Key facts
- Haleon is increasing sales of products that counter side effects of weight-loss drugs in the U.S.
- GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound can cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and stomach cramps.
- Haleon products include Advil, Tums, and Biotène.
- Haleon's strategy of dual placement in core aisles and GLP-1 destination sets delivered an average 24% sales lift per store in the first quarter.
- About 11% of Americans are on GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, according to Gallup.
- CVS Pharmacy has expanded its product assortment to help manage side effects.
Consumer health company Haleon has seen growing sales of products designed to alleviate side effects associated with popular weight-loss drugs in the United States. The company is capitalizing on the rising popularity of GLP-1 medications, such as Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Zepbound and Foundayo, which help users lose weight by mimicking a hormone that promotes fullness.
These GLP-1 drugs can lead to side effects including nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and stomach cramps. Haleon, known for products like Advil pain relief, Tums indigestion tablets, and Biotène oral-care gels, is strategically placing these items in dedicated sections for GLP-1 drug users, as well as in regular store aisles. This dual placement strategy has resulted in an average 24% sales lift per store in the first quarter of the year, according to a Haleon spokesperson.
Haleon stated it holds the majority of GLP-1 shelf space at CVS, and that items on dedicated GLP-1 shelves are outperforming those in stores without such curated sections. Gallup reported that approximately 11% of Americans are currently using GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. CVS Pharmacy confirmed it has expanded its product offerings to assist customers in managing the side effects of these medications. Haleon has also engaged in discussions with retail giants Walmart and Target regarding its in-store strategy for GLP-1 related products.