Any experience with Wegovy?

[+ purplekow]

Ozempic and Wegovy are the same drug.  They work the same but the companies that make them have done different testing for indications.  Wegovy has been approved for weight loss for people 12 and above and can be used for diabetes control as well.  Ozempic is only used for diabetic control and its use as a weight loss agent is off label.  So theoretically Ozempic Ozempic is not a weight loss drug though it dose aid in weight loss.  It should only be used in those over 18.  Ozempic starts at .25 mg once a wek and then increases to .5 mg after 4 weeks.  Wegovy comes in 5 doses, .25 mg and .5 mg and then higher doses 

[Archangel]

2 hours ago, samhexum said:

 

So how does she get the coupon?  It would really help, as I'm sure she's in a higher income bracket than I am.

The Wegovy website

[Kenny]

On 12/7/2024 at 4:18 PM, Vin Marco said:

You're within striking distance ( or spitting distance ) I would like to think that  you got this.

Thanks for the inspiration. I might have to get to Palm Springs for, uh, more. 😋

[Kenny]

On 12/18/2024 at 10:20 PM, FreshFluff said:

Many telehealth shops will prescribe GLP1s with no questions asked if you’re willing to pay out of pocket. 

Hmmm… I wouldn’t know how to find one. Hints?

[Kenny]

On 12/27/2024 at 3:14 PM, Archangel said:

How is this still such a fight?

The for-profit healthcare industry is a criminal enterprise.

[+ purplekow]

Best hint is don't.  Getting treated medically with no questions asked is a slippery slope.  Are they giving you the right dose?  Are they following you for side effects?  Are they compounding their own and if so who is doing it?  If they are getting it from a distributor, who is it?   there are definite benefits to actually doing through the proper medical channels unless you have a doctor who is will to oversee your use without actually prescribing it himself.  

[+ FreshFluff]

On 12/28/2024 at 4:12 PM, samhexum said:

 

So how does she get the coupon?  It would really help, as I'm sure she's in a higher income bracket than I am.

https://www.wegovy.com/coverage-and-savings/save-on-wegovy.html

 

[+ FreshFluff]

15 hours ago, purplekow said:

Best hint is don't.  Getting treated medically with no questions asked is a slippery slope.  Are they giving you the right dose?  Are they following you for side effects?  Are they compounding their own and if so who is doing it?  If they are getting it from a distributor, who is it?   there are definite benefits to actually doing through the proper medical channels unless you have a doctor who is will to oversee your use without actually prescribing it himself.  

I have yet to try it, but from what I have read, insurance pushes back hard on GLP1 coverage. For many people, compounding is the only option. 
 

That said, Wegovy's cash price is dropping because of the competition from compounding pharmacies and from Lilly's Zepbound.

[marylander1940]

On 9/20/2024 at 5:26 PM, Luv2play said:

One reason Europeans have fewer obese people is that they shop daily for their meals and store relatively little food in their larder. The historical reason for this was that most urban dwellers lived in small apartments with small appliances like refrigerators. 
 

Eating fresh food mostly and having ready access to small quantities so they wouldn’t spoil limited the ability to binge eating whenever the mood struck, like around midnight. 
 

I’m the same way and was even before living in Europe for several years. I had no trouble adjusting to their lifestyle. And I’ve been slim all of my life. And I do exercise regularly even  at 77 today. 

Exactly, besides Europeans don't throw food away like Americans do. They buy something eat it, and buy more later! 

Edited January 1 by marylander1940

[+ ApexNomad]

10 hours ago, marylander1940 said:

Exactly, besides Europeans don't throw food away like Americans do. They buy something eat it, and buy more later! 

@marylander1940 @Luv2play  Yes! Another reason is the cultural emphasis on portion control and slower-paced, more mindful eating in many European countries. Meals are often enjoyed in a social setting, where people tend to savor their food, eat more slowly, and have smaller portions. This contrasts with the fast-paced, larger portion sizes often seen in other countries (like here in the U.S.), which can contribute to overeating. Additionally, the focus on quality over quantity, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients, also plays a role in healthier eating habits.

