As the recognition of Ozempic continues to rise, so do the questions surrounding its use, advantages, and potential uncomfortable side effects.
We now have requested Endocrinologist Dr. Anne Peters, Director of the Scientific Diabetes Packages at Keck College of Drugs of USC, the commonest questions on Ozempic from the Diabetes Robust group.
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 under 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 provide extra insulin. Extra insulin helps sugar enter the cells, decreasing blood sugar ranges.
The principle purpose why semaglutide is efficient in weight reduction is that it will increase the sensation of satiety and reduces urge for food.
Is Ozempic the best drug for weight reduction?
Semaglutide (Ozempic & Wegovy) could be very efficient for weight reduction, however different choices exist.
Research have proven that folks taking Ozempic expertise a median weight lack of 10 to fifteen p.c.
Compared, in medical trials, folks taking Tirezatide (Zepbound and Mounjaro) misplaced a median of 20 p.c of tinheritor physique weight.
One other distinction between Ozempic and Tirezatide is that Ozempic is FDA-approved to scale back the chance of coronary heart assault and stroke in folks with sort 2 diabetes, whereas Tirezatide shouldn’t be.
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 pounds and getting my A1c down?
It’s best to keep on the treatment so long as you see good outcomes and tolerate it with out uncomfortable side effects. The treatment solely works so long as you’re taking it.
What occurs if you cease taking Ozempic?
At all times seek the advice of along with your physician earlier than stopping a prescription treatment. It’s 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 frequent are Ozempic uncomfortable side effects?
The most typical uncomfortable side effects of Ozempic embrace:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach ache
- Constipation
These frequent uncomfortable side effects are sometimes solely seen through the first few weeks after beginning Ozempic and when growing the dose.
Uncommon however critical Ozempic uncomfortable side effects embrace:
- Thyroid tumors
- Pancreatitis
- Modifications in your imaginative and prescient.
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
- Worsened kidney points and kidney failure.
- Critical allergic reactions.
In the event you expertise uncomfortable side effects from utilizing Ozempic, you might be inspired to report them to the FDA by means of their MedWatch program.
How can I keep away from uncomfortable side effects?
Beginning at a low dose and step by step growing it may possibly keep away from or reduce most of the commonest uncomfortable side effects.
Can you could have an allergic response to Ozempic?
Who shouldn’t take Ozempic?
Ozempic can be not advisable if you’re pregnant, below 18 years outdated, or have a historical past of diabetic retinopathy, in line with the Ozempic Security Data.