FDA Approves Ozempic for Heart Risk Reduction in Obese Adults; Coverage Issues Remain
March 10, 2024Novo Nordisk's weight loss injectables Ozempic and Wegovy have gained FDA approval for reducing cardiovascular risks in overweight or obese adults.
The active compound in these medications, semaglutide, has demonstrated significant heart health benefits, marking it as the first of its kind in weight loss treatments for preventing severe heart conditions.
Despite its potential to avert heart attacks, heart disease, and strokes, many insurance providers do not cover semaglutide, leading to concerns about patients turning to unsafe alternatives.
Cardiologists are advocating for insurance coverage of semaglutide, emphasizing its critical role in patient health management.
Beyond heart health, semaglutide also offers additional health advantages, such as decreasing inflammation and slowing the progression of diabetic kidney disease.
Summary based on 1 source
Get a daily email with more Medicine stories
Source
Futurism • Mar 10, 2024
Wegovy Approved to Cut Heart Disease and Stroke Risk