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American singer-songwriter Avery posted two videos on her social media accounts warning fans to “be careful” when using Ozempic unless directed by a doctor.
After allegedly using Ozempic for a year, Avery, whose real name is Anna Iannitelli, recently shared a video on Instagram stating she had been diagnosed with osteoporosis.
Ozempic is a weekly injection that increases insulin production in the pancreas, lowering blood sugar levels. It was licensed for use in people with type 2 diabetes in the United States in 2017.
Wegovy, a medication that has a larger dose of semaglutide and is covered by both Ozempic and Wegovy, is licensed for weight loss, whereas Ozempic is not, according to UC Davis Health, the medical center of the University of California.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) advises that Ozempic be given to persons with type 2 diabetes if “using three drugs has not been helpful” or if “you have not been able to take the prescriptions,” according to Diabetes UK.
Because she had “been off Ozempic for two months now,” Avery said in her first social media post, she had gone for a checkup to see if her body was in “better shape.”.
But when she was told she had osteoporosis, which the Mayo Clinic says can make bones “become weak and brittle—so brittle that a fall or even slight stressors like leaning over or coughing might cause a break,” she says she was left “in shock.”
“I guess Ozempic may cause bone density loss, and I didn’t believe it would happen to me, because I was only on medication for a year, but I have considerable bone loss,” she continues, adding that she “wasn’t anticipating this.”
“I don’t understand why I have osteoporosis and osteopenia. I had a couple of these, and I was just To be honest, I wasn’t ready for that.
In her description, she mentioned that she had an eating issue and that she did not have a prescription from a doctor, pointing out how simple it is to get one these days.
I was wrong. I take accountability for my actions. She said, “Please learn from my mistakes,” and promised to take medication and follow a treatment plan.
“If you are not someone who needs to take Ozempic, please, please, please use caution.” Avery went on.
She said in a follow-up video that her goal was to “make people aware of what can happen” when Ozempic is used without a prescription, not to “demonize” it.
“Novo Nordisk does not condone, suggest, or encourage the misuse of any of our medicines outside of their approved indications,” a spokesman for Novo Nordisk, the company that makes Ozempic, told UNILAD. The injectable semaglutide medication Ozempic is not authorized for the treatment of weight loss.
“We are aware of the health problems this person has faced, and our primary concern is the safety and wellbeing of those who take our drugs.
“All patients should maintain close communication with their healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis, continued support, and close observation.”
“It is important to keep in mind that Ozempic (semaglutide injection) is a prescription-only treatment, meaning a healthcare professional must administer it under strict supervision,” they stated.
Patients must talk to their doctor about treatment choices in order to ascertain whether a prescription is acceptable given their particular medical profile.
“Obtaining prescription-only medications without a valid prescription or medical supervision can directly endanger one’s health.”
