Novo Nordisk confirms the ‘intermittent unavailability’ of the drug and reiterates that it does not recommend substitution
Pharmacies and parapharmacies have reported shortages of medicines Ozempico and, in order not to interrupt the treatments, patients purchase another medicine, the Wegovybut the exchange is not recommended without doctor’s advice.
Endocrinologist at Israelite Albert Einstein HospitalPaulo Rosenbaum says he has received complaints from patients about drug shortages in pharmacies and explains that both Ozempic and Wegovy contain semaglutide as the active ingredient. “The differences between the two drugs are the clinical indication and the dose.”
In the case of Ozempic, the versions available in Brazil are: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg and 1 mg. “The main indication is for the treatment of diabetes. As a secondary effect it can help you lose weight, but the indication is for the treatment of diabetes”, he underlines.
Rosenbaum says this while other medicines did not arrive in the country, Ozempic was the alternative adopted by some doctors to treat obesity and the “fame” of the medicine meant that people began to purchase it without a prescription, which is not recommended.
Wegovy, in turn, is directly indicated for people with obesity. It is sold in the same concentrations as Ozempic – 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg and 1 mg – and in two other options, 1.7 mg and 2.4 mg, which must be defined with the advice of your doctor.
“Those who use these drugs must be monitored by doctors, nutritionists, undergo frequent examinations, check blood tests, vitamin absorption, among others,” he advises.
According to Rosenbaum, in theory, there is no problem replacing them, as long as exactly the same dose is used. However, replacement requires monitoring because, in addition to causing weight loss, these drugs can cause muscle loss and other side effects.
Another factor, the endocrinologist points out, is the fact that Ozempic is indicated for diabetes and any unexpected changes can alter the patient’s blood sugar level.
Ozempic unavailability
The pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, which sells both products, issued a note this Friday 4, stating that it “does not recommend to patients with diabetes type 2, in the absence of obesityreplace treatment with Ozempic with Wegovy”.
“Although the medicines have the same active ingredient (semaglutide), they were developed to treat different conditions and have different dosages, application devices and approvals. Each medicine has been designed to meet the specific needs of each comorbidity, ensuring adequate control of the titration and safety of the therapy.
According to the company, distribution of Wegovy occurs normally, but in reality there is an “intermittent unavailability” of Ozempic in pharmacies due to higher than expected demand.
“Given the complexity of the drug distribution chain at the national level, it is expected that the stocks of the product on the market will be re-established gradually and not immediately, since the availability of the drug involves phases that cannot be accelerated,” reported the pharmacist .
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
