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Where clinically appropriate, an eScript for Wegovy (or Mounjaro) will be issued for delivery by Chemist2U.

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Wegovy

How does Wegovy (Semaglutide) work?

Wegovy (Semaglutide) is an injectable prescription medication used for weight loss and management of type 2 diabetes. Containing the active ingredient semaglutide, it works by regulating appetite and blood sugar, which can lead to reduced calorie intake and, eventually, weight loss.[2]

Wegovy (Semaglutide) belongs to the class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are drugs manufactured to mimic the effects of GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone in the body responsible for appetite and glucose control[3]. The GLP-1 receptors in the brain are activated when Wegovy (Semaglutide) is administered, which then lowers appetite and cravings[4].

It also helps regulate blood glucose by increasing insulin secretion and suppressing glucagon secretion.

This means you may feel less hungry and consume fewer calories, helping with overall weight management.

How do you take Wegovy (Semaglutide)?

Wegovy (Semaglutide) is approved as a weight loss injection prescribed for obesity. It is injected subcutaneously under the skin of the stomach, thigh, or upper arm. It is administered using a pen device once a week on the same day each week, at any time, with or without food[5]. The pen is for one-time use only and should be disposed of properly after use[6].

Who can take Wegovy (Semaglutide)?

Wegovy is used to treat type 2 diabetes or chronic weight management in conjunction with lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and exercise[7].

Individuals who are allergic to Wegovy (Semaglutide) or any of its ingredients, have multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, severe gastrointestinal disease, diabetic retinopathy, type 1 diabetes, severe heart, kidney or liver disease or have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma should not use Wegovy (Semaglutide).

The use of Wegovy (Semaglutide) should also be stopped at least two months before planning to get pregnant. Women who are breastfeeding should talk to their practitioner about the best way to feed their baby while using Wegovy (Semaglutide)[8].

Side effects of Wegovy (Semaglutide)

Like other medications, Wegovy (Semaglutide) may come with some side effects[9]. It’s important to be aware of these potential side effects and to consult your practitioner. 

Some of the most common side effects of Wegovy (Semaglutide) may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, mild abdominal discomfort, headache, fatigue, upset stomach, dizziness, bloating, belching, gas, stomach flu, heartburn, runny nose, or sore throat. 

Meanwhile, the more serious side effects of Wegovy (Semaglutide) may include:[10] 

  • Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis): Severe abdominal pain with or without vomiting, which may radiate to the back, may be an indication of an inflamed pancreas. 
  • Gallbladder problems: Symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, fever, jaundice, or clay-coloured stools may indicate gallbladder issues. 
  • Increased risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): Patients with type 2 diabetes, especially those taking certain medications, may be at risk of low blood sugar. 
  • Kidney problems (kidney failure): Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, which are common side effects of Wegovy (Semaglutide), may lead to dehydration and worsen kidney problems. 
  • Serious allergic reactions: Symptoms of serious allergic reactions include swelling of the face, breathing difficulties, severe rash, fainting, or rapid heartbeat. 
  • Increased heart rate at rest: You may feel your heart racing or pounding in your chest, which could last for several minutes. 

Wegovy (Semaglutide) and other medications

Since Wegovy (Semaglutide) contains semaglutide, it shares the same active ingredient as Ozempic and Rybelsus. This means that they should not be used together. Wegovy (Semaglutide) can also slow digestion and the absorption of orally taken medicines, so it’s important to inform your practitioner about all your medications, especially insulin or other diabetes medicines[11].

Additionally, other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products, may interact with Wegovy (Semaglutide).

Medicines you should not use with Wegovy (Semaglutide)

There are various drugs known to interact with Wegovy (Semaglutide), including albuterol, hydrochlorothiazide, levothyroxine, and prednisone[12]. Talk to your practitioner before taking these medicines alongside Wegovy.

Additionally, it would be critical to tell your practitioner if you take other medicines to treat diabetes, such as sulfonylureas or insulin[13].

References

  • [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4386197/
  • [2] https://www.drugs.com/wegovy.html
  • [3] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/obr.12839
  • [4] https://www.drugs.com/wegovy.html
  • [5] https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
  • [6] https://www.drugs.com/wegovy.html
  • [7] https://www.drugs.com/wegovy.html
  • [8] https://www.drugs.com/wegovy.html
  • [9] https://www.wegovy.com/
  • [10] https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2021.645563/full
  • [11] https://www.drugs.com/wegovy.html
  • [12] https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/semaglutide,wegovy.html
  • [13] https://www.wegovy.com/tools-and-resources/faq.html

Mounjaro

How does Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) work?

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) (a brand name for tirzepatide) is used to treat type 2 diabetes by enhancing the body’s natural insulin response in the first and second insulin secretion phases. In addition to this, it lowers glucagon levels and strengthens insulin sensitivity.

