As with any new drug, when you’re researching, it’s important to not only consider whether or not it’s suitable for you, but also how long the drug — or any other versions of it — have been on the market.
While a new drug will have gone through extensive case studies before it’s able to be marketed, that doesn’t necessarily mean that all information will be available. This includes long-term effects and efficacy to be aware of.
In this article we’ll cover:
- What Ozempic is
- Ozempic’s history
- The Ozempic brand
- The benefits and uses of Ozempic
- Known side effects
- User demographics for the drug
- Where to buy semaglutide
- Frequently asked questions.
Read on to learn more!
Ozempic is the brand name of the drug semaglutide. You may also see it marketed as Rybelsus or Wegovy.
Ozempic is a powerful medication primarily used for the management of blood sugar levels in adults with type-2 diabetes. However, it can also be used as a highly effective tool to assist with weight management, especially when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.
Self-administered by injection subcutaneously (ie, under the skin into the fatty layer of tissue) once a week, it works by mimicking the function of a hormone in the body known as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist.
This class of receptor agonist helps with controlling blood sugar levels, as well as affects the hunger receptors in the brain. As a result, it can suppress appetite, increase satiety, and slow digestion and gastric emptying. This may lead to a caloric deficit, making Ozempic a valuable weight management tool in the global fight against obesity.
Doses may vary depending on your personal circumstances. Your medical team will be able to further advise you after an initial consultation.
Health Canada has approved Ozempic for the use of adults only. It is not suitable for those with type-1 diabetes.
Introduced to the market by Novo Nordisk, Ozmepic in Canada has been approved for use since 2018. It received Health Canada approval thanks to data that showed its efficacy, particularly its ability to lower patients’ A1C level.
In addition to its use for type-2 diabetes patients, Ozempic may also be used to assist with weight management, but only in adults with a BMI of 27 or over. In some cases, you may also need to have one or more weight-related issues.
Ozempic has been the subject of numerous clinical trials since it first appeared, and has been found to have a significant impact and effectiveness for weight management. This has made the drug extremely popular and in demand, so much so that some areas of the world have experienced supply issues.
In Canada, there are no known supply issues for Ozempic or semaglutide, and B.C. specifically has a ban on out-of-country purchases.
The cost of Ozempic may be covered by various insurance companies, so long as you have been prescribed the drug for type-2 diabetes or weight management assistance, and your BMI is 27 or over. You’ll need to check with your specific insurer about your policy, however.
Insight Behind the Ozempic Brand
Ozempic has risen to prominence in the realm of weight management and diabetes care — it’s even been endorsed on social media by celebrities such as Elon Musk! — but who exactly is behind the brand and what do you need to know about them?
The Manufacturing Company of Semaglutide
Ozempic has had its patent held by Novo Nordisk since its development, the manufacturer of the drug and only company that produces an approved form of semaglutide. Their other semaglutide-based drugs are Wegovy, another injectable form of the drug, and Rybelsus, a daily oral form of the medication.
The Ownership of the Ozempic Brand
Novo Nordisk is not only the owner of the Ozempic brand, they are the owner of all approved forms of semaglutide. Novo Nordisk is a global company, based in Denmark, with a long reputation for excellence in diabetes care and metabolic health. They were founded in 1923 and have a particular focus on diabetes and obesity drugs.
Ozempic has a range of benefits and uses, ranging from cardiovascular benefits to weight management. Let’s take a closer look.
Ozempic’s Role in Blood Sugar Control
Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist and plays a pivotal role in blood sugar regulation. Ozempic stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin if blood sugar levels are high, as well as suppressing glucagon secretion. This helps to keep blood sugar stable, which is crucial for those with type-2 diabetes.
Ozempic’s Impact on Blood Pressure Levels
Although blood pressure control isn’t Ozempic’s primary function, studies suggest that Ozempic has a significant impact on the health condition.
The Effect of Ozempic on Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Evidence suggests that Ozempic has promise when it comes to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is proven to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events including stroke, high cholesterol, heart attack, or death in adults with known heart disease.
Ozempic in Diabetes Medication Management
Ozempic can be transformative for type-2 diabetics looking to manage their condition. It is a great choice for diabetics who have been taking metformin but who are still struggling to get their blood sugar levels under control. It’s also convenient, thanks to being available in a once-weekly self-administered injectable form.
Ozempic for Improved Body Weight Management
By slowing stomach emptying and reducing appetite, use of Ozempic may lead to a lower calorie intake, which helps patients with weight management.
There are still a number of trials ongoing assessing Ozempic’s suitability as a weight management tool, including this study investigating whether combining Ozempic with amylin analogue could assist with further body mass loss in those who need weight management intervention.
