Are Ozempic (Semaglutide) and other GLP-1 agonists wonder drugs?
Yes, and this is why they are getting so much attention.
Let’s start with Ozempic (generic name Semaglutide. It is a drug whose primary use is to lower blood sugar levels. But it is also increasingly used for weight loss, whether you have diabetes or not.
Ozempic is the trade/brand name. Semaglutide is the actual/doctors name. “Actually why do drugs have two names? It’s confusing” [“yes you are right, very confusing. Let us explain. Ozempic Semaglutide is like ‘Cadbury’s chocolate’. Chocolate is what it is, Cadbury is the make” MyHSN Ed].
Ozempic/Semaglutide (and other GLP-1 agonists and similar drugs; see below) also reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, or death for adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
It is usually given as a once-weekly injection under the skin of the tummy, thigh, or the upper arm using an injector pen (that you do yourself).
How does Ozempic work?
Ozempic works by helping the pancreas make more insulin, decreasing the amount of sugar your liver makes, and slowing the rate food passes through your body, making you feel full longer.
This helps to lower blood sugar levels and lowers the risk of a major cardiovascular event (heart attack, angina, mini-stroke or stroke).
What type of drug is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a GLP-1 agonist that works the same way as a natural hormone made in our gut called GLP-1. GLP-1 controls insulin release and gut emptying, and regulates appetite and food intake.
Ozempic works by binding to GLP-1 receptors, which results in lower blood sugar and A1C levels, and may also reduce appetite to help with weight loss.
Ozempic (semaglutide) should not be used for people with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Ozempic for weight loss
Ozempic has also been shown to be successful in patients (without diabetes) losing weight. Ozempic is currently not approved as a weight loss medicine, though many people are obtaining it and using it for that purpose.
If used for this purpose, it should be used together with diet and exercise.
Different forms of Semaglutide
Semaglutide is available under three different brand names:
- Ozempic – a type 2 diabetes medication that you inject, which is prescribed to manage blood glucose levels. It should only be prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes
- Rybelsus – a drug that comes as a tablet that you swallow, which can be used to treat type 2 diabetes
- Wegovy – a drug that you inject, which is available on the NHS to support weight management.
Other GLP-1 agonists
There are other types of GLP-1 agonists used to treat type 2 diabetes, which you inject once a week:
- Bydureon, a brand name for exenatide
- Victoza, brand name for liraglutide
- Lyxumia, brand name for lixisenatide
- Trulicity, brand name for dulaglutide.
There is another medication called Mounjaro (brand name for tirzepatide) which is from a different drug class, but also works like a GLP-1 agonist to produce more insulin when needed and lower blood sugar levels .
Summary
We have described why Ozempic (Semaglutide) and other GLP-1 agonists are wonder drugs, and why they are getting so much attention. They are highly effective drugs used for type 2 diabetes and weight loss. We hope this has been helpful.
