Presentation of Ozempic in Ukraine: how much it costs, whether a prescription is needed, and how safe the "magic pill" really is
Kyiv • UNN
Ozempic has been introduced in Ukraine for the treatment of diabetes and obesity, with prices starting from 5,000 hryvnias. Doctors warn against self-medication due to the risk of cancer.
Today, May 15, Novo Nordisk introduced the drug Ozempic in Ukraine. It is actively advertised on social media, and the drug's popularity continues to grow following statements about its use by Hollywood stars. In a comment to UNN, endocrinologist Darina Korol spoke about the specifics of the drug, cases in which it should not be used, and its side effects.
As Korol explained, at the moment, this is the only glucagon-like peptide-1 drug registered in Ukraine that is prescribed for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and obesity.
In other words, it is a drug that affects not only the level of appetite in the human body, for example, but is also capable of lowering the level of glycemia, i.e., the blood sugar level. This makes it special because it treats not only obesity but also type 2 diabetes mellitus
She notes that the drug will be available for purchase at pharmacies without a prescription, as one will not be officially required.
Any person will be able to come and buy it, but it is preferable that it still be by a doctor's prescription, who can, firstly, examine the patient beforehand, and secondly, point out all the risks of using the drug, because any drug has side effects and contraindications
She emphasized that it is desirable that this does not become self-medication. According to her, for example, if there are problems with the gastrointestinal tract, it is strictly forbidden to use this drug.
The same applies if there are thyroid diseases. Primarily, these are nodules in the thyroid gland; we must examine the patient to see if there is a malignant process, because medullary thyroid cancer is a contraindication for prescribing this drug. That is, we do not prescribe this drug because studies have shown that this is a risk group. In other words, it can provoke this specific form of cancer
The endocrinologist noted that it is worth explaining to the patient that this is not a "magic pill."
In any case, it is an aid for weight loss. There must still be lifestyle modification and physical activity. That is, all of this must be controlled. And if the patient listens to all recommendations and follows all the rules—meaning there is lifestyle modification—then this will help the patient enter this path of lifestyle change. Because many patients cannot withstand this hunger, and the drug suppresses hunger. That is, they feel full. Thanks to this, the lifestyle can be adjusted. But if the patient does not adhere to the treatment and wants a "magic pill," then this drug will not work. The same applies after stopping the use of the medication. If the patient has changed their lifestyle during the treatment period, achieved a result, and continues to maintain it, the weight will not return
Korol emphasized that a gradual reduction of the drug dose is very important so that the patient's appetite returns gradually and they can better control themselves.
If the patient follows all recommendations, then everything will be fine, meaning the treatment effect will be consolidated. If the patient does not follow the recommendations, the weight may return
Answering the question of whether uncontrolled use of this drug would only make the human body worse, she emphasized: "Definitely."
It is impossible to prescribe it to oneself because, as I said, there are side effects, there are risks, and one needs to be examined, because many people walk around with thyroid nodules that do not manifest clinically, and many do not know about them. The same goes for thyroid cancer. If a patient uses it uncontrollably, they are at risk, and very unpleasant situations can occur
Note that the cost of the drug in Ukraine starts from 5,000 hryvnias.
ATTENTION! This material is for informational purposes only. If you are concerned about health problems, consult a doctor.