Ozempic
Pronunciation: oh-ZEM-pick
Generic name: semaglutide injection
Dosage form: Single-patient-use injection pen (multiple-strengths)
Drug class: GLP-1 Agonists (Incretin Mimetics)
What is Ozempic used for?
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a prescription medication primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. This FDA-approved medication helps manage blood sugar levels and reduces cardiovascular risks in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes Ozempic also reduces the risk of kidney function decline, kidney failure, and death due to cardiovascular disease.
This medicine is given by self-injection, 1 time a week under the skin of the stomach (belly), the thigh, or the upper arm using an autoinjector (pen).
Ozempic received FDA approval on December 5, 2017. There is no Ozempic generic. Each of the different brands of semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelus, Wegovy) are made by Novo Nordisk, but are FDA-approved for different conditions.
- Wegovy is the brand approved for weight loss (see Wegovy vs Ozempic: Which is right for you?).
Benefits of Ozempic Treatment
- Blood sugar control and HbA1C reduction*
- Significant weight loss support
- Lower risk of heart attack and stroke
- Improved cardiovascular health in type 2 diabetes patients
- Slows the decline of kidney disease and improves cardiovascular outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes.
*HbA1C measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months.
A clinical trial (FLOW phase 3b), found two important benefits of using Ozempic in adults with type 2 diabetes and CKD:
- 24% lower risk of their kidney disease getting worse
- 4.9% lower risk of dying from heart problems.
Although Ozempic is not officially approved for weight loss, it can help you lose weight because it contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that works by slowing down digestion and making you feel fuller for longer (see Ozempic for weight loss).
How Does Ozempic Work?
Ozempic's mechanism of action involves mimicking a natural hormone in the body called GLP-1 which:
- Stimulates insulin production from the pancreas
- Reduces liver sugar production
- Slows down digestion
- Helps control appetite and food intake.
The way Ozempic works for kidney-related risk reduction is not fully understood.
Ozempic belongs to the drug class called GLP-1 receptor agonists.
"Oatzempic" is a term coined on social media, referring to a blended drink made from oats, water, and lime juice, that may make you feel fuller for longer and help you eat less. However, there are no clinical trials to prove this drink helps you lose weight (see Oatmeal Ozempic for Weight Loss? Oatzempic).
Medical Indications and FDA Approval
Ozempic is officially approved by the FDA for:
- Blood sugar (glucose) control in adults with type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise
- Reducing major cardiovascular event risks (such as heart attack, stroke, or death) in adults with type 2 diabetes with known heart disease
- Reducing the risk of kidney disease worsening, kidney failure, and death due to cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
Ozempic helps with weight loss and maintains the lost weight in clinical trials when combined with diet and exercise. See Ozempic for weight loss for more information.
WARNING: Ozempic is not approved for type 1 diabetes treatment and it is not known if it can be used in people with pancreatitis.
It is not known if this medicine is safe or effective in children under 18 years of age.
Ozempic side effects
Common side effects
Common Ozempic side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, constipation, upset stomach, heartburn, burping, gas, bloating, loss of appetite, runny nose or sore throat, stomach flu symptoms or headache, dizziness, tiredness and low blood sugar (in people with type 2 diabetes).
Stomach or gastrointestinal side effects are common but tend to be mild and clear up in a few weeks in most people and will not interfere with long-term treatment. Stomach side effects can be more common with higher doses.
The most common gastrointestinal side effect is nausea, which trials report occurs in about 15% to 20% of people.
- Others include vomiting (5% to 9%), diarrhea (8%), stomach-area pain (6% to 7%), and constipation (3% to 7%).
- These side effects occurred at rates higher than the placebo-treated groups (receiving an inactive treatment).
More patients receiving Ozempic 0.5 mg (3.1%) and 1 mg (3.8%) discontinued treatment due to stomach side effects than patients receiving placebo (0.4%).
Stomach side effects usually occur at the beginning of treatment and if your dose is increased too quickly. Because of this, your healthcare provider will slowly increase your dose every 4 weeks as needed until you reach your target dose. You can take Ozempic with or without meals.
