Ukrainian endocrinologist Natalia Bezmen has highlighted three major problems with the popular weight loss medication Ozempic. The drug is not registered in Ukraine, making it illegal to purchase, which poses a risk of counterfeit medications entering the black market.
The unregistered status of Ozempic creates serious risks for patients, as counterfeit products can lead to complications due to their composition. Additionally, there is limited research on the long-term effects of Ozempic, leaving unknown consequences for its users over time.
Another significant drawback is the high cost of treatment with Ozempic, which costs approximately 6500 hryvnias per week. This requires prolonged use for at least three years, potentially even a lifetime. In contrast, some countries offer insurance coverage for urgent obesity cases, whereas in Ukraine, patients must pay out-of-pocket.
Ozempic’s mechanism of action is often misunderstood, as it does not accelerate metabolism but instead reduces hunger and pleasure from food, leading to reduced caloric intake. While some costs have been temporarily reduced by 30% starting March 1, the high cost remains a significant concern for Ukrainian patients.
Source: https://112.ua/en/ozempic-dla-shudnenna-endokrinolog-nazvala-3-golovni-problemi-z-popularnimi-likami-55610