Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow It WorksUsing OzempicSide EffectsDosing OzempicInteractionsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How It Works
Using Ozempic
Side Effects
Dosing Ozempic
Interactions
Frequently Asked Questions
To manage blood sugar levels associated with a diagnosis oftype 2 diabetes mellitus, your healthcare provider may prescribeOzempic (semaglutide)alongside a proactive diet and exercise regime.
Ozempic is a brand-name,glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonistmedication. Its active ingredient is semaglutide.
It may also be used “off-label” (for non-FDA-approved use) for long-term weight loss management.
Ozempic is a prescription-only medicine available in a prefilled pen to inject the liquid dosage under the skin, known as a subcutaneous injection.
As Ozempic grows in popularity across the United States, many wonder the following: How does Ozempic work? Is this drug right for me?
To address these questions and more, this article will explain how Ozempic works to treat type 2 diabetes, as well as other information on this drug.
Getty Images / Mario Tama.
How Does Ozempic Work?
Semaglutide belongs to the incretin mimetics class of drugs that stimulate the release ofinsulinin response to food consumption.
For context, insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas that regulates how much sugar (glucose) is released into the bloodstream to use that sugar for energy.
This mimicking action results in glucose-dependent insulin secretion, lessening glucagon secretion (the hormone that controls blood sugar) and slowing food movement through the stomach, known as gastric emptying. Ozempic also increases first- and second-phase insulin secretion and improves control of glycemia (blood sugar).
In people with type 2 diabetes, treatment with Ozempic can lowerhemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), a measure of blood sugar control.
When To Use Ozempic
Ozempic is used with diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
The FDA also approved it to reduce the risk of heart disorders, such as nonfatal attack or nonfatal stroke, in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular diseases.
Ozempic may be used alone or with other FDA-approved diabetes medicines, such as Glumetza(metformin),sulfonylureas, thiazolidinedione, and insulin.
Ozempic and insulin should be injected at different times.
As with all drugs, there are certain limitations to the use of Ozempic.
Notably, Ozempic has not been studied in people with a history ofpancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas that involves severe abdominal pain. As a result, these people should be treated with antidiabetic therapies.
Ozempic is not FDA-approved for use in people with type 1 diabetes ordiabetic ketoacidosis,a severe and even life-threatening complication of diabetes.
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Side Effects and Safety
However, whether it causes thyroid C-cell tumors andMTCin humans is unknown.
Read on for more information concerning potential side effects associated with Ozempic.
Common Side Effects
Somecommon side effectsof Ozempic are:
Severe Side Effects
Severe side effects of Ozempic include:
Call your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the above symptoms.
Who Shouldn’t Take Ozempic?
Ozempic is not for everyone. Therefore, the use of this drug should be avoided in people with the following factors:
Consult with your healthcare provider before taking Ozempic if you have any of the following conditions:
Your healthcare provider may need to discontinue Ozempic or change the dose to avoid any adverse effects when having these conditions:
What Should I Do Before Taking Ozempic?Always tell your healthcare provider about any preexisting health conditions and current medications you take, including herbal or vitamins, before starting treatment with Ozempic.
What Should I Do Before Taking Ozempic?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any preexisting health conditions and current medications you take, including herbal or vitamins, before starting treatment with Ozempic.
How to Take Ozempic
Ozempic is available as a liquid in a prefilled multidose pen delivering doses of 0.25 milligrams (mg) or 0.5 mg and 1 mg. The pre-filled pen is injected in the abdominal, thigh, or upper arm area. Ozempic also is available in a prefilled multidose pen that delivers 2 mg per injection.
The initial recommended dose begins with a once-weekly sub-therapeutic dose of 0.25 mg. An increase to 0.5 mg per week can be prescribed after four weeks if required.
For people requiring additional medicine to control blood sugar levels after four weeks, the dose may be increased to 1 mg weekly.
If additional glycemic control is needed, the required dose can be increased to 2 mg after four weeks. Your healthcare provider will determine the necessary amount.
Administer once a week, on the same day at any time, with or without food. If you miss a dose, consult your healthcare provider for guidance on returning to your regular dosing regimen without double-dosing.Finally, never share the pen with anyone, even if the needle has been changed.
A Guide to Your Ozempic Dosage
Ozempic Interactions
Ozempic may interact with other drugs in the following ways:
Tell your healthcare provider about other medicines you take to avoid drug interactions.
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Summary
Ozempic is the GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide, first approved in 2017 for treating type 2 diabetes. It also reduces the risk of heart and blood vessel problems and helps to manage weight.
Managing type 2 diabetes can be difficult, but prescription medications like Ozempic can help. Nonetheless, always follow your healthcare provider’s guidelines to avoid any complications.
Using prescribed medication(s), making lifestyle changes, and regularly checking blood sugar levels can help manage diabetes and improve overall health.
Store Ozempic in a refrigerator at 36 to 46 degrees F. You can store Ozempic at room temperature for 56 days after use.Do not freeze or use the frozen product. Do not inject the liquid medicine if the liquid is cloudy, discolored, or contains particulate matter. See package insert for detailed information on how to store.
Store Ozempic in a refrigerator at 36 to 46 degrees F. You can store Ozempic at room temperature for 56 days after use.
