This FDA-Approved Weight Loss Shot Is Finally Coming to the Philippines—And It’s Not Ozempic!
WEIGHT LOSS – An officially approved weight loss medication is expected to be available in the Philippine market soon.
A new weight management medication is expected to become available in the Philippines later this year, offering an alternative to the commonly used Ozempic. Novo Nordisk, a global pharmaceutical company based in Denmark, has announced that Wegovy, its approved treatment for obesity, is set to be launched in the country sometime between the third and fourth quarter.
Designed specifically for weight control, Wegovy responds to the rising demand for effective obesity treatments. Its introduction is also expected to relieve the current supply issues surrounding Ozempic, a diabetes medication that has been widely used off-label to support weight loss.
Although the Philippine Food and Drug Administration granted approval for Wegovy in February 2024, its local release was postponed due to international supply challenges. Dr. Cyrus Pasamba, medical manager for Novo Nordisk Philippines, explained that they are awaiting final confirmation from the company’s headquarters to ensure that sufficient quantities of the drug are allocated for Filipino patients.
“The reason for the waiting time is that we need a go-signal from our headquarters that there are [enough] stocks of Wegovy allotted for the Philippines … for the estimated number of patients that will need it,” Dr. Pasamba stated during an interview.
Wegovy contains semaglutide, the same active component found in Ozempic, but is administered in a higher dosage intended specifically for long-term weight management. Its availability comes amid rising obesity rates and increasing demand for medically supervised weight loss solutions.
According to the report, medical professionals have cautioned against using Ozempic for weight loss without proper supervision, as it was originally developed for managing type 2 diabetes. With Wegovy, patients will soon have access to a treatment that is officially approved for weight reduction under the guidance of healthcare providers.
As its launch approaches, Novo Nordisk is coordinating with local medical professionals to ensure the drug is introduced responsibly and reaches individuals who will benefit from it the most.
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