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Your Health is Paramount: When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider on Weight Loss Injections

Are you considering or already using weight loss injections as a part of your weight management journey? Weight loss injections, such as Wegovy® (Semaglutide®) and Saxenda® (Liraglutide®), can be an effective tool for shedding excess pounds. However, like any medication, they come with potential side effects and risks. While some side effects are normal and can be expected and managed, it's essential to know when to contact your healthcare professional (HCP) to ensure your well-being.

Before we start it’s vital to say that you must take professional medical advice over any other - including the information in this article. We provide the information in this article to encourage you to seek proper medical advice from a registered healthcare professional.

Understanding Common Side Effects

Weight loss injections, like any medication, can trigger side effects. It's crucial to understand that not everyone will experience these side effects, and their intensity can vary from person to person. These common side effects are exactly that - common - while it's not guaranteed you will experience them, you may well experience them. Common side effects of weight loss injections include:

1. Decreased Appetite: Weight loss injections are designed to reduce appetite, potentially leading to a decreased caloric intake, and it's fair to say that a decreased appetite is absolutely what most people taking the medication are hoping for. However, it’s essential to keep a watch on just how much your appetite is reduced and if you think it's reduced in an alarming way - causing you to hardly eat, then you should discuss this with your HCP.

2. Nausea: Nausea is one of the most common side effects, particularly when starting the medication. This discomfort often improves as your body adjusts to the treatment. If your nausea is mild, you don't need to discuss this with your HCP but if it is stopping you from doing what you'd normally do day to day, or lasting many days and weeks, then you should discuss this and get their advice on how to manage the side effects, or how to reduce or change your treatment.

2. Vomiting: In some cases, persistent nausea can lead to vomiting, which should prompt a discussion with your healthcare provider.

3. Diarrhoea: Some individuals may experience loose stools or increased bowel movements. Staying hydrated and adjusting your diet can help manage this side effect. If diarrhoea persists, this needs to be discussed with your healthcare provider. Short bouts of diarrhoea may not cause long-term damage, but diarrhoea can cause dehydration quite quickly - and dehydration can be serious. Don’t persist with any medication that causes persistent diarrhoea, as well as having the potential to cause dehydration, it is hard to live normally and happily with as a side effect.

4. Headache: Headaches, if they occur, are typically mild and temporary.

5. Hypoglycaemia (Low Blood Sugar): Weight loss injections themselves are not known to cause hypoglycaemia. When used alongside other blood sugar-lowering medications, they can increase the risk of low blood sugar. If you have a blood glucose monitor and are concerned, you should monitor your levels and make a note of symptoms like dizziness and confusion, then share the data with your healthcare provider. If you are also diabetic, you should of course continue to monitor your blood glucose levels.

6. Injection Site Reactions: Some individuals may experience redness, itching, or swelling at the injection site. Proper technique and site rotation can minimize this side effect.

Managing Common Side Effects

Most common side effects, especially gastrointestinal issues, are temporary and improve with continued use of the medication, as your body gets used to it. Here are some strategies to manage common side effects of weight loss injections:

• To combat nausea, take your medication with a meal.

• Stay hydrated if you experience diarrhoea.

• Avoid problematic foods for diarrhoea.

• Monitor blood sugar levels if using the injections alongside diabetes medications.

When to Seek Help

While common side effects are usually manageable, it's essential to recognise when to contact your healthcare provider immediately. Severe side effects mentioned in your Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) should not be ignored. These include:

• Ongoing abdominal or back pain with or without vomiting

• Skin rash, hives, or itching

• Pounding heart or dizziness

• Swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, throat, or extremities

• Difficulty swallowing or breathing

• Hoarseness

• Decreased urination

• Extreme thirst

• Very dry mouth or skin

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's crucial to contact your HCP promptly and discontinue the medication if advised.

Seeking Guidance if you’ve been buying Weight Loss Medication privately

Weight loss injections like Wegovy® (Semaglutide®) and Saxenda® (Liraglutide®) are prescribed for weight management by a range of providers. Other medication like Ozempic® (Semaglutide®) may be prescribed for weight loss ‘off label’ as the drug is intended for the treatment of diabetes, and is not licensed to aid weight loss. You may have been prescribed your weight loss medication by your health insurer, in the UK, by the NHS as part of a trial, or privately via an online provider or private pharmacy.

Providers offer diverse levels of support; an online pharmacy, for example, may offer information and guidance but may not offer the option of speaking to a HCP should you have concerns. In that instance, you should speak to your regular doctor / GP.

Do not feel that because you purchased the medication online, or from an alternative provider, you can't speak to your regular healthcare provider or general practitioner (GP). It’s vital that you get the professional help you need.

While it is not advised, we have to recognise that some people have been using weight loss medication against official guidance, for example by lying about their weight in order to get the medication. Others may have purchased medication from unlicensed sources; and may even have purchased counterfeit drugs. Please do not let how you accessed the medication stop you from seeking proper professional medical advice if you need it; especially if you are unsure as to the legitimacy of the medication you've been taking. You won't be judged by your doctor, they are there to help you, especially if you are experiencing serious side effects.

Advice for talking to your healthcare provider

Here are our tips for when you do talk to your healthcare professional

1. Safety First: Always prioritise your safety and well-being. If you experience any unexpected side effects or health issues while using weight loss injections off-label, seek medical attention promptly. Don't wait.

2. Open Communication: Be honest and transparent with your healthcare provider about your use of weight loss injections. Share your motivations, experiences, and any concerns you may have. Don't let embarrassment hold you back from getting proper health care. Tell them everything.

3. Explore Alternatives: Your healthcare provider may recommend alternative approaches to address your specific health concerns or weight management goals. These alternatives could include lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, or other approved medications to be used either instead of or alongside the medication you’re currently taking. Keep an open mind.

Remember that your healthcare provider is there to support your health and well-being. By engaging in an open and honest conversation about your use of weight loss medications, you can work together to make informed decisions and ensure your safety throughout your journey.

Final Thoughts

Starting a weight loss injection regimen may come with some initial challenges, including common side effects. However, it's essential to stay informed, monitor your experiences, and seek professional guidance when necessary. The key is to follow your Patient Information Leaflet, document your side effects, and consult your healthcare provider for the best guidance. Remember, your health and safety are paramount, and professional medical advice should always take precedence over online sources or advice from strangers. If you’re concerned - seek professional medical advice.

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Until next time,

The Weight Loss Buzz Team

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