26 Mar
26Mar

I am by no means an expert, and offer a disclaimer as I am a retired Nurse Practitioner as of this year. Any information that I offer should be taken to your Health Care Provider, HCP, for further questions. 

This drug has lit the world on fire. And, as it sparked a fire in the pharmaceutical companies, there are even more comparative drugs coming out, ie Monjour. 

I personally see these drugs as a possibilities for people with Type II Diabetes, obesity, etc to regain control of their lives. This excites me beyond compare. 

What is it? What are the benefits, risks, cost, side effects, etc and is it for YOU? 

Ozempic/Wegovy are in the class of Semaglutide type drugs. They communicate directly with the brains appetite control center, the hypothalamus, to decrease ones' appetite and promote a full sensation. 

The history of these drugs is fairly recent. Ozempic was first marketed in 2017 for Type II Diabetes. The actual role of Ozempic for weight loss was approved and marketed under the name Wegovy in 2021 and for heart attack prevention this year. 

Both of these drugs are injectables once a week. Wegovy offers a higher dose, 2.4 mgm than its' sister drug, a max of 2.0 mgm. 

How do they work? These drugs slow digestion and decrease ones' hunger via the hypothalamus. I have seen a few people on Wegovy and they definitely noticed a difference in hunger and cravings immediately. They were so pleased. 

I won't spend much time on diabetes except to mention that there can be a 3 point decrease in the HgbA1-c which is sizable and is a lab test measured every 90 days. The lower the number, the more control over your diabetes thus the complications. 

The benefits are obvious, a chance to regain control over your health, mental and physical. 

There are side effects and risks such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, bloating, etc. There are more serious risks, gallbladder issues, pancreatitis, stomach paralysis, blocked colon and more. These risks need to be thoroughly discussed with your HCP. 

The cost is $270-$400 per week without insurance. If you are considering, call your insurance company re: coverage before you approach your HCP. Make a list of questions for he/she when you make the appointment. 

The big question is does it work? It can yield a weight loss of 8 per cent in 3 months, more at the year. 

The other part of the equation? Exercise, water, and redesigning your eating patterns toward a maintenance plan. Old habits must be changed. 

I hope this helps in any decision making or just informs you if you had questions. 

Be good to yourself. Be your best.,

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