For this reason, it’s worth remembering that Ozempic is still a fairly new drug which will continue to show its impact and effects over time.
Ozempic in the Treatment of Kidney Disease Symptoms
Taking Ozempic is contraindicated for those with kidney disease who have reduced renal function.
Some studies have found that kidney health worsened for patients while taking Ozempic, but others found the opposite. At the moment, there is no clear evidence to say for sure, so it is not recommended for those with kidney disease.
Using Ozempic to Treat Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Symptoms
Ozempic is not recommended for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2). This is due to the observed risk of thyroid C-cell tumors in animal studies with GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Addressing the Side Effects of Ozempic
As with any medication, Ozempic has some side effects which can range in severity from person to person. While some are more common and less serious, others are rarer and more serious.
If you’re concerned about any side effects or experience any of the more serious side effects listed below, discontinue your use of Ozempic immediately, and contact your medical team, or go directly to your local ER.
It’s important to keep your medical team informed during your treatment so that they may monitor you and adjust as necessary.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects of Ozempic
Thanks to Ozempic’s mechanism of delaying gastric emptying, most of the common Ozempic side effects are gastrointestinal. These include:
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain.
These side effects tend to be mild to moderate and reduce in severity as patients adjust to their dose.
The more serious side effects include:
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Changes in vision (diabetic retinopathy)
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Kidney problems
- Gallbladder issues
- Severe allergic reactions
- Thyroid cancer.
While these are rare, if you experience any of the above be sure to contact your medical team immediately, or go directly to your local hospital’s ER.
Identifying Ozempic’s User Demographics
There isn’t any definitive information about the demographics of those using Ozempic. People of all ages and backgrounds are using Ozempic, and it is still gaining in popularity throughout the world.
The Suitability of Ozempic for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
Ozempic is an effective treatment for adults with type-2 diabetes looking to improve their blood sugar control. This GLP-1 receptor agonist works by boosting the body’s insulin production when needed and suppressing glucagon, both of which are key to managing glucose levels.
Its dual benefits of aiding blood sugar regulation and helping achieve weight management goals position Ozempic as an attractive treatment option, particularly for patients with type-2 diabetes who may also be struggling with managing their weight.
It’s important to note that, in addition to those who are medically contraindicated for this drug, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or intending on conceiving in the next two months, you should not take Ozempic or other semaglutide products.
Be sure to discuss your circumstances with your medical team, including disclosing any other prescription drugs, supplements, or vitamins you’re currently taking, as this could all affect your suitability for the medication.
Availability of Semaglutide: Where to Buy
While there are no current restrictions or shortages for purchasing semaglutide in Canada, knowing where to purchase your prescription is still an important piece of information to be aware of.
Where Can You Purchase Semaglutide?
Ozempic and other semaglutide-based medications are prescription only, meaning you’ll need to receive a prescription from your medical team, whether in person or via a telehealth consultation.
Once your medical team has assessed that Ozempic is right for you, you can purchase it from your local pharmacy, either in person or online.
In some cases, your prescription may be covered by your insurance. If you’re unsure about whether or not your policy will cover this drug, be sure to contact your insurer directly for advice.
Key Takeaways
Ozempic was introduced to the Canadian market in 2018 by Novo Nordisk, designed to manage blood sugar levels in type-2 diabetics. Novo Nordisk is the only manufacturer of approved forms of semaglutide, which include Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus.
Ozempic offers many benefits, including blood sugar control, weight management assistance, blood pressure control, and reduction in cardiovascular risk. Recent interest in the medication has been particularly thanks to its role in weight management.
Ozempic has certain contraindications, including for those with a personal or family history of MTC or MEN 2, for patients with reduced renal function, and those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or intending on conceiving. It may also be contraindicated for a number of other drugs and supplements, so you should be sure to fully disclose any current medications you’re taking to your medical team.
Most Ozempic side effects are gastrointestinal, for example, nausea or constipation. These effects are usually experienced upon commencing the drug or increasing your dosage, and usually subside with time.
Ozempic is a prescription-only medication and can be purchased from any Canadian pharmacy, though your insurance coverage may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the initial reactions to Ozempic when it first entered the market?
When Ozempic first entered the market, it was seen as a game changer for those with type-2 diabetes who needed help managing their blood sugar. Ozempic has been at the forefront of diabetes medication since its introduction and was initially only prescribed to diabetic patients.
How has the use of Ozempic expanded since its introduction?
Ozempic’s role in weight management assistance has seen the popularity of the drug soar. With proven efficacy in reducing body weight, as well as extensive media coverage, the medication has seen increased use globally since first marketed.
(US)