It is used alongside diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glucose) levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Active ingredient – Semaglutide
Ozempic® is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that contains the active ingredient semaglutide.
To improve blood sugar (glucose) control in adults with type 2 diabetes, in combination with diet and exercise.
To reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease (1).
To reduce the risk of persistent decline in eGFR, end-stage kidney disease, and cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
Ozempic® is not intended for people with type 1 diabetes, a condition where the body does not produce insulin.
It is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age, as safety and efficacy in this age group have not yet been established.
Follow your doctor’s instructions exactly when using this medication.
The starting dose is 0.25 mg once weekly for four weeks.
After four weeks, your doctor will increase the dose to 0.5 mg once weekly.
Your doctor may further increase the dose to 1 mg or even 2 mg once weekly, depending on your needs.
Do not change your dose without consulting your doctor.
Each dose contains 1 mg of semaglutide in 0.74 mL of solution.
Ozempic is administered as a subcutaneous injection. Preferred injection sites are the front of the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm.
You can inject it at any time of the day, regardless of meals.
Do not stop taking Ozempic without consulting your doctor.
If 5 days or less have passed since the missed dose, inject it as soon as you remember, then take the next dose as scheduled.
If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take the next dose on the regularly scheduled day.
Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Before opening: Store in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze.
During use:
The pen can be stored for up to 6 weeks, either below 30°C or in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C).
The most common side effects reported in ≥5% of patients treated with Ozempic® include:
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation.
Before using Ozempic®, tell your healthcare provider if you:
Have or had pancreas or kidney problems.
Have a history of diabetic retinopathy.
Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant or breastfeed. You should stop using Ozempic® at least 2 months before becoming pregnant.
Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you take, including prescription, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal supplements, and other diabetes medications, including insulin or sulfonylureas.
Ozempic® may cause serious side effects, including:
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas): Stop using Ozempic® and contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience severe stomach pain that does not go away, with or without vomiting.
Vision changes: Report any changes in vision during treatment.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): Especially when used with insulin or sulfonylureas. Symptoms may include:
dizziness, blurred vision, anxiety, irritability, mood changes, sweating, slurred speech, hunger, confusion, drowsiness, shakiness, weakness, headache, rapid heartbeat, or feeling jittery.
Kidney problems: Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which may worsen kidney issues. It’s important to stay hydrated.
Serious allergic reactions: Stop using Ozempic® and seek immediate medical help if you experience:
swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; nausea or dizziness; or a very fast heartbeat.
