Novo Nordisk's Type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic (semaglutide) shot up in popularity for its off-label use for weight loss. Here are six recent updates on the drug:
1. Because GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro work to lower appetite, some clinicians believe they could treat bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, The Wall Street Journal reported June 12.
2. In a study, Novo Nordisk's pill version of Ozempic resulted in 15 percent weight loss, and a placebo reduced weights by 2.4 percent. The drugmaker said it plans to seek regulatory approval for the drug in 2023.
3. Common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and constipation, and these adverse events happened among about 5 percent of patients, according to the FDA's medication guide for Ozempic. Meera Shah, MD, an endocrinologist at Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic told CBS News about 10 percent of patients taking GLP-1s have to stop because these side effects don't diminish.
The continuation of these reactions can cause stress, anxiety and depression, experts told the news outlet.
More rare side effects to the drug are thyroid tumors, pancreatitis, changes in vision, hypoglycemia, gallbladder issues, kidney failure and cancer, according to the medication guide. Side effects not in the guide but that have been reported include strange dreams, a gaunt face, malnutrition and muscle mass loss.
4. The two main competitors to Ozempic's monetary success are Eli Lilly's Mounjaro and berberine, a natural supplement.
5. A study of 20 people found a potential link between Ozempic's active ingredient and more natural killer cells, which attack cancerous cells. Because peripheral blood NK cells are defective in people with obesity and obesity is strongly associated with a higher risk of dying from cancer, the small study's results show the potential of lowering cancer-related morbidity among people with obesity with semaglutide.
6. Payers are cracking down on Ozempic prescriptions that lack proof of the patient having diabetes because most insurance companies don't cover weight loss drugs and the popular GLP-1 drugs cost about $1,000 for a month's supply, The Washington Post reported June 11.