INCRETINS ANALOGS
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs)
GLP-1 RAs are a class of FDA-approved prescription medications that are used to help people lose weight. They work by mimicking the effects of a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 helps to regulate appetite, slow down stomach emptying, and increase insulin production.
GLP-1 RAs have been shown to be very effective for weight loss. In clinical trials, people who took GLP-1 RAs lost an average of 15% of their body weight over the course of a year. This is significantly more weight loss than is typically seen with other weight loss medications or lifestyle changes alone.
In addition to weight loss, GLP-1 RAs have also been shown to improve a number of other health conditions, including:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Cancer
GLP-1 RAs are generally safe and well-tolerated. However, they can cause some side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own.
If you are considering taking GLP-1 RAs, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits. GLP-1 RAs may not be right for everyone, but they can be a very effective way to lose weight and improve your health.
How GLP-1 RAs Work?
GLP-1 RAs work by binding to GLP-1 receptors on cells in the brain, stomach, pancreas, and liver. When GLP-1 RAs bind to these receptors, they send signals that:
- Reduce appetite
- Slow down stomach emptying
- Increase insulin production
- Decrease glucagon production
These effects lead to weight loss in a number of ways. First, reduced appetite means that you eat less food. Second, slowed stomach emptying makes you feel full for longer after eating. Third, increased insulin production helps your body use glucose for energy, which can help you burn more calories. Fourth, decreased glucagon production helps to prevent your liver from releasing stored glucose into the bloodstream, which can also help you lose weight.
Who Can Take GLP-1 RAs?
GLP-1 RAs are generally safe for most people to take. However, they are not recommended for people with certain medical conditions, such as:
- Pancreatic cancer
- Medullary thyroid cancer
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2)
- Severe gastroparesis
- Active inflammatory bowel disease
If you have any of these conditions, talk to your doctor about whether GLP-1 RAs are right for you.
What Are the Side Effects of GLP-1 RAs?
The most common side effects of GLP-1 RAs are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain
- Indigestion
- Gas
These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. If you experience any side effects that are bothersome or do not go away, talk to your doctor.
Which ones are available?
There are several GLP-1 agonists available. Some of the most common GLP-1 agonists include:
- Dulaglutide (brand name Trulicity®)
- Exenatide (brand name Bydureon® and Byetta®)
- Liraglutide (brand name Victoza® and Saxenda®)
- Semaglutide (brand name Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Rybelsus®)
- Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®)
What Are the Costs of GLP-1 RAs?
The cost of GLP-1 RAs varies depending on the medication, the dosage, and your insurance coverage. In general, GLP-1 RAs are expensive. However, there are a number of programs available to help people afford these medications.
If you are interested in taking GLP-1 RAs, talk to your doctor about the costs involved. There are a number of resources available to help you get the medication you need, even if you have limited financial resources.
Phentermine
Phentermine is a prescription medication that is used to help people lose weight. It is a stimulant that works by increasing the release of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in regulating appetite and mood. Phentermine can help people lose weight by making them feel less hungry and more energetic.
Phentermine is generally safe for most people to take, but it can cause some side effects, such as:
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
- Increased heart rate
- High blood pressure
Phentermine can also interact with other medications, so it is important to talk to your doctor before taking it.
Phentermine is an effective medication for weight loss, but it is important to use it as part of a comprehensive weight loss program that includes diet, exercise, and behavior modification.
Here are some additional details about phentermine:
- It is a Schedule IV controlled substance, which means that it has a potential for abuse.
- It is not recommended for people with heart disease, high blood pressure, or other medical conditions.
- It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when taking phentermine.
If you are considering taking phentermine, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits. Phentermine may not be right for everyone, but it can be a very effective way to lose weight and improve your health.
Diethylpropion
Diethylpropion is a prescription medication that is used to help people lose weight. It is a stimulant that works by increasing the release of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in regulating appetite and mood. Diethylpropion can help people lose weight by making them feel less hungry and more energetic.
Diethylpropion is generally safe for most people to take, but it can cause some side effects, such as:
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
- Increased heart rate
- High blood pressure
Diethylpropion can also interact with other medications, so it is important to talk to your doctor before taking it.
Diethylpropion is an effective medication for weight loss, but it is important to use it as part of a comprehensive weight loss program that includes diet, exercise, and behavior modification.
Here are some additional details about diethylpropion:
- It is a Schedule IV controlled substance, which means that it has a potential for abuse.
- It is not recommended for people with heart disease, high blood pressure, or other medical conditions.
- It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when taking diethylpropion.
If you are considering taking diethylpropion, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits. Diethylpropion may not be right for everyone, but it can be a very effective way to lose weight and improve your health.
Here are some additional details about diethylpropion that may be helpful to you:
- Diethylpropion is a short-acting stimulant, which means that it only works for a few hours.
- Diethylpropion can cause a number of side effects, some of which can be serious.
- Diethylpropion is not recommended for everyone, and it is important to talk to your doctor before taking it.
