Ozempic, a semaglutide known to lower blood A1C in people with diabetes, is listed as “deficient” by the FDA.
MINNEAPOLIS — For years, people have been looking for the magic bullet to shed unwanted pounds. Now, some say they discovered it in the form of expensive diabetes medications.
But the trend, started via TikTok, is pushing the drug away from patients who really need it.
The drug in question is Ozempic. Ozempic is an injectable semaglutide that helps lower his A1C in the blood, and although the company clearly states it’s not for weight loss, people are using it for weight loss.
Typing #ozempic into TikTok will give you enough results. TikTok users are showing off their weight loss journeys and openly discussing their personal experiences while using drugs, with some even doing Q&As and sharing before and after photos.
“There are a lot of weight loss associated with Ozempic and its other brand name, Wegovy,” says Dr. David Margraf. “So people are looking for it, and the shortage is coming from the demand side.”
Both Ozempic and Wegovy are currently listed as “deficient” by the FDA.
Margraf, a pharmaceutical research scientist at the University of Minnesota, said that in addition to people seeking Ozempic, Wegovy, which was originally developed to combat obesity, is also facing supply problems.
“Because of Wegovy’s shortage, people are resorting to prescribing Ozempic, the same molecule,” explained Margraf. “But it has different FDA indications, so people are getting Ozempic off-label.”
Also, off-label prescriptions are not illegal. According to Margraf, this is actually a common practice, especially in oncology. However, it cannot be done without consequences.
“There are people with type 2 diabetes who cannot get Ozempic because of off-label prescriptions for weight control.
Margraf said he doesn’t expect these “trends” to go away anytime soon.
“This may be a fad that originated in the New Year, but I think this will continue,” he said. “Weight loss is always an issue, regardless of the season.”
If you think you need weight-loss medication, your best bet is to talk to your doctor, recommends Margraf.
“Patients and prescribers need to keep in mind that this and other drugs have side effects because no drug is without side effects,” he said. I think it’s really important to have a lively conversation with
There are also many “online pharmacies” that claim to prescribe Ozempic and Wegovy online. Dr. Margraf warned to proceed with caution.
The FDA tracks fraudulent drug websites. You can find that list here.
See the latest local news from Twin Cities. YouTube playlist: