Anyone on the Ascend Plus trial?

[COCO26]

You have a way with words

You have a way with words

Hi, when you say “final 14” do you mean you have completed the 5 years trial? If yes, how have you coped with the horrendous side effects especially stomach pain and constipation? Ps share the tips if you don’t mind. I am 12 months on Ascend Plus but the side effects have not changed at all. Despite this, I have lost 3 dress sizes and I love the new “slim” me!
Good luck everyone on our journey to make a positive contribution to Diabetes research

 

[Spikey01]

I've finished the run in on ascend trial and have had my 6 container pack delivered. I could more or less sense these were the placebo. The sound shaking them was even different and there definitely no bitter after taste like the semaglutide real ones.
To say I'm massively disappointed is an understatement, only been taking them a few days and the hunger has started again and BG increasing. The real tablets really worked well for me, BG and weight down Hba1c down by 12 points in a couple of months. So I'm feeling really fed up.
No idea what the criteria is to be prescribed these but I would go privately and pay if necessary. I won't be continuing with the trial when I'm sorted as I'm more concerned about my own health than the research results and avoid developingcardiovascular disease in the process. I know this may sound selfish but we need to look after ourselves and this actually works for me.
I feel a bit cheated, Anyone else the same?

 

[Vic roach]

Just thought aid start a discussion here for anyone on the Ascend Plus trial by Oxford University.

Started my “Run In” phase yesterday and so far so good. No side affects other than fatigue. How are other folks doing?

My run in was amazing I lost 5 kg and my fasting morning Glucose was down at 5 to 6.5 I was so happy such a buzz. But then came the big disappointment with the randomization I was given the placebo. I knew straight away as I started gaining weight and my morning Glucose level were up to 8. I am so upset I cry every morning. I was given Apirin I think because the finger pricking is a lot easier my blood is thinner...I have been trying to buy the semaglutide on the Internet. I know the NHS although I am obese they will never prescibe an expensive drug. It took 2 years of constant diarea on Metformin for them to prescibe me another medication. For NHS, Metformin is the cheapest way out at £2.00 a pack.

I've finished the run in on ascend trial and have had my 6 container pack delivered. I could more or less sense these were the placebo. The sound shaking them was even different and there definitely no bitter after taste like the semaglutide real ones.
To say I'm massively disappointed is an understatement, only been taking them a few days and the hunger has started again and BG increasing. The real tablets really worked well for me, BG and weight down Hba1c down by 12 points in a couple of months. So I'm feeling really fed up.
No idea what the criteria is to be prescribed these but I would go privately and pay if necessary. I won't be continuing with the trial when I'm sorted as I'm more concerned about my own health than the research results and avoid developingcardiovascular disease in the process. I know this may sound selfish but we need to look after ourselves and this actually works for me.
I feel a bit cheated, Anyone else the same?

I am given also the placebo is chalky and I think its Aspirin. I use to struggle to get a drop of blood in the morning for my blood test. Now it I cut myself I get blood. I feel very cheated. They are trying to prove if prescribing the cheap Aspirin will be the same results as semaglutine Cardiovascular disease. I am going to stop taking it. I need the semaglutine and I will try to buy it on the Internet but don't want the injections available.

Hi, when you say “final 14” do you mean you have completed the 5 years trial? If yes, how have you coped with the horrendous side effects especially stomach pain and constipation? Ps share the tips if you don’t mind. I am 12 months on Ascend Plus but the side effects have not changed at all. Despite this, I have lost 3 dress sizes and I love the new “slim” me!
Good luck everyone on our journey to make a positive contribution to Diabetes research

Lucky you....I would give anything to get the 14m semaglutine. I was doing so well on 7mg, I lost weight, my blood sugar down now 1 month on placebo. I put on weight and blood sugars up. I had no side effects other than wind both ends. There is a positive on their trial but they will not prescibe it, as its expensive. It took me 2 year of constant diarea on Metformin before they would give me anything else. Metformin is cheap sh*** £2 that is why they prescibe it in NHS. I had to have Colonoscopy, various test and still didn't want to give me any other medication that Metformin.

