Ozempic is an injection of semaglutide, a medication mainly indicated for use in the treatment of type 2 diabetes but has recently received high publicity as being used in weight management. The safety of any medication being used for an extended period needs to be painstakingly thought over.
Understanding Ozempic
Ozempic acts as an agonist for the GLP-1 receptor, a glucagon-like peptide-1. It acts similarly to GLP-1 by increasing insulin secretion from the pancreas, suppressing inappropriate glucagon secretion, and delaying gastric emptying. All three of these actions lower blood glucose levels and may promote weight loss by inducing satiety.
Long-term Safety Profile
The long-term safety of Ozempic was studied in both clinical trials and post-marketing studies:
Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation are adverse reactions of this drug. Generally, these were transient and decreased as tolerance developed.
Pancreatitis: There have been postmarketing reports of acute pancreatitis in patients using GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Ozempic. A causal relationship has not been established in clinical trials for these events. Provide patients with information regarding the risk and early symptoms of severe abdominal pain.
Thyroid C-cell tumours: Semaglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumours in rodents. It is not seen in humans but because of this finding, a history in oneself or one’s family of medullary thyroid carcinoma, or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2, is generally a contraindication to the use of Ozempic.
Renal Impairment: Postmarketing reports of acute kidney injury have been received for Ozempic. Limited clinical experience with Ozempic in patients with renal impairment. Postmarketing reports of acute kidney injury have been received for Ozempic. Patients with renal impairment should be monitored when receiving Ozempic.
Gallbladder Disease: During clinical trials, cholelithiasis and cholecystitis have been reported in patients being treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists. Advise patients of the potential risk for gallbladder disease and related symptoms, such as abdominal pain, fever, and jaundice.
Recent reports have pointed to a number of potential risks associated with Ozempic, including:
Eye Disorders: An increased incidence of NAION or non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, which may result in sudden loss of vision, has raised concerns. Patients are always advised to promptly report changes in vision.
Gastrointestinal Complications: Some patients had severe gastrointestinal manifestations, with the delaying of stomach emptying-a form of gastroparesis- leading to symptoms of persistent nausea and vomiting. Some have even initiated lawsuits against manufacturers, bringing further research into these possible side effects into significant focus.
Conclusion
While Ozempic has been useful in the management of type 2 diabetes and weight management, its safety profile, even for long-term use, needs to be taken into consideration. Most events are mild and will wear off with time, but some infrequent serious complications have been encountered. This will be paramount in ensuring that the benefits versus the risks are discussed between the patients and health providers on an ongoing basis, hence Ozempic remaining a suitable and safe choice for long-term health management.
