Better You RX strives to keep you informed about the latest advancements in weight loss medications. Two such drugs worth exploring further are Ozempic and Wegovy. Not only have they successfully aided weight loss, but recent research suggests they may offer cardiovascular benefits to those with heart issues.

Semaglutide: The Active Ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy

• How It Functions

Ozempic and Wegovy both use semaglutide as their active ingredient. Initially developed by Novo Nordisk to treat Type 2 diabetes, semaglutide has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (Federal Health Authority) as Ozempic for diabetes management and Wegovy for weight management. However, Ozempic is also prescribed off-label for weight loss.

Semaglutide mimics the GLP-1 hormone in the gut and regulates blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin production. Additionally, GLP-1 interacts with appetite-regulating centers in the brain, resulting in satiety and lower food intake.

Clinical Trial Results: Obesity, Heart Failure, and Quality of Life Improvements

• Cardiovascular Benefits Revealed

Recent research published in the New England Journal of Medicine highlights the cardiovascular benefits of semaglutide for patients with obesity and heart failure. A trial involving over 500 patients with obesity and heart failure across 13 countries demonstrated that those receiving weekly injections of semaglutide experienced notable improvements in fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling, exercise function, and physical abilities.

• A Clear Impact on Obesity and Cardiovascular Symptoms

In this study, patients taking semaglutide showed an average body weight reduction of 13.3%, compared to 2.6% in the placebo group. Moreover, they walked 20 meters (65 feet) farther in a six-minute test to assess endurance. Patients also experienced fewer hospitalizations and emergency visits during the year-long study period.

Weight loss certainly played a role in the observed benefits. Still, the research also indicates that semaglutide may act through other mechanisms not yet fully understood in reducing heart failure symptoms.

Expanding the Potential of Ozempic and Wegovy in Cardiovascular Care

• Building on Previous Findings

Published in 2021, another study found that overweight or obese individuals taking semaglutide experienced an average reduction of 14.9% in body weight, alongside cuts in certain cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure and lipid levels.

Estimations based on this data suggest that if all 93 million US adults who are overweight and obese were prescribed semaglutide, it could result in 43 million fewer cases of obesity and prevent up to 1.5 million heart attacks, strokes and other adverse cardiovascular events over a decade.

• Complementing Existing Cardiovascular Treatments

Currently, statins are the most widely prescribed medication for reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. They function by lowering LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels, resulting in decreased cardiovascular risks. Semaglutide, in conjunction with statins, could offer additional benefits for individuals at risk for heart issues.

Accessibility, Affordability, and Future Approvals

• Addressing Current Limitations

Despite the promising results, accessibility to Ozempic and Wegovy remains a challenge. In the US, the list price for a monthly prescription of Ozempic is $935, while Wegovy costs $1,350. Even with insurance, some individuals may be unable to afford the copays, and currently, high demand for these drugs has limited supplies.

Novo Nordisk plans to seek regulatory approval in the US and Europe for additional uses of semaglutide. Once a drug has been approved for a specific use, obtaining approval for new indications is smoother since the medication was previously deemed safe.

Partnering with Better You RX for Comprehensive Weight Management Options

As you consider the possibilities offered by Ozempic and Wegovy, trust in Better You RX to help guide you toward a comprehensive weight management plan that best suits your needs. Our mission is to assist you in navigating the complexities of weight loss medications while ensuring your journey to optimal health remains efficient and affordable. Choose BetterYouRX for personalized healthcare solutions that leave no questions unanswered.

In patients who have experienced a heart attack or significant chest pain and have undergone angioplasty (surgery to open the blood channels supplying the heart with blood), prasugrel is taken with aspirin to avoid serious or life-threatening issues with the heart and blood vessels. The drug prasugrel belongs to the group of drugs known as anti-platelet drugs. It stops platelets, and blood cells, from clumping together and producing clots that could result in a heart attack or stroke.

How to Apply

Prasugrel is available as an oral tablet. Typically, it is taken once a day, with or without food. Prasugrel should be taken every day at around the same time. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. Prasugrel should be taken as prescribed. 

Never take it in more significant or fewer amounts or more frequently than directed by your doctor. Do not chew, break, or crush the tablet; swallow it whole. Only while taking prasugrel will it help you avoid significant heart and blood vessel issues. Prasugrel should not be stopped without consulting your doctor. You run an increased risk of dying, having a heart attack, or developing a blood clot if you stop taking prasugrel.

