As the recognition of Ozempic continues to rise, so do the questions surrounding its use, advantages, and potential unwanted effects.
We’ve requested Endocrinologist Dr. Anne Peters, Director of the Medical Diabetes Packages at Keck Faculty of Medication of USC, the most typical questions on Ozempic from the Diabetes Robust neighborhood.
Are Ozempic and Wegovy the identical drug? Can I swap between the 2?
As a result of Ozempic and Wegovy are the identical drug (semaglutide), solutions to the questions beneath are related for each manufacturers.
Semaglutide works by mimicking the motion of the hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), which stimulates the pancreas to supply extra insulin. Extra insulin helps sugar enter the cells, decreasing blood sugar ranges.
The principle motive why semaglutide is efficient in weight reduction is that it will increase the sensation of satiety and reduces urge for food.
Is Ozempic the simplest drug for weight reduction?
Semaglutide (Ozempic & Wegovy) could be very efficient for weight reduction, however different choices exist.
Research have proven that individuals taking Ozempic expertise a median weight lack of 10 to fifteen %.
Compared, in medical trials, folks taking Tirezatide (Zepbound and Mounjaro) misplaced a median of 20 % of tinheritor physique weight.
One other distinction between Ozempic and Tirezatide is that Ozempic is FDA-approved to scale back the danger of coronary heart assault and stroke in folks with sort 2 diabetes, whereas Tirezatide is just not.
Be taught extra in: Ozempic vs. Mounjaro: Which One Ought to You Select?
Will I’ve to remain on Ozempic perpetually, or can I cease after shedding weight and getting my A1c down?
It is best to keep on the medicine so long as you see good outcomes and tolerate it with out unwanted effects. The medicine solely works so long as you’re taking it.
What occurs if you cease taking Ozempic?
At all times seek the advice of together with your physician earlier than stopping a prescription medicine. It is best to have a plan in place for step by step decreasing the dose and another manner of managing the situation the drug is treating.
How widespread are Ozempic unwanted effects?
The commonest unwanted effects of Ozempic embrace:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach ache
- Constipation
These widespread unwanted effects are sometimes solely seen through the first few weeks after beginning Ozempic and when growing the dose.
Uncommon however critical Ozempic unwanted effects embrace:
- Thyroid tumors
- Pancreatitis
- Modifications in your imaginative and prescient.
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
- Worsened kidney points and kidney failure.
- Severe allergic reactions.
When you expertise unwanted effects from utilizing Ozempic, you’re inspired to report them to the FDA by means of their MedWatch program.
How can I keep away from unwanted effects?
Beginning at a low dose and step by step growing it will probably keep away from or decrease lots of the commonest unwanted effects.
Can you’ve an allergic response to Ozempic?
Who shouldn’t take Ozempic?
Ozempic can be not advisable in case you are pregnant, beneath 18 years outdated, or have a historical past of diabetic retinopathy, based on the Ozempic Security Info.
How does Ozempic have an effect on psychological well being?
Can folks with sort 2 diabetes take Ozempic and Metformin collectively?
Do you assume Ozempic is useful for folks with sort 1 diabetes who don’t must shed weight?
Diabetes Robust has strict sourcing and quotation tips, outlined in our Editorial Coverage. We solely use reliable sources, together with peer-reviewed research, medical associations, authorities companies, tutorial analysis establishments, board-certified medical specialists, and sufferers with lived expertise.