Latest news with #Wegovy
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
New weight-loss drug Wegovy is here, but is it a magical solution? Experts weigh in
The obsession with weight loss injections is still going strong. After the social media frenzy around Ozempic last year and celebrities such as Meghan Trainor, Lizzo, and Amy Schumer admitting to using it, and the buzz when Mounjaro (Elon Musk revealed he used it too!) arrived in India this March, there's a new contender on the block: Wegovy. Earlier this week (June 24), Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk launched this much-anticipated drug in India. But what makes it different from its predecessors, and why is everyone talking about it? Wegovy is designed for long-term weight management and to help reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events in people living with obesity. It comes in a sleek, once-weekly pen device with five dosing options: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg. New weight-loss drug Wegovy is here, but is it a magical solution? Experts weigh in(Photo: Adobe Stock) Similar to Ozempic and Mounjaro, this new weight loss drug is also a prescription-only medication intended for adults who are obese or overweight and also have at least one weight-related health condition, like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. 'The active ingredient in Wegovy is semaglutide, which is a synthetic version of a naturally occurring hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). This hormone is released in the gut in response to food intake and helps regulate appetite and food intake,' informs Dr Kashish Gupta, Consultant Endocrinology at PSRI Hospital. In essence, semaglutide helps you feel full sooner, slows digestion and reduces hunger. These effects can lead to reduced calorie intake over time and, eventually, weight loss. It may also improve blood sugar levels and help lower the risk of heart issues in certain individuals, particularly those with type 2 diabetes. Who can use it? According to Dr Anjana Kalia, a dietitian at Diet Clinix, it's intended for adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above, or 27 and above if there's a related health issue. 'But these are not miracle solutions. The decision to use it should always be taken with a qualified doctor after assessing medical history and risks,' she cautions. Who should avoid it? People who have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome, have had pancreatitis or severe digestive disorders, are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to conceive, have eating disorders, or are allergic to semaglutide or its components. These drugs should be taken in full consultation with your medical practitioner. Wegovy vs Mounjaro vs Ozempic 1. Wegovy Active ingredient: Semaglutide Approved for: Weight loss Dosage: Once weekly Benefits: Helps regulate blood sugar levels, lowers the risk of cardiovascular events Side effects: Nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting Price: ₹ 17,345 a month for 0.25mg, 0.5mg, and 1mg doses and ₹ 24,280 and ₹ 26,050 a month for 1.7mg and 2.4mg doses, respectively. 2. Mounjaro Active ingredient: Tirzepatide Approved for: Type 2 diabetes Dosage: Once weekly Benefits: Helps regulate blood sugar levels, improves insulin sensitivity Side effects: Nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and pancreatitis or thyroid issues in rare cases Price: ₹ 4,375 ($50.67) for a 5 mg vial, ₹ 3,500 ($40.54) for a 2.5mg vial. 3. Ozempic Active ingredient: Semaglutide Approved for: Type 2 diabetes Dosage: Once weekly Benefits: Helps regulate blood sugar levels, decreases appetite Side effects: Nausea, diarrhoea, upset stomach Price: The injectable Ozempic can cost between ₹ 8,000 and ₹ 20,000 a shot.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Why This Weight Loss Drug Company's Stock Surged Today
Investors are optimistic about the initiation of a phase 3 trial for a weight loss drug from Viking Therapeutics. The real value in the biopharmaceutical company may lie in the oral formulation of the drug. 10 stocks we like better than Viking Therapeutics › Shares in biopharmaceutical company Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX) were up by 6.3% at 12:30 a.m. ET today. The move likely stems from the market digesting the previous day's news that Viking had initiated a phase 3 trial of its most promising program in its pipeline, namely VK2375, a treatment for metabolic disorders, including obesity. There are probably two key reasons why the market likes the initiation of a phase 3 trial: VK2375 is a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist similar to Eli Lilly's blockbuster weight loss drug Zepbound. Viking is developing VK2375 in both subcutaneous (under the skin) and oral formulations. The subcutaneous phase 3 trial is currently underway, while the phase 2 oral dosing trial results are expected to be released later this year. For reference, Novo Nordisk also offers a highly successful weight loss drug, Wegovy, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. While Viking Therapeutics, with a $3.2 billion market capitalization, will face challenges in competing with Eli Lilly's Zepbound unless it can demonstrate superior efficacy in the phase 3 trial, the real value in the business may lie in the oral formulation. There are obvious convenience and accessibility advantages to an oral formulation over a subcutaneous one, and a successful phase 2 trial may encourage a much larger pharmaceutical company to consider acquiring the company to take it through phase 3. As such, look out for the phase 2 results later in the year. In addition, note that Novo Nordisk has submitted to the FDA for approval of an oral formulation of Wegovy , and Eli Lilly recently reported positive results in a phase 3 trial for an oral GLP-1 agonist, orforglipron. All this means that the field is getting crowded. Before you buy stock in Viking Therapeutics, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Viking Therapeutics wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $687,731!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $945,846!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 818% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 175% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join . See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of June 23, 2025 Lee Samaha has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Novo Nordisk and Viking Therapeutics. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Why This Weight Loss Drug Company's Stock Surged Today was originally published by The Motley Fool Erreur lors de la récupération des données Connectez-vous pour accéder à votre portefeuille Erreur lors de la récupération des données Erreur lors de la récupération des données Erreur lors de la récupération des données Erreur lors de la récupération des données
