Wegovy and IBD

Anyone on here take Wegovy with their IBD?

My PCP is really pushing this. My GI and Colorectal surgeon want me to try it. I've gained so much weight on the steroids, methotrexate and Remicade that I am officially obese. My BP is going up and my sugar levels. My testesterone is high, estrogen and cortisol low. They all believe it's this extra weight.

My GI has said that he's had some patients take it and be ok... But others have gone into what appears to be a flare but they seem to come out of it quickly once they stop taking it. But when I googled it I saw a bunch of complaints. It seems risky.

Im at a crossroads and scared to go in either direction.

Anybody have any experience with this?.

Clo

I'm not on it but plan to ask my doc next time I see him. One problem is that unless it's prescribed for diabetes most insurance plans don't cover it for weight loss and it's pretty expensive. There are several brand names besides Wegovy, but I think they all work the same way. Ozempic is one there was a shortage of for diabetes because people were using it for weight loss (rich people I assume). A co-worker needed it for diabetes and was having a hard time getting it, but he says that he's not having any problems anymore so I guess they increased production.

I too was wondering about the intestinal side effects. If you decide to try definitely let us know how you make out.

Clo, I am not familiar with Wegovy but if it is similar to Ozempic, my mom takes it for diabetes and weight loss. She has been on it for many months now but decided to stop it because the diarrhea and nausea are so bad. She is scared to leave the house and won’t go out to restaurants anymore because her stomach is extremely fragile while on it. I dont know if Wegovy had the same side effects though. My mom doesn’t have IBD but does have IBS.

They’re studying it for IBDs, Alzheimer’s, and other conditions. It lowers BP and BMI.

It decreases appetite, lowers blood sugar, and inflammation.

It’s the next generation of blockbuster drugs, similar to biologicals from 25 years ago. Insurance companies are playing hardball because they don’t want to cover these expensive drugs.

There are currently 3 of these types of drugs on the market and all are experiencing shortages due to demand.

Many of the side effects are temporary as your body adjusts to the medication or people sometimes adjust the dosage to counteract the side effects.

Keith,

Thanks for responding!

I saw my doctor's today and had my unfusion. Apparently they are also studying it for IBD, psoriasis, OA, and a host of other things. The GL1 secretions can be at the wrong amount as a result of immune diseases and that change can have a Domino affect on other diseases. They are thinking that if I take it I may be able to lower my CRP levels to the normal range, sugar levels, psoriasis, BP, and my flares should also improve. They are hoping it helps with my testesterone, cortisol and estrogen levels. The weight loss will be another factor and hopefully it will help with my sleep apnea and heart issues. The doctor that works on biochemistry (is that the right word?) thinks that if we can use one medicine to replace all the other meds and supplements I currently take (which still haven't gotten my inflammation into the normal range,) it'll be a win win. (I do take a bunch of supplements and use alot of other meds) He did say that there have been people that have taken other GP1 medications, and they have been able to adjust the dosing to periodical use or discontinue it for periods of time.... Some have not had to go back on them at all.... But that's occurred after they've lost the weight and been on the medications for a long period of time... I'm thinking it was like 3 to 5 years.... But I could be wrong. Some of the patients saw drastic QOL improvements. There was a tapering period that was supervised for the successful people that were able to do that.

They are really wanting me to try this. I'm going to try it.... But am really concerned. The biochemist said there's an adjustment period while your body adjusts to the medication and it can feel like a flare--so they will be doing a lot of labs and increasing my scopes to every 6 months at first. 😞.

If you see something that doesn't agree with what he said please let me know. I've found a few studies supporting some of it... But I don't know this new doctor so am skeptical 🧐.... He was a "new addition" to my team of doctors that I didn't know I needed. He seemed knowledgeable and passionate about his work..... But I still can't help but wonder if he's rubbing his hands together, thinking lab rat and next medical paper.... Lol..

Clo

I have a friend with type 2 diabetes who’s been taking ozempic for quite a few months now (not sure how many but at least 6). She does not have IBD or other issues. She is drastically overweight tho. When she first started taking it she was very excited that she’d lost 25 lbs and it was curbing her appetite. But her weight loss wasn’t apparent just looking at her. Last week I could see she’d lost enough weight to make a difference that I could see (I did not get around to asking how much more she’d lost). But she did say she’d been able to cut her insulin injections from daily to once a week. So it’s having a very positive effect for her.

That may not be much help in your situation as it’s not the same drug or the same disease profile.

clo2014 said...
I have not taken Wegovy yet. I have not been able to get the medication. It's back ordered..... The pharmacy compounds a generic but my insurance refuses to pay for it.

By the time I get it..... my approval will have expired. Isn't that a kicker.... I keep calling different pharmacies but so far no luck. They fill the people that are on it first.

I'll let you know if I ever get on it.

Clo

Have you asked for a script for either of the other two similar meds?

Is your insurance covering this?