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Mysimba can be reimbursed from the basic package

The medicine Mysimba can be reimbursed for the treatment of overweight from the basic package. Research shows that the drug is effective in people with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher who are already participating in a combined lifestyle intervention (GLI). And for people with a BMI between 27 and 30 who participate in a GLI and who have one or more diseases associated with being overweight, such as cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes. The reimbursement only applies to these 2 groups, because the effect of the drug has been demonstrated in them. This is what the National Health Care Institute writes in an advice to the Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport.

Mysimba

Mysimba is used to reduce weight when people on a low-calorie diet and more exercise do not lose enough weight. Mysimba contains 2 substances that work on the brain. Bupropion decreases the activity of dopamine, which decreases appetite. Naltrexone reduces the need to eat.

Effective for people who follow GLI program

The manufacturer of Mysimba has requested compensation for 2 groups:

  • people with a BMI of 30 or more (obesity);
  • people with a BMI between 27 and 30 (overweight) and (risk of) one or more diseases associated with being overweight, namely cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea or osteoarthritis.

Mysimba is an addition to the GLI Programs Accredited by the RIVM. These programs should ensure a permanent change in behavior and a healthy lifestyle in the long term. In the assessment, the Zorginstituut compared the combination of a GLI and Mysimba with the combination of a GLI and a placebo (fake pill). The Zorginstituut’s conclusion is that the combination with Mysimba works better for people who are overweight or obese than the combination with a placebo. The scientific research provides evidence that with Mysimba 2 times as many people lose 5% or more, and almost 3 times as many people lose 10% or more. The research also shows that people who use Mysimba can suffer from side effects, such as nausea, constipation and dizziness. As a result, half of the people stop taking the drug during treatment.

Reimbursement subject to conditions

If the Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport adopts the Health Care Institute’s advice, Mysimba will be reimbursed from the basic package. But that only applies to overweight people who participate in a recognized GLI program and who are in 1 of the 2 recommended patient groups. And there is one more condition: people who have lost less than 5% of their original weight after 4 months of use should stop taking the drug.

Chairman of the Board Sjaak Wijma: “It is good news that people can be effectively supported with medicines in the fight against obesity. That is again more appropriate care. At the same time, it has been shown that Mysimba only works well in addition to a lifestyle intervention, ie in a limited group. Obesity continues to pose a threat to the health of our society.”

Assured of good care together

The National Health Care Institute is a government organization whose main task is to compile the basic package of health insurance. Our goal is that everyone in the Netherlands, rich and poor, young and old, healthy and sick, can receive good care. Now and in the future.

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