood sugar readings? I take Rybelsus tablets another GLP-R medication. I’ve never gone above the 7mg dose as I’m happy with my weight loss and blood sugar readings. Maybe you’re doing ok on the dose you are on?

My weight is not reducing. Having said that, I also take glicazide 40mg night and morning and, when on these alone I put 14kg on in 2 months. I suspect that the glicazide is keeping my weight up, (120kg) whilst the munharo is reducing my bs from 17.1 to 8.9 over 2 months.

 

[BigAlan]

This is from the February NHS electronic drug tarrif. The columns are "Quantity", "Basic Price" (that is in pennies), then Category of drug.

View attachment 71559

Thank you. I guessed it was a case of financial cost over health benefits for my practice. Maybe if the 5 part-time, partners didn't take £1m a year in salary there would be more for patients. Hey ho.

 

[AndBreathe]

Thank you. I guessed it was a case of financial cost over health benefits for my practice. Maybe if the 5 part-time, partners didn't take £1m a year in salary there would be more for patients. Hey ho.

Have you done any research into the additional benefits of the bigger doses? Whilst I do know that GP surgeries are businesses, and will therefore be watching their budgets, but the "why are there extra levels above 5mg" isn't necessarily that cut and dried.

If the 5mg is working for you, just trundle on. Fast weight loss isn't necessarily our friend when it comes to the longer term benefits and out appearance.