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Traveling With Ozempic This Summer? Here's What Doctors Want You to Know
Traveling while taking a GLP-1 medication like Ozempic or Wegovy comes with its own set of challenges, and those challenges only multiply in the summer. Whether you're navigating a heat wave, spending hours on a plane or just trying to keep up with your summer routine, it's not always easy to stay consistent with your medication or manage potential side effects like nausea and fatigue. Hot weather alone can be a major obstacle, since most GLP-1 medications need to be kept refrigerated or at a stable temperature until use. Add in airport security, changing time zones and irregular meals, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But with the right planning, it's entirely possible to travel safely and comfortably while staying on track with your treatment. More from Flow Space 6 Expert Recommended Steps to Take Before the FDA Cracks Down on GLP-1 Drugs Here's what to know before you hit the road or friendly skies this summer. Traveling with GLP-1 medications requires some planning, especially during the summer months. When in room temperature conditions, opened pens can remain at room temperature for up to 28 days. However, if you are traveling by car in the summer heat, it is best to keep your medication in an insulated bag with cooling packs, Dr. Britta Reierson, a board-certified family physician and obesity medicine specialist at metabolic health company knownwell, tells Flow Space. 'Ensure that the packs don't directly touch the medication to avoid freezing,' she says. 'Store the medication out of direct sunlight and heat sources, and if you have overnight stops, use refrigeration whenever possible. You can even consider a portable mini-fridge that can go in the car for longer trips.' And what about while flying? Reierson says if your summer plans have you traveling by air, it is important to always carry your medication in your carry-on luggage to maintain consistent temperature and inform TSA officers that you are carrying injectable medication. Keep the medication in its original packaging with the prescription label. 'Also, use cooling packs to keep the medication cool during the flight,' she adds 'For international travel, I have provided my patients with a letter to present to TSA and customs if required. I recommend checking with state and country specific traveling with medication requirements prior to travel.' GLP-1s are known to cause side effects like nausea, an upset stomach, diarrhea and constipation. Not to mention, most GLP-1s are given via injection, which can sometimes cause pain at the site and might even require a band-aid. Because of this, Reierson recommends packing a 'medication go-bag.' To prepare, she suggests including the following: All prescription medications—enough to cover the entire trip, plus a couple extra days to cover for unexpected travel delays All injection supplies needed Over-the-counter medications, like pain relievers, antihistamines, antacids and anti-diarrheal medications First-aid supplies, such as bandaids, antiseptic and cleaning wipes, antibiotic ointment, sunscreen and insect repellent A printed list of your medications, dosings and a copy of health insurance/dental insurance card And while you may think you've packed and prepared everything needed, it's also important to start preparing your body in the days leading up to your travels. Dr. Shaline Rao, chief of cardiology and vice chair of the Department of Medicine Hospital Operations at NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island, recommends not starting a new medication or dose change in the days before travel as you may find yourself facing unexpected side effects. She says that with travel comes changes in hydration, frequency of meals, as well as the possibility of nausea or low appetite. If you have strong symptoms or are prone to these types of issues, talk to your physician before traveling for possible supportive care plans. 'For the majority of patients, making sure to stay hydrated, avoid extreme temperatures and eat small meals throughout the day should be sufficient,' she says. 'Making sure to take cues from your body is important. If you need time to rest, take the time you need.' If you forget a dosage during travel it will be easier to manage if you are traveling nationally, not abroad. You may consider transferring your prescription to a local branch of your national chain pharmacy, or contacting your doctor to call in a prescription to a nearby pharmacy. If you are abroad, you may need to find a local pharmacy or healthcare provider to prescribe the medication. 'In some countries you may be able to find GLP-1 medications for purchase without a prescription at a local pharmacy, however it is important to ensure you're buying from a reputable source to avoid counterfeit medications,' says Reierson. And if you fall off your dosing routine during travel? Rao says it is best to consult with your provider for guidance, but in general, you will be able to get back on a routine and be OK. 'If you do not have diabetes, then the consequence of a missed dose or delayed dose is likely low and you can work with your team to set up a resumed schedule,' she says. 'These medications are typically once a week, so the average traveler can get back on track quickly. This is why it is best to travel with extra supplies so as to minimize the stress of changes during travel.'
Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
NHS weight loss jabs might 'not be suitable' for these 5 groups
GPs will be prescribing Mounjaro to a select few people as the rollout begins, but others may need to avoid the jabs completely GPs can now prescribe Mounjaro, but only to a select group of patients who meet stringent criteria, such as having a BMI over 40 and being diagnosed with four out of five qualifying conditions. But people with other pre-existing conditions may not be able to access this weight loss drug at all. Dr Crystal Willie from ZAVA clarified that weight loss drugs "may be unsafe depending on medications you are taking or pre-existing medical conditions". This includes three specific conditions: Pancreatic disorders like pancreatitis History of thyroid cancer History of gallbladder disease Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to do either might also be advised to avoid the medication. The same goes for people on certain medications like insulin or immunosuppressants. Dr Willie told the Mirror: "You should speak to your doctor about any conditions or medications before taking any weight loss injection. Mounjaro weight loss injections can lower your blood sugar levels too much if taken in combination with sulfonylurea or insulin (other diabetes treatments). "You shouldn't take Mounjaro alongside other weight loss injections, such as Saxenda or Wegovy. This could increase the risk of serious health risks and side effects." The doctor also revealed that weight loss medication might actually not do what people think, as research from ZAVA found up to 20% of people using the GLP-1 drugs don't see the expected results or hit a weight loss plateau. There are a variety of reasons for this, including: Incorrect dosage Missing doses Not improving your diet and an inactive lifestyle Not keeping hydrated Excessive alcohol consumption Persistent stress Having a poor sleep routine Other health conditions may interfere with the effectiveness of weight loss drugs, like diabetes, hypothyroidism, insulin resistance and PCOS. Medications like antidepressants or steroids may also cause weight gain or hinder fat loss. Dr Wyllie added: "While Mounjaro is an effective medication for weight loss, it's normal to encounter a plateau at some point. To enhance your results, it's important to follow the prescribed dosing schedule and aim to reach the appropriate maintenance dose, as higher doses are generally associated with greater benefits. "Beyond medication, factors like maintaining a balanced diet, regular physical activity, managing stress, and getting enough sleep play a crucial role in supporting your weight loss journey. If progress stalls despite these efforts, consulting your healthcare provider is essential to evaluate your plan and make necessary adjustments."
Health Line
9 hours ago
- Health
- Health Line
Will Medicare Pay for the Pill Form of Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a prescription medication. Injectable forms of the drug are available under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy. The pill form of semaglutide is available as the brand-name drug Rybelsus. Medicare drug plans usually cover Rybelsus when doctors prescribe it for type 2 diabetes. Medicare coverage of the pill form of semaglutide The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Rybelsus, the pill form of semaglutide, to lower blood sugar levels when taken along with exercise and diet in people with type 2 diabetes. If you have a Part D prescription drug plan or a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan with drug benefits, your plan may cover Rybelsus if your doctor prescribes it for this FDA-approved use. Every Medicare drug plan has a list of covered drugs called a formulary. Not all Medicare plans may cover Rybelsus. If you're unsure whether your plan may cover Rybelsus, check its formulary or contact a plan representative. Medicare coverage of semaglutide for weight loss Some doctors prescribe the pill form of semaglutide off-label to assist with weight loss. 'Off-label' use describes taking a drug for a purpose the FDA hasn't approved. Medicare doesn't cover drugs when people take them off-label. For this reason, it doesn't cover the pill form of semaglutide for weight loss.
