New weight-loss drug heralded as 'game changer'

[davsand]

3. I take the drug now for Type 2 Diabetes. It's not free of side effects even at this lower dose.

The dosage for Type 2 diabetes is much lower than the dose approved for weight loss (.5mg -v- 2.4mg for weight loss) Even at this lower dose I have side effects that are not terribly pleasant. It impacts on the entire digestive system ranging from the "dire-rears" to constipation--depending on what I eat. It also leaves me with acid reflux and gas. Part of how it works is to slow down gut motility, and that seems to be a pretty consistent issue for many of its users. It also kills your appetite. Once you start on the drug you really do seem to lose most cravings and even hunger.

It is a once weekly injection and the negative effects do seem to be worse in the days immediately following the injection. Injections are painless, the needles for the pre loaded pens are very fine, and short (it's subcutaneous.) Most of the time I really don't feel it, TBH. A lot of people are put off by the injection aspect of it, but it's not that bad in actual use. Certainly, it's easier than a daily shot or shots of insulin, so...

It does work really well for reducing my blood glucose. My doc says that once insulin resistance is resolved he feels excess weight will resolve itself (as long as the portion and diet control continue) and that with a healthier lifestyle it might be possible to not need the drug any longer. He makes no promises, however. I truly don't know if I'd want to take the drug solely for weight loss. I think that higher dose would be tough to deal with.

YMMV, but I figured I'd share my own experience here.

Regards!


Laura