Ozempic?

[fairtree]

Has anyone used, or discussed with thier doctor, taking Ozempic to help with the weight gain from predizone?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Best way to lose weight from Pred is to drastically reduce your intake of carbs rather than add in another drug…

..particularly one specifically designed for diabetics, but is now being used for weight loss and creating a global shortage for those who rely on it.

There is plenty of information on weight in the FAQs - healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I doubt anyone in the UK has because the answer would almost certainly be no since it was only ever approved for Type 2 diabetes there.

You can reduce pred-associated weight gain by cutting carbs drastically from the outset and it is perfectly possible to lose weight while still on even 10-15mg pred, I managed to lose 35lbs despite having struggled with my weight all my life.

[Koalajane]

I am sorry but I feel very strongly about non diabetics using a drug prescribed for diabetics to lose weight, many to enhance their looks. Ozempic is now in short supply for people who need it to help their diabetic condition.

I lost weight by cutting carbs and eating health fats along with lots of walking.

[SnazzyD]

I didn’t gain weight even on 60mg Pred by severely cutting down on carbs. The higher the dose the more it had to be. The tendency of carbs to turn into fat was still evident until months after stopping Pred but I had been on Pred at higher doses and for longer than you. Not everyone gets the weight melting away as the dose goes down without some kind of dietary intervention. It is my observation that no drug comes for free whether we know at the time or it comes out later. I would rather try cutting carbs first than trying a drug but in the UK we don’t have much choice.

[fairtree]

Wow, I am surprised by the tone of the responses. I thought this was a judgement free zone but apparently not. Sorry if I have offended people by asking a question.

I have tried the low carb and it does not work for me for a number of reasons.

I will say that if one reads about and follows Ozempic and similar drugs they will see that it is prescribed for more than diabetes. That was the first thing it was prescribed for but now there are more.

I am in the US where generics are coming on the market and scarcity is not an issue.

So what I have heard is no one here has been on it with PMR that anyone is aware of. Thank you for the responses.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to fairtree]

It is a judgement free zone…. but anybody on here using it is likely to be diabetic - and there are a couple of related posts about Ozempic..

Whilst this is a world-wide forum, the majority of members are based in UK [as is the charity] and as PMRpro has explained that drug has only been approved for Type2 diabetes here.

Why doesn’t the low carb approach work for you?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to fairtree]

I have a sneaking feeling that while scarcity may not be a problem in the USA, the large amounts purchased for weight loss there are creating shortages in other countries. That is certainly the impression given by various statements made by manufacturers and national authorities.

[HeronNS in reply to PMRpro]

It does seem to be the case, and isn't it still off-label even in the US?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to HeronNS]

Don't know to be honest. According to Forbes, not:

"Ozempic is not FDA-approved for treating weight loss. However, Wegovy, a medication that contains higher amounts of semaglutide than Ozempic, is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 and higher or 27 and higher in individuals with a weight-related health condition."

[B00Radley in reply to fairtree]

I was prescribed Ozempic firstly because of my diabetes (result of Pred) but then taken off it because my Diabetes Nurse said i was no longer entitled/hadnt lost enough weight. I was then prescribed again a year or so later to help with my weight gain due to taking Pred (I have really struggled). Ozempic has been a huge help/support getting my eating under control, that is if i can get it. I got a prescription early this year and that stopped early February - now i cant get it. Diabetes Nurse has now offered me Tirzepatide which ive just started.

[bde987 in reply to fairtree]

Sorry you are struggling with weight gain, you are not alone l am too since beginning my journey with prednisalone. I am going to start using an app that l have used before called my fitness app. I lost over 3 stones last time. I used the free version of the app, but there is an option to subscribe. Maybe worth a look and see if it would help you. Wishing you all the best

[HeronNS in reply to fairtree]

I'd be very cautious adding another medication to the mix. In the case of Ozempic I've heard that it cannot easily be discontinued once started as the weight lost will return. There is a drug made by the same company, using a higher dose of the same medication (semaglutide) which is intended for weight loss by reducing appetite, Wegovy.

