Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist Ozempic aid reduce glucose levels in the blood of people suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus. It can also help in losing weight (Chamberlin, 2019). Possible Ozempic alternatives are Bydureon (exenatide), Victoza (liraglutide), Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Tanzeum (Albiglutide), and Trulicity (dulaglutide).
To get treatments and prescriptions for these alternative medications visit us at Specialty Care Clinics. Our healthcare professionals will diagnose the condition and give treatment and prescribe suitable medications accordingly. Call us at 469-545-9983 to book an appointment.
WHAT ARE THE USES OF OZEMPIC MEDICATION?
Ozempic (generic semaglutide) is a medication in a form of an injection pen that controls blood sugar levels in people suffering from type 2 diabetes. Ozempic can also reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke or death in patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The pen comes pre-filled with medicine and is injected through the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm every week. You can inject Ozempic with or without meals.
Ozempic reduces your appetite and if taken together with diet and exercise, can help you in weight loss. People who are overweight or obese may have an advantage from an off-label prescription of Ozempic for weight loss.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF OZEMPIC?
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea are common Ozempic side effects that about one in three persons may suffer. Abdominal discomfort, constipation, or redness at the injection site are less common adverse effects. Gallbladder or digestive diseases, as well as the possibility of having hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), may develop more likely by Ozempic.
Ozempic is not prescribed to:
- Children
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding women
- People with diabetic retinopathy
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2
- Family history of thyroid cancer
- People with pancreatitis
The most serious advisory issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a drug is called a “black box” warning, and it was issued for Ozempic. Ozempic increases the risk of developing thyroid cancers in mice and rats, this is according to research conducted on animals. People with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 should not take Ozempic, while it is unknown if it will have the same effects on humans.
AFFORDABLE ALTERNATIVES TO OZEMPIC
Ozempic costs around $800 for a month’s worth of use. This is comparable to other GLP-1 receptor agonists but more costly than certain other blood glucose-lowering drugs. A Canadian study discovered that Trulicity (dulaglutide), Bydureon (exenatide), and Victoza (liraglutide) are less expensive Ozempic substitutes.
The price of Ozempic depends on your insurance coverage and the pharmacy you use. The manufacturer of Ozempic, Novo Nordisk offers an Ozempic savings card that allows you to save money on Ozempic. It is only available to those with private or corporate insurance.
ALTERNATIVES FOR OZEMPIC TO CONSIDER
The majority of the Ozempic substitutes listed below are also GLP-1 receptor agonists. When blood glucose levels rise too high, these diabetic drugs encourage the pancreas to produce more insulin. This assists in lowering blood sugar levels once more. In addition, GLP-1 receptor agonists prevent the production of the hormone glucagon, which increases blood sugar levels. Finally, agonists of the GLP-1 receptor slow down digestion. Since it takes longer for your stomach to empty as a result, you may feel fuller for longer, consume less food, and lose weight.
Bydureon or Byetta (exenatide) :
Like Ozempic, Bydureon and Byetta (Exenatide) are injectable drugs that help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels. Exenatide comes in two versions. The fast-acting version is taken up to 1 hour before her meals twice daily. Extended releases are used weekly, similar to Ozempic.
Bydureon and Byetta are usually prescribed as second-line treatment after other drugs have failed (as is Ozempic). They are used in addition to diet and exercise and can be prescribed alone or with other diabetes medications such as metformin.
The most common side effect is nausea, which usually decreases with the continued use of exenatide. Other side effects include vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, headache, and upset stomach. You may also experience hypoglycemia, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) or allergic reactions while using Bydureon or Byetta. It is not given to pregnant women or breastfeeding women, or if you have kidney problems or pancreatitis.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) :
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a GIP/GLP-1 dual receptor agonist that can be more effective in controlling blood sugar levels and subsequent weight loss. Like Ozempic, Mounjaro is injected weekly.
Like Ozempic, side effects of Mounjaro are usually gastrointestinal, with nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting being the most common. Reduced appetite is another side effect of Mounjaro and is one of the reasons it can lead to weight loss.
Trulicity (dulaglutide) :
Another injectable drug that assists with weight reduction and blood sugar control is trulicity (dulaglutide). It should be recommended together with weekly injections and lifestyle adjustments including diet and exercise.
Trulicity is administered to type 2 diabetics who have not responded well to previous medications, just like Ozempic. It can be used alone or in combination with other diabetic medications like metformin and insulin. Trulicity also lowers the possibility of serious cardiac events like a stroke, heart attack, or death in persons with type 2 diabetes, whether or not they have heart disease.
Similar side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, may be experienced in both Trulicity and Ozempic.
Tanzeum or Eperzan (albiglutide) :
Tanzeum and Eperzan are prescription medications which are taken weekly to help in controlling blood sugar levels. Mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues are common side effects. Tanzeum or Eperzan is more frequently associated with injection site reactions and diarrhoea than other GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic.
Victoza or Saxenda (liraglutide) :
Victoza and Saxenda (liraglutide) aid in blood sugar regulation. Saxenda is an FDA-approved weight-loss medication for people who are overweight or obese, while Victoza is used to treat patients with type 2 diabetes. Victoza and Saxenda are both injected every day.
Some of the negative effects of Victoza and Ozempic are similar, including the possibility of pancreatitis or hypoglycemia as well as nausea and vomiting. Another Victoza aside effect is elevated heart rate, however. The black box warning for liraglutide is the same as for Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications.
Visit Specialty Care Clinics for a check-up and get a suitable prescription for the alternatives to Ozempic. Call us at 469-545-9983 to book an appointment.