Unique Precautions

Prior to ingesting prasugrel,

• If you have an allergy to prasugrel, other medications, or any of the substances in prasugrel tablets, let your doctor and pharmacist know immediately. Request a list of the components from your pharmacist.
• Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know what prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products you currently use or intend to use. Mention all of the drugs that are listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section.
• Be sure to let your doctor know if you have kidney problems.
• Be sure to let your doctor know if you’re nursing or expecting a baby. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while taking prasugrel.

Particular Diet

Keep eating generally unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

Forms & Strengths of Doses

tablet

• 5mg
• 10mg

Coronary Syndrome, Acute

Reduced risk of thrombotic cardiovascular events, such as stent thrombosis, in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and either (a) unstable angina or non-ST-elevation MI (NSTEMI) or (b) ST-elevation MI (STEMI) when treated with primary or delayed PCI

In addition to aspirin 81-325 mg/day, administer 60 mg PO once as a loading dosage; if the patient weighs less than 60 kg, consider 5 mg PO once daily due to a possible increased risk of bleeding (efficacy and safety not demonstrated).

Modifications to Dosage

renal dysfunction

• No dosage change is required.
• End-stage renal disease: Limited knowledge; people with this condition typically have a higher risk of bleeding

Hepatic dysfunction

• Child-Pugh Class A or B: Mild to moderate; no dosage adjustment required
• Unstudied severity (Child-Pugh Class C)

Dosing in underweight patients

• Patients receiving a 10-mg maintenance dose of prasugrel daily had a higher exposure to its active metabolite and a higher risk of bleeding.
• If a patient weighs under 60 kg, consider lowering the maintenance dose to 5 mg.

Untaken Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember if you can. Take only that dose if your next dose is about to expire. Never take two or more doses.

If you miss a dosage, take it as soon as you recall. If the next dose is due, skip the missed one and continue with your regular dosing plan. Do not take a second one to make up for a missing dose.

Negative effects 

Prasugrel could have unwanted effects. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Unsteadiness
• Excessive fatigue
• discomfort in the arms, legs, or back
• cough

Some adverse effects can be very harmful. Call your doctor right away if you have any of these signs or any of those in the IMPORTANT WARNING section:

• fever
• Deficiency
• Faintness
• Purple skin patches
• a yellowing of the eyes or skin
• Excessive breathing
• irregular, rapid, or slow heartbeat
• Migraine
• Perplexity
• convulsions
• Sluggish or challenging speech
• sudden onset of limb weakness
• Stomach ache
• vomiting
• gagging
• vomiting
• less frequent urination
• rash
• Swelling of the lower legs, arms, hands, feet, ankles, face, eyes, mouth, lips, tongue, or neck.
• rash

Prasugrel may result in additional adverse effects. If you experience strange issues while taking this medicine, contact your doctor immediately.

Before using this drug, what should I notify my medical team?

If you have any of the following conditions, they need to know:

• Bleeding conditions
• Bleeding inside the skull
• Intestinal polyps
• Diverticular disease
• Kidney illness
• Liver illness
• Recent injury or operation
• Internal bleeding
• Stomach ulcers and other gastrointestinal issues
• Transient ischemic attack or stroke
• Unusual or allergic responses to prasugrel, other drugs, food, colors, or preservatives
• Trying to conceive or currently pregnant
• Nursing a baby

What should I do with my medicine?

Keep out of children’s and animals’ reach.

Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 25 degrees Celsius). Shield from moisture and light. Keep the container shut tightly. The packet within the container should not be discarded. The drug is kept dry.

If a prescription hasn’t been utilized before expiration, throw it away.

To get rid of prescription drugs that are outdated or expired:

Bring the medication to a drug disposal program. To locate a location, check with your local drugstore or police enforcement.

If you cannot return the medication, read the label or package insert to see if it should be disposed of properly or flushed. Ask your care team if you are unsure. Empty the medication in the container if it is okay to dispose of it in the garbage. Combine the drug with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other undesirable material. Place the mixture in a bag or container and seal it. Place it in the garbage.

This document serves as a summary. It might not include all relevant data. Speak to your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare practitioner if you have any questions regarding this medication.

At Better You Rx pharmacy, your well-being is our priority. We understand that each person’s journey is unique, so we offer personalized care and support. Our team of experts is here to guide you every step of the way, making sure you receive the best possible care and information.

Don’t let uncertainties linger. Choose Effient and take a decisive step towards a healthier heart. Visit Better You Rx pharmacy today and journey to a brighter, heart-healthy tomorrow. Your heart deserves the best – and so do you.