GLP-1, short for glucagon-like peptide-1, has gained a lot of attention both for the benefits of treating the condition it was designed for and all the advantages we’ve discovered about it since. Originally developed to help control type 2 diabetes, GLP-1s have since been used for weight control, and research into treating other issues is ongoing.
Semaglutides, commonly known by brand names like Wegovy and Ozempic, are a popular class of GLP-1 receptor agonists used by millions. While this medication certainly gets results, there are side effects and other concerns you’ll want to be aware of before your first treatment. Let’s find out more about semiglutides, how they’re taken, and the side effects you may have.
Dr. John Monroe and his dedicated staff at Healthy Life Family Care offer help with many medical problems, including managing your diabetes and supporting weight control.
This GLP-1 medication, originally approved in December of 2017 as Ozempic by Novo Nordisk, works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone we naturally produce, increasing the insulin our body produces to lower blood sugar and manage diabetes.
Along with its other properties, such as reducing appetite, delaying gastric emptying, and reducing the amount of natural glucagon you release, it’s also been found to be useful in treating other conditions. These include weight loss, cardiovascular health management, and treatment of chronic kidney disease.
You can take these GLP-1 agonists in self-injection form or as an oral tablet, depending on the specific type:
Can be injected in pre-filled pens (ranging from 0.25 to 2mg/ mL for Ozempic and 0.25 mg/0.5 mL to 2.4mg/ 0.75mL in Wegovy)
Available in 1.5mg to 25 mg for Wegovy and 3mg to 14 mg or 1.5 to 9 mg for Rybelsus, depending on the formulation.
Injections are taken at progressively higher doses over time, weekly as needed, starting at the lowest dose for each type. The tablets are taken daily, starting at the lowest dose and increasing as needed to achieve results. Over time, you take a maintenance dose to maintain results.
While effective for treating various issues, GLP-1 drugs have known side effects that can determine whether or not you use them long term. Mild symptoms, which may resolve within the first few weeks of use, include constipation, abdominal pain, dizziness, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, indigestion, nausea, and vomiting.
There are also less common serious side effects, like pancreatic inflammation (acute pancreatitis), gallstones, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), dehydration, acute kidney injury, diabetic retinopathy, an increase in heart rate, and suicidal ideation. Injecting the medication can also cause itching, irritation, and changes in skin color.
If a semaglutide is being recommended for you, it’s essential to know what to expect. For any questions or concerns about this treatment, or if you’re ready to give this a try, make an appointment with Dr. Monroe and the team at Healthy Life Family Medicine today.
