Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Semaglutide helps regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating the release of insulin when blood sugar is high, slowing digestion to prevent blood sugar spikes after meals, and reducing food cravings that can lead to overeating. Some key points about semaglutide:
- Semaglutide is available under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy. Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes treatment, while Wegovy is specifically approved for chronic weight management.
- It is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) once weekly. The dose is gradually increased over 5-8 weeks to reach the full therapeutic dose.
- Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and constipation. These often improve over time.
- Semaglutide is not approved for use in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.
Whether a doctor can prescribe semaglutide depends on several factors:
- Does the patient have type 2 diabetes or obesity? Semaglutide is specifically approved to treat these conditions. Off-label use may require additional justification.
- What insurance coverage does the patient have? Some plans may require prior authorization or place restrictions on covered diagnoses. Out-of-pocket costs can be high without coverage.
- Is the patient an appropriate candidate based on medical history and risk factors? Doctors will evaluate thyroid cancer risk, pancreatic safety, and other contraindications.
If you're interested in trying semaglutide:
- Discuss it with your doctor to determine if it's appropriate for your situation and health status.
- Check your prescription coverage in advance so you know what to expect for out-of-pocket costs. This can help avoid surprises or delays in accessing treatment.
- Be prepared to start with a low dose and slowly increase over several weeks to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Don't be discouraged if you experience some temporary nausea, vomiting or stomach pain.
At Balance Hormone Clinic, our physicians specialize in prescription weight loss medications and maintaining healthy hormone levels. We provide customized treatment plans to help patients achieve their health goals through hormone optimization, lifestyle counseling, nutritional advice and cutting-edge medications like semaglutide. Contact us today to determine if semaglutide is right for you!
I hope this provides helpful information about
semaglutide and key considerations about whether your doctor can prescribe it. The critical first step is an
evaluation from your physician to discuss treatment options catered to your health needs and goals. Please reach out with any other questions!