Ozempic

Ozempic is a prescription medication that contains semaglutide. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medications help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

You take Ozempic as a once-weekly injection under your skin. The medication comes in a pre-filled pen that makes injecting easier. Your doctor will prescribe this medication as part of a treatment plan that includes diet and exercise.

Ozempic was approved by the FDA in 2017 for treating type 2 diabetes. It also has cardiovascular benefits for people with diabetes who have heart disease. This medication is not insulin and works differently in your body.

• Managing blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes
• Reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease
• Used alongside diet and exercise for better diabetes control

Ozempic mimics a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1. This hormone helps your pancreas release the right amount of insulin when your blood sugar rises. Insulin is the hormone that moves sugar from your blood into your cells for energy.

The medication also slows down how fast food leaves your stomach. This means you feel full longer after eating. Ozempic tells your liver to make less sugar too. All these actions work together to lower your blood sugar and help protect your heart.

Most people start with 0.25 mg injected once per week for 4 weeks. Your doctor typically increases the dose to 0.5 mg weekly after that. Some people need a higher dose of 1 mg or 2 mg weekly for better blood sugar control. Your healthcare provider determines the right dose based on your response and blood test results. Always inject on the same day each week.

• Nausea, especially when starting or increasing the dose
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Stomach pain or decreased appetite
• Constipation
• Headache
• Fatigue or dizziness

Stop taking Ozempic and call your doctor immediately if you have severe stomach pain that won't go away, vision changes, signs of low blood sugar like shakiness or confusion, or symptoms of pancreatitis. Rare but serious side effects include thyroid tumors, gallbladder problems, and kidney injury. Seek emergency care for severe allergic reactions like trouble breathing or facial swelling.

• Insulin or other diabetes medications may increase your risk of low blood sugar when combined with Ozempic
• Oral medications may be absorbed differently because Ozempic slows digestion
• Birth control pills may be less effective, especially during the first 4 weeks after starting or increasing dose
• Not recommended for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer
• Avoid if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2
• Use caution if you have a history of pancreatitis or severe stomach problems
• Tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take

Your doctor will monitor several blood tests while you take Ozempic. Blood glucose testing shows how well the medication controls your daily sugar levels. Hemoglobin A1c testing every 3 to 6 months measures your average blood sugar over time. Your doctor may check your lipid panel because diabetes affects cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Some people need kidney function tests since diabetes can affect the kidneys. Regular monitoring helps your doctor adjust your dose and catch any problems early.