[Prescribing semaglutide for overweight: is it allowed?]

Semaglutide is registered in the Netherlands as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. If semaglutide is prescribed off-label as slimming agent, in principle, patient's costs are not reimbursed by health insurers. With the entry of the Geneesmiddelenwet (Gnw), regulations were provided for off-label prescription of medication. Based on article 68, paragraph 1 Gnw, off-label prescribing is allowed when protocols or standards have been developed. So far, this has not been the case in the Netherlands regarding semaglutide. When protocols and standards are under development, consultation must take place between doctor and pharmacist. The term "protocols or standards under development" is open to multiple interpretations, as shown by case law. Regardless of the chosen interpretation, the scientific evidence for semaglutide as slimming agent seems insufficient. In conclusion does off-label prescribing of semaglutide as slimming agent not meet the requirements of article 68, paragraph 1 Gnw and is therefore not permitted.