Handler said she stopped using the drug
Dependence and Withdrawal: Long-term use leads to severe dependence and withdrawal symptoms, such as fatigue, irritability, and cravings, which complicate cessation efforts
Hartman ML, Sanyal AJ, Loomba R, Wilson JM, Nikooienejad A, Bray R, Karanikas CA, Duffin KL, Robins DA, Haupt A
On plans that kept the drug, Aetna's current policy (6947-C, P04-2025 revision) grants weight-loss authorization when all of the following hold: You have "participated in a comprehensive weight management program that encourages behavioral modification, reduced-calorie diet, AND increased physical activity with continuing follow-up for at least 6 months prior to using drug therapy." Your baseline BMI is 30 or higher or 27 or higher with at least one weight-related comorbid condition (the policy's examples: hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia)
Branded versions include Ozempic and Wegovy, manufactured by Novo Nordisk
Ferro EG, Michos ED, Bhatt DL, Lincoff AM, Elshazly MB