Ozempic face is a term used to describe the noticeable facial changes seen in some people who are prescribed this medicine. These changes are not a specific side effect of Ozempic, but rather a result of significant weight loss (see Ozempic face: What causes it and how to prevent it?).
Tips for managing stomach side effects
Following these tips may help you manage stomach side effects:
- eat more slowly
- consume smaller meals
- select more bland, low-fat foods (like crackers, toast, and rice)
- avoid greasy, fried foods or sugar treats
- eat foods that contain water (like soup or gelatin)
- don’t lie down right after eating
- drink clear or ice-cold liquids
- if possible, go outside for fresh air if you feel sick to your stomach
Serious side effects
Ozempic can cause serious side effects such as inflammation of the pancreas, vision changes, low blood sugar levels, kidney problems, and serious allergic reactions, and it can also increase the risk of food or liquid getting into your lungs during surgery or a medical procedure (see Ozempic side effects to watch for).
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, itching, dizziness, fast heartbeats, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your healthcare provider at once if you have:
-
vision changes;
-
unusual mood changes, thoughts about hurting yourself;
-
pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
-
a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
-
signs of a thyroid tumor - swelling or a lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, a hoarse voice, feeling short of breath;
-
symptoms of pancreatitis - severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea with or without vomiting, fast heart rate;
-
gallbladder problems - upper stomach pain, fever, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
-
low blood sugar--headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, or feeling jittery;
-
kidney problems - swelling, urinating less, blood in urine, feeling tired or short of breath
-
stomach flu symptoms - stomach cramps, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea (may be watery or bloody)
- symptoms of ileus (stomach paralysis) - bloating, stomach cramps or pain, nausea or vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, loss of appetite.
Food or liquid getting into the lungs during surgery or other procedures that require anesthesia or deep sleepiness (deep sedation). Ozempic may increase the chance of food getting into your lungs during surgery or other procedures. Tell all your healthcare providers that you are taking this medicine before you are scheduled to have surgery or other procedures.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Warnings
Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer. In trials with rodents, Ozempic and medicines that work like in a similar way caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if Ozempic will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people.
- Tell your healthcare provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer.
- Do not use this medicine if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Postmarketing data has shown an association between semaglutide and ileus (stomach paralysis). Because these reports are voluntary it is not possible to estimate the frequency of these effects. Talk to a healthcare provider if you develop symptoms such as bloating, stomach cramps or pain, nausea or vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, or loss of appetite.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to semaglutide or any other ingredients in this medicine, or if you have:
- multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (tumors in your glands); or
- a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer).
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you:
- have a stomach or intestinal disorder
- have pancreatitis
- are planning surgery or other procedure that requires anesthesia or deep sedation
- have kidney disease
- have eye problems caused by diabetes (retinopathy)
- are pregnant or intending to become pregnant
- are breastfeeding or intending to breastfeed.
This medicine caused thyroid tumors or thyroid cancer in animal studies. It is not known whether these effects would occur in people. Ask your doctor about your risk.
Also, talk to your healthcare provider about what side effects Ozempic may cause before you start taking it.
Pregnancy
It is not known if Ozempic will harm an unborn baby. Talk to your healthcare provider before you become pregnant because it is recommended you stop using this medicine at least 2 months before you get pregnant. If you do become pregnant while taking semaglutide, tell your healthcare provider right away.
Semaglutide may indirectly improve fertility by promoting weight loss and better blood sugar control (see Ozempic babies: Does Ozempic increase fertility?).
Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to control your blood sugar if you plan to become pregnant or while you are pregnant.
Breastfeeding
It is not known if Ozempic passes into your breast milk. You should talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby while using this medicine.
How should I use this medicine?
Essential Preparation Before Starting Ozempic
Before beginning your Ozempic treatment, ensure you:
- Carefully read the complete Instructions for Use on the Package Insert
- Receive proper training from your healthcare provider on injection technique
- Understand your prescribed dosing schedule
- Have all necessary supplies ready.