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) has also been approved for the treatment of obesity and overweight. It can control blood sugar by moderating the speed of gastric emptying. In turn, this can lead to longer satiation and a lower overall food intake.

How do you take Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)?

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) comes as a vial from which you remove the appropriate dosage for injection subcutaneously (under the skin)[3]. Regardless of the dose or efficacy needed, begin by thoroughly going through the instructions for use and the accompanying medication guide. Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) is usually injected once weekly.

What’s more, keep in mind that this information is supplementary, and you should always keep a line of communication with your doctor regarding your health condition and treatments.

  1. Deciding on the injection area. Areas with fat under the skin such as your abdomen, thighs, or upper arm are some possible areas for injection. If you need assistance, someone else can administer the injection. Keep varying the injection areas weekly, and be sure to choose a different injection placement when returning to an injection area.
  2. Fill the needle and syringe (or use the kwik-pen). Ensure you have the correct dosage from the vial as per the prescription.
  3. Administering injection. Clean the skin with an alcohol wipe prior to injection. Place the needle against your skin and inject the prescribed amount.
  4. Handling disposal. After usage, responsibly dispose of the needle and syringe in a sharps container.

Who can take Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)?

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) can generally be taken by adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus for glycemic control[4][5]. Adults with an initial body mass index (BMI) of ≥30 kg/m2 (obese), or ≥27 kg/m2 (overweight) with at least one weight-related comorbid illness, such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes, are eligible for Mounjaro.

Individuals looking up terms for home delivery of “semaglutide Australia” and home delivery of “Ozempic online” or perhaps even home delivery of “metformin Australia” for glucose level management might also look into home delivery of Mounjaro (Tirzepatide). Consult your doctor to see if Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) is advisable for your specific needs.

Side effects of Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)

Like any medication, Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) may present some side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and indigestion[6]. Speak to your doctor if these symptoms persist or if you experience more severe problems, such as: 

  • Pancreatitis.There have been reports of acute pancreatitis in Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) users. It’s essential to monitor for persistent upper abdominal pain and discontinue Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) if pancreatitis is suspected.
  • Hypersensitivity reactions.Some individuals may experience severe reactions, such as angioedema and anaphylaxis. If you’ve had a previous reaction to Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) or a GLP-1 receptor agonist then your doctor may consider a different medication.
  • Kidney and gastrointestinal concerns.Gastrointestinal reactions from Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) can sometimes lead to dehydration, which might result in kidney issues.
  • Thyroid C-cell tumours.While Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) has shown tumour development in rodents, its effect on human thyroid cells remains undetermined. However, those with a history of certain thyroid conditions, like medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), should be closely monitored[7].

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) and other medications

When a patient pairs Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) with insulin secretagogues like sulfonylureas or insulin itself, there’s a heightened risk of hypoglycemia. That’s why it’s crucial for patients to familiarise themselves with the symptoms and signs of hypoglycemia so they may communicate with their doctor for an adjustment of medication if necessary.

Always remember that navigating medication can be intricate, but with the right information, you’re empowered to manage your health effectively. Stay connected with your doctor for personalised advice on the short-term or long-term use of Mounjaro (Tirzepatide).

Medicines you should not use with Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) affects gastric emptying, which can influence the absorption of oral drugs taken alongside it. If you’re on medicines that require a specific dosage for effectiveness, such as warfarin or digoxin, it’s important to keep a close watch when using Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) simultaneously.

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) reduces the exposure of the oral contraceptive pill (OCP). This is clinically important when Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) is taken with other medications that may reduce exposure of the OCP. If this is the case, you’re doctor should discuss alternative contraception options such as barrier contraception, Implanon or Mirena. Additionally, there have been cases of acute kidney injury in patients using GLP-1 receptor agonists. This may also lead to hemodialysis due to deteriorating chronic renal failure[8].

How to dispose of Mounjaro pens and vials

Mounjaro comes in a vial with a needle, or in a pen with a needle, and you should avoid discarding either in the regular rubbish bin. Instead, securely place it in a sealed container or a sharps bin. You can buy these online from Chemist2U.

References

  • [1] https://mounjaro.lilly.com/hcp/how-mounjaro-works?redirect-referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fchemist2u.com.au%2F
  • [2] https://www.npjournal.org/article/S1555-4155(22)00421-4/fulltext
  • [3] https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/auspmd/Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)
  • [4] https://www.Mounjaro (Tirzepatide).com/hcp/how-Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)-works
  • [5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35133415/
  • [6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9112245/
  • [7] https://www.Mounjaro (Tirzepatide).com/hcp/how-Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)-works
  • [8] https://www.Mounjaro (Tirzepatide).com/hcp/how-Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)-works