Emcure launches Poviztra; know the price list of top weight loss drugs in India
Poviztra is a weekly injectable pen and can be taken in multiple doses to support gradual dose escalation. It is said to be a more accessible option compared to other branded versions of the same therapy.
New Delhi: They say that in a world with an ocean of weight loss drugs as options, there is no excuse for being obese anymore. Amid this, Emcure Pharmaceuticals launched Poviztra, a semaglutide-based weight loss drug. This product is priced at Rs 2,200 per dose per week, marking India's entry into this expanding market. It has been introduced in partnership with Novo Nordisk. Poviztra is a weekly injectable pen and can be taken in multiple doses to support gradual dose escalation. It is said to be a more accessible option compared to other branded versions of the same therapy. The drug can also be helpful for the management of type 2 diabetes and the obesity crisis in India. But this weight loss drug has several other siblings in the market priced higher or lower. Read on to know what other options exist in the market.
- Ozempic: At around Rs 8,800 per month, or roughly Rs 2,200 per week, Ozempic is priced lower in India than global blockbusters like Mounjaro or Wegovy. Yet for a country carrying one of the world’s heaviest burdens of type 2 diabetes, even this cost can feel out of reach for long-term use. Diabetes is not a short-course illness — it requires sustained treatment. That reality has pushed both doctors and patients to look closely at other clinically approved options that are easier on the pocket while still being effective.
- Trulicity (weekly injectable): Trulicity is another GLP-1 medication commonly prescribed for blood sugar control and weight management in people with type 2 diabetes. A weekly drug, its monthly cost depends on the dosage and pharmacy pricing. The drug is priced at Rs 2200 per week, for 0.75mg.
- Rybelsus (oral semaglutide): Rybelsus uses the same active ingredient as Ozempic but comes as a tablet, making it appealing to those uncomfortable with injections. This drug is prescribed for treating type-2 diabetes, and it is comparatively easier to get at online pharmacies and retail stores. It is tablet-based - 10 tablets, 3mg each is priced at anything between Rs 2567 and Rs 2853. This is a prescription-only medication.
- Victoza: This medication primarily benefits individuals with diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels and stimulating insulin release. It prevents glucose spikes after meals and is administered through a pre-filled pen. A 3 ml pen (6 mg/ml, total 18 mg) generally costs between Rs 3,726 and Rs 5,500.
- Byetta and Bydureon BCise: These are older GLP-1 options. Byetta is taken twice daily and is among the more affordable injections, while Bydureon BCise is a weekly, import-only product and far more expensive. Byetta is priced at around Rs 2,222 per month, and Bydureon BCise is priced at Rs 32,000 to Rs 80,000 per month.
- Orlistat: A non-systemic drug that blocks fat absorption. It is cheaper but can cause digestive side effects if dietary fat intake is high. Monthly costs usually range from Rs 945 to Rs 3,780.
- Bupropion–Naltrexone (Contrave): An oral combination drug, it works by curbing cravings and controlling appetite. The estimated price for this is Rs 35 to Rs 90 per tablet; the monthly expense can range from Rs 3,920 to Rs 10,080.
- Saxenda: Approved for clinical obesity, Saxenda is a daily injectable that works alongside the body’s insulin response. One pen can cost anywhere between Rs 2,000 and Rs 12,000, depending on source and authenticity.
Conclusively, it is advised to consult with a doctor before opting for weight loss drugs, any kind, as these can sometimes do more harm than good if used mindlessly.