Wonder Drugs

By Glory Fagan C-O Reporter editor@mycameronnews.com

What if there were an FDA-approved wonder drug that not only lowered insulin levels for diabetics, but also reduced cardiovascular risk and resulted in significant weight loss for those with or without diabetes? Too good to be true? Yes and no. Clinical studies show that an injectable class of semaglutide drugs marketed by Novo Nordisk as Ozempic and Wegovy offer just such benefits. “Ozempic and Wegovy are identical compounds branded differently for different indications,” according to Dr. Laura Harbison, a physician with Cameron Regional Medical Center. Ozempic is prescribed for patients with Type 2 diabetes. Essentially Ozempic helps lower blood sugar as it slows the emptying of food from the stomach and intestines, helping patients feel full longer, while simultaneously suppressing chemicals in the brain that cause hunger. Under the brand name Wegovy, the same FDA-approved formula for weight loss, is by all account “a miracle drug” for those who are clinically obese, according to Dr. Harbison. People see as much as a 20 to 40 pound reduction over time. Seen as an alternative to bariatric surgery, which is invasive and can be non-reversible, Wegovy has fewer adverse impacts.

So, if both classes of drugs offer such miraculous benefits, what is the catch? “Availability and cost,” says Dr. Harbison. “There is a critical shortage. Plus insurance does not cover the cost,” she added. At over $1000 a month, few can afford the out-of-pocket expense even if they can find it, and it is only effective as long as it is taken. To add insult to the injurious cost and scarcity, unpleasant side effects have been reported. According to Dr. Harbison, these include “nausea, heartburn, vomiting, constipation, and just feeling gross.” For this reason, the dosage has to be stair-stepped. Patients begin on a very low dose and once the side effects are under control, the dosage is incrementally increased .

Another drug that can lower body mass by as much as 15% is on the horizon. Mounjaro, which has been approved for insulin-resistant Type-2 Diabetes, has been submitted by Eli Lilly for FDAapproval for weight loss. It comes with a “black box warning” against use by anyone with certain thyroid and endocrine conditions. Still early studies show Mounjaro promises to offer even greater weight loss potential.