An Excerpt from Chapa-De News: November 2024
Article by Cheyenne Mulder, RD
Registered Dietitian
February 17, 2025
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic are one hot topic as of late. It seems almost impossible to turn on the TV, pass a billboard or talk to someone who is not on or considering taking one of these medications. But what exactly are GLP-1 medications and what are they used to treat?
GLP-1 medications are used to help manage blood sugar in people with Type 2 Diabetes and for weight loss. Some of the most common brand names for these medications are Ozempic, Victoza, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Saxenda, and Zepbound. These medications are usually taken as an injection in the belly, outer thigh, bottom, or the back of arm. There is also a version that can be taken by mouth. If you are interested in learning more, your medical provider can help you decide if one (or a combination of medicines) would be beneficial to you based on your individual health care needs and medical conditions.
GLP-1s are growing in popularity, and with a high level of effectiveness, it is not surprising that more suppliers want to get in on the profit. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) found counterfeit forms of GLP-1 medications in multiple countries, including the United States. These medications are created with unknown ingredients and additives that are not regulated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They have not been proven to be safe or effective. While it may be tempting to buy alternative options due to shortages or lower cost, the safety and potentially harmful side effects of these substances are not worth the risk.
Fortunately, our Chapa-De pharmacies have a variety of GLP-1 medications available that are received from trusted manufacturers. This ensures they are safe and untampered products. It also means these medications have active ingredients that have been shown in multiple clinical studies to aid in blood sugar control, weight management and to promote cardiovascular health for a vast majority of individuals. While supply issues are at times inevitable based on the laws of supply and demand, Chapa-De continues to help ensure patients get their medications regularly.
Chapa-De Diabetes Nurse Case Manager Loretta Moore RN, CDCES explained, “Once a patient has started on a GLP-1 for diabetes management, I think one of the most important things we provide here is follow up. We support our patients throughout their diabetes journey. They are going to have our support so that they can feel comfortable and heard when it comes to their health.”
Patients who are prescribed a GLP-1 for diabetes, weight loss or other medically appropriate diagnosis can rest assured that they will be supported throughout the process with the resources available at Chapa De. These resources include GLP-1 education classes led by our Clinical Pharmacists and Diabetes Department as well as one-on-one appointments with Lifestyle Coaches, Nutritionists, Medical Providers, Clinical Pharmacists, or Diabetes Nurses as needed. For more information, please reach out to your medical provider and refrain from phony “faux-zempic” products and promises.
Sources and more reading:
- https://www.npr.org/2023/12/23/1221442262/counterfeit-ozempic-fda-weight-loss
- https://www.who.int/news/item/20-06-2024-who-issues-warning-on-falsified-medicines-used-for-diabetes-treatment-and-weight-loss
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ozempic-wegovy-fake-weight-loss-drugs-fda-investigating-trade-group-warns/
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/weight-loss-semaglutide-fda-wegovy/
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