r/science • u/Wagamaga • Feb 12 '25

Neuroscience The first clinical trial of its kind has found that semaglutide, distributed under the brand name Wegovy, cut the amount of alcohol people drank by about 40% and dramatically reduced people’s desire to drink

https://today.usc.edu/popular-weight-loss-diabetes-drug-shows-promise-in-reducing-cravings-for-alcohol/
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u/lunaloobooboo Feb 12 '25

Idk why but I’m nervous to ask my doctor about it

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u/itstingsandithurts Feb 12 '25

Just be honest with your doctor and explain what you want and why you want it, if they don't think it's appropriate they will advise you of what would be beneficial to you.

If you're unsure get a 2nd or 3rd opinion.

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u/Transplanted_Cactus Feb 13 '25

Don't. I do pre-authorizations for this class of drugs every day. Not once have I read a doctor's note saying he turned a patient down. We try to get it for every patient that could benefit from it.

Now whether your insurance will cover it, is another story. A lot won't if you're not diabetic and obese.

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u/pandimal Feb 13 '25

Don’t imagine many doctors prescribing the drug are turning the patient down.

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u/crimroy Feb 13 '25

That's exactly what I was thinking. Rejections won't make it to the pre-approval stage.

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u/FernwehHermit Feb 13 '25

I've heard of ppl getting it through online doctors so they don't have to deal with worrying about the embarrassment of rejection with their PCP. It's unlikely their PCP would reject them but their anxiety kept them from ever asking.

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u/keepgoingrip Feb 13 '25

That’s really too bad people are afraid of that with their PCP. I feel like I could ask my PCP anything and he would never make me feel embarrassed. Doctors shouldn’t make people feel that way :(

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u/Styphonthal2 Feb 13 '25

Ozempic or vivitrol?

Ozempic isn't covered by lots of insurances outside of DMII