While injectable forms of semaglutide are available around the globe,  the oral form, available in India, is helping doctors see results in diabetes control with the added benefit of weight loss. 

About Ozempic Drug

• Ozempic is a prescription injectable drug known generically as semaglutide.
• Working of Ozempic: It mimics the hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar by stimulating insulin release and slowing glucose release from the liver.
• FDA Approval: Approved in 2017 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for managing blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes.
  • In 2021, the FDA approved another form of semaglutide, Wegovy, for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or weight-related health conditions (e.g., high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol).

Benefits of Semaglutide beyond Diabetes

• Blood Sugar Control: Effective in maintaining stable blood sugar levels without causing hypoglycemia, a common side effect of insulin.
• Cardiovascular and Renal Health: Reduces risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney-related issues in high-risk patients.
• Weight Loss: Reduces weight gain associated with insulin use in diabetic patients.

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Concerns regarding Ozempic use

• Side Effects: Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, bloating, and more severe risks like pancreatitis and stomach paralysis, which affect tolerability for some patients.
• “Ozempic Face”: Rapid weight loss from Ozempic can lead to facial aging and skin sagging, which some patients find concerning.
• Cost and Accessibility: Ozempic is expensive, making it difficult for many patients to afford, especially in countries where health insurance may not cover such medications.
• Misuse for Weight Loss: Despite FDA approval only for diabetes, many non-diabetic individuals are using Ozempic for weight loss, risking side effects without medical oversight.
• Dependency and Rebound Weight Gain: If patients stop using Ozempic, they may regain weight quickly, as the drug requires long-term or lifetime use for sustained results.