Do not freeze or use the frozen product. Do not inject the liquid medicine if the liquid is cloudy, discolored, or contains particulate matter. See package insert for detailed information on how to store.
No generic alternative to Ozempic exists, but an alternative brand to Ozempic is Wegovy, which, unlike Ozempic, is FDA approved for weight loss management.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Semaglutide injection.DailyMed.Label: Ozempic- semaglutide injection, solution.Suran M.As Ozempic’s popularity soars, here’s what to know about semaglutide and weight loss.JAMA. 2023;329(19):1627-1629. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.2438Food and Drug Administration.Incretin mimetic drugs for type 2 diabetes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.Kim HS, Jung CH.Oral semaglutide, the first ingestible glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist: could it be a magic bullet for type 2 diabetes?Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(18):9936. doi:10.3390/ijms22189936Clinical Review Report: Semaglutide (Ozempic): (Novo Nordisk Canada Inc.).Indication: for the treatment of adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve glycemic control, in combination with metformin (second-line treatment), and in combination with metformin and sulfonylurea (third-line treatment).Di Folco U, Vallecorsa N, Nardone MR, Pantano AL, Tubili C.Effects of semaglutide on cardiovascular risk factors and eating behaviors in type 2 diabetes.Acta Diabetol. 2022;59(10):1287-1294. doi:10.1007/s00592-022-01936-6Food and Drug Administration.Drug trial snapshot: Ozempic.Prescribers' Digital Reference.Ozempic (semaglutide) - drug summary.DailyMed.Label: Rybelsus- oral semaglutide tablet.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Semaglutide injection.DailyMed.Label: Ozempic- semaglutide injection, solution.Suran M.As Ozempic’s popularity soars, here’s what to know about semaglutide and weight loss.JAMA. 2023;329(19):1627-1629. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.2438Food and Drug Administration.Incretin mimetic drugs for type 2 diabetes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.Kim HS, Jung CH.Oral semaglutide, the first ingestible glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist: could it be a magic bullet for type 2 diabetes?Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(18):9936. doi:10.3390/ijms22189936Clinical Review Report: Semaglutide (Ozempic): (Novo Nordisk Canada Inc.).Indication: for the treatment of adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve glycemic control, in combination with metformin (second-line treatment), and in combination with metformin and sulfonylurea (third-line treatment).Di Folco U, Vallecorsa N, Nardone MR, Pantano AL, Tubili C.Effects of semaglutide on cardiovascular risk factors and eating behaviors in type 2 diabetes.Acta Diabetol. 2022;59(10):1287-1294. doi:10.1007/s00592-022-01936-6Food and Drug Administration.Drug trial snapshot: Ozempic.Prescribers' Digital Reference.Ozempic (semaglutide) - drug summary.DailyMed.Label: Rybelsus- oral semaglutide tablet.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Semaglutide injection.DailyMed.Label: Ozempic- semaglutide injection, solution.Suran M.As Ozempic’s popularity soars, here’s what to know about semaglutide and weight loss.JAMA. 2023;329(19):1627-1629. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.2438Food and Drug Administration.Incretin mimetic drugs for type 2 diabetes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.Kim HS, Jung CH.Oral semaglutide, the first ingestible glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist: could it be a magic bullet for type 2 diabetes?Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(18):9936. doi:10.3390/ijms22189936Clinical Review Report: Semaglutide (Ozempic): (Novo Nordisk Canada Inc.).Indication: for the treatment of adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve glycemic control, in combination with metformin (second-line treatment), and in combination with metformin and sulfonylurea (third-line treatment).Di Folco U, Vallecorsa N, Nardone MR, Pantano AL, Tubili C.Effects of semaglutide on cardiovascular risk factors and eating behaviors in type 2 diabetes.Acta Diabetol. 2022;59(10):1287-1294. doi:10.1007/s00592-022-01936-6Food and Drug Administration.Drug trial snapshot: Ozempic.Prescribers' Digital Reference.Ozempic (semaglutide) - drug summary.DailyMed.Label: Rybelsus- oral semaglutide tablet.
MedlinePlus.Semaglutide injection.
DailyMed.Label: Ozempic- semaglutide injection, solution.
Suran M.As Ozempic’s popularity soars, here’s what to know about semaglutide and weight loss.JAMA. 2023;329(19):1627-1629. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.2438
Food and Drug Administration.Incretin mimetic drugs for type 2 diabetes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Kim HS, Jung CH.Oral semaglutide, the first ingestible glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist: could it be a magic bullet for type 2 diabetes?Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(18):9936. doi:10.3390/ijms22189936
Clinical Review Report: Semaglutide (Ozempic): (Novo Nordisk Canada Inc.).Indication: for the treatment of adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve glycemic control, in combination with metformin (second-line treatment), and in combination with metformin and sulfonylurea (third-line treatment).
Di Folco U, Vallecorsa N, Nardone MR, Pantano AL, Tubili C.Effects of semaglutide on cardiovascular risk factors and eating behaviors in type 2 diabetes.Acta Diabetol. 2022;59(10):1287-1294. doi:10.1007/s00592-022-01936-6
Food and Drug Administration.Drug trial snapshot: Ozempic.
Prescribers' Digital Reference.Ozempic (semaglutide) - drug summary.
DailyMed.Label: Rybelsus- oral semaglutide tablet.
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