Semaglutide is a prescription medication used to manage type 2 diabetes and/or aid in weight loss. To get prescribed semaglutide, consult your doctor. They will assess your medical history, current health status, and treatment goals. They will determine if semaglutide is appropriate for you and provide a prescription that you can fill at your pharmacy.
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What Is Semaglutide?
Originally developed as a diabetes treatment, semaglutide falls within the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist class. GLP-1s simulate a hormone that manages blood sugar by boosting insulin release in the body and decreasing glucagon release. Semaglutide also slows digestion and reduces appetite. Semaglutide helps patients control their sugars, decreases heart risks, and now also holds FDA approval for weight loss. Sold as Ozempic and Rybelsus for diabetes and as Wegovy for weight loss, semaglutide’s intake leads to a decreased appetite. Rybelsus is an oral pill, while Ozempic and Wegovy are injectable forms.
The approval of medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus by the FDA signifies that they have undergone rigorous testing and clinical trials to demonstrate their safety and effectiveness for the indicated uses. This approval process helps provide healthcare professionals and patients with reliable and verified treatment options for managing specific medical conditions. Semaglutide is not yet available in generic form.1
How Does Semaglutide Work for Weight Loss?
Semaglutide imitates the natural hormone GLP-1, regulating blood sugar and digestion. It triggers receptors in the body to increase insulin and decrease liver sugar release, aiding blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes (Ozempic and Rybelsus are FDA-approved for this). Semaglutide also curbs appetite and food intake, aiding weight loss. Wegovy, a high-dose version of semaglutide, aids weight loss in those who are obese or overweight with certain health issues.
In the past, Ozempic was used off-label for weight loss. Off-label means using medications based on medical judgment beyond FDA-approved indications. With Wegovy’s approval, Ozempic is no longer covered by insurance for weight loss, and Wegovy is not used for diabetes.1
Does Semaglutide Have to Be Prescribed?
Yes, semaglutide requires a prescription from a healthcare provider. This is because semaglutide is a potent medication that affects various physiological processes in the body, including blood sugar regulation and appetite control. Semaglutide use needs to be carefully monitored by a medical professional to ensure that it is appropriate for the individual’s medical condition and to manage potential semaglutide side effects or interactions with other medications.
Semaglutide is not available over-the-counter (OTC). OTC medications are generally intended for common, mild conditions and have a well-established safety profile when used without supervision. Semaglutide’s effects on blood sugar levels and its potential interactions with other drugs require close medical supervision. By requiring a prescription, healthcare providers can ensure that patients receive appropriate dosing, are educated about potential risks, and are regularly monitored for any adverse effects.1
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Who Is Eligible for a Semaglutide Prescription?
Healthcare professionals determine appropriate semaglutide use, considering individual health and insurance coverage. Patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or obesity might qualify for semaglutide prescriptions based on medical history, health status, and treatment responses.
Eligibility for Wegovy, Ozempic, or Rybelsus varies, as each has specific criteria. Semaglutide has formerly been a reserve option, used when other treatments fall short, but due to many health benefits discovered, it is becoming more of a first-line option for patients aiming for better blood sugar control or weight management.1, 2
Criteria for a semaglutide medication prescription for diabetic control (Ozempic or Rebelsus) include:2
- Adults with a diagnosis of type two diabetes AND 1 or more documented additional health risk factors such as clinically documented heart disease, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart failure, and obesity (BMI of 30 or greater).
- NO history of thyroid cancer or a condition called Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
Criteria for a semaglutide medication prescription for weight loss (Weogvy) include:3
- Adult patients with a diagnosis of obesity as documented by an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2
- Adult patients with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 AND at least one other weight-related condition (e.g., high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol)
- Children aged 12 years and older with an initial BMI at the 95th percentile or greater for age and sex (obesity)
- NO history of thyroid cancer or a condition called Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
Who Shouldn’t Be Prescribed Semaglutide
Certain individuals should use caution or avoid semaglutide due to potential risks. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised against its use due to limited data on fetal development and breast milk effects. Those with thyroid cancer history or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) should avoid semaglutide due to potential thyroid tumor risk.
Ozempic and Rybelsus lack studies in patients under 18 for type 2 diabetes treatment, while Wegovy is approved for patients as young as 12. Patients with serious allergic reactions to semaglutide or its components should also avoid all GLP1 medications (e.g. Trulicity, Victoza).
While semaglutide can be a valuable treatment option, its use should be carefully considered for elderly patients, as well as individuals with impaired kidney or liver function. The potential for adverse reactions and interactions with other medications increases in these populations. As with any medication, it’s crucial for healthcare providers to thoroughly assess each patient’s medical history, current health status, and potential risks before prescribing semaglutide in order to ensure its safe and effective use.1, 3, 4
Before prescribing semaglutide, your doctor must know if you:1, 3, 4
- Have a history of thyroid cancer
- Have a history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- Have a history of severe allergy to semaglutide or any of its components
- Experience(d) acute pancreatitis or acute gallbladder disease while using semaglutide or any GLP1 medication
- Have kidney or liver problems
- Pregnant or plan to become pregnant
- Have frequent episodes of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
How to Get Semaglutide Prescribed to You
One needs a prescription from a qualified healthcare provider to acquire semaglutide. Before prescribing, a doctor evaluates the patient’s history, health status, and goals. Factors like blood sugar levels, BMI, existing conditions, medications, and contraindications are considered, along with lifestyle and activity. This ensures that semaglutide is a good fit with for effective blood sugar or weight management.1, 3
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When seeking information about a semaglutide prescription, be sure to follow these 5 steps:
- Consult with your family care physician, pediatrician, or endocrinologist: Ask questions about your health and if you may have a diagnosis of obesity or type two diabetes.
