Generally, if you don’t have a history of these conditions, “this medication is thought to be safe,” he says. You may also be able to get some of the cost of Wegovy covered by submitting a request for coverage to your health insurance provider with the help of a healthcare professional. It’s important to talk with your healthcare professional to ensure that you’re being prescribed noncompounded, FDA-approved GLP-1 medications. Wegovy (semaglutide) is an injectable prescription medication that’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for chronic weight management in adults with overweight and obesity. According to the manufacturer, it’s currently the #1 prescribed medication for chronic weight loss in the United States. Wegovy is a brand name for the medication semaglutide, which is used to helpadults with obesity or overweight lose weight and maintain a healthierlifestyle.
Patients struggling with obesity often turn to their primary care doctor for guidance on managing their weight. However, some primary care doctors may face limitations when it comes to prescribing certain weight loss medications like Wegovy. Recently, a primary care doctor shared her frustration after being unable to prescribe Wegovy to a patient because she was not a designated weight loss clinic.
“Most of the world recognizes now that (obesity) truly is a health issue ‘ a medical problem.” Adriana Kelly, a 25-year-old social worker, knows all about the dilemma. She considered Wegovy her last option before resorting to bariatric surgery. Standing 5 feet, 2 inches tall, her weight reached 280 pounds last year. Kelly loves to dance, but her heavy frame put a painful strain on her knees and back, leading to injuries. The myths and questions doctors are hearing from patients about Ozempic.
Understanding the Issue
In addition to a boxed warning, Wegovy has other warnings. If any of the following medical conditions or other health factors apply to you, talk with your doctor before using Wegovy. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. You may start losing weight in the first few weeks of treatment.
In many cases, primary care doctors are not specialized in weight management and may lack the experience or resources to effectively prescribe weight loss medications. This can lead to challenges when patients are seeking medical intervention for obesity. Some doctors may feel uncomfortable prescribing weight loss medications without proper training or support, leading to missed opportunities for patients to receive potentially life-changing treatment.
Recent guidelines from the American Gastroenterological Association note that for most people, Wegovy will likely be more effective for weight loss than Saxenda, Qsymia, or Contrave. If you’re curious about whether Wegovy could help you lose weight, the first step is making an appointment with a healthcare professional, either in person or virtually. Keep reading to learn more about how to obtain Wegovy safely. Health insurance companies can have other guidelines for covering Ozempic and Wegovy.
The Role of Weight Loss Clinics
You may be at a higher risk of constipation when you first start taking Wegovy or when your doctor increases your dose. As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Wegovy. This side effect wasn’t reported in Wegovy’s clinical trials.
Weight loss clinics are specialized facilities that focus on helping patients achieve their weight loss goals through a combination of medical, nutritional, and behavioral interventions. These clinics often have staff members who are trained in treating obesity and are familiar with the latest weight loss medications like Wegovy. Patients who seek treatment at a weight loss clinic may have access to a wider range of weight loss options compared to those who rely solely on their primary care doctor.
If you have a pancreas condition, your doctor can help determine whether Wegovy may be safe for you. Headaches were one of the most common side effects reported in clinical trials of Wegovy. If you experience nausea from taking Wegovy, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Overall, the issue of primary care doctors not being able to prescribe Wegovy highlights the need for better collaboration between primary care providers and weight loss clinics. By working together, these healthcare professionals can ensure that patients receive comprehensive care for their weight management needs.
