What to know about Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy
During an aggressive marketing campaign in Canada, you probably saw advertisements for the drugs Ozempic and Rybelsus. Here are some answers to questions you may have about the drugs.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OZEMPIC AND RYBELSUS?
Both Ozempic and Rybelsus are made by drug manufacturer Novo Nordisk. They have the same active ingredient called semaglutide. Ozempic comes in an injection pen while Rybelsus comes in pill form.
Ozempic and Rybelsus are both approved by Health Canada for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes. Some doctors also prescribe them “off-label” to treat obesity in some patients.
Novo Nordisk also makes a third semaglutide drug called Wegovy, which is also taken via an injection pen. It was approved by Health Canada in November 2021, but is not yet commercially available in Canada. Wegovy is approved for the treatment of obesity, as well as people who are significantly overweight and have at least one weight-related disease, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or obstructive sleep apnea.
HOW DO OZEMPIC, RYBELSUS AND WEGOVY WORK?
Semaglutide works by acting like a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which promotes insulin production and also stimulates a part of the brain that controls appetite.
HOW LONG DO YOU TAKE THESE MEDICINES?
Endocrinologists who spoke to The Canadian Press say they should be considered chronic treatments because they are used to treat the chronic diseases diabetes and obesity. That means you may need to be on Ozempic for life.
Studies show that once people stop taking Ozempic, much of the weight they lost comes back.
The drugs are intended to be used along with diet and exercise modifications.
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS?
According to the Novo Nordisk website, the minor side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain.
More serious but rarer risks include inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), gallbladder problems, kidney problems, low blood sugar, vision changes, or allergic reactions.
Animal studies found an association between Ozempic and thyroid tumors, including cancer, in rats. It is not clear whether this would also happen in humans.
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on June 20, 2023.
Canadian Press health coverage is supported by a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content.
