How do GLP-1 medications work?

GLP-1 medications are also known as GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), which imitate the natural GLP-1 hormone, responsible for regulating our blood sugar levels, insulin, and hunger. GLP-1 RAs work by reducing the amount of glucose delivered into the bloodstream, encouraging more insulin production from your pancreas. They also act on the digestive system to delay gastric emptying, delaying the release of food from the stomach and modulating brain activity to suppress appetite.

GLP-1 medications should be used with a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity.

Do not use Wegovy® or Ozempic® with other GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines, or any other products containing Semaglutide.

Most common GLP-1 side effects

The most common side effects of Semaglutide (GLP-1) medications include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal (stomach) pain, headache, fatigue, dyspepsia (indigestion), dizziness, abdominal distension, eructation (belching), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in patients with type 2 diabetes, flatulence (gas buildup), gastroenteritis (an intestinal infection), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (a type of digestive disorder).

The above is only a summary. For a full list of possible side effects, and other important safety information, please reference the Mayo Clinic’s list of Semaglutide side effects.

Other important safety information

Wegovy® is FDA approved to treat weight loss in adults with a BMI of 30 or greater. It’s also approved for those with a BMI of 27 or greater who have a weight-related medical condition.

Ozempic® is FDA approved to treat type 2 diabetes.

Approval for treatment is not guaranteed. Eligibility and approval are always at the discretion of the prescriber, who will determine eligibility based on an assessment of your complete health profile.

Do not use Wegovy® or Ozempic® if you are allergic to Semaglutide or any of its ingredients.

Do not use Zepbound® if you are allergic to Tirzepatide.

Though rare, allergic reactions to Liraglutide are still possible. If you notice any shortness of breath or swelling around your face, tongue, or throat after using Compounded Liraglutide, stop use and contact emergency services right away. Mild allergic reactions around the injection site are normal and not cause for emergency.

Do not use Wegovy®, Ozempic®, Zepbound®, or Compounded Liraglutide if you are currently pregnant, breastfeeding, or plan to become pregnant or breastfeed.

Do not use Wegovy®, Ozempic®, or Compounded Liraglutide if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), or if you have an endocrine system condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

Zepbound® should not be used by anyone who has a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome 2 (MEN2), or pancreatitis.

Tirzepatide may make oral contraceptives less effective. If you’re taking an oral contraceptive, ask your prescriber about potential alternatives before starting Tirzepatide, or switch to a non-oral contraceptive.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Semaglutide (GLP-1) medications may affect the way some medicines work, and some medicines may affect the way Semaglutide works. Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking other medicines to treat diabetes, including sulfonylureas or insulin.

Please visit Ozempic.com or Wegovy.com for a full list of important safety information for these medications.

Note: These products alone are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult a medical professional to determine whether or not GLP-1 medications could be appropriate for you.