The diabetes drug Ozempic, manufactured by Novo Nordisk, is gaining attention not only for its primary use but also for its off-label application in weight loss and an expert is warning against the trend, CBC News reports.
What is Ozempic?
Approved by Health Canada in 2018 for treating adults with Type 2 diabetes, Ozempic is a potent form of the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1. It helps lower blood sugar by promoting insulin production, slowing food from leaving the stomach, and stimulating the part of the brain that promotes appetite reduction.
Off-Label Use
Despite its primary purpose, Ozempic is being used “appropriately and inappropriately” off-label for weight loss, according to Dr. Stewart Harris, medical director of the Primary Care Diabetes Support Program at St. Joseph’s Healthcare in London, Ont. Clinics are prescribing it to people without diabetes, often at a much lower dose.
Regulatory Stance
Health Canada states that prescribing a drug for off-label use is part of medical practice, regulated by provincial and territorial governments. However, it emphasizes that Ozempic’s use for weight loss is “not an approved indication.”
Long-Term Implications
Dr. Harris warns that anyone who takes Ozempic for weight loss would need to continue it for life or risk regaining the weight. While there are side effects, including diarrhea and gastrointestinal issues, the drug has been found to have almost no consequences for people with Type 2 diabetes over a five- to seven-year period.
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