KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 11): A recent trend among social media users showing celebrities using the diabetes drug Ozempic to promote weight loss must be considered with extra caution.

In a statement on Tuesday (Jan 10), prescription pharmacy chain Alpro Pharmacy’s chief pharmacist and director of engagement Lim En Ni said Semaglutide, a medication sold under different brand names, including Ozempic, is used as antidiabetic medication for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and, in the US, as anti-obesity medication for long-term weight management.

However, she said Ozempic is not the ultimate answer for obesity, as it is a prescription medicine indicated for Type 2 diabetes that requires a patient to get a complete medication review.

“An overdose of Ozempic or other similar prescription can cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) that leads to more health complications.

“Common side effects of diabetes drugs include gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and constipation.

“Other possible side effects include pancreatitis, changes in vision, low blood sugar, kidney failure and gallbladder issues,” she said.

Lim said the drug Ozempic is also contraindicated for people who have suffered from medullary thyroid cancer or certain endocrine disorders.

She said with proper consultation from nutritionists and dieticians, weight loss progression can be measured with a much higher success rate.

She added that dietitians can personalise weight management plans effectively and safely, while taking into account the underlying contributing factors to be addressed for each individual.

“In cases where patients require Ozempic, it should only be used under the doctor’s prescription, and purchased from a licensed pharmacy.

“The public should keep in mind to not purchase this drug online via illegal sources, as it risks the health of the consumer,” she said.