Hi. Have you lost any weight using these?

Not on placebo I am convinced its Aspirin. It feels chalky on the tongue. And it's easier to get blood for my Glucose test every morning

A link to the study looks promising for those that may need it. Will look forward to hearing about your journey @Sally66

Help us protect people with type 2 diabetes from heart attacks, strokes and other health problems — Ascend Plus Trial

ASCEND PLUS is a UK-wide clinical trial testing a tablet medication called oral semaglutide, which might help to protect against heart attacks, strokes and circulatory problems in people with type 2 diabetes

www.ascend-plus-trial.org

It's very disappointing. I was so happy on run in I lost weight such a buzz after have been trying for years without any luck. Glucose levels were miraculous down. Only side affect wind both ends.. but now the trial 1 month in put weight and blood sugar up I was given the placebo and have been crying every day started putting weight on and Glucose levels up. It so disgusting to play with people emotionally. I will stop taking their cheap Aspirin.

Just started Randomisation last week. I am sure I am not on the placebo as sickness and constipation got worse. Also struggling to eat some foods. Also feeling full quite easily.

Lucky you I ended up with placebo. Aspirin I wish I had the real tablets. Trying to buy on Internet but they offer the injection which I don't want.

 

[WJK]

I am feeling thankful as believe taking 14mg daily. These tablets do mess with your tastebuds, so even coffee is not the same as before but seems to suppress hunger. I am finding that is now easier to lose weight by reducing carbs and eating more protein. Will post again after the next 6 monthly GP check in.

 

[))Denise((]

Lucky you I ended up with placebo. Aspirin I wish I had the real tablets. Trying to buy on Internet but they offer the injection which I don't want.

I managed to get my GP to prescribe Semaglutide tablets as I too got the placebo on the trial, I am definitely intolerant to Metformin, it played havoc with my stomach for the 16 years I took it, but until semaglutide arrived, I felt I had no choice but to take metformin as nothing else (even low carbing) would control my blood sugars sufficiently. I submitted an e-consult to my GP with the problems metformin was giving me and the reasons why I should be prescribed semaglutide so they could consider it before they saw me.

 

[gyproc1]

Just thought aid start a discussion here for anyone on the Ascend Plus trial by Oxford University.

Started my “Run In” phase yesterday and so far so good. No side affects other than fatigue. How are other folks doing?

Hi Sally66, I have done the run in (6 months) and i am now coming to the end of my second year of 5. No side effects, and absolutely no difference to my diabetes - i am type 2. Either semaglutide has no effect on me or i am taking the placebos. You are asked if you have any side effects when you are taking any of the 2 lots of run-ins to let Asend know. You are also asked to let Asend know of any side effects you get/have whilst on the actual 5 year trial. In my opinion, If anyone gets side effects and doesn't let Asend know, or doesn't stop the trial and seek advice. Well it's their own fault (no doubt this with get backs up). Hope this helps you, Mike

 

[RayCox]

I've finished the run in on ascend trial and have had my 6 container pack delivered. I could more or less sense these were the placebo. The sound shaking them was even different and there definitely no bitter after taste like the semaglutide real ones.
To say I'm massively disappointed is an understatement, only been taking them a few days and the hunger has started again and BG increasing. The real tablets really worked well for me, BG and weight down Hba1c down by 12 points in a couple of months. So I'm feeling really fed up.
No idea what the criteria is to be prescribed these but I would go privately and pay if necessary. I won't be continuing with the trial when I'm sorted as I'm more concerned about my own health than the research results and avoid developingcardiovascular disease in the process. I know this may sound selfish but we need to look after ourselves and this actually works for me.
I feel a bit cheated, Anyone else the same?

Yes I was on the placebo I have stop taking them now. A waste off time . Still going the fill in the survey. Taking the placebo tables 1/2 hour before was making me forget my normal tables.

