Ozempic and other similar drugs are changing the way medical obesity is treated. These medications have a more significant impact on patients than older drugs, and they also lower blood pressure.
Because the medicine is limited, health professionals are being asked to prioritise current supplies of Ozempic to those who need it most. This is to conserve the medication and to help prevent discontinuation that leads to weight regain.
Weight Loss
The injectable medication Ozempic (semaglutide) is widely used to help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It is also prescribed off-label to help with weight loss for patients who are overweight or obese and have other health conditions, such as high blood pressure. However, Ozempic can do more than just reduce weight – it can lower blood pressure as well.
Ozempic Weight Loss and other GLP-1 medications like Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound are gaining popularity as weight loss treatments in the wellness space thanks to the rise of diet culture and anti-fatness. They have even been embraced by celebrities, such as Elon Musk and Chelsea Handler, who have spoken out about their positive experiences with the drugs.
But while these medications may have helped these celebrities lose weight, experts warn that they are not a quick fix for obesity and other health problems. Taking semaglutide solely for weight loss can have serious short-term side effects and ultimately lead to regaining the weight back.
Semaglutide has been linked to a reduction in blood pressure, which is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Several trials of Ozempic have shown that it can lower blood pressure in people with normal or slightly elevated blood pressure to start with, and these results remained consistent over time.
But a lack of studies on people with very high baseline blood pressure means that it’s unclear whether or not this drug will be beneficial for them. The pharmaceutical company that makes Ozempic, Novo Nordisk, is working on another brand of semaglutide called Wegovy, which is intended specifically for weight management in people with obesity and other health conditions. It is due to be released in Australia in 2024.
However, the current supply shortage of Ozempic is limiting doctors’ ability to prescribe it for off-label uses including weight loss. The TGA is monitoring this situation closely and is updating the Ozempic Medicine Shortage Reports webpage as soon as supplies become available. In the meantime, doctors are advised to continue to prioritise limited supplies of Ozempic to patients who are stabilised on treatment and who do not have suitable alternatives.
Blood Pressure
When Ozempic is used in combination with a low-carbohydrate diet and regular exercise, it can help people lose weight, reduce blood pressure, and lower their cholesterol. In addition, it can also reduce triglyceride levels and improve heart function. Its effectiveness is backed by multiple clinical studies. However, it is important to remember that this medication should only be taken under a doctor’s supervision. Incorrect use of this medication could lead to serious side effects.
Ozempic, which is manufactured by Medsexporter, is a once-weekly injection of semaglutide. It is available in 0.5 milligram, 1 milligram, and 2 milligram doses. In addition, the company makes a tablet that contains the same active ingredient. These medications are available by prescription only.
A worldwide shortage of the drug began in early 2022 when Novo Nordisk couldn’t meet increased demand due to off-label prescribing for weight loss. This is because semaglutide is expensive and requires specialised equipment to make. Making Ozempic takes a long time, and the company can only increase production slowly.
The shortage has caused a number of problems for patients. Many are worried about the safety of the drug. For example, some have experienced gastrointestinal issues like nausea and stomach pain. Some have even stopped taking the drug because of these symptoms. Others have a harder time losing weight, which can be discouraging. Others have had sleeve gastrectomy and need to take antacids.
Several studies have found that Ozempic lowers blood pressure. In fact, it can decrease systolic and diastolic pressure by as much as 5 mm Hg. Interestingly, these results were seen in people who had normal or slightly elevated blood pressure to start with. However, further studies are needed to determine if the reduction in blood pressure is related to the weight loss that occurs with this medication.
The TGA has advised health professionals to only prescribe Ozempic if it is medically necessary. Buying the drug online without a valid prescription is against the law. Likewise, it is not recommended to buy the product from overseas suppliers that are not registered with the TGA. These products may not have been manufactured to Australian standards and are unlikely to be subsidised by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
Heart Disease
Ozempic (semaglutide) helps people with type 2 diabetes keep their blood sugar levels under control. It also helps them lose weight and lowers their risk of heart disease. It’s not intended to be taken as a quick fix for weight loss, however. It’s best used as part of a long-term treatment plan to improve diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits. In addition, it’s important to get regular blood tests to check for side effects like hypoglycemia.
The medication is available in different doses — 0.25 milligram, 0.5 milligram, 1 milligram, and 2 milligrams — to fit the needs of different individuals. It’s typically given in the stomach through an injection a few times a week, with or without food. The injection is designed to be given long term, and it’s not recommended that you stop or change the dosage schedule without first consulting your doctor.
Some studies have found that Ozempic can significantly reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in both people with type 2 diabetes and those who are overweight or obese, but don’t have diabetes. The results of these studies were consistent across multiple trials. The most significant reduction in blood pressure was seen at the 0.5-milligram dose.
Another benefit of Ozempic is that it can help prevent heart disease by reducing blood pressure and improving glucose tolerance. This is especially true in those with pre-existing heart disease. It’s also been shown to decrease the rate of heart attacks, strokes, and death in those with coronary artery disease.
The FDA has approved semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. It’s also been shown to promote weight loss and decrease the risk of obesity and related health conditions in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to Yale Medicine experts.
Although it is not a p > /p> approved medication for the treatment of high blood pressure, doctors sometimes prescribe Ozempic off-label to treat weight-related issues such as hypertension. This practice is called off-label prescribing and is a common occurrence in the healthcare system, particularly for medications that are not well-known or well-established.
Diabetes
The FDA has approved two injectable drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy, that are proven to help patients lose weight by slowing their appetites. Both are designed to treat type 2 diabetes, and both have been shown to promote weight loss and decrease blood sugar levels in individuals with the condition. But some people who don’t have diabetes are using the medication for non-diabetic weight loss purposes, and doctors are urging them to reconsider that choice.
Despite the fact that the drug has not been specifically approved for weight loss, some doctors have started prescribing it off-label for the purpose. This is called off-label prescribing, and it is a common practice in the healthcare industry. The TGA does not regulate the clinical decisions of health professionals, and it cannot stop them from prescribing medicines in this way.
But it is important to note that these medications are not a substitute for healthy diet and exercise, and they are only meant to be taken long-term. A doctor should assess a patient’s risk factors before recommending this medication for weight loss. For example, some patients may be at a higher risk of developing certain side effects, including pancreatitis and thyroid tumors.
Another benefit of taking Ozempic is that it can reduce your cholesterol levels. The drug also helps you maintain a more normal blood glucose level, which is essential to preventing heart disease and other health problems. But some patients should not take the medication if they have certain medical conditions, such as kidney or liver disease.
Many people have asked why Ozempic and other medicines that are approved for use in Australia aren’t manufactured here. But it is not practical or achievable for most medicines to be produced locally. Making pharmaceuticals involves a highly complex process that requires specialised equipment and unique manufacturing settings.
