How use of diabetes drug OZEMPIC for weight loss has led to a shortage

[FakeNoose]

(link) https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2023/02/26/ozempic-weight-loss/stories/202302200075

Ozempic has been catapulted into the public eye in recent months as celebrities and wellness influencers started taking it for weight loss. But Ozempic is a diabetes drug — and the craze has led to a shortage, leaving those who need it for Type 2 diabetes at a loss.

Generically known as semaglutide, it was approved to treat diabetes by the Food and Drug Administration in 2017. But during clinical trials, researchers noticed a side effect: The drug led to weight loss by slowing down stomach emptying and mimicking hormones naturally produced by the intestines that signal satiety.

That led manufacturer Novo Nordisk to rebrand semaglutide as Wegovy — basically Ozempic at a higher dose, but intended strictly for weight loss. Wegovy was approved by the FDA in 2021. Semaglutide’s increasing spotlight has spurred conversations about correlations between health and weight, and whether another weight loss drug is the best approach.

Proponents call Ozempic and Wegovy part of a “revolutionary” new class of drugs to treat obesity, while opponents urge for the fair treatment of fat people and argue that the end goal of a smaller waist and the manipulation of bodies is harmful no matter the outcome. At the center of it all are patients who can’t get the medication they need.

- more at link -

Wow, that plus insulin is so expensive anymore! Not good news for diabetics these days.

[Skittles]

1. using drugs to lose weight

it never ends well

[DVRacer]

2. The Federal Government!!! Is rationing it

I get mine from the VA and recently I have to order it every 30 days now due to insufficient supply instead of 90 days. It makes things difficult because it cannot be left on the porch because it has to be delivered cold. So I have to wait until mailman arrives every time for my house that’s anywhere from 9am to 3pm.

[rsdsharp]

3. Ozempic ain't cheap. I just paid $250. That's WITH insurance.

[NewDayOranges]

9. If that's for a 30-day supply, it's a bargain...

[phylny]

4. I use Ozempic and I'm pre-diabetic.

I discussed this with my doctor and he said, "The use of these drugs are keeping people from becoming diabetic, and I have no problem prescribing to help them."

I have had no problem getting it.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

5. I am Trulicity which is a sister drug to Ozempic

Ozempic is more effective at reducing AIC and causes more weight loss than Trucility.My AIC is under great control (6.3 AIC) and so my doctor likes Trucility in lieu of Victozia. The husband of my of one lof my law partners lost 60 pounds on Ozempic

[Submariner]

6. Medicare approves payment for Ozempic

but not Wegovy.

With my prescription drug plan Ozempic is $47/month. Wegovy is $1116/month.

[FakeNoose]

7. Wow! Thanks for enlightening us on the selling price difference

[rsdsharp]

10. It won't be $47 if you hit the donut hole.

[Submariner]

11. The donut hole hits this Tier 3 drug

in the last month of the PDP (Dec). Doubles to $74 that month, then back to 47.

[Submariner]

12. The donut hole hits this Tier 3 drug

in the last month of the PDP (Dec). Doubles to $74 that month, then back to 47.

[tavernier]

8. Mounjaro is another.

My daughter is taking that, and my other daughter is taking Ozempic. They were both diagnosed with type two diabetes when they started menopause. Insurance covered Ozempic for one and Mounjaro for the other. (Both have different insurance companies). They had no problems getting either at CVS. They immediately saw their blood sugars drop to normal levels.

Hope this helps any questions.

[Liberal In Texas]

13. I just checked my insurance. $80/3 month supply.

Very interesting.