Ozempic is a popular type 2 diabetes medication that helps lower blood sugar levels (sugar), improve A1C levels (a measure of glucose control over the past 2-3 months), and helps you lose or maintain your weight.
What is ozempic?
Ozempic (Semaglutide) is the brand name for glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
This injectable drug is taken only once a week due to its long-term effects.
What are the advantages of Ozempic?
Ozempic offers three main benefits for people with diabetes:
Improve blood glucose control
This drug reduces blood glucose and A1C levels by increasing insulin production from the pancreas and reducing the release of glucagon (storaged glucose) from the liver.
Weight loss or maintenance
Ozempic helps users lose weight and maintain weight by reducing appetite and slowing digestion. Typical dose clinical trials have shown an average weight loss of 4-5%.
(Wegovy, another semaglutide-based drug therapy, specifically approved for weight loss, uses a higher dose, with an average weight loss of 14.9%.)
Ozempic is also prescribed “out-label” for weight loss for type 1 diabetics or those without diabetes.
Low risk of cardiovascular disease
Ozempic reduces the risk of major cardiac events such as heart attacks, strokes and death in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Why do you get prescribed Ozempic?
Ozempic is FDA approved specifically for people with type 2 diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes are not prescribed Ozempic, as many people can manage their blood sugar levels with diet, exercise, and sometimes with insulin therapy or other medications.
However, if you have difficulty maintaining blood glucose levels within a healthy range using current medications, or if you are dealing with insulin resistance, your doctor may prescribe Ozempic as a supplement to your treatment plan.
Additionally, many people with type 2 diabetes and existing heart disease are prescribed Ozempics as they help reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack and early death in this population.
What are the side effects?
Common side effects include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- constipation
- Weight loss
- Hypoglycemia (especially if you are using insulin)
Rare but serious complications include:
- Thyroid tumors (including cancer)
- Pancreatitis
- Changes in vision (advanced diabetic retinopathy)
- Kidney problems
- Severe allergic reactions
If you experience fever, poor vision, weakness, or pain after taking medication, see a doctor immediately.
For more information: Ozempic Side Effects: Things You Need to Know.
Dosage
Ozempic is available as a liquid solution of a permeable disposable pen for subcutaneous (subcutaneous) injection, taken once a week, with or without food.
Pen has many advantages:
| Pen strength | It is administered with each injection |
| 2 mg/1.5 ml (1.34 mg/ml) | 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg |
| 2 mg/3 ml (0.68 mg/ml) | 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg |
| 4 mg/3 ml (1.34 mg/ml) | 1 mg |
| 8 mg/3 ml (2.68 mg/ml) | 2 mg |
How much Ozempic should I take?
Your dosage will vary based on your health history and goals. Most doctors start once a week at 0.25 mg (mg) and increase to 0.5 mg after a few weeks if it is well tolerated.
If necessary, the dose may increase to 1 mg and up to 2 mg each week. It is important to take Ozempic at the same time each week.
See more details: Ozempic Dosage Guide: How much should it cost?
What happens if there are too many Ozempics?
Overdose can lead to serious side effects such as severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and dangerous hypoglycemia (hypoglycemia), especially if you are using insulin.
These conditions can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. If you are taking too much Ozempic, contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Do you miss the dose?
If you missed the dose, you can take it within a few days. However, if it takes more than 5 days, skip the missed dose and continue with the next scheduled dose.
One missed dose will not cause insulin resistance or weight gain, but should avoid missing doses regularly as they will work best when taken consistently.
How to inject Ozempic
Before injecting, check the liquid in the pen for particles and discoloration. Do not use a pen if it is present.
Scrub the injection site and clean it with alcohol and rotate the injection site weekly to prevent skin damage.
Ozempics are usually injected under the skin of the thighs, abdomen, or upper arms. Consult your healthcare provider about the best injection sites and rotation techniques.
See more details: Ozempic Infusion: Where and How to Inject.
Who should not take Ozempic?
