Ozempic and Chronic Kidney Disease: What You Need to Know

Living with a tricky duo like chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetes is like juggling flaming torches. You're not alone if you wonder if Ozempic, a med that helps control blood sugar levels and even helps with weight loss, is safe for folks with CKD. Let's unpack this.

Getting to Know Ozempic

Ozempic, also known as semaglutide in fancy doctor speak, belongs to a group of meds called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These guys work by teaming up with your body to release insulin and hold back on sugar spikes. And get this: for people without diabetes, Ozempic can also make you feel full faster and longer, which is a big bonus for those watching their weight.

CKD and Diabetes: A Complicated Dance

CKD and diabetes often tag-team each other, making life extra challenging. Diabetes can even kick off CKD, and once CKD joins the party, it can make diabetes even tougher to handle. With kidneys not working their best,  medication doses often need a bit of tweaking to keep you safe.

Can You Take Ozempic with CKD?

The answer is usually yes you can do that safely! There is no need to adjust the dose of Ozempic for those with CKD. Studies actually show that it offers improvements for both the kidneys and the heart in people with diabetes and CKD.

But there are a few things your provider will consider:

1. Kidney Function: Your provider will look at how well your kidneys are doing their job by running some lab tests.

2. Medical History: Your provider should chat with you about your health history, especially anything kidney-related, to make sure Ozempic is a good fit for you.

3.*Watch for Low Sugar: People with CKD can sometimes get hit with low blood sugar more easily. Since Ozempic likes to lower those sugar levels, your provider will keep an eye out and adjust your dose if needed.

Ozempic and similar meds are changing the game for CKD treatment and making things safer. Most folks with CKD can enjoy the benefits of Ozempic for diabetes control or weight loss. But as always, chat with your provider first to make sure it's the right move for you.