GLP-1 Medications

It can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers

Side effects may occur especially during the first few weeks of use

It is a safe medication for most people.

Experiences with GLP-1 injections

The SmPC (Summary of Product Characteristics) study, for example, shows that in combination with lifestyle change, weight loss averages 8%. That is groundbreaking to say the least. Thereby, most of the weight loss occurred in the first 4 months. In addition to the weight loss, participants measured a decrease in abdominal circumference, glucose levels and a sharp decrease in blood pressure. In addition, the drug reduced the risk of developing type II diabetes. SmPC studies are used by the Medicines Evaluation Board (CBG) when approving medication

What are GLP-1 medications

GLP-1 pens are injectable drugs used to help obese adults lose and maintain weight. It was developed by the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk and is available by prescription only. We can prescribe this if you are medically fit. A GLP-1 injection lowers the amount of glucose in the blood, and are sold under several brand names.

What are side effects?

Side effects may occur but are often mild.
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When using, it is always wise to build up slowly in order to avoid side effects as much as possible. Tips are; eat regular, small meals and snacks. Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol. Take your medication at a fixed time of day preferably with a large meal. However, side effects can sometimes occur.

Contact our doctor if you experience serious or persistent side effects.

Who are the injections suitable for?

This medicine is suitable for people who have already made several attempts to lose weight but have not been successful. So if you are thinking of losing between 5 and 15 pounds then this is a good and very effective way. Another weight loss treatment comes as an injectable pen. You only need to use it once a week to help reduce your appetite. This will take care of the hard part for you. These pens are designed for people with a BMI over 30. It can also be used by people with a BMI over 25 who have weight-related health problems, such as hypertension, sleep apnea, hip problems or type-2 diabetes. This treatment makes losing weight simple.

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Difference between treatments

One of these treatments is primarily designed and approved for weight management and is prescribed to overweight or obese adults as an adjunct to a low-calorie diet and increased physical activity. The active ingredient in another treatment helps reduce your sense of hunger by binding to GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas and brain. GLP-1 is released from your stomach when you eat. It acts as a signal, telling your brain that you are full and regulating your blood sugar function. Studies suggest that GLP-1 may not always work as well as it should in obese and overweight people. This may mean that your stomach empties faster and your hunger signals return sooner after eating. So by working just like GLP-1, this treatment improves your blood sugar control and causes your stomach to empty more slowly. By changing the way this hormone works, it can lead to fewer hunger pangs.

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Questions? Feel free to ask.

Our team is always ready to assist you.

How do GLP-1 drugs work ?

Increasing the sense of satiety: These treatments cause the stomach to stay full longer and the brain to get the signal that it is full. This leads to people eating less.

‍Reducing the feeling ofhunger: The treatments cause the brain to get the signal that it is less hungry. This leads people to eat less.
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‍Stimulatingthe release of insulin: The treatments stimulate the release of insulin. Insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels.

What if I forgot a dose?

If you remember it within 12 hours of the usual time of use, inject the medicine again. If it is more than 12 hours after the usual time of use, skip the missed dose and inject the next dose the next day at the usual time. Do not take a double dose or increase your dose the next day.

What are the side effects?

Side effects are often mild and often disappear after 2 weeks. The most common side effects are:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
Headache
Dizziness
Fatigue
Insomnia

Who is Vi intended for?

GLP-1 medication is primarily intended for adults with a weight index (BMI) of 30 or higher, but is also suitable for people who would like to lose 10 pounds and have already tried many things.

How do I use the injections?

Wash your hands with soap and water. Choose a place to give the injection. The best places are the thighs, abdomen or upper arms. Remove the protective cap from the needle. Insert the needle into the skin and press the syringe to administer the injection. Remove and discard the needle.

May I use GLP-1 medication if I am pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding

Pregnancy:Because limited data are available for the use of GLP-1 medication in women, treatment should be discontinued if you intend to become pregnant. No GLP-1 medication should be used during pregnancy.Breastfeeding:It is not known whether liraglutide or Semaglutide is excreted in breast milk.

What results can I expect?

Treatments aimed at weight loss can be effective. In studies with overweight and obese people, participants who used these treatments lost an average of 10% of their body weight. Clinical studies show that patients can lose up to 20% of their body weight using certain methods.

How should I store GLP-1 medication?

Unused medication should be stored in the refrigerator (2°C - 8°C). The pen should be kept in its original container and the cap should always be kept on the pen. If you take the medication with you when traveling, you can store it outside the refrigerator for up to 30 days at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. Keep the pen in the original container and make sure the cap is always kept on the pen. If you do not use the medication within 30 days, put it back in the refrigerator.

How do I use the injections?

Wash your hands with soap and water. Choose a place to give the injection. The best places are the thighs, abdomen or upper arms.Remove the protective cap from the needle.Insert the needle into the skin and press the syringe to administer the injection.Remove the needle and discard the needle.

Who makes these medications?

These drugs are made by the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. It is an injectable drug used to help obese adults lose and maintain weight. This drug is available by prescription only.

Is GLP-1 medication reimbursed?

In the Netherlands, this drug has been reimbursed from the basic health insurance package for a limited group of people with severe overweight (obesity) since February 24, 2022. It is available only on prescription.

May I drive a car during treatment?

Saxenda does not affect driving ability. Note, however, dizziness may occur during the first three months of use.

When can I stop injections?

Generally, if you lose more than 10% of your body weight with this medicine, there is a greater chance that you can maintain the weight in the long term. To know if this medicine is working, check your weight regularly. If you have not lost at least 5% of your body weight after 12 weeks of using this medicine, it is probably not effective for you.