SEMAGLUTIDE & TIRZEPATIDE
Medications that have been created to help control the Type-2 diabetes are now being focused on as weight loss medications. While most obese people also suffer from diabetes the medications are being used for rapid and significant weight loss. These medications contain “semaglutide” or “tirzepatide” which act as GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medications mimic the GLP-1 hormone. They are synthetic compounds that mimic the hormone rather than getting the body to produce the hormone itself.
The major difference between the medications that contain “semaglutide” and those that contain “tirzepatide” is the “tirzepatide” mimics both the GLP-1 and the GIP hormones.
GLP-1 & GIP HORMONES
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone your body produces in the small intestine by L-cells.
GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide) is another hormone your body produces in the small intestine by
K-cells.
K-cells are typically found in the upper small intestine and the L-cells are typically found in the lower intestine.
These cells play important roles in balancing blood sugar levels. These hormones stimulate the pancreas to release insulin.
- MOUNJARO manufactured by Eli Lilly (Tirzepatide)
- OZEMPIC manufactured by Novo Nordisk (Semaglutide)
- RYBELSUS manufactured by Novo Nordisk (Semaglutide)
- WEGOVY manufactured by Novo Nordisk (Semaglutide)
- ZEPBOUND manufactured by Eli Lilly (Tirzepatide)
MEDICATION SIDE EFFECTS
These medication carry the FDA’s black box warning. The black box warning is considered the highest warning the FDA attaches to a medication. It means the side effects can be severe.
Severe side effects:
- Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (thyroid C-cell tumors/cancer)
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Gallbladder Disease
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Other side effects:
- Kidney Disease
- Taste Changes
- Fatigue
- Blurred Vision
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Confusion
There many other negative side effects associated with these types of medications. If you are taking them or plan to take them be sure to have your internal organs checked often throughout the duration of the medication.