What is Ozempic: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Medically reviewed by Chad Shaffer, MD
Physician
Updated Nov 18, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020
Datos Verificados

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.

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Ozempic overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Ozempic

Generic Names:

  • Semaglutide

Uses:

  • Treats Type 2 diabetes

  • 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

Therapeutic Classes:

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

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

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 pen

  • Ozempic
    3ml prefilled 2mg/3ml pen (0.25mg or 0.5mg/dose) multidose pen

  • Ozempic
    3ml prefilled 4mg/3ml pen (1mg/dose) multidose pen

  • Ozempic
    3ml prefilled 8mg/3ml pen (2mg/dose) multidose pen

  • Ozempic
    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

Learn more about Ozempic side effects here.

Lea este artículo en español aquí.

Sources:

Ozempic News & Research

Long-term side effects of Ozempic

Does TRICARE cover Ozempic?

What is the cost of Ozempic per month?

Semaglutide vs. Ozempic: What’s the difference?

What happens if you miss a dose of Ozempic?

Will insurance cover Ozempic for prediabetes?

What to know about switching from Zepbound to Ozempic

Is Ozempic available over the counter?

Mounjaro vs. Ozempic cost comparison

Medically reviewed by Chad Shaffer, MD
Physician

Chad Shaffer, MD, earned his medical doctorate from Penn State University and completed a combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Pediatrics. He has provided full-service primary care to all ages for over 15 years, building a practice from start up to over 3,000 patients. His passion is educating patients on their health and treatment, so they can make well-informed decisions.

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