Ozempic

The active ingredient in Ozempic is semaglutide. Semaglutide was first approved as a diabetes drug belonging to a class called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.

GLP-1 is a hormone in your body that has several effects on your blood sugar levels. When the GLP-1 receptor is activated by semaglutide, GLP-1 increases the release of insulin by your pancreas while also decreasing the amount of glucagon released. This helps lower your blood glucose (sugar). Ozempic also slows down how fast food empties from your stomach after eating. This helps you eat less and feel fuller longer which can lead to weight loss.

Follow all directions given by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full prescribing information, FDA-approved product labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Ozempic. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Ozempic:

• Your nurse, pharmacist, or another healthcare provider will demonstrate to you how to use your Ozempic pen before you administer it for the first time.
• Ozempic is a weekly injection given subcutaneously (under the skin) in your thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. You should use Ozempic each week on the same day. You can change your injection day as long as the last dose of Ozempic was given at least 2 days before. This medication can be taken with or without food.
• If you forget to take a dose of this medication, take the forgotten dose immediately after remembering if it is within 5 days of your missed dose. If it has been more than 5 days, skip the dose you missed and take the next dose on its regularly scheduled day.
• You should rotate your injection site with each dose of Ozempic.
• Get medical advice from your healthcare provider on how you can recognize and manage low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia).
• You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding before beginning treatment with Ozempic.

The most common side effects of Ozempic in clinical trials compared to placebo include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Constipation
• Bloating
• Loss of appetite
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Fatigue

In rare instances, Ozempic can cause serious side effects. These can include:

• Increased possibility of certain thyroid tumors - swelling or lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath
• Pancreatitis - severe stomach pain spreading to your back, with or without vomiting
• Gallbladder problems - pain in your upper stomach, fever, clay-colored stools, yellowing of the eyes or skin
• Kidney problems - swelling (edema), reduced urination, tiredness or shortness of breath
• Mood changes, suicidal thoughts
• Diabetic retinopathy (changes in vision)
• Hypersensitivity reactions such as anaphylaxis and angioedema

These are not all of the possible side effects of Ozempic. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Ozempic, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• A condition in which you to take any medication that could interact with Ozempic
• A pregnancy or plan on becoming pregnant: Discontinue Ozempic in women at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy due to the long washout period for semaglutide
• A stomach or gastrointestinal blockage or disorder
• Pancreatitis
• Kidney disease
• Eye problems caused by diabetes (retinopathy)
• Are breastfeeding or are planning to breastfeed

Additional box warnings include:

It is not known whether Ozempic causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Ozempic is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), which can cause tumors in your endocrine glands.

You should not use Ozempic if you:

• Or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)

• Have had an allergic reaction to the active ingredient semaglutide or any of the other ingredients in Ozempic

• Are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant

It can take Ozempic several weeks to a few months after starting it for you to see a drop in your A1C, the average blood sugar level over the past 3 months. Since you typically start Ozempic at a low dose and then increase it to help reduce the risk of side effects, you may not notice a drop in your blood sugars during the first month.

When Ozempic is taken with other drugs, it can change how they work or make some side effects more likely or severe. You should ask your healthcare provider if any of the prescription medications, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, or supplements you take may interact with Ozempic, including:

• Insulins and other antidiabetic medications such as metformin or sulfonylureas
• Oral medications, because Ozempic slows how fast your stomach empties and can change how much medicine is absorbed

Ozempic is available in injection form, in the following dosages:

2 mg/1.5 mL (1.34 mg/mL) available in a single-patient-use prefilled pen that delivers 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg per injection

4 mg/3 mL (1.34 mg/mL) available in a single-patient-use prefilled pen that delivers 1 mg per injection

8 mg/3 mL (2.68 mg/mL) available in a single-patient-use prefilled pen that delivers 2 mg per injection

Always speak with a healthcare professional for prescribing information, medical advice, or about any changes to your dose so they can monitor and evaluate your condition.

Before its first use, Ozempic should be stored in a refrigerator between 36ºF to 46ºF (2ºC to 8ºC). Do not store in the freezer, and do not use Ozempic if it’s been frozen before.

After its first use, the pen can be stored at controlled room temperature (59°F to 86°F; 15°C to 30°C) or in a refrigerator (36°F to 46°F; 2°C to 8°C), for up to 56 days. Still, do not freeze.

Keep the pen cap on when your Ozempic pen is not being used.

Keep away from excessive heat and sunlight.

Ozempic is manufactured by Novo Nordisk A/S.

Currently, there is not a generic available for Ozempic.

If and when you decide to stop taking Ozempic, an increase in your blood sugar and your body weight could occur. Follow the instructions of your healthcare provider precisely.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you. Currently, the recommendation is that patients stop Ozempic at least 2 months before attempting to become pregnant and stop taking Ozempic if they become pregnant.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you. It is not known if Ozempic passes into breast milk.