Weekly Ozempic Injection Guidelines
Proper Injection Technique
Ozempic must be administered via subcutaneous injection (this means just under the skin) in one of these approved areas:
- Stomach (abdomen)
- Thigh
- Upper arm.
Important: Never inject this medicine into a muscle or vein, as this can affect how the medication works and may be dangerous.
Timing and Frequency
Your weekly routine should follow these guidelines:
- Inject 1 Ozempic injection 1 time a week on the same day
- Choose any time of day that works best for your schedule
- You can adjust your weekly injection day if needed, but ensure at least 2 days have passed since your last injection.
What to Do About Missed Injections
If you miss your scheduled Ozempic injection:
- Take it within 5 days of the missed injection
- Skip the missed injection if more than 5 days have passed
- Resume your regular schedule on your next planned injection day.
Safety and Best Practices
Injection Site Management
To prevent injection site reactions from Ozempic:
- Rotate injection sites with each injection
- Avoid using the same exact spot repeatedly
- Keep a log of injection sites if helpful.
Important Safety Guidelines
Always remember:
- Never share your pen, even with a new needle
- Don't mix Ozempic with insulin in the same injection
- You can inject this medicine and insulin in the same body area, but keep the injection sites separate.
Lifestyle Considerations
For optimal results:
- Take Ozempic with or without food as preferred
- Maintain your prescribed diet and exercise program
- Monitor your blood sugar as directed by your healthcare provider
Monitoring Your Treatment
Regular Health Checks
While using Ozempic, your healthcare provider will:
- Monitor your blood sugar levels
- Check your hemoglobin A1C regularly
- Adjust your diabetes medication as needed.
When to Adjust Treatment
Your dosage might need adjustment due to:
- Changes in physical activity
- Weight changes
- Stress levels
- Illness or infection
- Surgery
- Other medications
- Changes in diet.
Emergency Situations
Signs of Potential Problems
While you are using semaglutide you should monitor for and manage:
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
- Other diabetes-related complications.
Emergency Response
If you suspect an overdose of Ozempic:
- Contact your healthcare provider immediately
- Go to the nearest emergency clinic if symptoms are severe
- Bring your medication and medical information with you.
Giving yourself too much Ozempic may cause severe nausea, vomiting, or very low blood sugar levels.
How much does Ozempic cost?
The cost depends on your insurance plan, if you have an Savings or Ozempic Coupon card, or the pharmacy you get your medicines from. For people with commercial or private insurance, a prescription may cost as little as $25 for a 1-month, 2-month, or 3-month supply for up to 48 months.
Dosing Information
Ozempic should be started at a low dose to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Note that the 0.25 mg dose is not effective at controlling blood sugar levels.
- Weeks 1 through 4: 0.25 mg SC 1 time a week.
- Weeks 5 through 8: 0.5 mg SC 1 time a week.
If blood sugar levels are not controlled on 0.5 mg SC after 4 weeks then increase to 1 mg SC 1 time a week.
If blood sugar levels are not controlled on the 1 mg SC after 4 weeks then increase to 2 mg SC 1 time a week.
Maximum dosage
- Do not exceed 2 mg SC 1 time a week.
Usual maintenance dosage
- 0.5 mg to 2 mg, 1 time a week.
Ozempic is available as single-patient-use injections and there are multiple strength options.
- 2 mg/1.5mL (1.34 mg/mL); delivers 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg per injection
- 4 mg/3mL (1.34 mg/mL); delivers 1 mg per injection
- 8 mg/3mL (2.68 mg/mL); delivers 2 mg per injection.
Each injection is pre-filled and intended for to be used by one patient only.
What should I avoid while using this medicine?
Never share an injection, even if you changed the needle. Sharing this device can pass infection or disease from person to person.
What other drugs will affect Ozempic?
This medicine can slow your digestion, and it may take longer for your body to absorb any medicines you take by mouth.
Tell your doctor about all your other prescription and over-the-counter medicines, especially insulin or other diabetes medicines, such as dulaglutide, exenatide, liraglutide, Byetta, Trulicity, Victoza, and others. There is an increased risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when Ozempic is used in combination with insulin or other diabetes medications such as glyburide, glipizide, glimepiride, or gliclazide. The dosage of these other agents may need to be reduced to lower the risk of low blood sugar levels.
