[Health Column] EPE Prescription: How Can I Determine If It Is the Right Weight Loss Injection for Me?

hello, Director Ahn Hyun-ji of Gangnam FM Clinic no see.

I am using obesity medication for the first time. Can I start with Epe?
If the current injectable medication was uncomfortable, would it be better to switch to Epe?

With EFE receiving domestic approval, interest has increased among those starting treatment or considering a change in medication. To decide on an EFE prescription Clinically confirmed efficacy, actual prescribing criteria, and individual health status We need to examine it together.

🩺 Which patients are suitable for the Epe prescription?

EFE is a GLP-1 receptor agonist containing the active ingredient efeglenatide. Currently, the domestically approved subjects are Among adults without diabetes, those with a BMI of 30 or higher, or those with a BMI of 27 or higher but less than 30 who have weight-related comorbidities such as hypertension or dyslipidemia no see.

During the consultation, after verifying these criteria, the history of weight gain, the degree of abdominal obesity, blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and medications currently being taken are comprehensively evaluated. Weight loss goals are also determined based on current weight and health issues. Even when aiming for the same weight loss, the required treatment intensity and management plan vary from patient to patient.

🩺 To what extent has the effect been confirmed in clinical trials on Koreans?

448 Korean adults participated in EFE's Phase 3 clinical trial for obesity. This is significant in that it provides data directly evaluating efficacy and adverse reactions in a domestic patient group. However, the fact that it was developed in Korea is not evidence that it is more effective or safer than other drugs.

The mean weight loss rate at the 40-week interim presentation was 9.75%, and the analysis results currently listed in the prescribing information are -9.02% for the EFE group and -0.89% for the placebo group. These are the mean results of the clinical trial, It is not a figure that determines an individual's expected weight loss exactly. After starting treatment, you must evaluate the response by monitoring changes in weight, waist circumference, and nutritional status.

🩺 If Wigovina Maunjaro was inconvenient, can I change it?

If it was difficult to continue treatment with existing medications, you can consider other options, including EFE. In this case, What symptoms were present, at what dosage it started, the speed of dosage increase, and dietary status. First, verify this. This process is necessary to determine which approach is appropriate: dosage adjustment or medication change.

Effe may also cause nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and indigestion. Although relatively gradual changes in blood concentration were observed in pharmacokinetic studies, this cannot be used as a basis to conclude that it has fewer side effects or provides consistent appetite suppression compared to other drugs. The decision to switch is made based on previous treatment records, and the response is re-evaluated after the change.

🩺 What medical history must be disclosed before a prescription?

Administration is contraindicated in a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2. This applies to the following. A history of pancreatitis or gallbladder disease, as well as severe gastrointestinal symptoms, must also be checked before prescribing. You must also inform the medical staff of whether you are pregnant, your plans, and any medications you are currently taking or receiving.

Lifestyle habits are also incorporated into the treatment plan. We monitor whether meals are frequently skipped, whether protein and fluids are sufficiently consumed, and whether late-night snacking or binge eating is recurring. At Gangnam FM Clinic, we link primary physician consultations with nutritional and counseling management to monitor changes in diet and lifestyle even after medication begins.

🩺 What criteria are used to adjust the dosage after an Effe prescription?

According to the permit details, Epe is Start with 2 mg once a week and gradually increase to the maintenance dose of 10 mg over 12 weeks. ... If the patient does not tolerate the medication due to gastrointestinal symptoms, the medical team may consider delaying the dose increase or lowering it to the previous level. The administration site is the subcutaneous layer of the abdomen.

During the consultation, we assess the rate of weight loss along with food intake, fluid intake, bowel movements, and discomfort in daily life. If the patient is barely able to eat or experiences recurring vomiting despite weight loss, the treatment plan must be adjusted. Whether treatment can be continued while maintaining sufficient nutrition This is an important criterion for determining the dosage.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can adolescents also receive a prescription for EPE?

Currently, domestic approval applies to adults. For adolescents, treatment methods approved for the relevant age group must be reviewed after evaluating their growth status and degree of obesity.

Q2. Can I switch directly from Hugovina Maunzaro to Epee?

You must determine the switching schedule and starting dose by checking the last administration date, dose, and current symptoms. Since the ingredients and dosage systems are different, the mg values ​​of the existing drug should not be applied directly to EFE.

Q3. If weight is not decreasing well in the beginning, should I increase the dosage quickly?

We do not accelerate weight gain based solely on initial weight changes. We verify the prescribed schedule and adaptation status, and evaluate factors affecting weight, such as diet, activity levels, and bowel movements.

Q4. How should I compare the costs?

It is advisable to differentiate between the costs of the starting and maintenance doses and to check the included items, such as medical fees. You must also consider the estimated duration of treatment to establish a sustainable plan.

🎯 To summarize

The Epe prescription is It starts with verifying eligibility for approval criteria and evaluating medical history and previous treatment responses. The expected effects should be explained based on clinical data, but in actual treatment, the individual's response to weight reduction and adaptation status must be verified.

Based on this progress, the medical team determines the dosage and whether to continue treatment. The process of obesity treatment involves selecting the right medication for the patient, managing nutrition and lifestyle habits together, and helping them maintain their weight loss.

💡 This column provides general medical information and does not replace a personal diagnosis or prescription. Whether to prescribe, dosage, or changes to medication should be decided in consultation with your medical team.

Gangnam FM Clinic

Director Ahn Hyun-ji

Graduated from Seoul National University
Graduated from medical school
Completed internship, residency, and clinical fellowship at Asan Medical Center
Served as an adjunct professor at Seoul Asan Hospital
Obesity specialist certified by the Korean Society of Obesity
Current Chief Director of Gangnam FM Clinic