Ozempic for Weight Loss: The Best Suppliers in India
Ozempic (semaglutide) helps control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It also promotes weight loss in some adults with obesity and other health problems.
This off-label use has made it difficult for people with diabetes to get their medication. It also increases the risk of certain complications, including pancreatitis and issues with the thyroid, gallbladder, and kidneys.
1. Novo Nordisk
Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk is the exclusive patent holder of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and rival drugs Wegovy and Mounjaro. It has declined to say when its patent will expire in India, but Indian drugmakers Dr Reddy’s and Sun Pharma are working on their own versions.
The drugs work by mimicking the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which suppresses appetite and makes you feel full. They’re marketed as diabetes treatments, but some people are using them for weight loss. It’s important to note that the drug doesn’t replace a healthy diet or exercise and may not be right for everyone. In some cases, side effects can include pancreatitis and gallbladder problems. It can also raise the risk of thyroid tumours in those with a family history of these conditions.
If you’re considering taking Ozempic for weight loss, your doctor will evaluate your medical history and current health condition to determine if it’s safe for you. You’ll also need to discuss your expectations and goals for the medication. It’s essential to be realistic and prepared for a gradual, steady weight loss.
Achieving your weight loss goals can lead to better overall health, which can improve your quality of life. It can also boost your self-esteem and confidence, allowing you to embrace body positivity and embrace a healthy lifestyle. However, there’s no quick fix; it takes time to reach your goal and maintain it.
The drug can also help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of diabetes-related complications. Many state Medicaid programs cover the cost of the medications.
While Ozempic and other GLP-1-based medications can be very effective for some patients, the FDA warns that it is not a magic bullet and does not cure obesity or prevent weight gain. People who take the drug must follow a reduced-calorie diet and exercise regularly. Failure to do so can lead to a rebound effect and cause you to regain weight. Aside from that, the drugs can have serious side-effects including heartburn, nausea, vomiting, low blood sugar, and diarrhea. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
2. Eli Lilly
In the world of pharmaceuticals, few companies are as well known as Eli Lilly. The company has been a leader in insulin, as well as other diabetes treatment drugs. The company has also become a major force in the area of weight loss treatments. Its latest offering is Ozempic, which has been shown to be effective in helping people lose weight and keep it off.
Ozempic is an injectable drug that contains a compound called semaglutide. It is designed to help you lose weight by suppressing appetite and promoting fullness. The drug comes in a prefilled injection pen that is administered under the skin of your stomach, thigh, or arm. Your Ro-affiliated provider will work with you to determine the right dosage for your individual needs. Typically, the dosage starts low and gradually increases over the first few months until you reach your target dose.
While Ozempic and similar drugs offer promising results, they are not without their drawbacks. The most common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. In some cases, the drugs may lead to problems with your gallbladder, thyroid, or kidneys. If you stop taking the medication, your appetite will return and you may experience weight regain.
These side effects are usually mild and go away with time. However, you should tell your doctor if they persist or get worse. The drug can also cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This is more likely to happen if you take Ozempic with other medicines that can cause low blood sugar, such as insulin or sulfonylureas.
Although weight loss medications like Ozempic can be effective, they are not a cure for obesity. It is important to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. It is also a good idea to drink plenty of water. In addition, you should avoid alcohol and smoking. Lastly, you should talk to your doctor before taking any new medicine, including OZEMpic. There are many reasons why a person might decide to stop taking the drug, including side effects like reflux or the feeling that they’re not losing enough weight. In addition, the cost of Ozempic can be a barrier for some patients.
3. Sanofi-Aventis
In 2017, Danish pharmaceutical firm Novo Nordisk launched Ozempic (brand name of semaglutide) in the US to treat Type 2 diabetes. It was then rebranded as Wegovy and became a huge hit globally due to its weight loss properties. The injectable drug is taken once a week in the stomach, thigh, or arm. Semaglutide works by lowering blood sugar levels, regulating insulin, and mimicking the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 produced in our intestines that curbs appetite. The drug was so popular that celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Elon Musk, TikTok influencers, and people battling obesity started mentioning their Ozempic success stories on social media.
As a result, the demand for this miracle drug has spiked worldwide, resulting in supply shortages that have left some doctors worried about health risks. The TGA has warned that significant Ozempic access barriers are likely to continue throughout 2024. To mitigate the shortage, pharmacists are instructed to give priority to patients with Type 2 diabetes who are seeking the medication.
The popularity of Ozempic has also led to counterfeit versions of the drug that are circulating online. Experts are warning of the dangers of using unlicensed and potentially ineffective copies of the drug. It is essential to consult an experienced and licensed doctor to ensure that the medication is safe for you. Your doctor will evaluate your medical history and existing medications, your weight management goals, and your expectations to determine if you are a good candidate for Ozempic.
While the drug is a powerful tool for treating obesity, it’s not a cure-all. It should be used in conjunction with a balanced diet, physical activity, and mental wellness to promote sustainable long-term weight loss and improve overall health. The drug can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk of diabetes-related complications, and boost your confidence and self-esteem.
If you are struggling to lose weight, consider a prescription for Ozempic for weight loss in India from an experienced and licensed practitioner. They can help you identify a suitable dosage and delivery method, monitor your progress, and provide support on your journey towards healthier living.
4. Boehringer Ingelheim
A Danish pharmaceutical company based in Bengaluru plays a key role in the success of GLP-1-based weight loss drugs like Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro. Both drugs influence the gut hormones that promote a feeling of fullness and reduce food intake, which leads to gradual and sustainable weight loss over time. These medications are extremely popular among patients with diabetes and insulin resistance who have not yet achieved a healthy body mass index (BMI). The drugs have boosted revenue from the obesity market, which is expected to reach $150 billion by 2023.
However, shortages of these prescription drugs are driving some people to find ways around the system. Reddit forums are overflowing with tips for getting Ozempic prescriptions filled abroad. The advice generally points to US telehealth companies like Push Health and Hello Alpha, which can help people obtain the drug without a doctor’s prescription. While this practice is illegal in the US, it’s possible for Canadian pharmacists to fill US prescriptions, according to Libby Baney, an attorney specializing in internet pharmacies at the law firm Faegre Drinker.
Other companies are also aiming to take advantage of the growing demand for the medications. Sun Pharma recently presented data from its first Phase 1 study of an experimental non-diabetic version of the medication, GL0034. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Zydus Cadila and Lupin have other obesity drug candidates that are advancing through various stages of development.
The high price of Ozempic and other GLP-1-based medications is a deterrent for many affluent patients, even when they have insurance coverage. The medication is typically covered by health plans when prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but not for weight loss. Some insurers have also begun to cover the medication for people with certain types of obesity-related conditions, such as prediabetes and metabolic syndrome.