Ozempic (and its sister drug Wegovy), are GLP-1 agonists, mimicking a hormone produced in your gut that reduces blood sugar after meals while simultaneously curbing and suppressing your appetite. Both drugs should be taken as long-term treatments for Type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Contrary to other anti-obesity drugs, it’s not approved to aid weight loss directly; instead, it works by helping reset your biological set point when combined with diet and exercise.
How to Get Ozempic
If a person with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or higher struggles to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, Ozempic may be prescribed. This medication, also used as blood sugar control medicine, suppresses hunger while increasing metabolism to burn fat more efficiently.
People covered by Medicare Part D or similar prescription drug plans can access their medicine at a local pharmacy, online healthcare companies, or both. Many offer free calls with healthcare providers and provide additional services, including insurance coverage.
K Health offers GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic and Wegovy through its online platform. To be eligible, a person must book an online consultation with one of K Health’s doctors and complete lab tests; then, the doctor will decide if the medication is right for them; pricing varies but includes the cost of Ozempic.
Cost
Ozempic is expensive and may be difficult to afford without health insurance coverage, but there are ways to lower its cost, such as using manufacturer coupons and patient assistance programs; also, you could shop around and explore telehealth options to reduce its price.
Ro Body provides one-on-one weight loss coaching and GLP-1 medications at significantly reduced prices than typical pharmacies. In contrast, certain telehealth companies provide prescriptions that can be paid for with insurance.
Many individuals with diabetes who want to lose weight can benefit from taking GLP-1Â medications such as Ozempic. This drug helps manage blood sugar, leading to more sustainable weight loss. Furthermore, this approach may work in combination with diet and exercise. Still, consultation with a health care provider is essential so they can discuss all your options and determine what the most suitable course of action for you is.
Dosage
Ozempic is an effective weekly injection that can assist in weight loss. This highly effective drug has proven its worth among people struggling with obesity and related medical conditions; however, more doctors report patients seeking prescriptions of Ozempic but not necessarily suitable candidates (i.e., those with kidney conditions could experience side effects like low blood sugar).
Some insurance companies require prior authorization before covering medication, such as Ozempic. Others impose special requirements, such as high deductibles or pharmacy benefits. You can reduce the cost of Ozempic by taking advantage of coupons and discounts from pharmacies such as Ro or Optum Perks.
Ozempic can also be obtained via telehealth services like Sesame. These virtual health providers provide weight loss and diabetes specialists who can prescribe GLP-1 medications. Telehealth services can help manage weight and prevent complications like stroke.
Side Effects
Ozempic is an injection used to suppress appetite and increase satiety, making it an effective weight-loss medication combined with healthy eating and exercise. Unfortunately, however, patients may experience adverse side effects like nausea, constipation, vomiting, and heart rate spikes. If this drug causes any adverse reactions in you, please notify both your physician or pharmacist as soon as possible.
This medication may lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when combined with certain other medicines, including sulfonylureas or insulin, diuretics, or fluid-restrictive diets and diuretics. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar include dizziness or lightheadedness, hunger pangs, blurred vision, sweating profusely, rapid heartbeats, fatigue, confusion, headache, and dizziness or lightheadedness.
Other potential side effects of this medication may include severe allergic reactions, ileus, and gallbladder issues. Gallbladder issues arise when too much cholesterol is released into the body by an improper-functioning gallbladder. This can result in abdominal pain, fever, itching, and clay-colored stool as symptoms.