Take Ozempic only if your doctor prescribes it. It is not recommended if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
If you do not have diabetes, or if you have pre-diabetes or type 1 diabetes without guidance from your doctor, avoid using Ozempic.
If you or your family have a history of medulla thyroid cancer (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplastic syndrome type 2 (male 2), do not use Ozempic.
Additionally, if you are allergic to semaglutide, avoid ozempic. If you are allergic, you may consider Victorza, which contains another GLP-1 agonist, liraglutide.
How do I stop taking Ozempic?
Given the side effects, the cost, or how it feels, you might consider stopping Ozempic.
However, always consult your doctor before abolishing diabetes medication. Providers recommend tapering the dose rather than suddenly stopping.
Please note that stopping ozempic can lead to recovery insulin resistance, increased blood sugar levels, food cravings and weight gain.
It is important to have alternative plans such as alternative medications, exercise, and dietary strategies to manage these effects.
How does Ozempic improve diabetes management?
Ozempic helps in managing diabetes, facilitating and maintaining lowering blood sugar levels, helping to reduce and maintain weight, making it easier and maintaining lowering A1C levels.
Studies have shown that low A1C is associated with a lower risk of long-term diabetes complications.
By addressing insulin resistance, ozempic helps stabilize blood sugar, and associated weight loss can make physical activity more manageable.
Additionally, the drug reduces the risk of heart attacks, strokes and early death in people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease, and significantly improves overall health outcomes.
Can Ozempic replace insulin?
No, Ozempic is not a replacement for insulin.
If you have recently been prescribed Ozempic, do not stop taking other diabetes medications unless directed by your doctor. Ozempic lowers blood glucose levels over time, but does not cause the rapid decrease in blood glucose levels that insulin does.
Usually, if you take insulin in your diet, you should continue doing it. You may notice a decline in your insulin needs a few months with Ozempic, but it is unlikely that you can completely stop using insulin for diabetes management.
Can I take Ozempic with other diabetes medications?
Yes, Ozempic can be taken with other diabetes medications such as metformin and insulin.
However, always consult your doctor to ensure that it does not contradict the medication you are currently collecting. Before starting Ozempic, make sure your doctor is aware of all the medications he uses.
It is important to note that Ozempic should not be combined with other GLP-1 agonists such as Wegovy, Victoza (Liraglutide), Trulutide (Dulaglutide), or Mounjaro (Tirzepatide).
ozempic and diet
When taking Ozempic, it is important to be aware of how certain lifestyle choices, such as alcohol consumption and diet, affect treatment and overall health.
Understanding the interaction between ozempic and alcohol and knowing which foods to avoid can help you manage diabetes more effectively and reduce the risk of adverse effects.
For more information: Ozempic and Alcohol: Can I take Ozempic while I’m taking Ozempic? and Foods to Avoid when taking Ozempic.
Do Ozempic need to be refrigerated?
Yes, Ozempics should be stored in the fridge at temperatures between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C). Once opened, it can be used for up to 56 days.
How much is Ozempic?
The amount you pay each month, known as joint payments, depends on your insurance plan. Use a prescription or medical card, as well as an Ozempic coverage and joint wage calculator to determine a specific co-payment.
As a diabetic drug, Ozempic is widely covered by major health plans, including Medicare and Medicaid (not covered for weight loss purposes).
If you have any questions regarding coverage or joint payment costs, you can contact Ozempic Support at 1-833-Ozempic (1-833-693-6742).
For qualified individuals, the Patient Assistance Program (PAP) offers free medicines. For more information about this program, please call Novo Nordisk’s PAP toll-free number at 1-866-310-7549.
How do I get a prescription?
If you are interested in prescriptions, talk to your doctor. If you have type 2 diabetes and are dealing with weight loss or insulin resistance, your doctor can prescribe it.
If you have another form of diabetes and are dealing with insulin resistance, discuss treatment options with your provider.
If you don’t have diabetes and are looking for weight loss solutions, ask your doctor about FDA-approved weight loss medications that are safer and more appropriate than Ozempic.
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