On March 8, 2024, The U.S. FDA has approved Wegovy (semaglutide) injection, a weight management medication also designed to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in overweight adults with a history of cardiovascular disease. This addresses a crucial health issue affecting roughly 70% of American adults who are overweight or obese, thereby increasing their risk for heart disease and stroke.
Recommended Courses:
- Obesity Evaluation and Treatment Course
- Treatment Guidelines Updates: GI, ID, Cardiology, Respiratory, and Dermatology
- RX Essentials: Hypertension Prescribing Update
The approval comes after a clinical trial involving over 17,600 participants showed that Wegovy significantly reduced the occurrence of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. However, this medication carries a serious warning for thyroid C-cell tumors and several other potential side effects, making it unsuitable for certain patients.
Wegovy, which is to be used in conjunction with a modified diet and increased physical activity, is a significant step in public health and offers a new treatment pathway, especially relevant for nurses and practitioners dealing with patients battling obesity and heart conditions. Available through Novo Nordisk A/S, Wegovy cannot be combined with other semaglutide-containing entities or similar GLP-1 receptor antagonists.
RESOURCES
- FDA: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-treatment-reduce-risk-serious-heart-problems-specifically-adults-obesity-or
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/overweight-obesity
