How it works

This medication is part of a class of medications called Glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1s) which can help you feel fuller and helps to stabilize blood sugar levels. They can also help with cravings and appetite and have been found to be very effective for weight loss. Ozempic® is FDA-approved for the treatment of type II diabetes.

Form and dosing information

Ozempic® comes in an injection given at doses which start at 0.25 mg once weekly.

Dosing instructions vary according to weight, tolerability and other factors and should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

Side effects information

Many people experience no side effects. Some of the most common or potential side effects include:

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal Pain
• Headache
• Indigestion
• Injection site reactions
• Dizziness
• Back pain
• Increased Lipase or Amylase
• Altered taste
• Nasopharyngitis (common cold)
• Passing Gas
• Bloating
• Belching
• Gastroenteritis
• Decreased appetite
• Fatigue
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in those with type II diabetes
• Upset stomach

These symptoms often subside as your body adjusts to the medications. Please notify your provider if side effects persist. For a complete list of side effects, review the medication packaging inserts.

See packaging for a complete list of side effects.

Warnings

Please contact your doctor ASAP and seek in-person care immediately if a side effect becomes problematic or you experience:

• Severe nausea and/or vomiting resulting in dehydration- it is important to stay well hydrated and drink plenty of fluids while on this medication
• Kidney problems/kidney failure - vomiting, nausea, diarrhea can cause dehydration and kidney issues and make kidney problems worse in individuals who have pre-existing kidney conditions; may sometimes lead to the need for hemodialysis
• Thyroid C-Cell Tumor: Trouble swallowing, hoarseness, a lump or swelling in your neck, or shortness of breath (see black box warning below)
• Pancreatitis: Severe pain in your abdomen or back that will not go away
• Acute gallbladder disease - Pain in the middle or right upper stomach, fever, white parts of your eyes turn yellow or skin turns yellow, nausea/vomiting. if gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder is suspected further studies are needed.
• Hepatitis/Elevated liver enzymes/Jaundice
• Diabetic retinopathy problems: Changes in vision in those with type II diabetes, particularly vision problems may worsen in those with a history of diabetic retinopathy
• Severe gastrointestinal disease - may cause gastrointestinal disease; do not use if you have a history of severe gastrointestinal disease
• Signs of low blood sugar (for example, dizziness, weakness, shakiness, jitteriness, headache, anxiety/mood changes, rapid heartbeat, confusion, slurred speech, sweating, or lightheadedness). While this is rare with GLP-1s, if it occurs, please seek in-person care immediately. If you have these symptoms, try having liquid or food containing sugar (around 15-20 grams) —drinking juice, having regular soda, or eating some hard candies right away, as this will help raise your blood sugar quickly. If taken with insulin or an insulin secretagogue (ie sulfonylurea) it is best to talk to your healthcare provider about possibly lowering the dose of these medications to lower the risk of hypoglycemia.
• Increasing heart rate
• Worsening depression, behavior changes, or suicidality
• Never share the Ozempic® pen with other people

Black box warning

GLP-1s are contraindicated in individuals with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, a family history of such, or in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. Do not take them if you have ever had thyroid cancer. In studies with rodents, GLP-1s caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer; it is not known if they will cause thyroid tumors or cancer in humans. Please notify your doctor ASAP if you develop trouble swallowing, hoarseness, a lump or swelling in your neck, or shortness of breath.

If you experience a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Tell your healthcare provider about your medical history prior to taking Ozempic®.

Avoid alcohol while taking this medication. If you’re taking diabetes medications, please discuss this with your prescribing doctor before starting Ozempic®, as your diabetes medications may need to be adjusted as you lose weight.

Use adequate contraception while taking this medication. Do not take this medication if pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding. If you plan to become pregnant, this medication needs to be stopped at least 2 months before trying. This medication may cause fetal harm.

Notify your doctor if you have kidney, liver, or pancreas problems.

Stop using Ozempic® and call your healthcare provider immediately if you have severe stomach or abdomen pain that will not go away, with or without vomiting.

Stop using Ozempic® and get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; problems breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fainting or feeling dizzy; or very rapid heartbeat.

Serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis and angioedema) have been reported. Discontinue Ozempic® if suspected and promptly seek medical advice.

Drug interactions

As with other medications, Ozempic® can interact with alcohol and certain prescription and non-prescription medications and herbal products. The risk of hypoglycemia is increased when combined with insulin or insulin secretagogues such as sulfonylureas. Ozempic® delays gastric emptying and may impact the absorption of oral medications. If you are on thyroid hormone medication, prior to starting Ozempic®, please review the timing of taking your thyroid hormone medication with the doctor who prescribes it as it may need to be adjusted. The drug levels of medications with narrow therapeutic windows (ie warfarin) should be monitored closely while on Ozempic®.

Please consult the pharmaceutical packaging for a full list of side effects, warnings, interactions and additional information.

To report suspected adverse reactions to Ozempic® contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In case of emergencies, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

How it works

This medication is part of a class of medications called Glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1s) which can help you feel fuller and helps to stabilize blood sugar levels. They can also help with cravings and appetite and have been found to be very effective for weight loss. Wegovy is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in those who meet specific BMI criteria.

Form and dosing information

Wegovy comes in an injection given at doses which start at 0.25 mg once weekly.

Dosing instructions vary according to weight, tolerability and other factors and should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

Side effects information

Many people experience no side effects. Some of the most common or potential side effects include:

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal Pain
• Headache
• Indigestion
• Injection site reactions
• Dizziness
• Back pain
• Increased Lipase or Amylase
• Altered taste
• Nasopharyngitis (common cold)
• Passing Gas
• Bloating
• Belching
• Gastroenteritis
• Decreased appetite
• Fatigue
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in those with type II diabetes
• Upset stomach

These symptoms often subside as your body adjusts to the medications. Please notify your provider if side effects persist. For a complete list of side effects, review the medication packaging inserts.

Warnings

Please contact your doctor ASAP and seek in-person care immediately if a side effect becomes problematic or you experience:

• Severe nausea and/or vomiting resulting in dehydration- it is important to stay well hydrated and drink plenty of fluids while on this medication
• Kidney problems/kidney failure - vomiting, nausea, diarrhea can cause dehydration and kidney issues and make kidney problems worse in individuals who have pre-existing kidney conditions; may sometimes lead to the need for hemodialysis
• Thyroid C-Cell Tumor: Trouble swallowing, hoarseness, a lump or swelling in your neck, or shortness of breath (see black box warning below)
• Pancreatitis: Severe pain in your abdomen or back that will not go away
• Acute gallbladder disease - Pain in the middle or right upper stomach, fever, white parts of your eyes turn yellow or skin turns yellow, nausea/vomiting. if gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder is suspected further studies are needed.
• Hepatitis/Elevated liver enzymes/Jaundice
• Diabetic retinopathy problems: Changes in vision in those with type II diabetes, particularly vision problems may worsen in those with a history of diabetic retinopathy
• Severe gastrointestinal disease - may cause gastrointestinal disease; do not use if you have a history of severe gastrointestinal disease
• Signs of low blood sugar (for example, dizziness, weakness, shakiness, jitteriness, headache, anxiety/mood changes, rapid heartbeat, confusion, slurred speech, sweating, or lightheadedness). While this is rare with GLP-1s, if it occurs, please seek in-person care immediately. If you have these symptoms, try having liquid or food containing sugar (around 15-20 grams) —drinking juice, having regular soda, or eating some hard candies right away, as this will help raise your blood sugar quickly. If taken with insulin or an insulin secretagogue (ie sulfonylurea) it is best to talk to your healthcare provider about possibly lowering the dose of these medications to lower the risk of hypoglycemia.
• Increasing heart rate
• Worsening depression, behavior changes, or suicidality
• Never share the Wegovy pen with other people

See packaging for a complete list of side effects and warnings.

Black box warning

GLP-1s are contraindicated in individuals with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, a family history of such, or in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. Do not take them if you have ever had thyroid cancer. In studies with rodents, GLP-1s caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer; it is not known if they will cause thyroid tumors or cancer in humans. Please notify your doctor ASAP if you develop trouble swallowing, hoarseness, a lump or swelling in your neck, or shortness of breath.

If you experience a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Tell your healthcare provider about your medical history prior to taking Wegovy.

Avoid alcohol while taking this medication. If you’re taking diabetes medications, please discuss this with your prescribing doctor before starting Wegovy, as your diabetes medications may need to be adjusted as you lose weight.

Use adequate contraception while taking this medication. Do not take this medication if pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding. If you plan to become pregnant, this medication needs to be stopped at least 2 months before trying. This medication may cause fetal harm.

Notify your doctor if you have kidney, liver, or pancreas problems.

Stop using Wegovy and call your healthcare provider immediately if you have severe stomach or abdomen pain that will not go away, with or without vomiting.

Stop using Wegovy and get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; problems breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fainting or feeling dizzy; or very rapid heartbeat.

Serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis and angioedema) have been reported. Discontinue Wegovy if suspected and promptly seek medical advice.

Drug interactions

As with other medications, Wegovy can interact with alcohol and certain prescription and non-prescription medications and herbal products. The risk of hypoglycemia is increased when combined with insulin or insulin secretagogues such as sulfonylureas. Wegovy delays gastric emptying and may impact the absorption of oral medications. If you are on thyroid hormone medication, prior to starting Wegovy, please review the timing of taking your thyroid hormone medication with the doctor who prescribes it as it may need to be adjusted. The drug levels of medications with narrow therapeutic windows (ie warfarin) should be monitored closely while on Wegovy.

Please consult the pharmaceutical packaging for a full list of side effects, warnings, interactions and additional information.

To report suspected adverse reactions to Wegovy contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In case of emergencies, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Brand names

Aplenzin®1, Forfivo®2, Wellbutrin®3, Zyban®4

How it works

Although bupropion is FDA-approved to treat depression, to prevent depression in patients with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and for tobacco cessation, it is also commonly used by leading specialist obesity clinicians and weight clinics off-label to help aid with weight loss by reducing cravings and compulsive eating.

Form and dosing information

Bupropion typically comes in a tablet form at dosages starting at 75 mg.

Dosing instructions vary according to weight, tolerability and other factors and should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

Black box warning: Buproprion may cause suicidal thinking and behavior and other serious side effects

Bupropion may cause psychiatric disorders, including suicidal thinking and behavior, hallucinations, confusion, paranoia, irrational fears and manic episodes (for people with undiagnosed bipolar disorder). The medicine could also cause high blood pressure, fast irregular heart beats, seizures, acute angle-closure glaucoma, and death. You should not stop taking bupropion abruptly or without consulting your healthcare provider.

Side effects information

Many people experience no side effects while taking bupropion. Some of the most common side effects (but not extremely frequent) are:

• difficulty sleeping
• headaches or migraines
• nausea or vomiting
• constipation
• excessive sweating
• dizziness
• weight loss
• decrease in appetite
• blurred vision
• dry mouth
• nervousness
• agitation or other mental changes
• tremors
• fast heart rate

Additional side effects include:

• change in sense of taste
• drowsiness
• frequent need to urinate
• sore throat
• unusual feeling of well-being

These symptoms may subside after the body adjusts to the medication.

Warning

Tell your healthcare provider about your medical history, especially if you have any of the following conditions in which case you should NOT take bupropion:

• seizure disorder
• anorexia
• Bulimia
• use of an MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor) such as Nardil®, Parnate® or Marplan® in the past 14 days
• severe head injury
• withdrawal from benzodiazepine or alcohol intoxication.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or impair your judgment. Please do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or perform any hazardous task until the effects of bupropion are known to you. For anyone taking diabetes medications, please have a discussion with your prescribing clinician prior to taking bupropion as your diabetes medications may need to be adjusted as you lose weight. You should wear medical identification stating that you are taking this drug so that appropriate treatment can be given in a medical emergency.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you experience anxiety, dry mouth, irregular heartbeats, irritability or other mental depression or other mood or mental changes or suicidal thoughts, restlessness, shaking, trouble sleeping, buzzing or ringing in ears, skin hives, rashes or itching, confusion, fainting, hyperventilation, hallucinations, seizures, trouble concentrating, lightheadedness, chest discomfort, sweating, headaches, impulsivity or unusual tiredness.

DO NOT take bupropion if you are planning to become pregnant or if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Drug interactions

As with other medications, bupropion can interact with alcohol and certain prescription and non-prescription medications and herbal products, including monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (like isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), dopaminergic medications (drugs that increase dopamine levels in your system like levodopa and amantadine), drugs that affect the central nervous system (CNS) like antihistamines or medicine for allergies or colds, sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicines, medicine for depression, medicine for anxiety, antipsychotics, theophylline, systemic corticosteroids, prescription pain medicine or narcotics, medicine for attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, medicine for seizures or barbiturates, muscle relaxants, or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics.

Please consult the pharmaceutical packaging for a full list of side effects, warnings, interactions and additional information.

To report suspected adverse reactions to Bupropion contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In case of emergencies, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

As part of Found’s personalized weight care program, the medical team works with each member, if they qualify, to prescribe medication to help reach their weight loss goal. When diet and exercise alone don’t lead to effective weight loss, medication may be able to work with your body to help you lose weight. One of the medications Found medical team my prescribe is metformin, an FDA approved medication to control blood sugar in patients with prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes.

What is Metformin?

Metformin is an FDA approved medication to control blood sugar in patients with prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes. With this type of diabetes, insulin normally produced by the pancreas is not able to take up the sugar in your blood properly. Metformin helps your body use insulin better, thereby reducing blood sugar levels. It also decreases the amount of sugar your liver makes and your stomach and intestines absorb.

Diet and exercise are still a critical component to controlling blood sugar levels with type 2 diabetes. To work properly, the amount of metformin you take must be in balance with the amount and type of food you eat and the amount of exercise you do. You should talk to your doctor about testing your blood sugar regularly and regulating it with medication and lifestyle interventions.

*Metformin is approved for patients with prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes to control blood sugar. Consult with your doctor about if Metformin is appropriate for you.

Common side effects

• Abdominal or stomach discomfort
• cough or hoarseness
• decreased appetite
• diarrhea
• fast or shallow breathing
• fever or chills
• general feeling of discomfort
• lower back or side pain
• muscle pain or cramping
• painful or difficult urination
• sleepiness

The medical team can discuss additional potential side effects. If needed, Found members can work with their medical team to manage side effects by changing the dosage or trying a different medication, as appropriate.

Metformin and weight loss

While metformin has not been approved as a weight loss medication, some studies have shown that people taking the medication may lose some weight, and this applies to diabetic and non-diabetic patients. The mechanism by which metformin induces weight loss is still being uncovered but may be due to decreased food intake as a result of changes in insulin sensitivity.

Medicines used for weight loss can work in different ways and like is the case with metformin, can be used for different types of patients . Found’s medical team matches the mechanism of the medicine to each member’s needs. Not one medicine is appropriate for everyone, which is why Found works with a medical team and pharmacy to provide members access to the widest set of prescription medications on the market.