Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It can also be used to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, like stroke and heart attack, in adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease.
Semaglutide is in a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. It works by increasing insulin production when blood sugar is high, decreasing glucagon production to reduce the liver’s glucose output, slowing digestion to help control blood sugar after meals, and increasing feelings of fullness so less food is consumed.
Some key points about semaglutide:
- Semaglutide is sold under the brand names Ozempic® and WegovyTM. Ozempic® is approved for type 2 diabetes and WegovyTM is approved for chronic weight management.
- It is an injectable prescription medication given once weekly.
- Common side effects can include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, indigestion, dizziness, and reactions at the injection site.
- More serious risks include inflammation of the pancreas, low blood sugar, kidney problems, vision changes, and gallbladder disease. Precautions need to be taken for those with thyroid tumors or a history of pancreatitis.
To get a prescription for semaglutide:
- Schedule an appointment with your doctor, endocrinologist, or bariatric doctor to discuss your health history and determine if semaglutide is appropriate for you. They will evaluate factors like:
- Type 2 diabetes diagnosis
- Body mass index (BMI)
- Current medications
- Other health conditions
- If found to be a candidate, your doctor can write you a prescription for Ozempic® or WegovyTM based on your intended treatment goal - diabetes management or weight loss.
- The prescription will then need to be filled at a retail or mail-order pharmacy specializing in chronic disease specialty medications.
- The medication often requires prior authorization from your health insurance provider before it can be covered or dispensed to you. Your doctor's office will need to submit documentation and provide reasons showing medical necessity.
Some key reasons you may not be eligible for semaglutide treatment include:
- Type 1 diabetes or prediabetes diagnosis
- Severe kidney disease
- History of thyroid cancer
- History of pancreatitis
- Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant
- Known allergy to semaglutide or its components
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
So in summary,
semaglutide must be prescribed by a doctor or healthcare provider. Treatment suitability will be determined based on the intended use, your medical history and health data. You can then get the prescription filled through a specialty pharmacy once approved by your insurance provider. Be sure to follow dosing instructions carefully and monitor for potential side effects. Let your provider know if any worrisome reactions occur when using semaglutide.