However the comments here pointing out unintended consequences of using up the supply of a drug necessary for maintaining life by repurposing it off-label for another reason are valid. If generic version is indeed coming on the market that should help with the supply chain.

It is possible that the reason low carb hasn't so far worked well for you relates to the gut microbiome. It seems when we crave certain foods we aren't really feeding our own needs but satisfying the demands of the little creatures who share our journey through life. It is possible to rebalance that microbiome. I learned this inadvertently when I cut out virtually all "white" carbs when I started pred, and the first winter, after about eight months on pred, I discovered to my surprise I was craving leafy greens, not bread or cereal. Specifically kale! Yes, I know, unbelievable, but there it is! 🥗

[Koalajane]

I am sorry if you think I am judgemental but I have diabetic friends who were on Ozempic before it became popular in USA to use it to lose weight. It helped control my friends diabetes and suddenly it became unavailable. Their diabetes worsened.

It is your decision but that is my feeling

[pamsim]

I’m sure the replies here are written with the best of intentions but most people are aware of dietary requirements and weight loss methods. That wasn’t really the question which was specifically related to Ozempic. I can understand why Fairtree feels some of the answers are judgmental.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to pamsim]

Included in my second reply -

Whilst this is a world-wide forum, the majority of members are based in UK [as is the charity] and as PMRpro has explained that drug has only been approved for Type2 diabetes here.

.. and I did link the information in the FAQ regarding weight loss and advised there were related posts in my first reply.

So it was addressed as best it could be.. the fact there are only 2 related posts and no replies from anyone saying they had discussed with their doctors probably indicates the lack of it being prescribed for weight loss outside North America.

[pamsim in reply to DorsetLady]

Actually I think your reply was well balanced and a great answer

[krillemy]

Hello - I've been having similar thoughts. After increasing the dosage from 11.25 to 12.5, I am hungry all day long. I am already quite overweight, which qualifies me to be prescribed semaglutide, the active ingredient in both Ozempic (for diabetes) and Wegovy (for weight loss). From what I understand, Wegovy is approved in the UK, but it may not be available. It is up to the company to decide what to manufacture here, so I think it is reasonable to use Wegovy as prescribed, rather than Ozempic. I am in Denmark and I am familiar with the product from a professionel view. I myself are concerned about potential interactions with prednisone (pred) and methotrexate (MXT), as they, like Wegovy, also affect the metabolism and have gastrointestinal side effects. However, I might consider trying it at some point though.

[cranberryt]

Look into Wegovy. It’s similar to Ozempic, but specifically for weight loss. It’s just coming to market so it’s hard to find and may not quite be covered by insurance but it seems promising and since it is specifically for weight loss and should help alleviate ozempic shortages.

I had lost 100 pounds prior to developing PMR, celiac and colitis. However,since then it is very challenging to eat low carb without being in the bathroom constantly. And so the pounds have returned. My ophthalmologist suggested Ozempic but my insurance company won’t approve it for weight loss. I am hoping that it will begin covering Wegovy and when it does I hope to try it.

[MizDiana in reply to cranberryt]

Both are semaglutide. Wegovy is higher dose & comes in single-injection pens rather than multi-injection pens. That's the only difference between Wegovy & Ozempic brands of semaglutide. There are some other related drugs (like tirzapatide) that are an actually different chemical.

[Satya70]

I’d love to be able to walk 4-5 miles a day! Most days if I can manage one mile I’m thrilled.

I’ve gained almost 15 pounds in 2 years and barely recognize myself.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Satya70]

Try cutting your carbs - it really does work with pred weight gain.

[pamsim]

Knowing and doing are two separate things, hence the huge interest in weight loss drugs like Ozempic. Unfortunately with sensible diets, calorie deficits and increased exercise some people can still find it immensely difficult for numerous reasons ( illness, lack of mobility, in this case medication etc) to lose weight.

