What is Ozempic | Indications, Side Effects

Generic name: semaglutide injection

Dosage form: Single-patient-use injection pen (multiple-strengths)

Drug class: GLP-1 Agonists (Anti Diabetic)

Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk

Ozempic injection once weekly helps lower blood sugar levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes especially when supported with exercise and diet. 

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a prescription medication for adults with type 2 diabetes. It helps control blood sugar levels, lowers the risk of heart disease, and slows kidney function decline in those with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

This FDA-approved medicine is injected once a week using an easy-to-use pen. You can inject it under the skin of your stomach, thigh, or upper arm. Ozempic is a product of Novo Nordisk and is available in doses of 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg. 

Approved Indications For Ozempic

Ozempic injection has proven efficacy in diabetics and has many benefits. The key is to stay active and eat healthy. The officially stated important impacts of Ozempic include:

Blood Sugar Control Through HBA1C Reduction

HBA1C or simply called A1c stands for glycated hemoglobin. The test is used to keep a check on your blood sugar levels over the past 2 or 3 months. 

The levels of HBA1C are usually as follows;

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) says that the goal for adults with Type 2 diabetes is to have an A1C level below 7%. Studies indicate that the majority of the patients taking Ozempic achieved this goal when coupled with an active lifestyle and sugar free diet. GLP-1 receptor agonists Ozempic lowers the blood sugar by stimulating the production of insulin from the pancreas. 

Note: Ozempic pen is not to be shared. Keep your own pen and DO NOT give or take anybody else’s as this can spread serious infections.

Significantly Reduces Weight

Most of the antidiabetics lead to weight gain when used over a period of time. Semaglutide Ozempic is clinically proven to lose weight. Although it is not FDA-approved to be a weight loss medicine, the diabetics taking this, showed significant belly reduction. Clinical studies indicate that patients on Ozempic lost almost 14 pounds of weight. The detailed results for lost weight were:

• Ozempic: 8 lb (0.5 mg) and 10 lb (1 mg) vs placebo: 3 lb

• Ozempic: 12 lb (1 mg) and 14 lb (2 mg) from an average starting weight of 202 lb and 219 lb, respectively.

Note: The higher dose of semaglutide which is present in Ozempic can cause greater weight loss. So the brands of semaglutide like Wegovy, which contain higher amounts are approved for weight loss prescription. 

Lowers the Risk of Heart Diseases

Ozempic helps reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, like heart attack, stroke, or death, in adults with type 2 diabetes who have known heart disease. It reduces heart disease risk in adults with type 2 diabetes by improving blood sugar control, aiding in weight loss, and reducing blood pressure. It also lowers inflammation, improves cholesterol levels, and protects blood vessels, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. These make Ozempic an effective treatment for cardiovascular health in diabetes patients.

Points to Remember: Ozempic injection has no safety or efficacy profile developed in children under 18 years of age, in patients with Type 1 diabetes, and pancreatitis. 

Reduces Kidney Disease Worsening

Ozempic helps reduce the risk of kidney disease progression, kidney failure (end-stage kidney disease), and death due to cardiovascular complications in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. It reduces inflammation and helps protect kidneys during CKD significantly slow the disease progression. 

Side Effects of Ozempic

Common side effects caused by Ozempic include gastric symptoms, allergic reactions, and kidney and thyroid problems, along with the others listed below.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea (most common, especially when starting treatment)

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Stomach pain

• Loss of appetite

• Fatigue

Serious Side Effects 

Serious side effects immediately require medical attention and include:

• Severe gastrointestinal issues (persistent vomiting or diarrhea leading to dehydration)

• Pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting)

• Gallbladder problems (gallstones, pain in the upper right abdomen)

• Kidney issues (worsening kidney function, dehydration)

• Thyroid tumors (rare but possible; symptoms include neck swelling and trouble swallowing)

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) (especially if used with other diabetes medications)

Other Possible Concerns

• Changes in taste

• Dizziness

• Heartburn or acid reflux

• Hair loss (rarely reported)

Since Ozempic slows down digestion, it can cause significant gastrointestinal discomfort, especially in the early stages of treatment. “Ozempic face” is another term which is used to describe the facial changes in people, which are particularly due to significant weight loss. 

Contact your doctor if any of the side effects prolong or worsen. 

Special Considerations For Ozempic Injection

Take Ozempic strictly on the doctor’s prescription and in the recommended doses. Some of the common risks and warnings associated with the Ozempic Inj include:

• Take your doctor in confidence if you are suffering from any underlying diseases, allergies, or thyroid issues. Keep a check on hoarseness, lump in the throat, or any other thyroid related changes as the drug has a history of causing thyroid cancer.

• Do not use Ozempic if you have a family history of thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, or CKD.

• If you are facing severe headaches, nausea, and dehydration, contact your doctor immediately as it can lead to kidney issues.

• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant or are breastfeeding before taking the medicine.

Instruction on Using Ozempic Injection

Follow the prescribed dosing schedule and instructions for the Ozempic injection administration. The general guidelines say:

• Store the pen in the refrigerator between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C). 

• Unused Ozempic can be stored until the expiration date.

• It is administered in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Prioritize based on professional recommendation or your personal choice.

• Inject 1 Ozempic injection 1 time a week on the same day.

• If you miss the dose and recall within 5 days, take it then otherwise skip the missed dose. 

Ozempic is a prescription medicine and should only be used as per the doctor's recommendation and the health condition of the patient. It should also be mentioned that the Price of Ozempic in Pakistan is quite economical compared to other regions.