The diabetes drug Ozempic, containing the active ingredient semaglutide, is increasingly being discussed for its potential as a weight-loss aid, prompting scrutiny of supply and demand for the medication.
Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Ozempic, has acknowledged recent news regarding counterfeit versions of the drug. Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it mimics the effects of a natural hormone, GLP-1, produced in the gut, and is administered via a once-weekly injection for adults with type 2 diabetes. The drug works to lower blood sugar and A1C levels when used in conjunction with diet and exercise, according to Novo Nordisk.
Clinical trials have demonstrated Ozempic’s ability to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as stroke and heart attack, in patients with type 2 diabetes who also have heart disease. Further, the drug has been shown to lower the risk of worsening kidney disease and kidney failure in adults with chronic kidney disease. These benefits are in addition to its primary function of blood sugar control.
Novo Nordisk utilizes spokespeople, including individuals with type 2 diabetes like Michael and Tanya, of The War and Treaty, and Tom, who also has heart disease, to share their experiences with Ozempic. The company emphasizes that Ozempic is not marketed as a weight-loss drug, despite reported weight loss as a side effect experienced by some patients.
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, is also available under the brand name Rybelsus in oral form, according to Wikipedia. The drug is authorized for use in the European Union, as confirmed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Novo Nordisk Pharma GmbH provides product information for Ozempic to healthcare professionals in Germany.
The manufacturer cautions against sharing Ozempic pens, even with a changed needle, highlighting the importance of individual patient use and safety protocols.
