Table of Contents
Introduction
Semaglutide is a medication widely used for managing Type 2 diabetes by controlling blood sugar levels. As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, it mimics the hormone GLP-1, which stimulates insulin production after meals, slows digestion, and prolongs satiety. These effects contribute to weight loss, making semaglutide valuable for diabetes and weight management. This article explores whether semaglutide influences the risk of developing appendicitis, a severe condition involving inflammation and infection of the appendix, often requiring surgery. Understanding any link between semaglutide and appendicitis is crucial for ensuring patient safety and effective treatment. With many relying on semaglutide, both patients and healthcare providers must be aware of all potential side effects, including serious ones like appendicitis.
To start, it is essential to explain what semaglutide is, how it works, and its primary uses. Semaglutide is known for its role in stimulating insulin production, slowing digestion, and aiding in weight loss. Understanding these functions provides a foundation to grasp its side effects. Next, appendicitis needs to be understood. It is a condition characterized by the inflammation and infection of the appendix, which can cause severe pain and often requires surgical removal. Recognizing the seriousness of appendicitis underscores the importance of investigating any potential link to semaglutide use.
The core question is whether semaglutide increases the risk of appendicitis. Reviewing current research and scientific studies is vital to provide a detailed analysis of the available evidence and expert opinions on this matter. Additionally, understanding semaglutide’s common and serious side effects is crucial for effective treatment management. Patients and healthcare providers must be well-informed about these side effects to ensure safe use.
Real-world evidence from clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance reports on patients taking semaglutide who developed appendicitis will be reviewed to provide a comprehensive view. This evidence is critical to understanding the actual risk and any patterns that may emerge. For patients on semaglutide, recognizing appendicitis symptoms is crucial. Practical advice on what to watch for and when to seek medical help is essential, as early detection and treatment of appendicitis are vital.
Healthcare providers play a key role in assessing and mitigating risks associated with semaglutide. Strategies for evaluating and minimizing the risk of appendicitis, including educating patients and conducting regular check-ups, are essential aspects of patient care. Finally, exploring future research directions will identify gaps in current knowledge and highlight ongoing studies on the relationship between semaglutide and appendicitis. This exploration will also consider innovations in medication development.
In conclusion, this article aims to provide a detailed yet easy-to-understand examination of semaglutide’s impact on appendicitis risk. By addressing the top questions frequently asked about this topic, the goal is to inform and educate both patients and healthcare providers, ensuring that everyone can make safe and informed decisions about their health.
What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, a medication that mimics the effects of the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 helps regulate blood sugar by stimulating insulin release and slowing stomach emptying, which keeps you feeling full longer. Semaglutide effectively manages blood sugar levels and aids weight loss, especially in people with Type 2 diabetes.
Approved Uses
The FDA has approved Ozempic and Wegovy for:
- Type 2 Diabetes Management: Helps control blood sugar when diet and exercise aren’t enough. It can be used alone or with other diabetes medications.
- Weight Management: For adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related health issues like high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide aids weight loss, reducing the risk of these conditions.
Formulations and Dosages
Semaglutide is available as a weekly injection and a daily oral tablet:
- Ozempic®: A weekly injection for Type 2 diabetes. Start with 0.25 mg/week for four weeks, then increase to 0.5 mg/week, and possibly up to 1 mg/week if needed.
- Wegovy®: A weekly injection for weight management. Begin with 0.25 mg/week, gradually increasing to 2.4 mg/week over 16 weeks to minimize side effects.
- Rybelsus®: A daily oral tablet for Type 2 diabetes. Start with 3 mg/day for 30 days, then increase to 7 mg/day, and potentially up to 14 mg/day.
Benefits of Semaglutide
Semaglutide offers significant benefits:
- Blood Sugar Control: Lowers blood sugar, reducing risks of complications like heart disease and kidney damage.
- Weight Loss: Promotes significant weight loss, improving overall health and quality of life.
Clinical trials show Semaglutide outperforms other diabetes medications in lowering blood sugar and reducing body weight, making it a valuable option for those needing more than lifestyle changes.
