How do semaglutide drugs work?
Wegovy and Ozempic mimic a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite, according to the FDA authorization.
Wegovy vs. Ozempic: Are they the same drug? What are they?
It’s correct that Wegovy and Ozempic are two names for the same drug: semaglutide. Ozempic is the name of the drug as prescribed for people with diabetes. The FDA approved Ozempic for people with diabetes in 2017 and approved Wegovy for people who have obesity or are overweight and have additional health problems in 2021.
How do Wegovy and Ozempic work?
The drugs decrease appetite and slow down emptying of the stomach so people feel less hungry and eat less. They can cause some unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects.
Who is eligible for Wegovy?
Under the FDA authorization, Wegovy is supposed to be used for people who are obese or overweight. Those who have a body mass index (or BMI) of 30 or greater are eligible along with those who have a BMI of 27 or greater who also have other health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol that make weight loss important.
Are children or teens eligible to take Wegovy?
Yes. The FDA has approved Wegovy for some children and teens ages 12 and older who are dealing with obesity.
Why are weight loss drugs a big deal?
In the U.S., about 70% of adults are obese or overweight, and many have serious health problems that put them at greater risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some types of cancer.
“Losing 5% to 10% of body weight through diet and exercise has been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease in adults,” Dr. John Sharretts of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research said when the FDA approved Wegovy.
What are the most common side effects of Wegovy?
Gastrointestinal problems are the most common side effects since Wegovy can slow down people’s digestive systems. During clinical trials, some participants experienced nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, indigestion, dizziness, bloating and gas.
Who is eligible for Ozempic?
FDA officials approved Ozempic for people with Type 2 diabetes.
How should I use this medication?
This medication is for injection under the skin of your upper leg (thigh), stomach area, or upper arm. It is given once every week (every 7 days). You will be taught how to prepare and give this medication. Use exactly as directed. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.
If you use this medication with insulin, you should inject this medication and the insulin separately. Do not mix them together. Do not give the injections right next to each other. Change (rotate) injection sites with each injection.
It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can within 5 days after the missed dose. Then take your next dose at your regular weekly time. If it has been longer than 5 days after the missed dose, do not take the missed dose. Take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take double or extra doses. If you have questions about a missed dose, contact your care team for advice.
How is the medication stored?
Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. After first use, store this medication in the refrigerator or at room temperature away from heat and light. Discard 8 weeks after first use. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
What is the cost of the program?
Once we determine that you are a suitable candidate for the medication, we will issue the prescription to be fulfilled by your pharmacy. If the prescription can’t be fulfilled because it is not covered by your insurance, then we can offer the program to include the prescription and the weight loss monitoring for $325 per month and the program would last for 3 months. The cost to continue the program beyond the third month would be based on how much higher the dosage would be above the third month and will be provided at the time of your monthly visit.