Description

Ozempic (semaglutide) is used for type 2 diabetes in adults to improve blood sugar levels and also used to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events like stroke, heart attack or death, for adults with type 2 diabetes with heart disease. In clinical trials, Ozempic has also been shown to help with weight loss, after 30 weeks, patients on Ozempic 0.5mg had lost 2.6 kg more than the placebo group, and patients on Ozempic 1mg lost 3.5 kg more than the placebo group.

 

How should I use Ozempic?

Use this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. It is usually started at a low dose that is gradually increased every 4 weeks to 30 days. Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions very carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you need help.

Ozempic is injected under the skin (subcutaneous injection), usually once per week at any time of the day, with or without food. Use an injection on the same day each week.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it.

Your healthcare provider will show you where to inject this medicine, it is usually injected into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.

If you choose a different weekly injection day, start your new schedule after at least 2 days have passed since the last injection you gave.

Do not use different brands of semaglutide (Wegovy or Rybelsus) at the same time.

Blood sugar can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can make you feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink hard candy, crackers, raisins, fruit juice, or non-diet soda. Your doctor may prescribe glucagon injection in case of severe hypoglycemia.

Tell your doctor if you have frequent symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst or urination. Ask your doctor before changing your dose or medication schedule.

Your treatment may also include diet, exercise, weight control, medical tests, and special medical care.

You may get dehydrated during prolonged illness. Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you eat or drink less than usual.

The Ozempic injection pen contains more than one dose. 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 not in use. Throw the pen away 56 days after the first use, or if less than 0.25 mg is shown on the dose 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 an injection pen that has been frozen.

Dosing Information

Ozempic recommended dosage:

• Start Ozempic with a 0.25 mg subcutaneous injection (injection under the skin) once weekly for 4 weeks. The 0.25 mg dosage is intended for treatment initiation and is not effective for glycemic control.
• After 4 weeks on the 0.25 mg dosage, increase the dosage to 0.5 mg once weekly.
• If additional glycemic control is needed after at least 4 weeks on the 0.5 mg dosage, the dosage may be increased to 1 mg once weekly.
• ​If additional glycemic control is needed after at least 4 weeks on the 1 mg dosage, the dosage may be increased to 2 mg once weekly. The maximum recommended dosage is 2 mg once weekly.
• Administer Ozempic once weekly, on the same day each week, at any time of the day, with or without meals.
• The day of weekly administration can be changed if necessary as long as the time between two doses is at least 2 days (>48 hours).
• If a dose is missed, administer your injection as soon as possible within 5 days after the missed dose. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and administer the next dose on the regularly scheduled day. In each case, patients can then resume their regular once weekly dosing schedule

Ozempic is available as 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1mg and 2mg dose pens.

Storage

• Keep this medication in the container it came in and out of reach of children. Store it away from light and heat, with the pen cap on.
• Store unused this medicine in the refrigerator (36°F to 46°F [2°C to 8°C]) but do not place them near the refrigerator cooling element.
• Once a pen is in use you can store it at room temperature (59°F to 86°F [15°C to 30°C]) or in the refrigerator.
• Do not freeze.
• Do not use this medicine if it has been frozen.
• When traveling, pens that are in use can be stored at room temperature (59°F to 86°F [15°C to 30°C]) (not in a car glove compartment or other hot place).
• Make a note of the date you first use a Ozempic pen, and dispose of the pen after 56 days, even if there is some solution left in the pen.
  

  Manufacturer

  Ozempic is manufactured by Novo Nordisk A/S, DK-2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark.