You may not have heard the term ‘GLP-1 agonists’ before, but it’s a broad descriptor for a group of drugs with multiple applications. Currently, one of them is most widely known for managing diabetes and helping many people lose weight. However, that’s not all they’re good for. If you’re dealing with specific conditions, it might be a good idea to talk to your doctor about them.
6 Uses For GLP-1 Agonists
1. Lowering Your Blood Sugar
This is the primary use of GLP-1 agonists. The medication mimics the behaviors of the GLP-1 hormone that your body is supposed to produce naturally. The medication will encourage your pancreas to release insulin when needed, and it also slows digestion so that you don’t have unwanted blood sugar spikes.
2. Lowering Your Blood Pressure
While more study is needed, it’s been shown that long-term use of GLP-1 agonists can help to lower blood pressure. This can be helpful for people who have issues with their blood pressure, as well as those who have been diagnosed with diabetes and may develop high blood pressure.
3. Improving Fatty Liver Disease
This benefit is specifically related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Those who are dealing with this condition are usually asked to lose a significant amount of weight, as it can help their symptoms. Unfortunately, that’s not always easy, so taking medication can be a life-changer.
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4. Reducing Your Risk of Heart Disease
When you’re managing your weight, it can reduce your risk of developing heart disease. This is generally beneficial for Black Americans who are more prone to having heart issues. However, if you’re dealing with diabetes, you’ll want to bear this in mind, too.
5. Delaying the Progression of Diabetes-related Nephropathy
Studies show that people with diabetes can develop kidney disease if their condition isn’t properly managed. Black people, in particular, are more likely to develop diabetes-related nephropathy, so a GLP-1 agonist can play a critical role in preventing it.
6. Helping With Weight Management
One benefit of GLP-1 agonists that you’ve likely heard of is weight loss. This usually occurs because the drug slows your digestion and also helps you to feel fuller for longer. When combined with a healthy diet, you’re more likely to lose weight. This can be especially beneficial to those who have chronic illnesses that are related to being overweight.
The Potential Side Effects
Though GLP-1 agonists have significant benefits, they can also have a variety of side effects. Typically, you may experience diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. These issues are most likely to occur at the beginning or if you’re taking a higher dose of the medication. Less common side effects may include dizziness, an upset stomach, an increased heart rate, unexplained infections, chronic headaches, and temporary redness or itchiness at the injection sites.
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In rare circumstances, taking GLP-1 agonists can increase your risk of developing certain conditions, such as pancreatitis, sudden kidney damage, and medullary thyroid cancer. If you have diabetes-related retinopathy, the medication can make it worse. Additionally, some people’s bodies form antibodies to certain GLP-1 agonists. While this occurrence can reduce the medication’s effectiveness, it also makes it more likely to have an allergic reaction.
If you’re having an allergic reaction, it’s common for the injection site to get itchy or red. Rarely, you may have a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. The symptoms of anaphylaxis include shortness of breath, sudden wheezing, an unexplained rash, difficulty swallowing, hives, abdominal pain, tightness in the chest, and a feeling of dread.
Although you can let your doctor know about mild allergic reactions, you should always seek emergency care if you’re having symptoms of anaphylaxis, as it can be fatal.
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How to Deal With Insurance
Coverage for GLP-1 agonists can be tricky. It can depend on what the drug is prescribed for, the brand of the medication, and which plan you’re on. Generally, health insurance will cover GLP-1 agonists that have been prescribed for FDA-approved uses. For example, you may find that you can get coverage for conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease.
However, you’re not as likely to be covered if the medication has been prescribed primarily for weight loss. In this case, it can vary from one provider to the other. Some companies will provide coverage when GLP-1 agonists are prescribed for weight loss if you have a body mass index (BMI) over 40.
Additionally, certain brands of the medication may not be covered, while the generic versions are. As an example, if you’re on the Affordable Care Act plan, you may be able to access both brand and generic forms of certain GLP-1 agonists for Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Since you don’t want any surprises when it’s time to get your medication, it’s best to check with your provider about coverage. If you have an online portal where you can get that information, that’s an easy way to do it. Alternatively, you can call the insurance provider or your employer. Some manufacturers of GLP-1 agonists have a section on their websites where you can check your coverage.
Finally, you can talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether or not the prescribed drug is covered. If the drug is covered, then there usually aren’t any issues with filling your prescription. If it’s not covered, you may need to go back to the drawing board with your doctor. You can discuss your options and why your medication might not be covered. That’s when you can determine if you have another condition that may make it easier to access the medication.
It’s important to note that realizing the drug might not be covered isn’t the end of the road. You can work with your doctor to submit a letter of exception to your insurance provider. It’s called a letter of medical necessity, and it needs to detail why your doctor is recommending this course of treatment for you. Your insurance provider may still reject this letter, but you have the final option to appeal.
Alternatively, you can research other ways to make your medication more affordable. Some manufacturers have discount programs that might benefit you. You can also look into coupons or savings programs that pharmacies may provide.
GLP-1 agonists can help with different conditions, so it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor if you’re dealing with any of the issues listed here. Even if the medication isn’t covered by your insurance provider, you can still find ways to make it affordable.
