What type of drug is Ozempic (semaglutide)?
Ozempic (semaglutide) belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analogs.
Ozempic is used as an add-on to diet and exercise in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus to help improve control of their blood sugar levels (glycemic control). It's also used in people with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease to reduce the risk of a major adverse cardiovascular event.
What is GLP-1?
GLP-1 is an incretin hormone, which is inactivated by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4). Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is another such hormone.
GLP-1 and GIP stimulate the secretion of insulin after glucose is consumed, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels. They work via a process known as the incretin effect. In people with type 2 diabetes, this process may not work so well or may no longer work at all.
What are GLP-1 analogs?
GLP-1 analogs, such as Ozempic, are medications that increase levels of incretins. They are also known as incretin mimetics.
They work by increasing the amount of insulin available when it is needed and reducing the amount of unnecessary glucose being produced by the liver.
GLP-1 analogs have a number of benefits including:
- Delaying gastric emptying - reducing the rate at which the stomach digests food and empties
- Reduce appetite
- Promoting weight loss
- Lowering blood pressure
- Lowering cholesterol
GLP-1 analogs also provide additional cardiovascular-related and other benefits.
Most GLP-1 analogs are injected. Ozempic is injected once a week into the abdomen, thigh or upper arm using an injection pen. However, in September 2019, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first tablet version of a GLP-1 analog called Rybelsus. Like Ozempic, Rybelsus also contains semaglutide.
Related questions
References
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Ozempic. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/209637s003lbl.pdf. [Accessed February 2, 2021].
- Collins L, Costello RA. Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists. [Updated 2020 Jun 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551568/. [Accessed February 2, 2021].
- Diabetes UK. GLP-1 analogues. Available from: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/treating-your-diabetes/tablets-and-medication/incretin-mimetics. [Accessed February 2, 2021].
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FDA approves first oral GLP-1 treatment for type 2 diabetes. September 20, 2019. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-oral-glp-1-treatment-type-2-diabetes. [Accessed February 2, 2021].
Read next
How long does it take for Ozempic to work?
Your blood glucose (sugar) levels should start to fully decline within the first week after you start using Ozempic (semaglutide) at your regular dose. However, the full effect can take 8 weeks or longer, as this is a long-acting medication that is injected only once per week. Continue reading
Ozempic vs Wegovy: What's the difference between them?
Ozempic is used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults, while Wegovy is used for weight loss and chronic weight management in adults and children 12 years of age and older with overweight or obesity. In these populations, both agents are approved reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and heart-related death in people with cardiovascular (heart, blood vessel) disease.
Ozempic and Wegovy are the two brand names that Novo Nordisk uses to market injectable semaglutide. Ozempic and Wegovy come in different strengths to treat the different conditions. Continue reading
How many doses are in an Ozempic pen?
Ozempic pens come in 3 sizes. Each pen holds 4 maintenance doses of either 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg of medicine given once weekly and will last for one month. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Ozempic Information for Consumers
- Ozempic prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Ozempic (detailed)
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