Lack of Ozempic in pharmacies leads patients to use another medicine

Rosenbaum says that, while other medicines did not reach the country, Ozempic was the alternative adopted by some doctors to treat obesity and the “fame” of the medicine meant that it began to be purchased 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 two more options, 1.7 mg and 2.4 mg, which must be defined with medical advice.

“Those who use these medications need to be monitored by doctors, nutritionists, undergo frequent exams, check blood tests, vitamin absorption, among others”, he advises.

According to Rosenbaum, in theory, there is no problem in exchanging one for the other, as long as exactly the same dose is applied. Still, replacement requires monitoring because, in addition to causing weight loss, these medications can cause loss of muscle mass and other side effects.

Another factor, highlights the endocrinologist, is the fact that Ozempic is indicated for diabetes and any unforeseen change can alter the patient’s blood sugar level.

Ozempic unavailability