Post by Steve on Nov 3, 2017 9:17:37 GMT -8
These drugs are Incrētin Mimetics (GLP-1 receptor agonists)
First, you need to know that glucagon is the other half of what the pancreas produces. Insulin to lower blood glucose, glucagon to raise it! So the job of a GLP receptor inhibitor is to interrupt a peptide signal that triggers the bumping of glucose. Read on to see how this works...
Bydureon was suggested as a very effective med for glucose control that also does a good job of causing weight loss! It is an injection, once a week, and that starts off by causing a wave of nausea for the first few weeks. Read a post on another forum that describes the nausea and the actual rise in A1c numbers!)
Ozempic: (semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Ozempic is specifically indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Ozempic is supplied as a solution for subcutaneous injection into the abdomen, thigh or upper arm..
What happens is that these meds (including Victoza, and now Trulicity) delay the stomach from emptying, slowing release of glucose and fooling you into feeling full and you stop eating. That then inhibits glucagon which would tell the liver to release stored sugar. That right there is a chance for weight loss. But wait, there's more...
"...taken by injection, they are similar to insulin, but they're not insulin. These medications are in a class of drugs called incretin mimetics, providing blood sugar control by mimicking the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).
Similar, but Not the Same
Bydureon (an exenatide) is injected once a week, needs mixing at this time. Side effects?
"The most common side effect of exenatide is mild to moderate nausea, which improves with time in most people. Several cases of kidney problems, including kidney failure, have been reported in people who have taken exenatide. Rarely, exenatide may cause harmful inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)." Mayo Clinic
Victoza (a liraglutide) is injected daily. Side effects?
"Some studies have found that liraglutide reduces systolic blood pressure and triglycerides, in addition to improving blood sugar control. The most common side effects are headache, nausea and diarrhea. Clinical studies have also shown that liraglutide may cause pancreatitis." Mayo Clinic
And compare these to new (2015) Trulicity.
FDA Issues Black Box Warning for Victoza and Bydureon
Read the info here. I confess, it sounded good at the RN's office, but reading the FDA info and knowing the main reason I would take it would be to lose weight? I have decided to get a 20-pound fork and just eat less. My opinion only.
GLP-1 receptor agonists?
Check out "Which is Better?" (cost wise, anyway) at GoodRX.