Is semaglutide the same as Ozempic? - Hormone Harmony Clinic

Semaglutide and Ozempic refer to the same compound. Semaglutide is the generic name of the active ingredient, while Ozempic is the brand name used by Novo Nordisk for their version of semaglutide injection. Some key facts about semaglutide:

• Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used for treating type 2 diabetes. It is taken as a once-weekly injection.
• It helps lower blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin release, suppressing glucagon secretion, slowing digestion, and reducing appetite.
• Ozempic is the first once-weekly branded formulation of semaglutide approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and launched in the United States in 2018.

Similarities between semaglutide and Ozempic:

• They contain the same active pharmaceutical ingredient - semaglutide
• Taken as a subcutaneous injection once weekly
• Come in similar pre-filled, multi-dose pens
• Have the same mechanism of action and effects on glucose control and weight loss

So in essence, Ozempic is simply the brand name used by Novo Nordisk for their once-weekly injectable product containing the active drug semaglutide.

Indications and Usage

The FDA has approved semaglutide for the following uses:

• As an adjunct treatment to diet and exercise to improve blood glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes
• To reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events like stroke and heart attack in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease

Efficacy

• In clinical trials, semaglutide has shown:
  • Significant reductions in HbA1c levels (a marker of blood sugar control over 3 months) compared to placebo and active comparators like sitagliptin, exenatide ER, dulaglutide and insulin glargine.
  • Superior blood glucose-lowering effect compared to most other GLP-1 receptor agonists.
  • Weight loss of ~5-7% from baseline body weight.

This demonstrates that semaglutide is highly effective for improving glycemic control and promoting weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes.

The cardiovascular outcomes trial also found semaglutide reduces the relative risk of heart attack, stroke or death from cardiovascular causes by 26% compared to placebo.

Side Effects

The most common side effects with semaglutide include:

• Gastrointestinal events like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea - seen initially, usually mild-moderate and resolve over time.
• Injection site reactions
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) - when used with insulin or sulfonylureas
• Diabetic retinopathy complications - semaglutide causes improvement in glucose control which paradoxically increases the risk of diabetic eye disease worsening initially before stabilizing over time. This doesn't seem to negate the overall beneficial effects however.

Thus while relatively well tolerated, close medical monitoring is still required, especially in high risk groups. Speak to your doctor about what precautions you need to take.

Cost and Availability

Ozempic is usually covered by most health insurance plans for diabetics, subject to co-pays and deductibles. It costs ~ $800-900 per pen, which contains 4 weekly doses. Different financial assistance programs like copay cards may be available to lower out-of-pocket expenses if required.

The generic formulation of semaglutide is currently unavailable in the United States. Generic equivalents are typically cheaper than brand name versions once available. Consult your doctor or medical provider if you have any queries.

If your treatment plan involves injectable medications like semaglutide or insulin, consider getting evaluated at Hormone Harmony Clinic. Our experienced clinicians provide cutting-edge therapies and comprehensive medical management for diabetes and many other hormone-based conditions. Contact us today to book an appointment!

So in summary, semaglutide and Ozempic refer to the same glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist medication used for type 2 diabetes. While the data supports good efficacy along with weight loss benefits, there are some side effects to consider. Have an open discussion with your doctor to see if starting weekly semaglutide shots would be appropriate for your individual situation and health status.