Are you starting a new weight loss medication recommended by your doctor and want to learn more about it? Have you been hearing about these new medications and thinking about asking your doctor? Do you want to learn more about them to see if they are the right choice for you? If you answered yes to any of these questions, or if you just really love learning Pharmacy Phun Phacts like we do, this course is for you!
This course is designed for anyone who wants to learn more about the GLP-1 class of medications that are used for weight loss and type II diabetes. This course specifically focuses on how the medication is used for weight loss. You will learn a lot, whether you have a prescription yet from your doctor or not.
This month-long activity starts with a 7-day stretch where you will learn all you need to know about these medications, how they work, and how to use them. Then, if you do decide to start one of these medications, the remaining 3 weeks will consist of twice-weekly check-ins to make sure the medication is working safely and effectively for you.
Even if you are already on one of these medicines, or even if you are not but want to learn more, we highly recommend reviewing the information in this course.
PeopleOne Health is here to keep you up to date on important medication information and support you on your weight loss journey, whatever that looks like for you!
Lead Author: Megan N. Dunlop, PharmD, CTTS
Supporting Author: Brittany Carney Campagna, PharmD, CTTS
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Disclaimer: The content of this course is meant to be informational and entertaining but does not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider. We do not recommend using these medications without consulting with your doctor and using them under direct medical supervision. We do not recommend using non-FDA approved weight loss medications and will not cover those in our course. We aim to give you information to help you talk to your doctor and make an informed decision about using these medications, but every person is different and must be evaluated by a medication professional to make sure these medications are appropriate for them.
FDA Approved Indications for SaxendaⓇ, and WegovyⓇ:
These medications are indicated as an adjunct to a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in:
“Adults with an initial body mass index (BMI) of ≥30 kg/m2 (obesity) or ≥27 kg/m2 (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition (e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or dyslipidemia)”- taken from the package insert directly
There is some information about pediatric patients and these medications, but that is highly individualized and should be discussed with the care team of that individual.
Important Safety Information:
Contraindications (When these medications should not be used)
These agents are contraindicated in patients with:
A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
Patients with a prior serious hypersensitivity reaction to the respective active ingredients of these products
Pregnancy