Expert's opinion
Ozempic has become increasingly popular and dubbed a miracle weight loss drug because of its active ingredient, semaglutide. Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications known as GLP-1 agonists,[1] which work to reduce blood sugar levels, reduce appetite, and promote satiety.
The Food and Drug Administration approves Ozempic[2] as a medication to treat type 2 diabetes and lower the chance of developing cardiovascular complications. However, a healthcare professional may prescribe it off-label for weight loss.
Semaglutide is the active ingredient in brand names like Ozempic and Wegovy. So, is there a generic Ozempic for weight loss? According to the FDA, there is no generic drug for Ozempic or Wegovy, and it warns people to stay wary of drugs with such claims. Read on to learn more about Ozempic for weight loss.
What Is The Generic Ozempic For Weight Loss?
Ozempic is a brand-name medication, and it is important to note the following:
- There are no generic forms of Ozempic currently.
- The FDA has warned that this so-called generic drug for Ozempic may contain salt forms of semaglutide, such as semaglutide acetate or semaglutide sodium.
- These semaglutide salts have not been tested or approved as safe or effective by the FDA.
- Taking these compounded drugs can cause adverse side effects.
- Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight loss but is prescribed off-label for it.
- Currently, only two GLP-1 agonist medications are FDA-approved for weight loss- Wegovy[3] (semaglutide) and Saxenda[4] (liraglutide).
What Is The Generic Ozempic For Weight Loss?
Ozempic is an injectable medication made with semaglutide and administered once weekly. The Food and Drug Administration approves Ozempic to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus and lower the risk of cardiovascular complications in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and known heart diseases. These may include heart attack, stroke, and death.
As a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, semaglutide[5] mimics the GLP-1 hormone secreted in the digestive tract when you consume food. Semaglutide stimulates the body to produce more insulin, reducing blood sugar levels. It also reduces appetite, makes you feel full for longer, and prevents you from eating too much.
Hence, it is prescribed off-label for weight management in persons who are obese (body mass index greater than or equal to 30kg/m2) or overweight (body mass index greater than or equal to 27 kg/m2). Persons with weight-related health conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes also benefit from using Ozempic.
Recently, the frenzy over Ozempic and similar medications as miracle weight loss drugs has increased. There is almost no insurance coverage for Ozempic as a weight loss medication, and paying out-of-pocket is expensive. This has made people turn to compound pharmacies claiming to sell the generic drug for Ozempic.
Ozempic is a brand-name medication, so there are no generic forms of Ozempic currently.[6] The FDA has warned that this so-called generic drug for Ozempic may contain salt forms of semaglutide, such as semaglutide acetate or semaglutide sodium. These have not been tested or approved as safe or effective by the FDA. Taking these compounded drugs can cause adverse side effects.
Is Generic Ozempic FDA-Approved?
The first question should be: is there a generic version of Ozempic? The FDA refutes claims that there are generic versions of Ozempic. It warns people of the dangers of using such drugs, as patients experienced adverse effects after using generic versions of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy. Hence, the generic Ozempic is not FDA-approved.
Unfortunately, pharmacies across the U.S. have been seen with off-brand versions of Ozempic. The FDA states that these have not been certified safe and effective for weight management.
The brand medication Ozempic is approved only to treat type 2 diabetes and prevent cardiovascular complications in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Hence, it is not recognized officially as a weight loss medication. Currently, only two GLP-1 agonist medications are FDA-approved for weight loss – Wegovy (semaglutide)[3] and Saxenda (liraglutide).[4]
Is Generic Ozempic For Weight Loss Safe?
There is no generic drug for Ozempic. Hence, any medication compounded[2] and termed generic Ozempic is not safe for weight loss or any other indication. Ozempic, in itself, is FDA-approved for diabetes management. It can only be prescribed for patients with type 2 diabetes, and safe to use.
However, if Ozempic is prescribed off-label for people who wish to shed some pounds, it’s best to adhere strictly to your doctor’s instructions on how and when to use the medication.
Conclusion
Ozempic is a once-weekly injection and comes in pre-filled pens. Its active ingredient is semaglutide, which regulates blood sugar and helps lose excess weight. Ozempic is a brand-name medication and does not have a generic form. Avoid buying compounded semaglutide from a pharmacy to prevent adverse events.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves Ozempic for type 2 diabetes and heart disease. However, your doctor may prescribe it off-label as an obesity medicine and give certain instructions for safe use.
Ozempic is not a stand-alone solution for weight gain. Rather, it should be paired with a healthy diet and exercise. Generally, you need to consume 20 to 100 grams of carbs per day to lose weight. However, the daily carbs for diabetics depend on their age, weight, and activity level.
You can incorporate an exercise routine into your weight loss plan slowly. Then gradually increase the duration, frequency, and intensity of your exercises.
Frequently Asked Questions
The list price for Ozempic is $936, which is cheaper than Wegovy and Saxenda. You may, however, get these other medications at little to no cost with health insurance and other cost-reducing options, like assistance programs and savings cards.
Ozempic is a brand-name medication, so there are no generic forms of Ozempic currently.
No, Ozempic and Wegovy are two different medications, although they both contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide. The FDA approved Ozempic to treat type 2 diabetes and Wegovy as a weight loss medication. Also, Wegovy[7] has higher amounts of semaglutide.
Ozempic and Wegovy have the same active ingredient, but they cannot be interchanged. They contain varying amounts of semaglutide and are approved for different health conditions. Ozempic is for patients with type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is for weight loss.
Other medications that work similarly to Ozempic include Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Trulicity (dulaglutide), and Rybelsus (semaglutide) for blood sugar management. Alternative weight loss medications are Wegovy and Saxenda.
Some people do not lose weight with Ozempic. If you use Ozempic alone without making lifestyle changes, you most likely won’t lose weight or maintain weight loss. Ozempic works best when combined with diet and exercise.
Ozempic and semaglutide are not different from each other. Ozempic is the brand name of the medication, and semaglutide is the generic name. They are the same drug used to lower blood sugar levels and shed excess weight. Semaglutide aids weight loss with diet and exercise as part of a healthy weight loss strategy.
Dietary changes such as a calorie-deficit diet, increased physical activity, increased water intake, and adequate sleep and rest are lifestyle changes you should incorporate into your weight loss plan. Taking health and wellness supplements should be included as well.
