Weight-loss drugs tied to benefit after hip replacement

New diabetes and weight-loss drugs may benefit patients undergoing hip replacement, without adding to complication risks, according to preliminary data released on Monday at a large meeting of orthopedic surgeons. In one study reviewing use of Ozempic – the brand name for Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide prescribed for hard-to-control diabetes – the drug was associated with 44% lower odds of developing an infection of the newly implanted joint, after other risk factors were taken into account, researchers said. Semaglutide is sold under the name Wegovy for weight-loss.