If you are considering taking diethylpropion, I encourage you to do your research and talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.
Orlistat
Orlistat is a medication used to help people lose weight. It works by blocking the absorption of fat from the diet. This undigested fat is then excreted in the stool. Orlistat is most effective when used in conjunction with a low-fat, low-calorie diet and exercise program. It can help people lose weight and keep it off. Orlistat is generally safe for most people, but it can cause some side effects, such as oily spotting, gas, and diarrhea. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. If you are considering taking orlistat, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.
Here are some additional information about orlistat:
- Orlistat is available as a prescription medication and a non-prescription medication.
- Orlistat is taken three times a day with each main meal that contains fat.
- Orlistat should not be taken if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a history of gallstones.
- Orlistat can interact with some other medications, so it is important to talk to your doctor about all of the medications you are taking before taking orlistat.
If you are considering taking orlistat, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits. Orlistat can be a helpful tool for weight loss, but it is not a magic bullet. It is important to combine orlistat with a healthy diet and exercise program in order to achieve the best results.
Qsymia
Qsymia is a prescription medication used to help people who are obese or overweight lose weight and keep it off. It is a combination of two drugs: phentermine and topiramate. Phentermine is a stimulant that helps to suppress appetite, while topiramate is an anticonvulsant that helps to reduce food cravings. Qsymia is most effective when used in conjunction with a low-calorie, low-fat diet and exercise program.
Here are some additional information about Qsymia:
- Qsymia is taken once a day.
- Qsymia should not be taken if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a history of seizures.
- Qsymia can interact with some other medications, so it is important to talk to your doctor about all of the medications you are taking before taking Qsymia.
If you are considering taking Qsymia, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits. Qsymia can be a helpful tool for weight loss, but it is not a magic bullet. It is important to combine Qsymia with a healthy diet and exercise program in order to achieve the best results.
Here are some of the possible side effects of Qsymia:
- Dry mouth
- Increased heart rate
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
- Tingling in the hands or feet
- Decreased sex drive
- Hair loss
If you experience any of these side effects, talk to your doctor.
Contrave
Contrave is a prescription medication used to help people who are obese or overweight lose weight and keep it off. It is a combination of two drugs: naltrexone and bupropion. Naltrexone is a drug that blocks the effects of opioids, while bupropion is an antidepressant that helps to suppress appetite. Contrave is most effective when used in conjunction with a low-calorie, low-fat diet and exercise program.
Here are some additional information about Contrave:
- Contrave is taken twice a day, up to four (4) tablets daily).
- Contrave should not be taken if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a history of seizures, heart disease, or stroke.
- Contrave can interact with some other medications, so it is important to talk to your doctor about all of the medications you are taking before taking Contrave.
If you are considering taking Contrave, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits. Contrave can be a helpful tool for weight loss, but it is not a magic bullet. It is important to combine Contrave with a healthy diet and exercise program in order to achieve the best results.
Here are some of the possible side effects of Contrave:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth
- Increased heart rate
- Blurred vision
- Tingling in the hands or feet
- Decreased sex drive
- Hair loss
If you experience any of these side effects, talk to your doctor.
Plenity
Plenity is a prescription weight loss device that is approved by the FDA for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 40 kg/m². It is a capsule that contains small particles of a hydrogel that absorbs water in the stomach and small intestine. This expansion of the hydrogel in the stomach helps to signal satiety, or the feeling of fullness, which can help people to eat less. Plenity is taken with water 20 minutes before meals.
Here are some additional information about Plenity:
- Plenity is taken twice a day with meals.
- Plenity should not be taken if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a history of bowel obstructions.
If you are considering taking Plenity, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits. Plenity can be a helpful tool for weight loss, but it is not a magic bullet. It is important to combine Plenity with a healthy diet and exercise program in order to achieve the best results.
Here are some of the possible side effects of Plenity:
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence
- Infrequent bowel movements
- Bloating
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
If you experience any of these side effects, talk to your doctor.
Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) is a medication designed for adults with type 2 diabetes that is administered once a week via injection. This drug helps regulate blood sugar levels by binding to GLP-1 and GIP receptors in the pancreas and intestine. However, it is crucial to note that Mounjaro is only suitable for some.
Individuals with a history of medullary thyroid cancer or pancreatitis should not use it, and it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
While Mounjaro can be an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes, it may cause some side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and headache. These side effects are usually mild and subside on their own. Still, if they persist or become severe, it is essential to consult with a doctor.
Mounjaro is FDA-approved for adults with type 2 diabetes who have not achieved their blood sugar goals with other medications. Although it is not currently approved for weight loss in patients without diabetes, ongoing studies suggest that it may receive this indication in the future. The starting dose of Mounjaro is 0.25 milligrams (mg), which can be increased up to 15 mg depending on how well it works for the individual. It is most effective when used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
Overall, Mounjaro is the first and only FDA-approved medication that is a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist, providing two different ways to help regulate blood sugar levels. If you have any questions or concerns about Mounjaro, it is recommended that you speak to your medical team.