Description

Ozempic, known generically as semaglutide, was approved in 2017 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Ozempic is a weekly injection that helps lower blood sugar by helping the pancreas make more insulin. It is not approved for weight loss, but some physicians prescribe it to be used for weight loss.

How does Ozempic work?
Ozempic works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone. As those hormone levels rise, the molecules go to your brain, telling it you’re full. It also slows digestion by increasing the time it takes for food to leave the body. This is similar to the effect of bariatric surgery.

When using Ozempic to treat diabetes, weight loss is a common side effect. It is designed to be taken long-term.

Does Ozempic work for weight loss purposes?
The active ingredient in Ozempic, semaglutide, does work for weight loss, according to research. It’s important that people continue to make lifestyle changes to help their weight loss, such as eating right and exercising.

Ozempic is not approved for weight loss. However, semaglutide is approved for weight loss under the name Wegovy. Ozempic has a smaller dose of semaglutide than Wegovy.

It’s important to note that if you start taking either of these drugs for weight loss, your body may get used to it, establishing a new normal. This can cause your weight to plateau. Research has shown that if you stop taking Ozempic (or Wegovy), it’s likely that you will gain back the weight you lost.

Is there an off-brand version of Ozempic?
The FDA warns people of the dangers of using “generic” Ozempic and Wegovy. It says there are no approved generic versions of these drug.

However, an off-brand version of the drug has been seen at compounding pharmacies across the U.S. The FDA received reports of adverse events after patients used “generic” versions of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy.

There are reports of a drug shortage involving Ozempic and Wegovy, as of July 2023. When people use Ozempic off-label for weight loss, type 2 diabetes patients who rely on Ozempic may struggle to find this medication.