Side Effects and Precautions
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, which usually subside as your body adjusts. Serious side effects are rare but can include pancreatitis, kidney problems, and allergic reactions.
Patients with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 should not use Semaglutide due to increased thyroid tumor risks. Always consult your healthcare provider to determine if Semaglutide is right for you.
Take Action
- Consult Your Doctor: Discuss your medical history and the potential benefits and risks of Semaglutide.
- Follow Prescribed Dosages: Adhere to your healthcare provider’s instructions to maximize benefits and minimize side effects.
- Monitor Your Health: Regularly check your blood sugar levels and report any adverse effects to your doctor promptly.
Semaglutide is a powerful tool in managing Type 2 diabetes and aiding weight loss, offering significant health improvements for those eligible.
What is Appendicitis?
Appendicitis is a medical emergency where the appendix, a small tube-shaped organ attached to the large intestine, becomes inflamed and swollen. If untreated, the appendix can burst, causing life-threatening complications.
Definition and Causes
Located in the lower right abdomen, the appendix is a small, finger-like pouch with no essential function. Blockages from hardened stool, foreign bodies, or infections can cause appendicitis by allowing bacteria to multiply, leading to inflammation and infection.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Common symptoms of appendicitis include:
- Abdominal pain: Starts around the belly button and moves to the lower right side, becoming sharp and severe.
- Nausea and vomiting: Feeling sick and possibly vomiting.
- Loss of appetite: Not feeling hungry.
- Fever: Mild fever as the body fights the infection.
- Swelling in the abdomen: The belly might look swollen and feel tender.
- Inability to pass gas: Difficulty releasing gas, worsening discomfort.
Diagnosis involves a physical exam, where a doctor checks for pain in the lower right abdomen and may ask the patient to move or walk. Confirmatory tests include:
- Ultrasound: Uses sound waves for internal images; quick and radiation-free.
- CT Scan: Provides detailed abdominal images; more precise but involves radiation.
- Blood tests: Detects infection signs like high white blood cell count.
Treatment Options
Prompt treatment of appendicitis is crucial. The standard treatment is an appendectomy (removal of the appendix), performed in two ways:
- Laparoscopic Surgery: Involves small abdominal cuts, a camera, and special tools. It offers quicker recovery and less post-surgery pain.
- Open Surgery: Involves a larger cut in the lower right abdomen, used if the appendix has burst or there’s a widespread infection.
In cases where an abscess (pus pocket) forms, doctors may treat the infection with antibiotics and drainage before surgery.
Post-Surgery Recovery
Post-appendectomy recovery usually includes a few days in the hospital, especially if the appendix burst. Patients receive antibiotics to prevent infection and pain relief medications. Recovery tips include:
- Rest: Avoid strenuous activities for several weeks.
- Gradual return to normal activities: Increase activity as pain permits.
- Healthy diet: Start with soft foods, then gradually return to a regular diet.
- Monitor for complications: Watch for signs of infection at incision sites, such as redness, swelling, or discharge.
Importance of Timely Treatment
Timely treatment is vital. If the appendix bursts, it can cause peritonitis (infection spread throughout the abdomen), leading to severe illness and more extensive surgery with a longer recovery. Recognizing appendicitis symptoms early and seeking immediate medical attention can prevent serious complications and ensure a smoother recovery.
If you or someone you know experiences symptoms of appendicitis, seek medical help immediately. Early recognition and treatment can save lives.
Does Semaglutide Increase the Risk of Appendicitis?
Semaglutide, used for blood sugar control in Type 2 diabetes and weight management, raises questions about its potential link to appendicitis—an inflammation of the appendix. Current evidence does not strongly suggest that semaglutide directly causes appendicitis. Most studies, including one with a large patient group, have not found an increased appendicitis risk with semaglutide use. However, ongoing research is essential for definitive conclusions.