- Talk to your doctor about your condition’s control: If you already have a diagnosis, ask about how well it is currently managed and if there could be benefits derived from additional/alternative medications.
- Go over possible risk factors or exclusion criteria: Be sure to consider all health conditions and medications/supplements.
- Ask about whether a prescription for semaglutide is appropriate: Ask about any drug interactions, side effects, and any concerns with injecting your own medications.
- Check with your insurance: Semaglutide is unaffordable for most without insurance and can even be very high cost with insurance. Verify your coverage and copays, and talk to your pharmacy about any cost-saving programs you may qualify for.
Who Can Prescribe Semaglutide?
Prescribers with the authority to prescribe diabetic and weight control medications include general practitioners, family care physicians, pediatricians, endocrinologists, and bariatric physicians. Since semaglutide is not a controlled medication, it may be prescribed by almost all levels of licensed practitioners.
The following healthcare providers are those that most commonly prescribe semaglutide:
- Your MD family physician
- Your ARNP general practitioner
- Your child’s MD pediatrician
- Your MD endocrinologist
Can I Buy Semaglutide Online?
Obtaining a semaglutide prescription online is increasingly popular. Visiting a reputable online pharmacy’s website follows the process of a physical pharmacy. Benefits include in-home comfort for discussing sensitive health issues and efficiency compared to visiting an in-person pharmacy. Online convenience eliminates travel, but virtual communication might take longer.
It’s essential to emphasize the importance of choosing only licensed and regulated online pharmacies. Reputable online pharmacies adhere to strict regulations, have licensed healthcare professionals on staff, and offer genuine medications approved by regulatory agencies. Patients should avoid unregulated or counterfeit sources that may offer compounded versions of these medications without proper oversight, as this can pose serious health risks.
Questions to Ask Your Health Team About Semaglutide
When discussing semaglutide with their doctor, individuals should ask about its benefits, risks, how it works, and its impact on blood sugar or weight loss. Understanding dosage, administration, and interactions with other medications is key.
Questions to ask your care team about getting a semaglutide prescription include:
- Does my health condition meet the requirements for a semaglutide prescription?
- How can I get Wegovy, and does this differ from compounded semaglutide?
- Do I have any contraindications to GLP1 therapy?
- How do you feel about me injecting my own medications?
- What common side effects will I likely experience when I start my semaglutide medication?
- How long will the medication’s side effects last?
- What are some alternatives to semaglutide?
- What should I do if semaglutide does not work for me?
- What will happen if I stop my medication abruptly?
- Do I take any other medications that interact with semaglutide?
- Does my insurance prefer semaglutide or another GLP1 medication?
- When should I come back in for a follow-up?
- Are there ways to save money on semaglutide medications, such as coupons for Rybelsus, Ozempic, or Wegovy?
- How do semaglutide medications compare to those with different active ingredients, such as Trulicity or Mounjaro?
In My Experience
In my experience, Ozempic and Rybelsus are wonderful medications for my diabetic patients. Wegovy has shown to be very effective in patients who are looking to jump-start their weight loss journey. Currently, there have been shortages in all 3 of these semaglutide brands due to the popularity of the drug due to an endless number of patient success stories.
The largest challenge has been insurance coverage for Ozempic, Rybelsus, or Wegovy when it comes to weight loss. Some prescription insurance companies may not cover semaglutide for weight loss due to the “cosmetic” nature of the outcomes. This remains controversial.
To conclude, I highly recommend my patients stick with one provider and one pharmacy. Patients need to be cautious when purchasing from online pharmacies to ensure these are licensed and regulated pharmacies. Many pharmacies will mail or deliver prescriptions if transportation is a barrier. If you are interested in getting a prescription for semaglutide, it is important to talk to your prescriber and pharmacist about this topic and follow their guidance.
Additional Resources
To help our readers take the next step in their mental health journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy is compensated for marketing by the companies included below.
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For Further Reading
- Wegovy Side Effects: What You Need to Know
- Mounjaro Side Effects: What You Need to Know
- Mounjaro Weight Loss: Safety, Side Effects, & More
- Ozempic for Weight Loss: How it Works, Side Effects, Risks, & More
- Rybelsus Vs. Ozempic: Is One of Them Right for You?
- How to Get Wegovy: Everything You Need to Know
Semaglutide: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, & More
Understanding the complexities of medications like semaglutide is crucial for anyone seeking effective treatment. It’s important to acknowledge that semaglutide is extensively used in managing type 2 diabetes and obesity, with potential benefits in weight loss and cardiovascular risk reduction.
Mounjaro Weight Loss: Safety, Side Effects, & More
Mounjaro is a relatively new medication that is within a class of medications known for their control of blood sugar and potential for managing weight. It’s unique in that it has two different ways of working in the body. It is generally recommended that patients make lifestyle choices alongside any medications used for weight management.