The National Authority of Medicines and Health Products (Infarmed) says the figure is a new record for the Portuguese market, with pharmacies generating about €132 million between January and June from these medicines alone.

These figures are particularly striking when compared with 2025, when almost 600,000 packs were sold throughout the entire year.

Therefore, Portugal has already approached last year’s total in just six months.

This surge was largely driven by newer injectable treatments, such as tirzepatide, marketed under the name Mounjaro, which accounts for about three-quarters of obesity medicines sold, with each pack costing around €283.

Ozempic excluded

Despite its popularity as a weight-loss treatment, Infarmed does not include Ozempic in its obesity medication sales statistics.

The distinction comes down to its approved medical indication, as Ozempic contains semaglutide, which is authorised to treat type 2 diabetes rather than obesity, so sales under this indication are not included in the figures for medicines specifically approved to treat obesity.

However, semaglutide is also available under the brand name Wegovy, which is authorised for weight management.

This distinction matters when interpreting the figures, as the reported total does not represent every medicine a patient may use to help manage their weight.

Prescription eligibility

The rapid increase in sales has also brought greater attention to how these medicines are prescribed and dispensed.

According to Expresso, the Order of Physicians does not believe inappropriate prescribing is a widespread problem, citing relatively few cases of unsuitable prescriptions, although it has acknowledged that existing mechanisms to prevent misuse could be improved.

Meanwhile, Infarmed has increased inspections of pharmacies handling these treatments.

Since January 2025, 92 pharmacies have been inspected, with approximately half facing administrative offence proceedings, and most cases reportedly involved supplying quantities exceeding permitted limits.

These developments come as demand for injectable weight-management treatments continues to grow, with Mounjaro and Wegovy becoming increasingly prominent in Portugal’s pharmaceutical market.

Reimbursement introduction

In October, the Government approved a new reimbursement scheme under which the State will cover 15 percent of the cost of eligible obesity medicines for certain patients.

The measure was established through Portaria No. 464/2026/1, published in the Diário da República on 22 October, which is expected to take effect in February 2027.

However, the reimbursement will not automatically apply to everyone with obesity.

To qualify, patients must be registered with the National Health Service (SNS), enrolled in the Integrated Care Pathway for People with Obesity (PCIPO), and receive hospital-based care through a multidisciplinary obesity team within their local health unit (ULS).

Prescriptions will be restricted to specialists in endocrinology, internal medicine or paediatrics who are part of the relevant hospital team.

The treatment programme must also include nutritional guidance, an organised physical activity plan and psychological support.

Reimbursement will initially be available for 12 months, with continued prescriptions dependent on regular assessments of the patient’s progress.

Accessible treatment

The proposed 15 percent contribution has drawn criticism from patient representatives, who argue it will do little to address the financial barriers many people face.

As reported by ECO, obesity medication can cost several hundred euros per month, leaving patients responsible for most of the expense even once the new reimbursement arrangements take effect.

The Association of Obese and Formerly Obese Patients of Portugal (Adexo) has questioned whether the support will be sufficient to make treatment accessible, particularly for people who cannot afford the remaining cost.

Family doctors have also raised concerns about the eligibility requirements, warning that restricting prescriptions to hospital specialists could create additional pressure on already busy hospital services.


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