FDA Approves New Drug For Weight Loss

A weekly injection of the GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide reduced body weight in adults with obesity or overweight and at least one weight-related health condition, when used together with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity. The medication also improved blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It is the first new prescription drug for chronic weight management to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2014.

Gastrointestinal side effects were the most common adverse events with semaglutide, especially during dose escalation. These were typically transient, mild to moderate in severity and infrequently led to treatment discontinuation. Nevertheless, they were important considerations when initiating or resuming therapy, and therefore patients should carefully weigh the risks and benefits before starting the treatment.

Semaglutide: A Revolutionary Approach to Weight Loss

The most commonly reported semaglutide side effects include low blood sugar (in people with type 2 diabetes), stomach pain, heartburn, bloating, burping, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, diarrhea (may be watery or bloody), headache, dizziness, tiredness, and trouble sleeping. Call your doctor for medical advice about any side effect that is severe or bothersome.

R&R Medical Aesthetics is available only by prescription from your doctor. Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medicines you are taking, including vitamins and supplements. Do not use semaglutide if you have had an allergic reaction to this medicine or any other GLP-1 receptor agonist. FDA has sent letters to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy and the Federation of State Medical Boards expressing concern about compounded versions of this medication containing salt forms of semaglutide that are not FDA-approved or evaluated for safety and effectiveness.