Liraglutide
If you have been looking into medications to take to help you lose weight, you have probably come across Liraglutide. It is one of the currently available FDA approved anti-obesity medications. It is more commonly known as Saxenda, and by a different name name Victoza for treatment of diabetes.
While Liraglutide has had some great results, it is one of many available options to help you lose weight. Lets take a closer look so you stay well infomed.
How it works.
Liraglutide works differently than the other anti-obesity medications. It is an injectable pen medication, much like the was that insulin is delivered.
It works to increase satiety, by telling the brain you are full. It mimics the hormone GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1). GLP-1 gets produced and release from the ileum, the end of your small bowel, after the carbohydrates get down there. It has also slow down how fast your stomach empties helping you to eat less calories.
Dosing.
Week 1 = 0.6 mg per day
Week 2 = 1.2 mg per day
Week 3 = 1.8 mg per day
Week 4 = 2.4 mg per day
Week 5 and onward = 3.0 mg per day
How well does It work.
Patients can lose 5-10% of body weight on 3 mg once a day. Even more when you ensure a good physical activity regimen.
For women with PCOS, polycystic ovarian syndrome, Liraglutide helped improve fertility when it was taken prior to conception, inadditiaon to better glucose control and weight loss.
Liraglutide helped decrease the Kindney injury caused by obesity.
In a realistic weight loss study, individuals lost on average, -15 lbs, 10 oz, had decreased weight circumference, better HbA1c, lower triglycerides, lower LDL cholesterol, better HDL cholesterol and improved blood pressure.
In Diabetics and pre-diabetics it results in better glycemic control after 13.5 weeks of treatment, accompanied by weight loss with low incidence of hypoglycemia.
Common side effects.
The most common die effect is nausea followed by hypoglycemia, diarrhea, and constipation. The slow increase of the dose over 4 weeks should help prevent them.
Since one of the main actions is slowing down gastric emptying, it might affect the way the medications you take by mouth are effected.
People have also complained about headache, decreased appetite, dyspepsia, fatigue, dizziness, abdominal pain, pancreas issues and kidney issues.
If you or someone in your family has ever had medullary thyroid cancer or Type 2 Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome do not take this drug.
And if your doctor suspects pancreatitis, gall bladder disease, you should stop it as well.
If taking the medication and you have any have any thought of hurting your self. Stop the medication and call a doctor immediately.
There are a few reports of serious allergic reactions. If these occur, then discontinue liraglutide and possibly other suspect medications should be discontinued, and the patient instructed to promptly seek medical advice
Can it be use in Children?
Most medications are not approved for use in children, and this is one of them. It has been studied in adolescents and it was tolerated in them just as well as it was in adults, and has a similar safety profile. But for right now, it is not prescribed for anyone <18 yo.
Will Insurance Cover it?
You need to ask your insurance provider if it is covered. Frequenly it will only be a slight discount and not fully covered. Their are also coupons available. Ask your Weight Loss doctor. The Drug’s website has more information on how to obtain it.
Remember! Before starting any medication, always may sure you discuss it thoroughly with your physician. See our disclaimer.