Mechanistic Insights
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, mimicking the GLP-1 hormone to lower blood sugar by enhancing insulin release and slowing stomach emptying. Some worry that its effects on the digestive system might influence the appendix, a small organ connected to the large intestine. Blockage of the appendix can lead to appendicitis, but no clear evidence links semaglutide to such blockages. Nevertheless, the digestive issues some people experience with semaglutide, like nausea and vomiting, might obscure early appendicitis symptoms.
Expert Opinions
Opinions among doctors and researchers vary. Many deem semaglutide safe, emphasizing its benefits for blood sugar control and weight management in diabetes and obesity. However, some experts urge caution, advising patients on semaglutide to monitor new or unusual digestive symptoms closely. Severe stomach pain, particularly in the lower right abdomen, warrants immediate medical attention as it could indicate appendicitis or another serious issue.
Monitoring and Reporting
To ensure semaglutide’s safety, post-marketing surveillance tracks reported side effects. If a patient on semaglutide develops appendicitis, reporting it to a doctor is crucial. This data helps healthcare providers and researchers better understand potential risks.
Although there’s no strong evidence linking semaglutide to appendicitis, staying informed and vigilant is vital. Patients should maintain open communication with their doctors, monitor symptoms, and report concerns to ensure semaglutide remains a safe, effective treatment option.
Is There a Link Between Semaglutide and Appendicitis?
Semaglutide has revolutionized the management of Type 2 diabetes and obesity, but like all medications, it raises concerns about potential side effects. Among these concerns is whether semaglutide could be linked to appendicitis—a serious condition characterized by an inflamed and infected appendix, often necessitating surgery.
Anecdotal Reports
While there have been a few anecdotal reports of patients developing appendicitis while on semaglutide, these instances are isolated and do not establish a causal relationship. Personal stories, though valuable, do not equate to scientific proof.
Clinical Trial Evidence
The most reliable way to determine a drug’s safety profile is through clinical trials. Semaglutide has undergone extensive testing in numerous trials involving thousands of participants. Researchers meticulously record all side effects, including any cases of appendicitis. To date, these trials have not demonstrated a significant increase in appendicitis cases among those taking semaglutide compared to those who are not. This indicates that semaglutide likely does not elevate the risk of developing appendicitis.
Post-Marketing Surveillance
Even after a drug is approved, its safety continues to be monitored through post-marketing surveillance. This ongoing process tracks the health outcomes of users in real-world settings. Post-marketing data for semaglutide also do not show a significant link to appendicitis, with reported cases being rare and within the expected range for the general population.
Understanding the Risk
To contextualize the risk, consider that appendicitis affects about 1 in 1,000 people annually. In large semaglutide studies, the incidence of appendicitis mirrors this baseline rate. This consistency reassures that semaglutide does not substantially increase appendicitis risk.
Balancing Benefits and Risks
When deciding on semaglutide, it’s crucial to weigh its benefits against its risks. Semaglutide has proven highly effective in controlling blood sugar and aiding weight loss, offering significant health improvements. The current evidence suggests that the risk of appendicitis is minimal. However, if you experience symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting while taking semaglutide, seek medical attention promptly.
While rare cases of appendicitis have been reported among semaglutide users, clinical trials and post-marketing data do not support a significant association. Patients should remain informed, discuss concerns with their healthcare providers, and continue to benefit from semaglutide, mindful of the signs of appendicitis.
Monitoring for Appendicitis Symptoms While Taking Semaglutide
If you are taking semaglutide, it is crucial to monitor for signs of appendicitis to seek timely medical assistance. This guide outlines key symptoms, when to seek help, and routine monitoring protocols to ensure your safety.
Key Symptoms to Watch For
Appendicitis is a serious inflammation of the appendix that requires prompt treatment. Watch for these symptoms:
- Abdominal Pain: Pain starting near the belly button and shifting to the lower right abdomen, becoming more intense.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Often accompanying abdominal pain.
- Loss of Appetite: A sudden loss of appetite can be a red flag.
- Fever: A mild fever that rises alongside abdominal pain necessitates immediate medical attention.
- Abdominal Swelling: Tenderness and swelling in the abdomen indicate inflammation.
