Ozempic for PMR?

Ozempic is being investigated in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for the deaths of 3 people and other cases of harm causing emergency gastric surgery, related to its off-label use for weight loss. Its experimental use can be fatal. I wouldn't be touching it.

"Ozempic is a medicine for adults with type 2 diabetes that, along with diet and exercise, may improve blood sugar. While not for weight loss, Ozempic® may help you lose some weight."

"In June 2021, the FDA approved semaglutide (Wegovy), a once-weekly injection, for chronic weight management in adults when used in combination with a healthy diet and exercise."

Since the two drugs have the same active ingredient, it is fair to ask: is Wegovy the same as Ozempic? The answer is yes, and no. Wegovy and Ozempic are the same drugs, sold under different brand names. The main difference is the amount of semaglutide in each pen, and what they've been FDA approved for.

I am taking Wegovy by weekly injection. It is helping me lose the weight gain caused by long term prednisone. An endocrinologist prescribed it for me because he knows how hard I have tried to lose my prednisone related weight gain.

My endocrinologist thinks I have potentially serious metabolic adverse effects associated with long term systemic corticosteroid therapy. These metabolic adverse effects might be irreversible. My endocrinologist along with my rheumatologist has helped me get back to some semblance of normal.

My blood pressure, blood glucose level, cortisol and cholesterol levels are all normal now. My insulin level is still high, I'm off all the medications that I was on to treat these prednisone side effects. My weight is gradually trending toward a more healthy weight.

Unfortunately, my weight increased when Wegovy was stopped. My endocrinologist said that is what happens unless a person is very diligent with diet and exercise.

I can't recommend Wegovy. I've had some side effects but nothing serious. Wegovy seems to work for the intended purpose but I don't want to do the injections forever. I like to think I can lose weight with diet and exercise without a medication.