What our those medications?

This medication has been developed to assist individuals in their weight loss journey. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GLP1/GIP (Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide) dual agonist, which have shown promising results in helping people achieve and maintain a healthier weight.

Mechanism of Action:

This medication works by mimicking the action of a naturally occurring hormone in the body called GLP-1. This hormone helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. When it is administered, it stimulates the release of one hormone, reduces the production of other hormones, and slows down the emptying of the stomach. These actions collectively contribute to weight loss by promoting a feeling of fullness, reducing food intake, and improving glucose receptor sensitivity.

GLP-1 and dual agonist weight loss treatments result in significant body weight reduction, with GLP-1 mono-agonists showing average losses of up to 15% at 68 weeks and with GLP-1/GIP dual agonists demonstrating even greater effects up to 22.5% at 72 weeks according to current studies.

Brief History and Development

The development of this medication for weight loss reflects the ongoing efforts in medical research to find effective and safe solutions to address the global challenge of obesity. It has undergone rigorous testing to ensure its safety and efficacy, resulting in its approval for weight management by healthcare regulatory authorities.

Common side effects

• Gastrointestinal issues: The most frequent side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain. They are often most pronounced when starting the medication or increasing the dosage. Management strategies include eating smaller, more frequent meals; staying well-hydrated; avoiding fatty, fried, or spicy foods; and taking bland foods during flare-ups.

• Reduced appetite and muscle loss: The intended effect of GLP-1s is to reduce appetite and promote a feeling of fullness, which can lead to significant weight loss. However, without proper nutritional intake and exercise, this weight loss can include a considerable amount of lean muscle mass.

• Injection site reactions: Mild and temporary reactions like redness, itching, or swelling can occur at the injection site. These can be managed by rotating injection sites and applying a cool compress.

• Other common effects: Some users experience headaches, fatigue, dizziness, or a temporary increase in resting heart rate. 

Serious side effects and precautions

• Thyroid C-cell tumors: Many GLP-1 medications carry a boxed warning from the FDA for a potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors based on animal studies. People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or those with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2) should not use these drugs. The risk in humans is still under investigation, and some recent studies have found no significant link.

• Pancreatitis: GLP-1s have been linked to a rare risk of acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Patients with a history of pancreatitis should be closely monitored or may need to avoid these medications. Severe, persistent abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, with or without vomiting, is a sign of pancreatitis and requires immediate medical attention.

• Gallbladder disease: GLP-1s are associated with an increased risk of gallstones or an inflamed gallbladder, which is more likely with rapid weight loss. Severe upper-right abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) can be symptoms.

• Kidney injury: Severe gastrointestinal side effects like persistent vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration and, in rare cases, acute kidney injury. Patients should stay well-hydrated and seek medical help for severe digestive issues.

• Gastroparesis (stomach paralysis): By design, GLP-1s slow stomach emptying, but in some cases, this can become a serious condition called gastroparesis. This can cause persistent nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of fullness.

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): The risk of low blood sugar is low with GLP-1s alone, but it increases significantly when they are combined with other diabetes medications like insulin or sulfonylureas.

• Allergic reactions: Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, can occur, though they are rare. Signs include swelling of the face, lips, or throat; hives; or difficulty breathing.

• Increased risk during anesthesia: Because GLP-1s slow digestion, there is an increased risk of pulmonary aspiration during surgery or deep sedation. Patients should inform their doctor and may need to stop the medication for a period before a procedure involving general anesthesia. 

Who should not take GLP-1s?

You should not take GLP-1 medications if you have:

• A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).

• A diagnosis of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2).

• A serious allergic reaction to a GLP-1 agonist or any of its ingredients.

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding.