NICE recommends weight loss drug semaglutide for NHS specialist services
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended a weight loss drug to be made available in specialist NHS services. The drug, semaglutide, has shown promising results in clinical trials and could help thousands of people struggling with obesity.
Semaglutide is a once-weekly injectable drug that works by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. In clinical trials, patients taking semaglutide lost an average of 15% of their body weight over a year, compared to just 2% for those taking a placebo.
Obesity is a major public health concern in the UK, affecting around 28% of adults and costing the NHS an estimated £6 billion per year. Obesity increases the risk of several health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.
NICE's decision to recommend semaglutide is a welcome development for healthcare professionals and patients alike. Dr. Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at Public Health England, said: ‘obesity is a complex issue and there is no single solution, but medication can be an effective aid to weight loss when used alongside lifestyle changes’.
Semaglutide is already available in some countries, including the US and Denmark, and has been hailed as a potential ‘game-changer’ in the fight against obesity. However, it is not without side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
In light of this, NICE has recommended that semaglutide should only be used in specialist NHS weight management services, where patients can receive close monitoring and support. The drug will only be prescribed to patients who have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more, or a BMI of 32 or more with an obesity-related health condition such as diabetes.
Professor Kevin Fenton, director of health and wellbeing at Public Health England, said: ‘this guidance offers a new option for people struggling with obesity and the health problems it causes. It is important to remember that there is no magic pill or silver bullet when it comes to tackling obesity, and medication should always be used alongside a healthy diet and increased physical activity’.
The NHS has welcomed NICE's decision, saying that it will help provide more options for patients struggling with obesity. However, it also emphasised that lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise should be the first line of treatment for obesity.
Dr. David Mummery, clinical director of the NHS weight management service, said: ‘medication can be an effective tool to help patients achieve weight loss, but it is important that this is part of a wider approach that includes lifestyle changes. Our weight management services provide personalised support to help patients achieve sustainable weight loss’.
The decision to recommend semaglutide is a significant step forward in the fight against obesity in the UK. Providing more treatment options for patients could help reduce the burden of obesity on the NHS and improve the health of thousands of people. However, it is important to remember that medication should always be used in conjunction with lifestyle changes, and that a healthy diet and increased physical activity are the best ways to achieve long-term weight loss.
Pholcodine-containing medicines withdrawn by MHRA because of safety concerns
The UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has decided to withdraw pholcodine-containing cough and cold medicines from the market following a review of their safety. Pholcodine is an ingredient used in some cough and cold medicines to suppress coughs, but has been linked to a rare but serious side effect known as anaphylaxis. The MHRA's review found that the risk of anaphylaxis was higher with pholcodine-containing medicines than with alternatives.
The MHRA has advised patients currently taking pholcodine-containing medicines to consult their doctor before stopping treatment, as sudden cessation can cause withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, anxiety and restlessness.
Dr. Nick Hopkinson, medical director of the British Lung Foundation, said: ‘anaphylaxis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, and it is important that patients who are at risk of anaphylaxis are not exposed to unnecessary risks. The decision to withdraw pholcodine-containing medicines from the UK market is a sensible and responsible decision’.
However, there are concerns about the availability of alternative cough and cold medicines. The MHRA advised patients affected by the withdrawal to speak to their doctor or pharmacist, who can provide advice on suitable alternatives.
The decision to withdraw pholcodine-containing cough and cold medicines is part of the MHRA's ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of medicines in the UK. The MHRA regularly reviews the safety of medicines and can take action to withdraw medicines from the market if they pose a risk to patient safety.
The withdrawal of pholcodine-containing cough and cold medicines from the UK market is a positive step towards ensuring the safety of patients, although patients are advised to exercise caution when halting use, because of the risk of withdrawal.