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

Recent research shows that semaglutide significantly reduces the risk of kidney disease and death in people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). More research suggests that this benefit can also be seen in people without diabetes.

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

Does Ozempic benefit chronic kidney disease?

Ozempic controls blood sugar and reduces weight in people with type 2 diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes can 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 examine the effects of semaglutide on kidney function. It enrolled 3,500 people with diabetes and kidney disease and evaluated the effectiveness of Ozempic in treating type 2 diabetes and CKD.

With Diabetes

Research shows that Ozempic can help protect kidney function in people with type 2 diabetes.

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

The study results showed that Ozempic reduced the risk of:

• Renal disease events by 24%
• 20% death rate
• Cardiovascular events by 18%

No Diabetes

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

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

The results showed that semaglutide did the following:

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.

Limitations of the research

There are some limitations to this research. First, Ozempic is not approved by the FDA to treat chronic kidney disease. In addition, the studies did not include populations at highest risk of developing kidney disease.

More studies evaluating various populations are needed to determine whether the study results will benefit a larger number of 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. Ozempic’s kidney benefits may be due to improved glycemic (blood sugar) control.

Ozempic can also help the kidneys by:

• Lowering blood pressure
• Body weight reduction
• Reducing albuminuria (too much albumin in the urine)
• Inhibition of inflammatory chemicals
• Improving blood flow to the kidneys
• Elimination of excess sodium through urine
• Slowing down the deterioration of the kidneys

Can Ozempic Hurt Your Kidneys?

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

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

AKI usually occurs in people with negative gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. In such individuals, 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 can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, causing dehydration, and can contribute to kidney damage. Stay hydrated and see your doctor if you experience symptoms such as swelling or changes in urination.

Who would benefit the most?

In terms of kidney health, research shows that Ozempic may benefit people with type 2 diabetes and CKD the most. Furthermore, Ozempic has been shown to benefit people with and without type 2 diabetes who are at risk of CKD.

Semaglutide can manage other risk factors for CKD, including:

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

Can other weight loss drugs affect the kidneys?

Another GLP-1 receptor agonist called Saxenda (liraglutide) has also been studied for its effects on kidney health:

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

Other weight loss medications other than Ozempic, such as Alli or Xenical (orlistat), can cause side effects that actually harm the kidneys. These may increase the risk of oxalate nephropathy (a kidney condition caused by the build-up of oxalate crystals) and kidney stones in people with CKD.

Summary

Research on Ozempic shows that 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 can also reduce the risk of hospitalization and death.

However, Ozempic has not been approved by the FDA specifically for use in CKD. More research needs to be done in various populations to know the full benefits of Ozempic for this condition.