[pamsim]

Of course that can be a possibility too. As long as we don’t assume that’s automatically the case if someone is asking for specific advice. Weight loss is complicated and very individual.

[lalar]

You didn't offend me!

I am in Canada and since having to take prednisone for my PMR diagnose have been wavering around the pre diabetic area, put on 25 1lbs, and now are having liver issues.

So yes I have a prescription now ready for pick up today. My Dr. feels that after I have tried cutting carbs and other things and the scale only budged slightly that it was in my best interest to go on it and get some of the excess off.

Yes I will still have to watch carbs and try and get some exercise but from what I have read this has helped people just get a grasp on their weight. Also my Dr. stated yesterday there is no problems with taking it with prednisone. 🙂

[MizDiana in reply to lalar]

Both drugs have a potential side effect of atrial fibrillation. Probably not an issue, but there are some ways they can be problematic together. (I say this as someone who generally recommends semaglutide & various drugs for those with appetite problems.)

[clhclh]

Ozempic causes quite a precipitous drop in muscle mass along with fat loss. Prednisone is also tough on muscles. My neurologist has been very vocal with his patients about that. Personally, I wouldn’t risk it as an older woman already dealing with muscle loss from age. I would rather be a bit heavy and have my strength!!

[MizDiana]

The brand Ozempic is not approved for weight loss. But that's just a brand name. The drug is semaglutide. Wegovy, approved for weight loss, is also semaglutide. Basically the same thing but slightly different delivery/dose. (So ignore any "not approved for weight loss" issues - various semaglutide formulations are absolutely approved for weight loss.)

There are now other, related drugs that can be more effective for weight loss. For example, tirzapatide (Mounjaro).

All of these will reduce your appetite & you will feel less urge to eat. That's how they cause weight loss. Like any calorie-restricted diet, you need to exercise to prevent the loss of muscle.

They have side effects (mostly nausea, gut issues). Strong for some, nearly-non-existent for others. Some will find atrial fibrillation more common on this kind of drug, which is a problem if prednisone is also doing that to you.

Frankly, they work great (but are not miracle drugs). I'd suggest going on whichever one you can get cheaply & trying it out at the minimum dose. Unlike pred, you can simply stop taking it if it isn't for you.

An over-active appetite is a disease. This treats it. It won't cure it (i.e. you stop taking the drug and your appetite will go back to normal).

[Nomebear]

After 6 months treatment with Prednisone 40 mg for PMR, I tapered to 0 mg but gained 30 lbs.

Today, I'm off of Prednisone, and I'm being treated with 2.5 mg Manjaro once a week. In addition to the much needed and welcomed weight loss, my blood sugar is at an all-time low avg of 96. I'm able to adhere to a low-carb eating lifestyle, and I'm continuing on a path made easy by Mounjaro. The medication is nothing short of magic, and I'm looking forward to achieving my goal and figuring out a maintenance program while enjoying excellent health.

[piglette in reply to Nomebear]

Did you have PMR?

[HeronNS]

Good ideas! I did that for several years, back in the days before I got so thin with undiagnosed PMR. A small plate, and small utensils, slowed down eating so my appetite had time to be satisfied, plus the smaller plate looked full, which psychologically is much more satisfying than a half empty dinner plate.

[Carnivoreyogi]

Hello Fairtree, I have had that question lurking in the back of my mind too. I do understand that ozempic for those with diabetes and I don't I'd really try if even if i could. But it is awfully frustrating to have been on a very strict diet for over a year--no carbs (under 20 mgs per day) carvnivore diet (protein and fat) and still my blood glucose is high and still I gain weight. Sigh...very discouraging. I was diagnosed with GCA in February, had to up pred to 40mg a day (after getting down to 8mg); was tapering again, but CRP levels are rising, so I need to up my dose to 25mg. Such an up and down disease and medication. My empathy goes out to all of you who are struggling with weight gain while trying your best to manage your PMR, medications, diet, and state of mind. It's really a lot.

[fairtree in reply to Carnivoreyogi]

Much appreciated. Thank you.