Oral Wegovy(semaglutide)You’ve heard all about the benefits of GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Zepbound, butmaybe you are nervous to use an injectable medication. Oral Wegovy might be an option!
Wegovy tablets contain semaglutide, the same medication as Wegovy injections. The tablets have been specially formulated to resist being broken down by stomach acid, to allow the medication to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Once absorbed, the medication works the same way as Wegovy injections. Semaglutide isa GLP-1 agonist, which means it acts on the same receptors as your body’s naturally produced GLP-1. GLP-1 stands for “glucagon-like peptide 1.” GLP-1 is a hormone produced in the gastrointestinal tract that slows digestion and helps you feel full. Many people also report that it quiets their “food chatter” or helps them worry less about what or when they will eat next. These medications are powerful tools to aid people trying to lose weight, when used appropriately and under the care of an experienced physician.
Adults: For weight loss and cardiovascular risk reduction, Wegovy tablets may be used in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, or patients with a BMI of 27 or more and at least one weight-related medical condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes. Pediatrics: Oral Wegovy is not currently approved for use in patients under 18 years of age.
In clinical studies, the benefits of oral Wegovy were similar to those demonstrated with the injectable form. In the clinical studies for oral Wegovy (semaglutide), patients lost an average of 14% of their body weight by 64 weeks, about 32 lbs. for the average patient.
Wegovy tablets also helped to improve other complications of obesity such as high cholesterol, elevated blood sugar (in patients with type 2 diabetes), and high blood pressure.
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal. These include nausea, vomiting, constipation, bloating, and heartburn. These side effects are generally manageable. Your doctor can guide you on how best to manage or minimize the side effects.About half of all people who try a GLP-1 medication stop it within 1 year, often due to side effects that could have been managed. Working closely with a physician to help you manage these side effects can maximize your chances of success. Side effects of these medications are often temporary; support and guidance during the initial period while your body gets used to the medication can allow you to continue long term. Serious side effects are rare but could include: gallstones that require surgery, pancreatitis, loss of vision which can be permanent, severe dehydration, and others. Your doctor will go over what to look out for if you choose to start Wegovy.
Wegovy tablets must be taken on an empty stomach first thing in the morning, and then you must wait at least 30 minutes before eating and drinking. Patients who find it difficult to follow these administration guidelines should not take oral Wegovy, because it will not work well if these directions are not followed.
GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy are intended to be a long-term treatment to help manage obesity, in combination with a low-calorie diet and regular physical activity. To maintain the benefits of the medication, long-term treatment is required. These medications are not appropriate for people who want a short-term solution or are just looking to lose a few pounds for an upcoming event.
People with a personal or family history of a specific type of thyroid cancer (medullary thyroid carcinoma) or an endocrine condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome 2 (MEN2) should not take Wegovy or other GLP-1 medications. In addition, these medications are generally not prescribed to people with a history of pancreatitis. No prescription weight loss medication should be used during pregnancy, or in people actively trying to become pregnant.
Consultation with a physician is essential before starting a GLP-1 medication to help ensure the medication can be used safely.