Here are some important facts behind weight loss injection
There is increasing interest in using weight loss injection solutions to manage weight. However, understanding their mechanism and potential side effects is crucial before starting this treatment plan.
This article delves into the science behind these injections and the importance of professional medical advice. As you read along, you’ll also learn how to conveniently order home delivery of your essential medications with us at Chemist2U.
In this article
1. How do weight loss injections work?
There are different types and brands of weight loss injections, and each one may function differently based on its specific formulation.
For instance, Wegovy, known by its generic name semaglutide, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It’s a synthetic version of the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone that lowers appetite, thereby regulating food intake.[1]
Saxenda is another brand of weight loss injection with the generic name liraglutide. Similar to semaglutide, it’s a GLP-1 receptor agonist that assists in weight loss by decreasing appetite and slowing gastric emptying, making individuals feel fuller for longer.[2]
On another note, people searching for terms like ‘fat loss shot’, ‘belly fat burner’, ‘slimming injection’, or ‘rapid weight loss injection’ might be interested in these injections as possible alternatives for weight loss pills like Duromine (phentermine). However, it’s worth noting that the efficacy of these treatments may vary greatly depending on individual circumstances and the specific medication used.
Consult your doctor about what options are suitable for your situation.
2. How do you use weight loss injections?
When you’re prescribed a weight loss injection, your doctor will specify the frequency and exact dosage tailored to your health needs. It’s also worth noting that each brand has distinct instructions for administration.
For instance, Saxenda (liraglutide) is typically administered daily. It’s injected under the skin, and you can do it at any time of the day, with or without food.[3] Semaglutide injections, on the other hand, are typically done once weekly, and you can choose your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm as the injection site.[4]
For all these injectable weight loss options, it is vital to receive guidance from your doctor and adhere to the instructions provided with the medication. A doctor may also help you understand how to correctly use each weight loss injection.
3. Who can use weight loss injections?
The suitability of a weight loss injection may depend on the specific type and the individual’s health profile.
For example, Saxenda (semaglutide) is primarily indicated for the weight management of adults who are obese or overweight with one comorbidity such as type 2 diabetes.[5]
Wegovy (semaglutide), on the other hand, may be prescribed for adults with weight-related health issues like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia. It is also indicated for adolescents ages 12 and older with obesity and a body weight over 60 kg.
Talk to your doctor to learn whether weight loss injections are suitable for your unique health condition.
4. Side effects of weight loss injections
Understanding the side effects of a weight loss injection is crucial for anyone considering these as part of their weight management plan. Let us give you some examples:
With semaglutide, common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fatigue and low blood sugar. Rarely, users may also experience serious side effects such as severe stomach pain, shortness of breath, and swelling of the face.[6] On rare occasions, liraglutide users might encounter symptoms like acute pancreatitis, cholecystitis, and anaphylaxis.[7]
This is not an exhaustive list of side effects, given that there are multiple types of weight loss injections on the market. Always ask your doctor about the potential risks, including the likelihood of severe or minimal side effects.
5. Weight loss injections and other medications
Using a weight loss injection can affect the rate of digestion, potentially delaying the absorption of other oral medicines you may take. This may include insulin or other diabetes medications.[8]
It’s essential to inform your doctor about all the medications you’re currently taking since some over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products may influence the efficacy of a weight loss injection.
6. Medicines you should not use with weight loss injections
There are medical professionals who recommend discontinuing weight loss injections before surgery. This is due to the delayed stomach emptying associated with these injections, which could increase the risk of regurgitation and aspiration during general anaesthesia and deep sedation. Still, there’s a need for more extensive studies to fully substantiate these recommendations.[9]
Additionally, combining weight loss injections with other weight loss medications, especially ones that can also cause hypoglycaemia, may not be advisable. It’s essential to consult your doctor for personalised advice to ensure that your approach to weight management is suitable for your circumstances.
7. How to order weight loss injections through Chemist2U
At Chemist2U, we are making medication easy. When you’re looking to access a weight loss injection and need to use it regularly, we know that travelling to a pharmacy may not always be convenient. So, we offer a simple solution – home delivery of your medications.
You can get started by downloading our user-friendly app or using this website. From there, you can swiftly upload your eScript. Then, a partner pharmacist in your local community will fill your order, giving you confidence that you’ll receive the correct medication.
Our virtual shelves are also filled with a broad range of over-the-counter medication and general pharmacy products, allowing you to add any additional items you need, just as if you were in a physical pharmacy.
Chemist2U offers a range of delivery options to choose from, as well as click and collect. Note that some medications including Mounjaro, Ozempic and Wegovy must be delivered in a temperature-controlled box via Express Post.
Chemist2U will then send you handy reminders when it’s time to reorder, helping to ensure you always have your important medication when you need it.
Plus, with our Ask a Pharmacist feature, you can seek answers from a professional when you have general questions about your medications. For any order-related concerns, our customer service team is ready to assist you.
Order home delivery of your medications at Chemist2U today!
References
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8717485/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5358074/
[3] https://www.drugs.com/saxenda.html
[4] https://www.drugs.com/wegovy.html
[5] https://www.ebs.tga.gov.au/ebs/picmi/picmirepository.nsf/pdf?OpenAgent&id=CP-2016-PI-01008-1
[6] https://www.ebs.tga.gov.au/ebs/picmi/picmirepository.nsf/pdf?OpenAgent&id=CP-2020-CMI-01750-1&d=20240105172310101
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5358074/
[8] https://www.nps.org.au/medicine-finder/saxenda-solution-for-injection
[9] https://www.asahq.org/about-asa/newsroom/news-releases/2023/06/patients-taking-popular-medications-for-diabetes-and-weight-loss-should-stop-before-elective-surgery
