Let’s Talk GLP-1 Receptor Agonists like Ozempic - What is All the Hype About?
Consumer demand for new diabetes injectables, such as Ozempic, has reached all-time highs.
The increased visibility of this medication on social media, direct-to-consumer advertising, and the results individuals are getting have led to a surge of patients seeking prescriptions, inundating medical offices with numerous requests.
The outlook for this medication appears promising for some as it contributes to normalizing diabetic glucose levels and fostering substantial weight loss.
Patients who will benefit from this type of treatment:
Have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 27 and at least one weight-related health condition such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, or cardiovascular disease.
Have a BMI greater than 30 (obesity).
How does this class of medication work?
Mimics the action of the natural hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in the body that helps regulate glucose levels or sugars in the bloodstream.
Slows down the emptying of the stomach contents after eating.
Affects areas of your brain that process hunger and fullness, making you feel full after eating.
What are some of the side effects of treatment?
Injection site reactions.
Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and, in some cases, gastrointestinal side effects can cause dehydration and send some to seek emergency care. Stop the medication and consult your healthcare provider if these side effects continue.
Safety tips:
Start at the lowest dose and let your body adjust to the medication as prescribed.
Rotate the injection sites on your body.
Do not abuse the medication by using your friend’s prescription or getting it from an unreliable source.
Here are my practice pearls when prescribing these drugs:
There are no shortcuts to weight loss. Patients who use the injectables lose weight with better control of their sugars by eating healthier and exercising along with taking this medication.
If undergoing anesthesia, these drugs must be held. New information indicates that there is a potential risk of regurgitation and pulmonary aspiration of stomach contents due to delayed gastric emptying.
There is an intolerance to this medication due to severe side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Being at risk for dehydration and hospitalization, the drug must be stopped.
There is a GLP-1 receptor agonist in an oral pill form that treats diabetes available if you have an aversion to injectables.
The high demand for injectables has led to overwhelming demand, causing backorders and shortages. This has led to some individuals who require ongoing prescriptions struggling to find it in their local pharmacies, subsequently experiencing weight regain.
Cost poses a significant challenge for some, and specific insurances requiring prior authorizations can hinder healthcare providers from completing or accurately filling out the necessary forms.
Ongoing studies are underway to investigate other adverse reactions and uses of GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic.
Consult your healthcare provider if you believe you are a candidate to take this medication.
As always, I encourage you to follow the American Heart Association’s Essential 8 guidelines, stay current on screening and immunizations, and get annual wellness exams.