Benefits
- Blocks starchy carbohydrates to help maintain healthier weight1,2,3
- Reduces post-mealtime glucose spikes4,5,6
- Helps maintain more stable blood sugar levels7,8,9
Background & History
Acarbose was approved for use in the United States in 1995 and was the first alpha-glucosidase inhibitor introduced into clinical practice. Acarbose is a starch blocker and inhibits alpha-glucosidase, an intestinal enzyme that releases glucose from larger carbohydrates.
Taking the Medication and Side Effects
Acarbose is an oral tablet that is to be taken during the first bite of a carbohydrate heavy meal such as having pasta or pizza. It is not recommended to exceed taking the acarbose more than 8 times a month. The most common side effects are flatulence, abdominal pain, feeling bloated and diarrhea. A medication guide and pharmacy consultation will be provided upon receiving this medication.
Benefits
- FDA-approved weight loss aid for adults with BMI > 271
- Helps regulate appetite and caloric intake4,5,6
- Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol7,8,9
- Lowers blood sugar levels10,11,12
Background & History
Wegovy was FDA approved as an anti-obesity medication for long-term weight management in adults on June 2021. It has shown to be very effective at weight loss especially when paired with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Taking the Medication and Side Effects
Wegovy is an injectable subcutaneous pen that is used once per week, at any time of day, with or without food. The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal (stomach) pain, headache, fatigue, and indigestion. A medication guide and pharmacy consultation will be provided upon receiving this medication.
Research Articles
(1) Acarbose is again on the stage – PMC – National Center for …. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8771266/.
(2) Acarbose – A Starch Blocking Anti-Diabetic Drug & Potential Weight Loss …. https://www.antiaging-systems.com/articles/acarbose-a-starch-blocking-anti-diabetic-drug-potential-weight-loss-agent/.
(3) Acarbose for Weight Loss | Healthfully. https://healthfully.com/312398-acarbose-for-weight-loss.html.
(4) Post-meal coagulation activation in diabetes mellitus: the … – PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8777997/.
(5) Acarbose – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf – National Center for …. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493214/.
(6) The efficacy and tolerability of intermittent prandial acarbose to …. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468501123000044.
(7) Gut bacteria thwart the blood sugar-lowering effect of acarbose – Nature. https://www.nature.com/articles/s42255-023-00798-8.
(8) Blood sugar regulation as a key focus for cardiovascular health …. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6709577/.
(9) How Acarbose Helps Stabilize Blood Sugar – nuimagemedical.com. https://nuimagemedical.com/weight-loss/how-acarbose-helps-stabilize-blood-sugar.
(10) Post-meal coagulation activation in diabetes mellitus: the effect of …. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00400679.
(1) FDA Approves New Drug Treatment for Chronic Weight Management, First …. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-drug-treatment-chronic-weight-management-first-2014.
(2) Semaglutide (Subcutaneous Route) Side Effects – Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/semaglutide-subcutaneous-route/side-effects/drg-20406730?p=1.
(3) What it’s like to take Ozempic or Wegovy for weight loss or diabetes. https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/ozempic-wegovy-diabetes-weight-loss-side-effects-rcna66493.
(4) How does Wegovy work for weight loss? – Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/wegovy-work-3565442/.
(5) Does Wegovy Really Work To Boost Metabolism? – Carrie Visintainer. https://www.carrievisintainer.com/does-wegovy-really-work-to-boost-metabolism/.
(6) Wegovy Helps to Regulate Appetite and Accelerate Weight Loss. https://www.motleyhealth.com/blog/wegovy-helps-to-regulate-appetite-and-accelerate-weight-loss.
(7) Wegovy Side Effects: What They Are and How to Manage Them – Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/wegovy-side-effects.
(8) Wegovy: Side Effects, Cost, Use for Weight Loss, and More – Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/wegovy.
(9) Wegovy: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Warnings – Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/wegovy.html.
(10) Wegovy works. But here’s what happens if you can’t afford to keep … – NPR. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/01/30/1152039799/ozempic-wegovy-weight-loss-drugs.
(11) Ozempic and Wegovy: GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Improved Heart Health. https://www.healthline.com/health-news/after-one-year-popular-weight-loss-drug-semaglutide-wegovy-ozempic-improved-heart-health.
(12) 6 Wegovy side effects you need to be aware of – Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/6-wegovy-side-effects-you-aware-3573374/.