Different Commercial Weight Loss Medications
The most popular, commercialized weight loss medications were initially used as medication to treat type 2 diabetes. Although they are still used to treat type 2 diabetes, they are also effective medications that help individuals lose weight . The three most common of these are Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. Currently, Wegovy is the only drug approved by the FDA for weight loss use. They are all GLP1 receptor agonists, which means they stimulate insulin production and inhibit glucagon production.
These three medications are very similar, but also consist of several important differences.
Ozempic
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a brand name for Semaglutide that is used to treat type two diabetes and is also used for long-term weight management. This medication stimulates insulin production and decreases glucagon production. As a result, Ozempic delays gastric emptying, which results in individuals feeling fuller for longer. Other functions of Ozempic include the lowering of possible cardiovascular events including strokes or heart attacks, and the decrease of blood sugar levels.
How is Ozempic used?
Ozempic is a Semaglutide injection that is used in congruence with diet and exercise. The injection occurs once weekly and beginning at 0.25mg for the first four weeks, titrating up to 0.5mg, 1mg, or 2mg. Inject the medication under the skin (subcutaneously) into the back of the upper arms, front of thighs, or on either side of the stomach, two inches away from the belly botton. Alternate injection spots each week. Ozempic is prescription medication, needing to see a healthcare provider in order to receive it.
What are Ozempic side effects?
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- abdominal pain
- constipation
- fatigue
- “Ozempic face”
Wegovy
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a brand name for Semaglutide that is used to regulate appetite and food intake in order to manage weight. This medication helps with long-term weight loss by mimicking the hormone that targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake.
How is Wegovy used?
Wegovy is a Semaglutide injection that is used in congruence with diet and exercise. The injection occurs once weekly and with the beginning dose at 0.25mg and titrating up every four weeks to 2.4mg. Inject the medication under the skin (subcutaneously) into the back of the upper arms, front of thighs, or on either side of the stomach, two inches away from the belly botton. Alternate injection spots each week. Wegovy is a prescription medication, where one needs to see a healthcare provider in order to receive it.
What are Wegovy side effects?
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- constipation
- abdominal pain
- headaches
- fatigue
- indigestion
- dizziness
Mounjaro
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is a brand name for Tirzepatide that is used to treat type two diabetes and is also used for long-term weight management. This medication activates both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors, which leads to improved blood sugar control. Mounjaro helps weight loss by decreasing food intake and slowing down how fast food travels through your digestive tract, which is called gastric emptying.
How is Mounjaro used?
Mounjaro is a Tirzepatide injection that is used in congruence with diet and exercise. The injection occurs once weekly and beginning 2.5mg and titrating up to 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, and 15mg. Injection the medication under the skin (subcutaneously) into the back of the upper arms, front of thighs, or on either side of the stomach, two inches away from the belly button. Alternate injection spots each week. Mounjaro is a prescription medication, where you need to see a healthcare provider in order to receive it.
What are Mounjaro side effects?
- nausea
- diarrhea
- decreased appetite
- vomiting
- constipation
- indigestion
- abdominal pain
Preston's Pharmacy
Preston’s Pharmacy offers Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. In addition, Preston’s Pharmacy offers compounded Semaglutide for your personal needs and due to the shortage of commercial products.
If you have further questions about the difference between the three products or how compounded Semaglutide is different, feel free to call our pharmacists today or email our team at wellness@prestonspharmacy.com.
