Does Ozempic affect kidney health?

Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist drug. It is commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of serious heart disease. It is also sometimes used for weight loss.

Recent studies show that semaglutide significantly reduces the risk of kidney disease and death in people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Additional research suggests that these benefits can also be seen in people without diabetes.

However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved Ozempic for the treatment of CKD.

Does Ozempic help chronic kidney disease?

Ozempic controls blood sugar and reduces weight in people with type 2 diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes may develop chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to damage to the blood vessels and filter cells in the organ.

Novo Nordisk conducted the FLOW study to study the effects of semaglutide on kidney function. It involved 3,500 people with diabetes and kidney disease and assessed the effectiveness of Ozempic in treating type 2 diabetes and CKD.

For diabetes

Research suggests Ozempic may help protect kidney function in people with type 2 diabetes.

The study, which involved about 3,500 people, shows that semaglutide significantly reduces the risk of kidney failure and death in people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

The study results showed that Ozempic reduces the risk of:

• Cases of kidney disease by 24%
• Mortality by 20%
• Cardiovascular events by 18%

Without diabetes

Ozempic may also help improve kidney function in people without diabetes and reduce the risk of kidney complications in people with diabetes. obesity or heart disease.

One study of nearly 18,000 participants found that taking semaglutide once a week (2.4 milligrams) had a beneficial effect on kidney function in overweight and obese people who are at high risk of developing diabetes.

The results showed that semaglutide acted as follows:

Another study found that semaglutide reduced albuminuria (an indicator of kidney damage) and the progression of kidney disease in overweight or obese people with CKD.

Research limitations

There are certain limitations to this study. First, Ozempic is not FDA approved for the treatment of chronic kidney disease. In addition, the studies did not include populations at greatest risk of developing kidney disease.

More studies evaluating different populations are needed to determine whether the study findings will benefit more people with CKD.

How does Ozempic help your kidneys?

In addition to treating type 2 diabetes and obesity, Ozempic may help reduce cardiovascular risk and slow the decline of kidney function. The benefits of Ozempic for the kidneys may be due to improved glycemic (blood sugar) control.

Ozempic may also help your kidneys in the following ways:

• Lower blood pressure
• Weight loss
• Reducing albuminuria (too much albumin in the urine)
• Inhibition of inflammatory chemicals
• Improving blood flow to the kidneys
• Removing excess sodium through urine
• Slowing kidney degradation

Can Ozempic damage your kidneys?

People taking Ozempic have rarely reported kidney damage or worsening kidney function. This can cause serious complications in people with acute kidney injury (AKI), including the need for hemodialysis.

It is unknown whether there are long-term consequences for AKI reported with GLP-1 receptor agonists.

AKI usually occurs in people with negative gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. In these people, health care providers should perform laboratory tests and stop treatment if kidney function worsens. It is best to take precautions in people with moderate to severe CKD.

GLP-1 receptor agonists may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, causing dehydration, and may also contribute to kidney damage. Stay hydrated and consult your doctor if you experience symptoms such as swelling or changes in urination.

Who will benefit the most?

When it comes to kidney health, research suggests that Ozempic may provide the greatest benefit to people with type 2 diabetes and CKD. In addition, Ozempic has been shown to have potential benefits for people with and without type 2 diabetes who are at risk for CKD.

Semaglutide may manage other risk factors for CKD, including:

However, semaglutide is not currently approved for the treatment of CKD.

Can other weight loss medications affect the kidneys?

Another GLP-1 receptor agonist called Saxenda (liraglutide) Its effects on kidney health have also been studied:

• One study found that liraglutide was associated with slowing the progression of kidney disease in people with diabetes.
• In another study, liraglutide taken once daily helped reduce the decline in eGFR, reduce albuminuria, and slow the progression of kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes.

Another medicines for weight loss others besides Ozempic, such as Alli or Xenical (orlistat), can cause side effects that actually damage the kidneys. They may increase the risk of oxalate nephropathy (kidney disease caused by the buildup of oxalate crystals) and kidney stones in people with CKD.

Summary

Ozempic research suggests it may help protect kidney function in people with obesity and risk factors for heart disease. This effect can be seen in people with or without diabetes. It may also reduce the risk of hospitalization and death.

However, Ozempic has not been approved by the FDA specifically for use in CKD. More research is needed in different populations to understand the full benefit of Ozempic in this condition.