- Constipation or Diarrhea: Changes in bowel habits can also signal appendicitis.
When to Seek Medical Help
Seeking prompt medical attention can prevent serious complications from appendicitis. Follow these guidelines:
- Immediate Action: Severe abdominal pain, especially moving to the lower right side, requires immediate medical help.
- Persistent Symptoms: Persistent nausea, vomiting, or fever that doesn’t improve within a few hours warrants contacting your doctor.
- Worsening Symptoms: Increasing pain or a rising fever indicates the need for urgent care.
- Other Concerns: Any health concerns while taking semaglutide should be discussed with your doctor without delay.
Routine Monitoring Protocols
To ensure safety while on semaglutide, adopt these monitoring protocols:
- Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular visits with your healthcare provider to detect early signs of appendicitis or other side effects.
- Self-Monitoring: Track daily symptoms, noting any abdominal pain, nausea, or fever, including their intensity and duration.
- Communication with Your Doctor: Maintain open communication with your doctor about any new or worsening symptoms, especially if you have a history of gastrointestinal issues.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Support your overall health with a balanced diet, hydration, and regular exercise, which can reduce medication complications.
- Medication Adherence: Follow your semaglutide prescription precisely, avoiding skipped doses or overuse to manage your condition effectively and minimize side effects.
Take Action
Being vigilant about appendicitis symptoms and proactive in seeking medical help are essential steps for anyone on semaglutide. By monitoring your health and maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider, you can prevent serious complications and ensure effective treatment.
How Healthcare Providers Assess and Mitigate Risks of Semaglutide
Healthcare providers play a pivotal role in ensuring the safe and effective use of semaglutide. The following steps outline their approach to risk assessment and mitigation:
Risk Assessment Strategies
- Medical History Review: Providers thoroughly examine the patient’s medical history, focusing on conditions like gastrointestinal issues that might heighten the risk of side effects.
- Current Health Status: The patient’s current health, including chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases, is evaluated to determine semaglutide’s suitability.
- Medication Review: A comprehensive review of all medications the patient is taking helps identify potential drug interactions that could lead to adverse effects.
- Risk Factors Identification: Specific risk factors, such as a history of pancreatitis, are carefully considered due to the association between semaglutide and increased pancreatitis risk.
Patient Education and Communication
Effective communication is essential for patient engagement and safety:
- Explaining the Medication: Providers clearly explain how semaglutide works, its benefits, and potential side effects, ensuring patients understand what to expect.
- Discussing Risks and Benefits: Patients are informed about the balance between the benefits (e.g., improved blood sugar control and weight management) and the risks (e.g., potential for appendicitis).
- Symptom Awareness: Patients learn to recognize symptoms of serious side effects, such as appendicitis (abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting), so they can seek prompt medical attention.
- Regular Follow-ups: Scheduled follow-up appointments allow providers to monitor the patient’s response, manage side effects, and adjust treatment as needed.
Personalized Medicine Approaches
Personalized medicine tailors treatment to the individual characteristics of each patient:
- Genetic Testing: In some cases, genetic testing is used to predict how a patient will respond to semaglutide, considering metabolism and potential side effects.
- Tailored Dosing: Dosages are adjusted based on the patient’s needs and response, often starting lower and increasing gradually to minimize side effects.
- Monitoring Biomarkers: Providers track specific biomarkers to detect early signs of potential problems, enabling timely intervention.
- Lifestyle and Dietary Adjustments: Personalized recommendations for diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors support treatment effectiveness and minimize side effects.
By implementing these strategies, healthcare providers effectively assess and mitigate the risks associated with semaglutide. Through thorough risk assessment, patient education, and personalized approaches, they ensure patients benefit fully from semaglutide while minimizing adverse effects. This comprehensive approach enhances patient safety, improves treatment outcomes, and fosters a collaborative patient-provider relationship.
Future Research Directions on Semaglutide and Appendicitis
Semaglutide, a widely used medication for Type 2 diabetes and weight management, has an unclear potential link to appendicitis. Current research predominantly addresses its primary effects, such as lowering blood sugar and aiding weight loss. However, understanding its impact on appendicitis risk remains limited. Comprehensive studies on its long-term gastrointestinal effects, including on the appendix, are essential for patient and healthcare provider safety.
Need for Comprehensive Studies
- Scope: Future research should encompass large sample sizes and diverse populations.
- Focus: Investigate long-term gastrointestinal effects, different dosages, and durations of semaglutide use to determine a dose-response relationship.
Ongoing Studies
- General Safety: Current studies monitor a wide range of side effects, offering indirect insights into semaglutide’s impact on the appendix.
- Clinical Trials: Long-term trials follow patients for several years, potentially identifying rare side effects like appendicitis.
- Real-World Data: Large healthcare databases track patient outcomes, detecting patterns that may indicate a link to appendicitis.
- Specific Study: A significant ongoing study focuses on semaglutide’s gastrointestinal side effects, including appendicitis, involving multiple healthcare centers and thousands of participants.
Potential Innovations
- Drug Development: Developing safer GLP-1 receptor agonists can provide semaglutide’s benefits without associated appendicitis risks.
- Targeted Drugs: Design drugs to more precisely target specific receptors, reducing gastrointestinal side effects.
- Biotechnology Advances: Utilize monoclonal antibodies or small molecule inhibitors to improve targeting and reduce risks.
- Personalized Medicine: Tailor treatments based on genetic makeup and lifestyle, enabling informed decisions about prescribing semaglutide or alternatives.
- Combination Therapies: Use semaglutide with other medications to enhance benefits and minimize gastrointestinal risks.
Understanding the relationship between semaglutide and appendicitis is critical. Ongoing and future research, including comprehensive and targeted studies, is necessary to fill current knowledge gaps. Innovations in drug development and personalized medicine hold promise for improving the safety and effectiveness of semaglutide, ensuring the best care with minimal adverse effects for patients.
Conclusion
This article examined the relationship between semaglutide and the risk of appendicitis. Semaglutide, a medication for Type 2 diabetes and weight management, mimics the hormone GLP-1 to regulate blood sugar and appetite. Understanding potential risks, including appendicitis, is crucial for patients and healthcare providers.
Appendicitis involves inflammation and infection of the appendix, causing severe abdominal pain, fever, and digestive issues. If untreated, it can lead to a burst appendix, which is life-threatening. Recognizing symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention is essential.
We explored whether semaglutide increases the risk of appendicitis. Current research is limited and inconclusive, with some studies suggesting a possible link while others attribute observed cases to coincidence or other factors.
Common side effects of semaglutide include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, typically mild and manageable. Serious side effects, though rare, must be discussed with a healthcare provider. Anecdotal reports suggest a link between semaglutide and appendicitis, but clinical trial data and post-marketing surveillance do not show a significant increase in cases.
Patients on semaglutide should monitor for appendicitis symptoms: sharp right-side abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and loss of appetite. Immediate medical help is crucial if these symptoms occur.
Healthcare providers must assess and mitigate risks by evaluating patients’ health before prescribing semaglutide and educating them about side effects and symptoms. Regular follow-ups and personalized treatment plans can help minimize risks and maximize benefits.
Future research is needed to clarify the relationship between semaglutide and appendicitis. Well-designed studies and clinical trials will provide definitive answers. Innovations in drug development may lead to safer GLP-1 receptor agonists with fewer side effects.
In conclusion, while a possible link between semaglutide and appendicitis exists, the evidence is not conclusive. Patients should be aware of appendicitis symptoms and seek medical help if needed. Healthcare providers must monitor patients closely and educate them about risks. Continued research will ensure the safe use of semaglutide, helping patients and providers manage its risks and benefits effectively.
Research Citations
Bethel MA, Patel RA, Merrill P, et al. Cardiovascular outcomes with semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular risk. Circulation. 2019;139(2):214-226. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.118.037778.
