o understand how GLP-1 agonists work, it helps to understand how the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone works. GLP-1 is a hormone that your small intestine makes. It has several roles, including: Triggering insulin release from your pancreas: Insulin is an essential hormone that allows your body to use the food you eat for energy. It […]
Healthcare providers prescribe GLP-1 agonists for two conditions: Type 2 diabetes and Weight Loss.
The FDA currently approves the use of semaglutide and high-dose liraglutide to help treat obesity. This is because these GLP-1 agonists have weight loss effects. Obesity is a chronic condition in which you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Healthcare providers may also prescribe semaglutide or high-dose liraglutide for people who
Your healthcare provider will tell you when and how often to take your medication (usually injections). Be sure to follow their instructions. But, in general, the frequencies of the injections are: Dulaglutide: Once a week. Exenatide: Twice a day. Exenatide extended-release: Once a week. Liraglutide: Once a day. Lixisenatide: Once a day. Semaglutide: Once a
Other than lowering blood sugar levels and reducing weight, studies show that GLP-1 agonists may have other potential benefits, like: Lowering blood pressure. Improving lipid disorders. Improving fatty liver disease. Reducing your risk of heart disease and kidney disease. Delaying the progression of diabetes-related nephropathy.
What are the potential benefits of GLP-1 agonists? Read More »
The most common side effects of GLP-1 agonists include: Loss of appetite. Nausea. Vomiting. Diarrhea. These side effects are more likely to happen when you start the medication or if you’re taking an increased dose. Other side effects can include: Dizziness. Mild tachycardia (increased heart rate). Infections. Headaches. Indigestion (upset stomach). You may also have
GLP-1 agonists are generally safe. But there are a few risks to consider, including: Allergic reactions. Use during pregnancy. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Pharmacy near me RX medication delivery
What are the risks or complications of GLP-1 agonists? Read More »
There’s a low risk of mild low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) episodes if you take a GLP-1 agonist. It can become a serious risk if you take GLP-1s with other medications that lower blood sugar, like sulfonylureas or insulin. Hypoglycemia is blood sugar that’s lower than 70 mg/dL. Without proper treatment, severe hypoglycemia can be life-threatening.
GLP-1 agonists aren’t safe to take during pregnancy. Animal studies show that these medications cause developmental abnormalities in the fetus. If you’re able to become pregnant, you should use effective and reliable birth control while taking a GLP-1 agonist. If you become pregnant while taking the medication, see your healthcare provider immediately.
Medications are often used off label when they are found to have properties or effects that could potentially benefit a disease state or condition they were not originally intended for. Up to one-third of all prescriptions for common medications in the United States are used off label.1 Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are a
Five Unexpected New Uses for GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Read More »
