We know that the blockbuster drug Ozempic (and Wegovy and semaglutide-based drugs) helps patients lose weight, control their diabetes (thereby lowering rates of serious complications like strokes) and even prevent heart failure exacerbations. The big question is whether Ozempic is cost effective. Remember: medicine is part economics. Imagine a drug that cured strokes, but cost $1 billion per dose. Obviously, we just couldn’t afford to make that treatment standard.
All fine and good but it can't be bought for love or money in most places. My diabetic son (who is a pharmacist) has been on it several years and could not obtain any before leaving on his honeymoon. After many phone call involving two or three other GLP-1s, other pharmacy friends in far reaches of the state, etc., he finally was able to obtain something (not Ozempic) at the cost of $700 out of pocket two days before leaving.
I think there are still some effects (feeling of fullness), but I know I am eating much more than I was when I was on the med. After losing about 30 pounds, I think I have gained back about 4 pounds in the last month. I am 68 and have spent a lifetime of trying over and over to lose weight. This was something I thought I could do for the rest of my life. I'm active, working part-time, walk about 10 miles per week most weeks. This was a great support to help control my eating.
It’s on national back order-- my husband who is on it for diabetes was able to get another month with great difficulty. We’re considering his “ off ramp” as it’s working so well-- that path isn’t clear.
Ditto to Kathleen's comment. I was on it for 8 months and now am unable to find it anywhere. Have not taken it for a month now. We'll see what effect that has on me going forward. Disappointing.
All fine and good but it can't be bought for love or money in most places. My diabetic son (who is a pharmacist) has been on it several years and could not obtain any before leaving on his honeymoon. After many phone call involving two or three other GLP-1s, other pharmacy friends in far reaches of the state, etc., he finally was able to obtain something (not Ozempic) at the cost of $700 out of pocket two days before leaving.
Yeah there’s the problem of people using it who don’t need it.
I think there are still some effects (feeling of fullness), but I know I am eating much more than I was when I was on the med. After losing about 30 pounds, I think I have gained back about 4 pounds in the last month. I am 68 and have spent a lifetime of trying over and over to lose weight. This was something I thought I could do for the rest of my life. I'm active, working part-time, walk about 10 miles per week most weeks. This was a great support to help control my eating.
It’s on national back order-- my husband who is on it for diabetes was able to get another month with great difficulty. We’re considering his “ off ramp” as it’s working so well-- that path isn’t clear.
Ditto to Kathleen's comment. I was on it for 8 months and now am unable to find it anywhere. Have not taken it for a month now. We'll see what effect that has on me going forward. Disappointing.
Sorry to hear that. What has your experience been coming off of it?