Davies MJ, D’Alessio DA, Fradkin J, et al. Management of hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes, 2018. A consensus report by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD). Diabetologia. 2018;61(12):2461-2498. doi:10.1007/s00125-018-4729-5.
Lingvay I, Desouza CV, Lalic KS, et al. A 26-week randomized controlled trial of semaglutide once daily versus liraglutide and placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes suboptimally controlled on diet and exercise with or without metformin. Diabetes Care. 2018;41(9):1926-1937. doi:10.2337/dc18-0343.
Marso SP, Bain SC, Consoli A, et al. Semaglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2016;375(19):1834-1844. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1607141.
Pratley R, Amod A, Hoff ST, et al. Oral semaglutide versus subcutaneous liraglutide and placebo in type 2 diabetes (PIONEER 4): a randomised, double-blind, phase 3a trial. Lancet. 2019;394(10192):39-50. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(19)30767-2.
Aroda VR, Bain SC, Cariou B, et al. Efficacy and safety of once-weekly semaglutide versus once-daily insulin glargine as add-on to metformin (with or without sulfonylureas) in insulin-naive patients with type 2 diabetes (SUSTAIN 4): a randomised, open-label, parallel-group, multicentre, multinational, phase 3a trial. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2017;5(5):355-366. doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(17)30092-5.
Kapitza C, Nosek L, Jensen L, Hartvig H, Jensen CB, Flint A. Semaglutide, a once-weekly human GLP-1 analog, does not reduce the bioavailability of the combined oral contraceptive, ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel. J Clin Pharmacol. 2015;55(5):497-504. doi:10.1002/jcph.437.
Lingvay I, Catarig AM, Frias JP, et al. Efficacy and safety of once-weekly semaglutide versus daily canagliflozin as add-on to metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes (SUSTAIN 8): a double-blind, phase 3b, randomised controlled trial. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2019;7(11):834-844. doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(19)30358-7.
Marso SP, Bain SC, Consoli A, et al. Semaglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2016;375(19):1834-1844. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1607141.
Newsome PN, Buchholtz K, Cusi K, et al. A placebo-controlled trial of subcutaneous semaglutide in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(12):1113-1124. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2028395.
Questions and Answers: Semaglutide and Appendicitis
Semaglutide is a medication primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes. It mimics the GLP-1 hormone, enhancing insulin release, reducing glucose production by the liver, and slowing gastric emptying, which helps control blood sugar levels.
Semaglutide works by activating GLP-1 receptors, which stimulates insulin secretion in response to meals, reduces glucagon release, and slows gastric emptying. This combination of actions helps lower blood glucose levels and promotes weight loss.
While semaglutide is not commonly associated with appendicitis, any medication can have side effects. There have been a few reports of gastrointestinal issues with semaglutide, but a direct link to appendicitis has not been firmly established.
Common side effects of semaglutide include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. These symptoms are typically mild and tend to decrease over time as the body adjusts to the medication.
Appendicitis is diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history, blood tests, and imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scan. These help confirm the inflammation of the appendix.
Symptoms of appendicitis include sharp abdominal pain starting around the navel and moving to the lower right abdomen, fever, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and abdominal swelling.
There are no specific risk factors for appendicitis directly linked to semaglutide. However, it’s crucial to monitor any unusual abdominal symptoms and seek medical advice promptly if they occur.
If appendicitis is suspected, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention. The treatment plan, including the use of semaglutide, should be re-evaluated by healthcare professionals based on the individual’s condition.
Appendicitis is typically treated with surgery (appendectomy) and may require antibiotics. The use of semaglutide should be discussed with healthcare providers, who will decide whether to pause or continue the medication during treatment.
To minimize complications, patients should follow their prescribed dosage, report any unusual gastrointestinal symptoms to their doctor, and maintain regular follow-up appointments to monitor their condition and medication effects.
Dr. Kevin Kargman
Dr. Kevin J. Kargman is a pediatrician in Sewell, New Jersey and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Cooper University Health Care-Camden and Jefferson Health-Stratford, Cherry Hill and Washington Township. (Learn More)