It was semaglutide, a drug sold under the brand names Ozempic (for diabetes) and Wegovy (for weight loss). Following instructions provided in the packaging, she mixed the powder and water and put it in the fridge, taking out one-fourth to one-half a ...

While plenty of people rave about the weight loss results you can get from drugs like Ozempic, there’s also been a ton of chatter over the fact that these meds are really expensive. These drugs have also been in and out of shortage, making it tough to get your hands on Ozempic and similar medications—if you can afford it.

The Denmark-based drug maker Zealand Pharma said Tuesday that its experimental weight-loss drug could help patients lose pounds with fewer side effects than current anti-obesity medications on the market.

While Ozempic has been shown to lead to weight loss as a side effect, it's not without risks. According to the Cleveland Clinic, Ozempic can cause various gastrointestinal side effects due to its slowing effect on digestion. Some of the common side effects include:

These drugs are collectively known as GLP-1 agonists because they mimic the body’s natural hormone GLP-1, which regulates appetite and digestion. The medications control blood sugar and help people eat less,

Experts say as drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy grow in popularity, it presents the chance for fake versions to make their way onto the market.