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Originally Posted On: https://www.kiwidrug.com/blog/2023/09/can-you-buy-ozempic-in-new-zealand/

 

One New Zealand company has shown positive results in their experimental obesity treatments this year. Zealand Pharma and Boehringer Ingelheim have said their treatment has reduced body weight by about 19% in their mid-stage trial as of June.

Anyone not part of these pharmaceutical trials will need to turn to other methods. One option is to try medications that are used for other applications. A popular choice over the past few years has been Ozempic, which is prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes.

Here’s what you need to know if you want to buy Ozempic for your weight loss efforts.

What Is Ozempic?

Ozempic, also known as semaglutide, is a medication that treats type 2 diabetes. It’s a weekly injection that controls a person’s blood sugar by stimulating the pancreas to create more natural insulin. Patients typically do not use it in conjunction with insulin shots, as this can cause hypoglycemia.

Developed in 2012, Ozempic was eventually approved for type 2 diabetes treatment in the US in 2017.

Your doctor may discuss Ozempic as a treatment option if you’re showing signs of diabetes. This includes frequent urination, nausea, slower healing, and sudden weight loss.

How It Works

Many people with type 2 diabetes use medications that stimulate insulin production or increase the rate at which insulin is used.

Much like how the more well-known Trulicity works, Ozempic works by mimicking a natural hormone when your blood sugar rises. This hormone tells your body to produce more insulin to counteract the rising glucose levels.

In addition, Ozempic helps to keep your liver from making too much sugar and slowing down food in your digestive system. The latter effect is one reason this medication has become popular as a weight loss treatment.

Unfortunately, Ozempic does not accomplish anything in people with type 1 diabetes. A patient must have a functioning pancreas for it to work.

Some of the side effects include pancreatitis, vision changes, low blood sugar, and allergic reactions. Hypoglycemia is more common if you’re using Ozempic in combination with other medications that can lower your blood sugar levels.

How to Buy Ozempic

In most cases, Ozempic is prescribed specifically for type 2 diabetics who need help controlling their blood glucose levels. As such, the only way to obtain it is with a prescription from your doctor. Now, people have turned to purchasing Ozempic to help them lose weight.

Even though it isn’t intended for weight loss, the drug has become popular throughout the Persian Gulf, Canada, and many other countries for that purpose. It’s now considered a weight loss medication in many conversations regarding it, rather than as a diabetes medication.

As of March 22, 2023, individuals can now receive Ozempic in New Zealand. How to get Ozempic for weight loss purposes is somewhat complicated, though.

Currently, a company that has applied to MedSafe can only supply this medication to control diabetes. In addition, Novo Nordisk may choose to import the drug as a private prescription. Pharmac subsidy won’t cover it in that case, and Ozempic in NZ cost could equal hundreds of dollars to obtain.

Even if your insurance covered the medication, you’d only receive approval for it as a type 2 diabetes treatment. You can’t get an Ozempic prescription for weight loss purposes. Instead, your doctor will need to prescribe it as a way to control your blood sugar levels.

The Ozempic Shortage

Something to consider about Ozempic use for weight loss purposes is the worldwide shortage currently threatening the market. The use of Ozempic has risen to the point that there are stock shortages in various countries, including New Zealand.

There’s been some debate about whether or not its use as a weight loss medication is the reason for this shortage. Similarly, there are concerns that its use as a weight loss drug will negatively impact patients who need the medication to survive.

Despite this issue, it’s an important resource for people struggling with type 2 diabetes or their weight. However, you can expect the prices of Ozempic to rise if this shortage is not addressed soon.

Ozempic Side Effects

Taking Ozempic for weight loss isn’t without risks, though.

To begin with, there’s always the chance you’ll become hypoglycemic. This happens when your glucose levels drop too low. You’ll develop a fast heartbeat, shaky hands, become sweaty, and potentially pass out unless you treat it.

Another consideration is how Ozempic affects your gastrointestinal system. It’s not uncommon to develop nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Furthermore, the medication may affect your vision and your pancreatic health. It’s vital that your doctor monitors your health if you make use of Ozempic.

Saxenda vs Ozempic

Anyone who wants a prescription for a weight loss medication would have a better chance of acquiring one for Saxenda.

Saxenda is an injectable medication that is primarily used to help with weight loss. More specifically, it should be one part of a long-term weight management plan.

Saxenda works by slowing down your gut, allowing you to feel full for longer. You’ll eat less as a result, which will help in your weight loss efforts.

The primary difference between Saxenda and Ozempic is that Saxenda requires an injection once every day. In contrast, Ozempic is a weekly injection.

On top of that, Saxenda is only prescribed to an individual for weight loss. Currently, a doctor cannot prescribe Ozempic for the sole purpose of weight loss. If you wanted Ozempic, they would need to prescribe it for your type 2 diabetes.

As for side effects, patients can expect similar ones between the two medications. However, hypoglycemia is more common with Ozempic due to the nature of the medication.

Ask Your Doctor for Ozempic in NZ

Technically speaking, you can’t buy Ozempic specifically for weight loss purposes in New Zealand. You can only get a prescription from your doctor for use in treating type 2 diabetes. However, plenty of evidence shows it also works well as a weight loss medication.

Kiwi Drug is the place to go for your medication needs. Our products range from prescription options to over-the-counter medications. Contact us to learn more and to connect with an online doctor.