Renowned singer Avery has bravely opened up about a challenging health ordeal she faced after using a medication known as Ozempic for a year. This revelation serves as a caution to others considering the drug.
Avery’s Cautionary Tale
Avery took to her social media platforms recently to articulate her experience with Ozempic, which is typically prescribed for type 2 diabetes management. However, many individuals, including celebrities, have turned to this medication for weight loss, which it isn’t approved for by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Though Wegovy, a medication with similar components to Ozempic, was approved for weight loss by the FDA in 2021, Ozempic itself lacks such approval. Nonetheless, it has been used for weight loss purposes, as Avery’s experience demonstrates.
A Post From Avery
Over the past weekend, Avery revealed details of the year-long journey and its repercussions on her health. She strongly advises others to proceed with caution if considering the drug.
“I’ve done quite a bit of damage to myself,” Avery shared. She confessed to having an underlying eating disorder and obtaining the drug outside of conventional medical advice, emphasizing how easily accessible Ozempic and similar medications have become.
Alluding to the painful lessons learned, Avery asked her audience to “please learn from my mistakes.”
Understanding Osteoporosis
Unfortunately, Avery disclosed that she is now dealing with osteoporosis, which she suspects is linked to her use of Ozempic.
Osteoporosis is characterized by weakened and brittle bones, making them susceptible to fractures from minor impacts or stresses. According to the Mayo Clinic, it’s a condition that over 10 million Americans, primarily those over 50, contend with.
Symptoms and Risks of Osteoporosis
The symptoms of osteoporosis can include persistent back pain, reduced height over time, a stooped posture, and bones that fracture more easily than anticipated.
The likelihood of developing this condition increases with age, especially among women. Factors such as smaller body frames and being of white or Asian ethnicity can further escalate the risk, as highlighted by the Mayo Clinic.
Response from Novo Nordisk
In response to Avery’s situation, Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company behind Ozempic, expressed their stance. A representative stated, “Novo Nordisk does not condone, suggest, or encourage misuse of any of our medicines outside of their approved indications. Ozempic (semaglutide injection) is not licensed for the treatment of weight loss.”
They reiterated the importance of medical guidance, emphasizing the necessity for patients to work closely with healthcare providers to determine the appropriateness of using such medications.
Highlighting the dangers of obtaining prescription medications without legitimate prescriptions or professional oversight, Novo Nordisk stresses the importance of informed medical decisions and the well-being and safety of patients.
For those affected by similar issues, support is available through the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD). Their helpline 1(888)-375-7767 remains open Monday to Friday, between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. CST.
