The Current Coverage Landscape The question of what insurance plans cover weight loss medication has become significantly more complex over the past three years
For a deeper mechanistic breakdown, see our GHK-Cu monograph
Examples Pioglitazone (Actos) Dosage Initial: 1530 mg once daily Maximum: 45 mg daily Rosiglitazone (Avandia) Dosage Initial: 4 mg daily as a single dose or in two divided doses Maximum: 8 mg daily as a single dose or in two divided doses Possible side effects include: Weight gain Fluid retention (edema), including macular edema Increased risk of heart failure (related to fluid retention) Osteoporosis and bone fracture Possible increased risk of bladder cancer with pioglitazone Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors Primary mechanism(s) of action Inhibition of intestinal -glucosidase and pancreatic -amylase, which reduces carbohydrate absorption
doi: 10.1007/BF00429703 13 BuchanAMPolakJMCapellaCSolciaEPearseAG
Alcohol, Caffeine, and Carbonated Drinks: These can sometimes exacerbate stomach upset
This section will highlight the advantages of one therapy over the other after assessment based on parameters such as data availability in the form of safety and efficacy, number of patients enrolled in each trial, and trials inclusion criteria