The Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of the medication Ozempic to reduce the risk of serious complications in individuals with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease affects more than one in seven U.S. adults and is often linked to type 2 diabetes. Ozempic, developed by Novo Nordisk, has been shown to lower the chances of worsening kidney disease, kidney failure, and death from cardiovascular issues in patients with both conditions. The drug was previously approved to treat type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with diabetes and a history of heart disease.
Doctors have been frustrated by the lack of treatment options for patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease, often resorting to medications to manage blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. Ozempic offers new hope with research showing a 24 percent lower likelihood of complications in patients who took the drug compared to a placebo. The medication may work by reducing inflammation in the body, including the kidneys.
Despite its benefits, Ozempic has faced challenges meeting demand, with the compound in shortage. However, the approval for use in diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease will allow more doctors to prescribe the drug specifically for this condition. As more people seek out Ozempic, insurance companies may face pressure to cover the medication, offering patients a valuable tool in managing their health.
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