In this blog, we discuss the role of the family physician in prescribing Saxenda and why a physical consultation with a physician is mandatory.
Do I need a doctor’s referral for Saxenda?
All registered physicians in the Netherlands may prescribe Saxenda, so a client does not necessarily need to see a general practitioner for a Saxenda prescription. However, it is advisable to go to a specialist clinic if you plan to use Saxenda so that you get optimal support along the way.
Choose a specialist clinic with Saxenda guidance
The Saxenda drug is particularly effective when combined with a lifestyle change, for which the help of a specialized doctor and a Saxenda nutrition coach is important. It is therefore advisable to go to a clinic that has knowledge and experience with the Saxenda medication and can offer guidance during the course.
Is Saxenda reimbursed through the general practitioner?
Whether Saxenda Medicine is reimbursed has nothing to do with the type of doctor, but with the conditions of the Dutch government and health insurance companies. You are eligible for reimbursed care when you meet the following conditions:
- A BMI of 35 or higher combined with cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea or osteoarthritis or a BMI greater than 40. BMI stands for body mass index. It is a measure used to determine whether a person is a healthy weight, overweight or underweight.
- Been participating in the combined lifestyle intervention (GLI) for at least one year.
- Do not have diabetes mellitus (diabetes) type 2.
- Not (yet) eligible for surgeries such as gastric bypasses.
Learn more about reimbursement from Saxenda.
Saxenda can also be prescribed unreimbursed
The above conditions apply only to reimbursed care. However, Saxenda can also be prescribed by a physician without reimbursement. With a BMI above 27 accompanied by at least one weight-related condition, a physician may already prescribe Saxenda.
My GP does not want to prescribe Saxenda
In practice, we see that general practitioners tend to follow the reimbursement requirements of the health insurance company, as described above; even if the client indicates a willingness to pay for the drug themselves.
The reason is often that prescribing Saxenda (liraglutide) is not standard family medicine. When using Saxenda, support from a physician and nutrition coach is important; a general practice often cannot provide this support. Therefore, general practitioners often prescribe the drug only at a BMI of 35 or higher with the other requirements.
Never buy Saxenda online
There are also many providers who sell Saxenda online. However, our urgent advice is not to go into this. Saxenda is a prescription drug, which is only issued if you have had a physical consultation with a doctor. These restrictions around medication have a reason. If you buy Saxenda online you have no idea of the authenticity of the drug and no doctor has been there to assess your health risks. In doing so, you are taking a life-threatening risk. Therefore, always see a doctor for a consultation. This can be with your family doctor, The Body Clinic or another specialist, as long as you physically consult a real doctor.