 

[Ogi]

I am feeling thankful as believe taking 14mg daily. These tablets do mess with your tastebuds, so even coffee is not the same as before but seems to suppress hunger. I am finding that is now easier to lose weight by reducing carbs and eating more protein. Will post again after the next 6 monthly GP check in.

Hello. Are you on the Type X?

 

[WJK]

On the labelling there is a X

 

[caroline51]

My packaging also has an x. What does this signify??

 

[caroline51]

Doyou know what the x means? Th3re is an x on my bottle of tablets

 

[Vicky94]

Hi
I‘ve started on the 3mg run in today and so far so good. I found I didn’t tolerate metformin very well, but it improved slightly after they changed to the slow release version. The stomach cramps were really bad to begin with but did settle down after a while. My BS levels had gone up at my last review so they then put me on Forxiga 10mg and just one metformin a day because of its Cardiovascular benefits.
Really hoping I tolerate the ascend pills and I can shift some weight on them!
Can I ask if others noticed an immediate reduction in appetite and felt full for longer or does it take a while to kick in?
Also, my Diabetes nurse told me not to test my BS levels myself and just have them done at the reviews So I’ve never done one, but should I now for the trial surveys?
Thanks

The run in 7mg was great. I lost 5 kg, but now as I am always unlucky, I ended up with the placebo instead of the semaglutide. I am so depressed, I wish I never took the Ascend Plus trial knowing that help is available, but you can't have it. I have been on Metformin, both slow releases, which gave me severe diarrhoea for 2.5 years, had colonoscopy, poo tests, and blood tests only to be told it's the tablets. They eventually prescribed Forxiga 10mg which is a lot more expensive £45 vs Metformin costs £2 a pack. Now with Ascend Plus my sugar levels went down in the morning to 6 from 9 and lost the weight that I have been trying for years. They don't want to help people with diabetes they are all after to save money for NHS. I already buy my own blood test strips from Amazon, I don't qualify on prescription not being on insulin. NOW over a month on the Ascend proper trial, it's clearly I am on the placebo Aspirin. They are trying to prove that semaglutide vs cheap Aspirin which reduces cardiovascular diseases. I know its Aspirin, it thins the blood and it's very chalky on the tongue, I stopped losing weight in fact to my horror I gained 1kg and my blood sugars are up. I used to struggle to get a drop of blood for the test strip in the morning. Now, with the placebo, it just runs through. I told them I am going to stop the trial of the aspirin, they will not admit it convinced me to carry on for another month. I am not stupid they don't want to give the expensive drugs. Just cheap Aspirin you can buy over the counter. So sad to build your hopes with semaglutide. No point trying my GP as it took over 2.5 years to be given Forxiga and reduce the Metformin tablets. So I am going to see if I can buy it on the Internet. My mother was type 1 diabetic and had insulin all her life.

Edited by mods to remove forum rule breach

 

[Vicky94]

Hi, when you say “final 14” do you mean you have completed the 5 years trial? If yes, how have you coped with the horrendous side effects especially stomach pain and constipation? Ps share the tips if you don’t mind. I am 12 months on Ascend Plus but the side effects have not changed at all. Despite this, I have lost 3 dress sizes and I love the new “slim” me!
Good luck everyone on our journey to make a positive contribution to Diabetes research

Luck you I got the placebo plain Aspirin instead.

 

[Vicky94]

After being randomised into what I believe to be the placebo last April, I continued to take the tablets. I got an appointment with my GP in December to discuss the possibility of being prescribed the semaglutide tablets as in the 16 years I had been taking Metformin (in different brands, strengths and fast/slow release) they had always caused me diarrhoea and urgency problems.

After having another HBA1c done showing that my levels had increased, and my weight didn't meet the criteria (it was lower than the guidelines) I was expecting difficulties getting semaglutide prescribed, but to my surprise, my GP said yes and prescribed them (I had to stop taking the placebo). I have now been taking them for two months. I contacted the study team to withdraw from the trial but agreed to continue completing their questionnaires.

Before seeing my GP, I completed an online e-consult with all my arguments for being prescribed the semaglutide, so they would have it all written down and I wouldn't forget something which I felt was important.

