Posted on 01/15/2023 5:57:44 AM PST by fluorescence
Tammie Rachell Largent-Phillips, 52, has Type 2 diabetes. For the past two years, she's managed the condition using a drug called Ozempic, which helps people with diabetes keep blood sugar levels in check.
But in November, she was forced to switch to another medication, insulin. The Ozempic she needed was no longer available at her pharmacy.
In recent months, demand for the drug has soared, colliding with global supply issues. Together, it's led to a shortage of Ozempic.
But the popularity of Ozempic, or semaglutide, isn't because of rising rates of diabetes. Instead, it's because of its weight loss benefits, doctors say. At a higher dose, semaglutide is used for weight loss. Ozempic manufacturer Novo Nordisk sells that higher dose under a different brand name: Wegovy.
Shortages of Wegovy, also highly popular, were widespread last year. As a result, some people who had been taking Wegovy were instead prescribed Ozempic off-label for weight loss. That's causing problems for people like Largent-Phillips, who need the drug to manage their chronic illness.
"It's been very frustrating," Largent-Phillips, of Florida, said of the shortage, adding that her blood sugar levels have been fluctuating as she's had to change medications.
Ozempic works by mimicking a hormone in the body that regulates insulin levels. It's a type of drug called a GLP-1 agonist. The medication is self-administered weekly as an injection.
The supply shortages of Ozempic have meant that some patients have had to go to several pharmacies before they could find the medication, said Dr. Marcio Griebeler, an endocrinologist at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. In other cases, he said, patients have been forced to take a lower dose because it's all that was available.
(Excerpt) Read more at nbcnews.com ...
It seems like there is no limit anymore on what they can sell on tv. I hate commercials as it is, but it’s beyond the pale anymore…
Ozempic is manufactured in Denmark, FWIW
I never have to wonder why I quit watching almost all tv and sports anymore.
That’s totally unexpected!
*drink*
or... just stop cramming food into your mouth constantly!
for ZERO cost!
not everything can be as safe as the Covid Vaccines!
/s
Thanks for your post. I am type 2 diabetic and Ozempic was really effective at helping me bring A1c blood sugar level down to very near normal. I was (?) at pre-diabetes level, very stable. My weight has increased in the past two months, when the Ozempic disappeared. I was kinda cruising along, able to eat some carbs without “penalty”, so to speak. Now it’s back to business I guess— darn it.
Don’t people with Diabetes 2 eventually have to take insulin? esp if they don’t abide by diet and exercise.
I’m taking Jardiance which has been awesome for me (other than the cost).
Or…people could change their diet and exercise. I know that’s hard. I know that in some cases it’s not possible.
But…you cannot tell me everyone using this drug couldn’t help themselves any other way.
That POS from 1975 is played constantly on the overhead at The Home Depot. Every time I’m in that store I hear it and it makes me want to throw up. But do you ever hear anything by Frank Sinatra or Luciano Pavarotti or Miles Davis or Count Basie or Duke Ellington? No. Just pure unadulterated crap.
There is a better similar class drug than ozempic.
Why can’t they use plain old metformin? Maybe a diabetic Freeper could explain.
“...Ozempic as it soars in popularity as a weight loss aid”
With side effects. Significantly so. Plus, once the Ozempic is no longer used the weight returns.
What is it?
“What is SOL?”
Cacas fortas de fortunas
Have they started advertising "s*x toys" yet? Dominatrix services? Prostitution is still illegal, so I don't expect that ... yet.
My doctor explained some of the drug and medical gadget commercials to me.
- These things are not covered by insurance
- The people see the commercials and ask their doctors to get them
- The doctors tell the insurance companies about all the people demanding this product
- Sometimes the insurance companies will then cover them
The commercials are a clever way of getting their products covered by insurance.
We’re also having a hard time getting Adderall and similar medications in pharmacies. We get bombarded with calls all day looking for it.
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