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Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Pharmacy warning of unsustainable demand for weight loss medication
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has issued a warning that the burgeoning demand for weight loss injections may be unsustainable, citing a significant mismatch between public interest and clinical suitability for the treatments. The NPA, which represents over 6,000 independent community pharmacies, highlighted this concern. A poll commissioned by the association revealed that 21 per cent of respondents had attempted to access weight loss treatments in the past year, either online or directly from a pharmacy. This figure surged to 35 per cent among 16 to 34-year-olds, contrasting sharply with just seven per cent of those over 55. There were also 41% who agreed they would opt for weight loss treatments on the NHS if they were made available to them. This figure rose to 64% among 25 to 34-year-olds, despite many of these patients being unlikely to be clinically eligible. The NPA says the poll, in which 2,002 people were interviewed, reflects an increasing demand for private and NHS weight loss services. NPA chairman Olivier Picard said: 'Weight loss jabs are one of the biggest drug innovations this century, but growing demand for weight loss treatment highlights the need to make sure this is appropriate for those who want it. 'It's clear from this polling that many more people are interested in getting weight loss jabs than would actually be suitable for treatment. 'We want to make sure supplies are carefully managed so that those in most clinical need can benefit from weight loss medication.' Spiralling demand, fuelled partly by social media, could see people being tempted to resort to unregulated online suppliers instead of regulated pharmacies staffed by medical professionals, they fear. Online suppliers may not be offering weight loss jabs alongside a structured programme aimed at helping them change their behaviour. Wegovy and Mounjaro are among a number of drugs that are recommended to help tackle obesity on the NHS. Mounjaro and Wegovy are licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for use in patients with a BMI of over 30 or between 27 and 30 but with a weight-related co-morbidity. This occurs when an individual who has obesity develops another medical condition due to their weight. The NHS currently rolls out Mounjaro to patients with a BMI of over 40 and at least four co-morbidities, the NPA says. The NPA is calling for new regulations to protect patients buying weight loss medication online, so there is a full two-way consultation and all relevant historical medical records are reviewed before the treatment is prescribed. They are waiting for more details about the role pharmacies could play in the rollout of the NHS weight management programme. At least 85% of weight loss medication prescriptions were made by pharmacies in April this year, the NPA estimates. Mr Picard said: 'Pharmacists are experts in medication and many have extensive experience delivering weight loss injections as part of a package of care, including lifestyle advice. 'Pharmacies are well placed to help roll this treatment out on the NHS, and help people make the best use of these powerful medicines.'
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Major update on plan to slash prescription medications to $25 for millions
The federal government will introduce legislation to parliament to cap the cost of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) prescriptions to $25 this week. The cost-of-living move was one of Labor's major election promises and will save Aussies $200 million per year. Once passed, eligible medicines would be lowered from $31.60 to $25 from January 1 next year. Pensioners and concession cardholders will continue to pay just $7.70 for their prescriptions until at least 2030. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the cap was an example of cost-of-living relief that helped 'every Australian'. RELATED Major update on $5,520 HECS cash boost for millions to lift them out of debt Major warning after Aussie receives random $350 payment in her bank account Aussie 'appalled' by $4,000 ATO tax bill after common deductions rejected 'The size of your bank balance shouldn't determine the quality of your healthcare. My government will continue to deliver cost-of-living relief for all Australians,' he said. Health Minister Mark Butler said the move meant medicines would be their cheapest in decades. 'Cheaper medicines are good for the hip pocket and good for your health,' he said. 'For general patients, medicines haven't been this cheap since 2004." The change would lower the price of medicines by more than 20 per cent and follows an earlier round of price reductions in 2023. The government previously cut the maximum price of a PBS script from $42.50 to $30. The bill comes after US President Donald Trump flagged tariffs of up to 200 per cent on pharmaceuticals earlier this month. Pharmaceuticals are one of Australia's biggest exports to the US. According to the UN's Comtrade database, Australia exported $2.2 billion in products to the US last year. The Australian government has said it is not willing to trade away or do deals on the PBS. How will the cheaper medicines work? The PBS is the government subsidy program that allows Australians to get a wide range of prescription medicines at more affordable prices. There are two main prices for PBS medicines. The general rate is what applies to most people and is what would be lowered from $31.60 to $25. The concessional rate applies to concession-card holders and is currently frozen at $7.70 until 2030. There are more than 900 medicines on the PBS schedule, spread across more than 5,000 brands. You can check if your medication is on the PBS here.
CBS News
3 hours ago
- CBS News
9 treated after possible hazmat incident in Southwest Baltimore, firefighters say
Nine people were treated after a possible hazmat incident in Southwest Baltimore, according to the fire department. Firefighters responded around 5 p.m. to the 2100 block of Wicomico Street, where nine people were in need of assistance. A spokesperson said four people were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