Drinking alcohol while taking this medicine may be risky, see Can I drink alcohol on Ozempic?.
Other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products, may affect this medicine. Tell your healthcare provider about all the other medicines you take.
Storage
The Ozempic injection pen contains multiple doses. After your first use, store the pen with the needle removed in a refrigerator or at room temperature. Protect from heat and light. Keep the cap on when you are not using it. Throw the pen away 56 days after first opening it, or if less than 0.25 mg is shown on the pen counter.
Do not reuse a needle. Place it in a puncture-proof "sharps" container and dispose of it following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store unopened injection pens in the original carton in a refrigerator, protected from light. Do not use past the expiration date. Throw away any medicine that has been frozen.
Package Insert
Review the Ozempic Package Insert written by Novo Nordisk for more detailed information about this medicine. Discuss any medical questions you have with your healthcare provider.
What are the ingredients in Ozempic?
Active Ingredient: semaglutide
Inactive Ingredients: disodium phosphate dihydrate, propylene glycol, phenol, and water for injection.
Who makes Ozempic?
Ozempic is manufactured by Novo Nordisk, a Danish multinational pharmaceutical company based in Bagsværd, Denmark, with a history dating back to 1923. The company specializes in diabetes care, hormone replacement therapy, and treatments for rare endocrine and blood disorders. Novo Nordisk also makes Wegovy, Rybelsus, Victoza, and Saxenda.
Popular FAQ
Ozempic Side Effects to Watch For
The most common Ozempic side effects with Ozempic include stomach problems, like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and constipation. These tend to be mild-to-moderate and usually clear up in a few weeks in most people. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is also a common side effect (when used with certain other diabetes treatments) and it can be serious. Continue reading
Mounjaro vs Ozempic: Which is right for you?
Mounjaro and Ozempic are prescription medicines used alongside diet and exercise to help control blood sugar (glucose) levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is also approved to lower the risk of a major cardiovascular event (like a heart attack or stroke) in patients with type 2 diabetes, as well as to reduce the risk of worsening kidney disease and heart-related death in patients with type 2 diabetes. Mounjaro has not yet received these indications, although studies are ongoing.
In a large, 2024 retrospective study in adults with overweight or obesity and treated for type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro led to at least a 5% weight loss within one year in 81.8% of adults compared to 66.5% of those using Ozempic. Continue reading
How do Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Zepbound compare for weight loss?
Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy and Zepbound can all lead to long-term weight loss, but only Wegovy and Zepbound are approved by the FDA for this use. In studies, Zepbound has led to a 21% weight loss in adults using the highest dose, while Wegovy has led to about a 15% weight loss. Continue reading
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
Wegovy vs Ozempic: Which is Right for You?
Both Wegovy and Ozempic contain semaglutide, but Wegovy is prescribed for long-term weight management while Ozempic is used to control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes and help protect kidney function. They both lower the risk for heart-related complications, but they differ in other approved uses, doses, target populations and costs. 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
What are the long-term side effects of Ozempic?
Ozempic has the potential to cause certain long-term problems that may last months or years after stopping it. Some examples of long-term side effects you may experience from Ozempic include pancreatitis, vision problems, acute kidney injury, and acute gallbladder disease. Continue reading
Do Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro & Zepbound cause hair loss?
There’s no evidence that hair loss is a direct side effect of Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro or Zepbound. Hair loss is more likely due to the stress of rapid weight loss on your body, which can lead to temporary shedding of hair over several months, a condition known as telogen effluvium. Continue reading
How does Ozempic work for weight loss?
Ozempic helps with weight loss by slowing down how fast food travels through your digestive tract. This can help you feel fuller for a longer period of time, and reduce your appetite and how much food you eat, leading to weight loss. In clinical studies, patients lost an average of 14 lbs (6.4 kg) when Ozempic was given over a 40-week long period. Continue reading
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