The GLP-1 effect goes beyond weight loss
The rapid growth of GLP-1 medications, including Wegovy and Zepbound, is creating another market inside U.S. pharmacies: products aimed at consumers dealing with side effects associated with the treatments.
Haleon, the company behind brands including Advil, TUMS and Biotène, has been working with CVS to position certain products in areas targeting consumers who use GLP-1 medications.
A new category inside pharmacies
Medications in this class can cause gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea and vomiting.
With millions of consumers using GLP-1 drugs, retailers and manufacturers have identified growing demand for over-the-counter products that may address some of those needs.
Strategy increased sales
According to Haleon, stores that adopted the strategy recorded an average 24% increase in sales of the products involved.
The company has also been discussing similar initiatives with Walmart and Target, although the results of those discussions have not been disclosed.
A new market growing around weight loss
Reuters reports that about 11% of Americans are using GLP-1 medications.
Their rapid growth is driving changes that extend beyond the pharmaceutical companies that manufacture the drugs, reaching pharmacies, consumer health companies and the broader U.S. retail industry.
Source: Reuters.
