Ozempic

Ozempic

Ozempic is an FDA-approved medication that contains semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist that helps adults with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. Ozempic drug comes as a once-weekly injection that patients administer under the skin using prefilled disposable pens. The medicine also reduces the risk of serious cardiovascular events like heart attack & stroke in patients who have heart disease and diabetes.

This article explains what Ozempic is, its uses, and how to take it for maximum benefits.

What is Ozempic

Doctors prescribe Ozempic as an injectable medicine containing semaglutide. Ozempic medication comes in prefilled disposable pens for injection under the skin, rather than tablets. It copies GLP-1's action, a hormone your body naturally produces to regulate blood sugar. 

Ozempic tablet Uses

Ozempic has three main FDA-approved uses:

• It helps adults with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar when combined with diet and exercise
• It lowers the possibility of major cardiovascular events like heart attack, stroke, or death in adults who have both type 2 diabetes and heart disease
• It reduces the chances of kidney disease getting worse, kidney failure, and death from cardiovascular disease in adults with type 2 diabetes & chronic kidney disease

People with type 1 diabetes or a history of pancreatitis should not use Ozempic.

How and When to Use Ozempic 

• You need to take Ozempic once a week, on the same day. The time of day doesn't matter, and you can take it with or without food. 
• Treatment starts with 0.25 mg weekly for 4 weeks, then moves up to 0.5 mg. Your doctor might adjust your dose to 1 mg or 2 mg if you need better blood sugar control.
• You should inject Ozempic under the skin of your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Taking a missed dose within 5 days is fine; otherwise, wait for your next scheduled dose.
• Always use a new needle for each injection. 

Side Effects of Ozempic 

Common side effects include:

• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhoea 
• Abdominal pain 
• Constipation 

Serious but rare side effects include:

• Pancreatitis
• Vision changes
• Low blood sugar
• Thyroid tumour
• Kidney problems
• Allergic reactions

Precautions

• You should avoid Ozempic if you or your family members have thyroid conditions, medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN2.
• Tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have, especially pancreas problems, diabetic retinopathy, and severe stomach issues.
• If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy tell your doctor before starting this medicine.

How Ozempic Tablet Works

Ozempic functions as a GLP-1 receptor agonist that binds to & activates the GLP-1 receptor in your body. It operates through multiple actions:

• It stimulates insulin secretion when your blood sugar rises
• It lowers glucagon secretion in a glucose-dependent manner
• It slows down stomach emptying, which reduces glucose appearance in your bloodstream after meals

Ozempic's unique structure has 94% sequence homology to human GLP-1, with modifications that protect it from rapid breakdown. This results in an elimination half-life of about 7 days, making weekly dosing possible.

Can I Take Ozempic with Other Medicines?

Mixing Ozempic with certain medications requires caution. 

Your risk of low blood sugar increases when you take Ozempic with insulin or sulfonylureas (like glimepiride or glyburide). Your doctor might lower the dose of these medications in such cases.

The medication's effect on stomach emptying can impact how your body absorbs oral medications like:

• Antimalarial drugs
• Certain antibiotics like amoxicillin, clarithromycin
• Digoxin
• Sitagliptin
• Warfarin

Your doctor might recommend taking these medications at different times or monitoring your progress more closely.

Dosage Information

Ozempic uses a step-up dosing schedule:

• Start with 0.25 mg once weekly for 4 weeks to help your body adjust
• Increase to 0.5 mg once weekly after 4 weeks
• Your doctor might increase your dose to 1 mg if you need additional blood sugar control after at least 4 weeks on 0.5 mg
• The dose can reach up to 2 mg once weekly for people needing more control (maximum dose)

Conclusion

Your body achieves steady-state plasma concentrations of Ozempic after 4-5 weeks of once weekly administration. You can take the medication with or without food at any time. Use a different injection site each week when injecting in the same body area.

FAQs

1. Is Ozempic high risk?

Ozempic comes with a boxed warning about thyroid tumour risks. Studies show it caused thyroid tumours in animals, but scientists aren't sure if humans face the same risk. You shouldn't take this medication if you or your family have a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2.

2. How long does Ozempic take to work?

Your blood sugar levels should drop within the first week of taking your regular maintenance dose. Most people reach a steady state after 4-5 weeks of weekly doses.

3. What happens if I miss a dose?

You can take a missed Ozempic dose within 5 days of your scheduled time. But if more than 5 days have gone by, skip that dose & wait for your next scheduled shot. Don't try to catch up by taking extra doses.

4. What happens if I overdose?

An Ozempic overdose can result in dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Watch for these overdose symptoms:

• Severe nausea and vomiting 
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Dizziness and confusion
• Weakness 
• Excessive sweating

5. Who cannot take Ozempic?

You should avoid Ozempic if you have:

• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
• Previous serious allergic reactions to semaglutide or Ozempic's ingredients
• Severe gastroparesis
• Women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy

6. When should I take Ozempic?

You have the flexibility to take Ozempic any time of day, with or without food. Just pick the same day each week for your injection. Some people take it at night to sleep through any nausea, while others prefer mornings if injection site pain affects their sleep.

7. How many days to take Ozempic?

Ozempic treatment for type 2 diabetes has no fixed endpoint. Patients might need it for years with their doctor's oversight, based on how effectively it manages their condition.

8. When to stop Ozempic?

Your doctor should guide any decision to stop this medication. These reasons might lead to discontinuation:

• Experiencing serious side effects
• Medication shortage
• Achieving weight goals

Sudden stops can trigger withdrawal symptoms.

9. Is it safe to take Ozempic daily?

No—weekly injections are required for Ozempic, not daily doses. More frequent use than prescribed could trigger dangerous side effects, including hypoglycemia.

10. What is the best time to take Ozempic?

Ozempic works with or without food and can be taken any time of day. Pick a weekly schedule that matches your routine. The specific hour matters less than staying consistent.

11. What to avoid when taking Ozempic?

Your doctor should know about your:

• Alcohol consumption
• Herbal supplements
• Other medications

12. Can I take ozempic and paracetamol together?

Ozempic shows no known interactions with paracetamol.