[+ JEC]

In this class of weight loss medications (Semaglutide), many mimic a single hormone that regulates blood sugar in the body.  While Semaglutide is very effective, it's effectiveness can wane over time. Another class of drugs (Tirzepatide, Zephound, Mounjaro) mimics 2 hormones that regulate blood sugar, and has better and longer-lasting results.  Many patients start on Semaglutide and progress to the dual-acting drugs when it's effectiveness wanes.

Semaglutide vs. tirzepatide

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy. It works as a GLP-1 receptor agonist to treat type 2 diabetes. People also use it to help them lose weight. Tirzepatide is the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound, which also can treat type 2 diabetes and encourage weight.   Tirzepatide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, too. But it also works in a second way, as what’s known as a GIP receptor agonist. GIP, short for glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, is another hormone your body makes after you eat.

[samhexum]

WASHINGTON — Popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have been added to Medicare’s list of medications that will be negotiated directly between the government and drug manufacturers, the Biden administration said Friday.

The price negotiations for the additional 15 drugs selected will be handled by the incoming Trump administration and almost assures billions of dollars in savings for taxpayers.

 

[Archangel]

On 12/31/2024 at 11:28 AM, Kenny said:

The for-profit healthcare industry is a criminal enterprise.

Well, I don’t know that I’d go that far, but it’s definitely extortionist in the USA.

[Archangel]

On 12/31/2024 at 11:30 AM, purplekow said:

Best hint is don't.  Getting treated medically with no questions asked is a slippery slope.  Are they giving you the right dose?  Are they following you for side effects?  Are they compounding their own and if so who is doing it?  If they are getting it from a distributor, who is it?   there are definite benefits to actually doing through the proper medical channels unless you have a doctor who is will to oversee your use without actually prescribing it himself.  

How many guys on this very site are using such telehealth sites for ED medication for off-label purposes? The idea of a medical practitioner, he or she, overseeing prescriptions is a nice idea when there isn’t some hangup they have with it. My GP could observe me for Wegovy but she told me flat out she sends all her patients who want or need weightloss meds to a specialist. Same with when I needed an emergency supply of xanax over the weekend til my shrink was back from vacation; she doesn’t prescribe psychiatric drugs on principle although she could. The doctor makes the call on the script, even in telehealth. 

[Archangel]

8 hours ago, samhexum said:

 

WASHINGTON — Popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have been added to Medicare’s list of medications that will be negotiated directly between the government and drug manufacturers, the Biden administration said Friday.

The price negotiations for the additional 15 drugs selected will be handled by the incoming Trump administration and almost assures billions of dollars in savings for taxpayers.

 

I am soooo tempted to get political but I’m biting my tongue so as not to rouse anyone from a placid political slumber…

[BeamerBikes]

1 hour ago, Archangel said:

I am soooo tempted to get political but I’m biting my tongue so as not to rouse anyone from a placid political slumber

No no no, we got a good thing going here.  Don’t be bringing any of that caca around.  Only fights should be about how much to tip, bears v/s twinks, deposits.  Lamenting why there are so many women in the gay strip club.  

Edited January 18 by BeamerBikes
Cleaning up language

[Archangel]

1 hour ago, BeamerBikes said:

Lamenting why there are so many women in the gay strip club.  

A capital* offense in my opinion!

*By the true etymological definition of the word! 

[menaughty]

has anybody over here taken Wegovy or similar medication with existing GERD or Barret's Esophagus? 

[Colton]

On 12/31/2024 at 11:21 AM, Kenny said:

Many telehealth shops will prescribe GLP1s

I can recommend Form Health as a GLP-1 telehealth shop.  I've been happy with them, most of the telehealth fees are paid by insurance (I only pay co-pays for the PA/MD visits).  I use the Lilly coupon for Zepbound, and the neighborhood pharmacy near me has no problem getting my refills within 48 hours.  

[Archangel]

Well, I had my AOM group consultation today. The room was packed. I found it realistic. We’ll see if it works. They said they’ll call everyone within 4-5 business days to set up a personal doctor consultation. Such a process…

[BeamerBikes]

Interesting article there’s a paywall but gist of it.  Cardiologists and other docs are going on the GLP-1s themselves and noticing other peers doing the same. 

The Physicians Really Are Healing Themselves, With Ozempic - The New York Times

WWW.NYTIMES.COM

---

At cardiology conferences and diabetes meetings, doctors can’t help noticing that thin seems to be very in.

 

[Nodakman]

Personally I have had the best success on Zepbound. I did a stint on wegovy when I was caught in the insurance preauth struggles as Wegovy was the first one covered for me so I switched from compound. Very happy overall!

Edited February 12 by Nodakman
Clarification

[Archangel]

I had my new patient intake for Wegovy on Monday. It was a good appointment. The NP was thorough and I left with a script for Wegovy. I knew I needed a pre auth for my insurance but other colleagues with identical plans and fewer comorbidities had no issue, so I was guardedly optimistic it would be approved.

I receive a message from the weight clinic yesterday afternoon.

Quote

The wegovy was denied due to needing to be on a reduced calorie diet and exercise for at least 3 months prior to getting the mediaction. Your NP states: “I would have him work on behavior modification until his next appointment in May. This will be 3 months and should meet insurance requirements. We can order medication at that time. 

I was livid. I check out the app and see the
 

Quote

PA DENIED- Doesnt meet criteria - pt needs to be on reduced calorie diet and exercise for at least 3 months prior to TX.
 
OV NOTES STATES:"he struggles with his schedule most and eating regularly. Sometimes skips meals and then is more hungry so eats more at the next meal. He often snacks at night just out of habit and not because he is hungry. He does not exercise on a regular basis"
 
Per Ins:
Coverage is provided for patients after a trial of behavioral modification and dietary restriction for at least 3 months. Coverage cannot be authorized at this time. 

On closer examination of the visit notes, it’s clear my NP had spent an inordinate amount of time documenting this behavioral information that I shared for transparency’s sake but only included a subordinate clause about my lifetime of obesity and the myriad attempts and programs I have tried. Having read that, if that’s what submitted for the pre auth, no wonder it was denied. I could’ve predicted that based off the notes. The notes were not representative of most of the office visit. I was livid, as I said.

I call my insurance. I filed an appeal. I’m not hopeful because the NP’s as is are damning. I can’t believe she would submit that in that form if the hope was to get the pre auth approved.

I spent last night very demotivated, demoralized, and defeated. I initially had a sense of true hopelessness that made me think, “Why bother keeping on?” I got out of that…But it is yet another hurdle. And an unnecessary one. It’s the typical “did you try dieting and exercising?” trope.

I read this thing once about how the people most knowledgeable about nutrition are overweight people because we’ve been trying all our lives to make those rules work for us. But hey – we need to be enlightened so we realize we can restrict our calories and modify our lifestyle and that will solve everything right there. Simple as that! Eat less. Do more. What’s the issue?!

🙄 

[Archangel]

…to add to that…

In three months, if the appeal is denied, I’ll tell her I’ve been exercising and getting my steps in every day. I’ll say I’ve been eating consistent, healthy meals without overeating. I’ll say I have stopped snacking at night. I’ll tell her I did everything I was denied for not doing. Even if it’s a lie.

And I’m not offering up any extra info to the NP. Anything I say can and will be used against me. So much for thinking transparency would be a good approach. It stung me in the ass big time.

[+ sniper]

This reminds us me how despite the fact I'd been going to chiropractors and physical therapists on and off for 20 years, when I was finally ready to go under the knife, they tried to postpone my MRI by 12 weeks so I could try PT first.