Cost of weight loss drugs as Trump launches 'TrumpRx' selling 'world's cheapest medicine'
Donald Trump has launched his latest venture, a website offering various medications at what appear to be cut prices.
It's no secret that healthcare in the US is extremely expensive, with Americans who are unable to get treatments or medication through their insurance forced to fork out thousands or even tens of thousands for phoning an ambulance or giving birth – things which are, of course, free in the UK.
As concerns about the affordability of US healthcare rise, the US leader has now launched TrumpRx, which promises Americans heavy discounts on certain medications.
Confirming the move in an announcement last night, Trump said: "For years, politicians from both parties have promised to bring down prescription drug prices and make healthcare more affordable, but they all failed."
Advert
What is TrumpRx?
Don't worry, Trump hasn't decided to set up an online pharmacy on a whim, as the website instead acts as a signpost for Americans to access their medication at a discount from manufacturers' direct-to-consumer sites.
Part of what the president is calling the 'most transformative health care initiative', the venture is part of Trump's Most Favored Nation policies, which aim to make sure US citizens aren't paying more than other countries for their medication.
Customers cannot use their insurance to make purchases through the website, as the FAQ section for TrumpRx notes that only cash purchases can be made at the moment.
What is available on TrumpRx – and how much does it cost?
The website is currently offering discounts on 43 different brand name drugs from five different pharmaceutical companies – with what appears to be a large focus on weight-loss and fertility treatments.
Among the offerings are Wegovy pills, which are being offered at $149 for a monthly prescription of the medication at its lowest strength, which is a major decrease from the original price of $1,349.02.
Meanwhile, the lowest dose of the injectable semaglutide pens Ozempic and Wegovy are available for $199 for the first two months, before going up to $349 per month.
Vials of Zepbound can also be purchased for as little as $299, a $788 discount from the original price.
Prices for fertility drug Gonal-f start at $168 for the lowest dose, down from the original price of $966.
Is TrumpRx really offering the cheapest options?
Trump may be touting the site as the most cost effective way Americans can get their drugs, however not everyone agrees.
"TrumpRx's offerings are very limited, fewer than 50 drugs listed," Rena Conti, an associate professor at the Boston University Questrom School of Business, explained to ABC News.
"This suggests it pays for consumers to check their insurance coverage and ask their regular doctor or pharmacist before they use this service."
Topics: Health, Donald Trump, Ozempic, US News
Brenna Cooper