Ozempic (semaglutide) has been around since 2017 as an effective treatment for Type 2 diabetes mellitus, but much of its notoriety is based on more recent, off-label use for weight loss. The drug’s effectiveness in either situation relies on being a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist, a category that also includes Wegovy (semaglutide) and Trulicity (dulaglutide). Ozempic requires a once-weekly injection and runs the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, pancreatitis, and potentially rare thyroid tumors.
Ozempic overview
BRAND NAMES:
Ozempic
Generic Names:
Semaglutide
Uses:
Lowers the risk of heart attack or stroke in patients with Type 2 diabetes and heart or blood vessel disease
Off-label use for weight management
What is Ozempic used for?
Ozempic is used for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. It is also used off-label for weight loss.
Key takeaways
Ozempic has significant advantages over other medications for Type 2 diabetes mellitus, namely, a potential for weight loss and lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke.
GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic do not produce excessively low blood sugar levels by themselves, although they can potentiate the risk when combined with other diabetes medications.
Ozempic should not be used by anyone with a history of Type 1 diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis, a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer, a history of multiple endocrine neoplasia Type 2 syndrome, or a past allergic reaction.
To help avoid the most common side effects of Ozempic, which include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits, starting at a low dose and increasing only once a month if needed is advisable.
Semaglutide, under the brand name Ozempic or its oral version Rybelsus, is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for Type 2 diabetes, but under the brand name Wegovy, the same active ingredient, semaglutide, is FDA-approved for management of obesity.
What form(s) does Ozempic come in
Injection pen
0.25 mg or 0.5 mg per injection pen
What are common Ozempic doses?
Standard dose for Type 2 diabetes: 0.5 mg-2 mg injected once a week
Standard dose for cardiovascular risk reduction: 0.5 mg-2 mg injected once a week
Learn more about Ozempic dosages here.
Common Ozempic prescriptions
Ozempic
1.5ml prefilled 2mg/1.5ml pen (0.25mg or 0.5mg/dose) multidose penOzempic
3ml prefilled 2mg/3ml pen (0.25mg or 0.5mg/dose) multidose penOzempic
3ml prefilled 4mg/3ml pen (1mg/dose) multidose penOzempic
3ml prefilled 8mg/3ml pen (2mg/dose) multidose penOzempic
1.5ml of 2mg/1.5ml pen
How to take Ozempic
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given.
Check the liquid in the pen. It should be clear and colorless. Do not use it if it is cloudy, discolored, or has particles in it.
Use a new needle each time you inject your medicine.
Never share medicine pens with others under any circumstances. Sharing needles or pens can result in the transmission of infection.
You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given.
This medicine is given as a shot under your skin. It is given into your stomach, thigh, or upper arm.
Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot.
Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.
Store your new, unused medicine pen in its original carton in the refrigerator.
Do not freeze.
You may store the opened medicine pen in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 56 days.
Throw away the pen after using it for 56 days, even if it still has medicine in it.
If you use insulin in addition to this medicine, do not mix them into the same syringe. You may give the shots in the same area (including your stomach), but do not give the shots right next to each other.
This medicine should come with a medication guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
What to do if you miss a dose of Ozempic
If you miss a dose of Ozempic, use it as soon as possible, within 5 days after the missed dose. If you miss a dose for more than 5 days, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Ozempic contraindications
Do not use Ozempic if:
You have had an allergic reaction to semaglutide
You have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome Type 2 (MEN 2)
If you or anyone in your family has had medullary thyroid cancer
You have Type 1 diabetes mellitus
You are pregnant
Ozempic warnings
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Increased risk of thyroid tumor
Pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas)
Low blood glucose (when used with other diabetes medicine)
Kidney problems
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Tell your doctor if:
You are pregnant or breastfeeding
You have kidney disease
You have pancreas problems
You have digestion problems
You have a history of diabetic retinopathy
Ozempic interactions
Some medicines may affect how semaglutide works.
Tell your doctor if you are using other diabetes medicine (including glimepiride, glipizide, glyburide, or insulin) or any oral medicine.
Ozempic side effects
The adverse effects of Ozempic are worth knowing, as is understanding how to respond. Severe pain in the abdomen, intractable vomiting, dizziness, confusion, or facial swelling are some of the side effects that should get you heading for emergency medical attention.
Serious side effects:
Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
Blurred vision or any other change in vision
Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
Shaking, trembling, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeat, lightheadedness, hunger, confusion
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Less serious side effects:
Nausea, bloating, heartburn, or belching
Diarrhea or constipation
Redness, itching, bump, swelling, or any changes in your skin where the shot was given
Sources:
Semaglutide: drug information, UpToDate (2023)
Ozempic drug label, NIH DailyMed (2023)
Ozempic label, Novo Nordisk (2022)
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