Semaglutide, a medicine known as Ozempic, is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is a member of the GLP-1 receptor agonist medication class, which works by raising pancreatic insulin production while lowering hepatic glucose production. We will go over the mechanism of action, potential advantages, and some potential drawbacks of ozempic in this blog.
- The hormone GLP-1, which is made in the stomach, is crucial for the metabolism of glucose because it increases insulin secretion while decreasing glucagon production, resulting in lower blood sugar levels.
- GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are used to treat type 2 diabetes, imitate the effects of GLP-1.- Additionally, Ozempic aids in slowing the rate at which food exits the stomach, which can aid in regulating appetite and accelerating weight reduction.Benefits that Ozempic could provide
- For those with type 2 diabetes, Ozempic can help reduce blood sugar levels.
Clinical Research
The FDA recently authorized the weight loss drug Wegovy(Semaglutide). The medication, which comes in the form of a once-weekly injection, is frequently recommended in conjunction with a calorie-reduced diet and increased physical exercise.
Semaglutide was demonstrated to be successful in promoting weight reduction in the STEP 1 clinical trial, which included more than 1,900 participants without diabetes. In comparison to those who got a placebo, participants who received semaglutide lost an average of 15% of their body weight. Semaglutide was proven to be efficient in promoting weight reduction in a different clinical trial known as STEP 4, which included more than 1,800 participants with obesity but no diabetes. Participants who got semaglutide lost an average of 17.4% of their body weight, compared to 5.4% for those who received a placebo.
Possible Ozempic side effects include:
- Nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting are among the mild to moderate adverse effects of ozempic.
- Less frequent side effects may include visual abnormalities and allergy reactions like hives or difficulty breathing.Ozempic must only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional because it is a prescription drug.In addition to aiding in weight loss, Ozempic may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
It is crucial to discuss the potential advantages and side effects of any medicine with your healthcare professional before taking it.
It's worth noting that the medication you might be prescribed is a compounded medication and not related to Novo Nordisk™ company or any brand-name medications such as Saxenda®, Victoza®, Wegovy®, or Ozempic®.
References:
- Ozempic (semaglutide) injection, for subcutaneous use. (2019). Food and Drug Administration. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/210352s000lbl.pdfOzempic (semaglutide) dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more. (2020).
Medscape. https://reference.medscape.com/drug/ozempic-semaglutide-1000816Semaglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. (2019).
3. New England Journal of Medicine. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1906575Safety and efficacy of semaglutide in overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. (2018).
4. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(18)30116-3/fulltextOzempic (semaglutide) injection. (2019). Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/ozempic.html
