What’s the Buzz on Liraglutide, Semaglutide, and Tirzepatide?
Weight loss medications have been a hot topic in the news and amongst health experts and weight loss discussion groups. Here’s some important information to know.
What are Liraglutide, Semaglutide, and Tirzepatide?
These medications are in the same drug class – incretin mimetics, more commonly known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medications were originally developed to treat people with type 2 diabetes but were later found to help with weight loss. Here’s a list of the products for diabetes and those indicated for weight loss:
| Generic Drug Name | Brand Name (Type 2 Diabetes) | Brand Name (Weight Loss) |
|---|---|---|
| Liraglutide | Victoza® | Saxenda® |
| Semaglutide | Ozempic® | Wegovy® |
| Tirzepatide | Mounjaro® | Zepbound® |
Although the similar products used for diabetes and weight loss contain the same drug, they have different approved uses, dosages, and differ in how they are covered by prescription insurance.
How do these medications help with weight management?
Liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide work by helping to release the right amount of insulin from your pancreas and allowing your body to use sugar better. It also works by making you feel full faster, so you don’t eat as much. When you don’t eat as much, you lose weight and blood sugar levels go down. For those who live with excess weight or obesity, weight loss leads to numerous health benefits.
Who should use these medications for weight loss?
Incretin mimetics are generally used for people who are obese or are overweight and have a weight-related condition such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. Although successful for weight loss, they should also be used along with a reduced calorie diet and exercise program.
Liraglutide and semaglutide are also approved for kids 12 years of age and older who are diagnosed with obesity by their provider and are to be used in addition to diet and exercise.
How are liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide used for weight loss and how well do they work?
These medications are effective at helping with weight loss when coupled with diet and exercise. In general, these medications produce weight loss in a range of 5-21% when used as directed. For example, if you weigh 200 pounds, your weight loss would be in the range of 10-42 lbs. Note that these medications are given by injection on a specific schedule – daily or weekly.
| Medication | How is it used and how often? | How much weight can I expect to lose? |
|---|---|---|
| Liraglutide |
By injection, once daily |
reported as 8% in a clinical study |
| Semaglutide | By injection, weekly | reported as 14.9% in clinical studies |
| Tirzepatide | By injection, weekly | reported as 20.9% in a clinical study |
Are incretin mimetics weight-loss medications safe?
Although incretin mimetics are typically well-tolerated, there can be side effects. Common side effects that people experience include upset stomach or stomach pain, loose stools or difficulty having bowel movements, headache, fatigue, dizziness, feeling bloated or gassy, and heartburn.
These medications have been associated with serious side effects such as pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) as well as gallbladder problems, including the development of gallstones. These medications may cause a possible risk of a rare form of thyroid cancer, based on studies in animals. Other reported side effects include a small increase in your heart rate, depression or thoughts of suicide. Drink enough liquids, especially if you are having nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea to help prevent kidney problems. Talk with your doctor and pharmacist about these risks.
Can anyone use these medications?
If you or any of your family have had thyroid cancer, an endocrine condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) or if you are pregnant, you should not use these medications. Tell your healthcare provider if you have or have ever had problems with your pancreas, kidneys, or gallbladder. Having these conditions may increase the risk of serious side effects.
In people with type 2 diabetes, incretin mimetics can cause vision changes and increase the risk of low blood sugar episodes, particularly when given with certain other antidiabetic medications.
If you are having surgery or a procedure with anesthesia, you should always let your medical team know that you are using liraglutide, semaglutide, or tirzepatide.
How do I need to store my medication? I don’t always have access to a refrigerator.
Although it is correct that these medications require refrigeration to be stored properly, they also may be kept at room temperature for certain periods of time.
| Weight Loss Product | Storage Recommendations | Limited Time Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Saxenda® |
Refrigerate |
Up to 30 days at room temperature after 1st use for multidose pen. |
| Wegovy® | Refrigerate | Up to 28 days before use of single dose pen. |
| Zepbound® | Refrigerate | Up to 21 days at room temperature for each single dose pen. |
How long will I need to take the medication? Will I gain weight if I stop?
Incretin mimetics are considered safe to continue for however long it is deemed appropriate by your doctor. Some data shows that stopping them may result in rebound weight gain, indicating that using weight loss medications may be needed long-term. You should talk to your doctor about how long you need to receive your medication.
Summary
Liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide were initially approved for the management of blood glucose in people with Type 2 diabetes. But now they are also approved for weight loss in combination with diet and exercise, in certain individuals. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about these weight loss medications to see if they are right for you.
Provided by ASHP.
Supported by an educational grant from Novo Nordisk.