Ozempic — the weight-loss drug trending in the U.S.
Source：Ozempic, FDA.gov, The New York Times, Forbes
From：Taiwan Trade Center, New York
Update Time：2024/01/29
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Ozempic, a drug approved in 2017 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat diabetes, is gaining popularity for its weight-loss effects. In addition to Ozempic, many other drugs inducing weight-loss have been popping up in recent years. In 2021, the F.D.A. approved Wegovy, a drug containing a higher dose of semaglutide, to treat obesity. In 2023, Zepbound entered the weight-loss drug market too, distinguishing itself by using the same compound as the diabetes drug Mounjaro. And other similar medications are expected to arrive on the U.S. market, including pill versions of the drugs (as of now, Ozempic and Wegovy are administered through weekly injections in the stomach, thigh, or arm). Despite the drug’s FDA approval for diabetes treatment, more and more Americans are seeking out the medication for off-label use, which is raising concerns among experts as this kind of drug has not been consistently tested in patients who don’t meet the F.D.A.’s criteria, and, therefore may cause more intense side effects.
First of all, what is semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic? Semaglutide is part of a medication category called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It imitates the GLP-1 hormone released in the gastrointestinal tract when eating to stimulate insulin production, lowering blood glucose levels. Additionally, higher levels of GLP-1 interact with brain regions to decrease appetite and convey a sense of fullness. There are currently three FDA-approved semaglutide products:
- Ozempic injection and Rybelsus tablets are approved to reduce blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Ozempic is also approved to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and known heart disease.
- Wegovy injection is approved to help adults and children aged 12 years and older with obesity or some adults with excess weight who also have weight-related medical problems.
Following the FDA's approval of Wegovy for weight loss, the high demand for the drug led some healthcare providers to resort to prescribing Ozempic when Wegovy was unavailable — even though Ozempic has not been approved for weight loss originally. Despite the condition to prove at least one weight-related health issue — like high blood pressure or cholesterol — and the high cost of these medications — Wegovy costs over $1,300 for a 28-day supply, while Ozempic can amount to $892 per month without insurance coverage —, the “off-label” use of Ozempic is increasing. As a result, this creates difficulties for patients with diabetes and obesity who rely on these medications to obtain their prescribed drugs.
While the idea of a weight loss drug may be alluring, people who take these drugs should be monitored closely. Both FDA-approved and off-label users of Ozempic and Wegovy may experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dehydration, fatigue, and malaise. Rarely, these drugs may increase the risk of pancreatitis and the formation of gallstones. In extreme cases, there is a risk of malnourishment due to reduced nutrient intake. To minimize side effects, doctors often initiate treatment with a lower drug dose and gradually increase it.
With the holidays around the corner, Ozembic and other diabetes medicines are a popular conversation topic. Thanksgiving, which is a holiday centered around indulgence in heavy, gratifying dishes, appears incompatible with the appetite-suppressing effects of these drugs. Some debate whether to disclose their medication use to family members to explain smaller appetites, while others fear judgment, revealing tensions between the desire to lose weight and societal expectations. On Reddit forums, discussions about skipping doses intensify, with concerns about not being able to enjoy festive meals. Dr. Scott Hagan, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Washington, advises not to discontinue the treatment, citing potential blood sugar spikes for diabetes patients and more intense side effects upon restarting. Despite the discomfort of eating larger quantities, some may push through, risking acid reflux and severe fullness, making holidays challenging for those on these medications.
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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/22/well/ozempic-diabetes-weight-loss.html