Clinical Quick Reference Monthly Newsletter / September & October 2023 / Wegovy®
Clinical Quick Reference Guides - Medication Review / Prescription Semaglutide
This review will introduce basics associated with semaglutide and its prescription use.
Wegovy ® is also known by the generic name semaglutide. This medication is offered as a 2.4 mg injectable prescription that may help adults and children aged ≥12 years with obesity (BMI ≥30 for adults, BMI ≥ 95th percentile for age and sex for children), or some adults with excess weight (BMI ≥27) (overweight) who have weight-related medical issues. It is commonly used with diet and exercise strategies to improve blood sugar in adult patients who have been diagnosed with T2D.
What Type of Medication is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a prescription drug that is similar to a hormone that occurs naturally in the human body. This hormone helps control blood sugar, digestion and insulin levels.
Semaglutide is part of the class of medications referred to as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists (incretin mimetics).
These type of drugs work by binding to GLP-1 receptors, thereby stimulating release of insulin from the pancreas.
Other GLP-1 agonists include:
Liraglutide
Lixisenatide
When Was Wegovy® (Semaglutide) Approved?
Wegovy® was approved for type 2 diabetes by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2021.
Semaglutide Precautions
Be careful not to confuse Wegovy®, or semglutide, with insulin.
Semaglutide works to help the pancreas release insulin. The medication also helps to prevent the patient’s liver from making and releasing sugar. Semaglutide slows movement of food through the stomach, an effect which may aid in weight loss.
Potential Side Effects
Providers should be aware that as with any other medication, benefits associated with semaglutide come with risks and the potential for side effects. Healthcare professionals need to provide patients with appropriate education regarding the benefits and risks.
In rare cases these medications have been associated with serious side effects.
Adverse effects that may be associated with use include:
allergic reactions
diabetic retinopathy
gallstones
hypoglycemia
increased heart rate
increased risk of thyroid cancer
kidney issues
pancreatitis
depression or thoughts of suicide
Pay attention to any mental changes, especially sudden changes in mood, thoughts, or feelings.
Contact healthcare provider right away
While most patients will only experience minimal side effects (health teach patients about the gastrointestinal effects of semaglutide: abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and nausea); it is crucial that healthcare providers discuss and review the potential for more serious effects.
Note:
Risk for possible thyroid tumors, including cancer.
The patient should speak with their provider if they get a lump or swelling in their neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and/or shortness of breath. These could be symptoms of thyroid cancer.
In studies with rodents, Wegovy® and other medicines that work similarly to Wegovy® caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. The company that manufactures, advertises, and distributes this drug reports that is not known if Wegovy® will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
But, packaging information for Wegovy indicates that Wegovy® should not be used in patients who have, or family that have ever had a type of thyroid cancer known as medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if they have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Medical Terminology
Incretins - group of metabolic hormones that stimulate a decrease in blood glucose levels
Insulin - a peptide hormone produced by beta cells of the pancreatic islets; regulates metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and protein by promoting the absorption of glucose from the blood into liver, fat and skeletal muscle cell
GLP-1 - a 30- or 31-amino-acid-long peptide hormone
T2D - form of diabetes mellitus that is characterized by high blood sugar, insulin resistance, and relative lack of insulin
Anatomy & Physiology
Reference:
https://openi.nlm.nih.gov/detailedresult.phpimg=PMC4575308_13300_2015_127_Fig1_HTML&req=4
Disclaimer:
The above study guide is not intended to be used as medical advice. The above study guide represents study materials, always seek and follow the advice of your medical provider for any acute or chronic medical issues or questions.
Reference Source Material:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
NIH
Wegovy.com (October 2023)
https://www.wegovy.com/
Learn More With Our Study Guides!
Pledge Your Support For Clinical Quick Reference Monthly To Receive Journals and Study Guides Mailed Directly To Your Inbox!
Get your free copy here: