My hesitant decision to take one of the most popular drugs on the market

While thousands are jumping at the chance to take Ozempic, I needed convincing

I stood in my kitchen Friday night and re-read the large, unfolded sheet of directions spread out on the island. That was probably the fifth or sixth review of a simple process.

1. Attach the needle to the pen

2. Test the pen to make sure the medication flows

3. Set the dosage

4. Inject yourself with the pen

It wasn’t that I didn’t understand the process. I felt disappointed that my efforts for nearly six years still got me to this point.

On Friday night, I became one of the many people who take Ozempic.

I’m finally part of the ‘trendy’ crowd

I’ve never been a bandwagon jumper on trends. In fact, I usually run away from them. I’m such a rebel when it comes to conforming. (yes, I’m being sarcastic here—mostly.)

If you’ve watched, read, or listened to the news or been on social media at all the last few months, then you’re probably familiar with the surging popularity of medications such as Ozempic.

I am in the early stages of researching this medication. I did read about this class of drugs a lot before I reluctantly agreed to start taking it. Most of the commentary I saw talked about how people used meds like Ozempic and Wegovy (the brand names for the drugs that contain semaglutide, the active component in the drug) to lose weight.

The FDA approved drugs for people with Type 2 diabetes to help them lower their A1C levels. One of the side effects of the drug, though, is weight loss.

And that started the medical equivalent of the Gold Rush.

Thousands of people flocked to doctors to get a prescription that might help them shed unwanted pounds. Shortages started popping up around the country.

A delayed decision

My doctor suggested I started taking Ozempic back in January. After a few years of losing weight and then maintaining it for a while, 2022 was a pretty crappy year. My weight started to climb again. Life has been throwing me more curve balls than an MLB pitcher.

“It’s a shortcut,” I protested. “Besides, I’m not sure my insurance will cover it”

Note: The monthly out-of-pocket cost for Ozempic, without insurance, is $892.06 as of this post, according to the manufacturer's website.

She reminded me that I am, indeed, a Type 2 diabetic who is obese—meaning my insurance would likely cover it.

We talked openly about my resistance to using the medication: side effects such as nausea and bowel issues. She also knew I felt like a failure because I was a candidate for this medication. Ultimately, she said this was simply a tool to add to my collection to get me toward my goal of being in the best health possible.

Honestly, I’m grateful I have an amazing doctor. I know many people don’t have that blessing.

After reminding me that medication is there to help us and that I have probably worked harder than anyone she treats, I took a deep breath and agreed to try it.

I want to be clear. I don’t judge others for taking the medication who need it. And, I know I’m fortunate that our insurance covers it. I tend to be a bit stubborn when it comes to accepting help and I often take the harder path toward improvement. You’d think I’d learn after all these years.

I paid $25 for my first package of medication. And I let it sit in the fridge for a few days while I mentally prepared myself to take it. Yeah, I was nervous about the nausea it could cause. Mostly, though, I wanted to give myself a little time to accept that this was ok and that this path is not cheating or taking a shortcut.

This is going to be work for me.

The weight is not going to melt off. I have healthy habits I need to start rebuilding.

It’s been 48 hours since I first injected myself. There has been some mild nausea and some fatigue. The fatigue is probably from just life right now. That’s for another post and another day.

I plan to share my experiences while taking Ozempic: the good, the bad, and the ugly.

There are still a lot of thoughts rolling around my brain about my choice. I hope it’s the right one.