Forget the pricks, one of the most popular weight-loss medications is now coming to the kingdom in pill form.
Wegovy (semaglutide) pills, an oral GLP-1 treatment for obesity, has been approved by the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) for use in Bahrain, it was announced yesterday.
The approval makes Bahrain only the second GCC country, after the UAE, and the fifth country worldwide, to make the medicine available.
Both pills and injections offer similar overall efficacy, but differ significantly in how they are taken, absorbed and dosed.
Pills are often preferred by individuals with a fear of needles or those who travel frequently because they can be used without refrigeration.
However, injections offer more predictable absorption and a simpler weekly routine, whereas adherence to administration guidelines for the oral form is necessary for optimal absorption
The NHRA said in a statement that this approval reflects their commitment and that of the national healthcare system to keeping pace with the latest therapeutic advances and providing patients with access to advanced treatment options.
Wegovy is a once-daily oral tablet for chronic weight management and reducing major cardiovascular events in adults with obesity or overweight for most people.
“It forms part of efforts to enhance the regulatory framework for pharmaceutical services and keep pace with medical and therapeutic developments, thereby improving the quality of healthcare services and supporting the continued development of Bahrain’s healthcare sector,” the authority said.
“It also ensures access to modern treatments in accordance with the highest approved medical and regulatory standards.
“The approval and availability of the medicine in pharmacies mark an important step in supporting efforts to expand treatment options for obesity and its associated health challenges. “It will promote community health through access to a wider range of therapies in line with global advances in the treatment of obesity and related chronic diseases.”
The pills are now available in pharmacies and should be used in accordance with approved medical instructions and following the necessary medical consultation to ensure safe and appropriate use based on each patient’s health condition.
Both pills and pricks cause similar gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation, though the oral form can sometimes be associated with initial stomach upset, medics say.
Wegovy begins at a low weekly dose and gradually scales up over 16 weeks to reach a maintenance dose. Many people do not see major changes until they reach higher levels.
However, researchers suggest about 10 per cent to 15pc of people do not see significant weight loss even at higher doses. Some individuals, it appears, have a physiology or genetic profile that does not respond as strongly to GLP-1 receptors, meaning the medication does not reduce cravings or ‘food noise’ for them.
Wegovy prices in Bahrain vary depending on the dosage strength of the oral tablets. Prices of Wegovy 1.5mg and 4mg tablets start at 62.500BD, and require a prescription from a relevant medical professional.
Meanwhile, 9mg tablets will start at BD75, while 25mg are expected to cost more than BD100. Each prescription and dosage comes with 30 tablets.
Patients taking it with medical approval should take one pill once daily first thing in the morning on an empty stomach after an eight-hour fast. Swallow the tablet whole with no more than 120ml of plain water only. Do not crush, cut, chew, or dissolve it. Wait at least 30 minutes before eating food, drinking any other beverages, or taking other oral medications.
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