Where would I fund the online e-consult form? I can only hope.

 

[Vicky94]

I've finished the run in on ascend trial and have had my 6 container pack delivered. I could more or less sense these were the placebo. The sound shaking them was even different and there definitely no bitter after taste like the semaglutide real ones.
To say I'm massively disappointed is an understatement, only been taking them a few days and the hunger has started again and BG increasing. The real tablets really worked well for me, BG and weight down Hba1c down by 12 points in a couple of months. So I'm feeling really fed up.
No idea what the criteria is to be prescribed these but I would go privately and pay if necessary. I won't be continuing with the trial when I'm sorted as I'm more concerned about my own health than the research results and avoid developingcardiovascular disease in the process. I know this may sound selfish but we need to look after ourselves and this actually works for me.
I feel a bit cheated, Anyone else the same?

Wow, hundreds the same with me. Not selfish it's very upsetting after trying for years to lose a pound, now to be given placebo Aspirin. Its is so upsetting I have been in tears when we know there is help out there but you can't get it. I already buy my blood test strip. For 2.5 years I had diarrhoea was living with the fear of bowel cancer due to the cheap Metformin they are very happy to prescribed.

Edited by mods to remove forum rule breach

 

[KennyA]

Hi all - this is an interesting and useful discussion but please remember that forum rules prevent members from asking for sources for drugs/medications on the internet and also from supplying that information.

 

[theresaxx]

I've finished the run in on ascend trial and have had my 6 container pack delivered. I could more or less sense these were the placebo. The sound shaking them was even different and there definitely no bitter after taste like the semaglutide real ones.
To say I'm massively disappointed is an understatement, only been taking them a few days and the hunger has started again and BG increasing. The real tablets really worked well for me, BG and weight down Hba1c down by 12 points in a couple of months. So I'm feeling really fed up.
No idea what the criteria is to be prescribed these but I would go privately and pay if necessary. I won't be continuing with the trial when I'm sorted as I'm more concerned about my own health than the research results and avoid developingcardiovascular disease in the process. I know this may sound selfish but we need to look after ourselves and this actually works for me.
I feel a bit cheated, Anyone else the same?

Yes, I am on placebo very disappointed as my blood sugars were down a lot.
I cannot get NHS doctors to prescribe as I am not in any way overweight and it’s only allowed for overweight people sadly. Been on placebo around a year blood glucose up through roof.

 

[Devondumpling59]

I’ve just taken my first tablet from the randomised stage. It has the same horrible bitter taste of the others so I’m hoping it’s still the real thing. Was there a massive difference in the taste for those who ended up with the placebo?
I haven’t been too bad on the lower doses apart from constipation and stages where I’ve had awful burping. I also get bouts of acid reflux but I’m pretty sure this is when I’ve eaten the wrong thing….namely bread of any description.
My appetite has massively decreased but the craving for sweet things is still there. Despite this, I’ve lost a stone and a half since starting the trial.
I live on a hill and have really noticed a difference when walking up it. I’m not having to slow down to catch my breath any more. Also sleeping a lot better than I did before the trial.
I’ve found the positives outweigh the negatives, so fingers and everything else crossed I don’t start to feel hungry again in a few days!

 

[Royboy64]

Yes, I am on placebo very disappointed as my blood sugars were down a lot.
I cannot get NHS doctors to prescribe as I am not in any way overweight and it’s only allowed for overweight people sadly. Been on placebo around a year blood glucose up through roof.

Same happened with me with the low dose it really lowered my sugar levels been on the trial for a year and now thinking of leaving.

 

[nursel]

I am now on third bottle. 7 mgs semaglutide. Nearly finished.
Box of the proper trial just arrived. Boxes says semaglutide or placebo.
I have been ok no real problems.
This new 6 month box should be interesting.

Hi,
I have just started on 3mg.
How can you tell if on a placebo? Thought even placebo bottles have Semaglutide printed on them.
I have had no side effects as yet and definitely no changes to appetite (feeling full).
How is your treatment so far?.