What is Ozempic
SemaglutideThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummarySemaglutide is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by stimulating insulin production and reducing blood sugar levels. It is available in two forms: injections that are given once a week and tablets that are taken once a day. Clinical trials have shown that semaglutide can lower the levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and reduce body weight. In 2021, semaglutide was approved by the FDA and Health Canada for use in adults with general obesity or overweight who have at least one weight-related condition. This makes semaglutide the first drug
Ozempicis the brand name
Ozempic Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Ozempic
Semaglutide
2017
19
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Semaglutide, commonly known as Ozempic, is approved by the FDA for 5 uses including Diet and Cardiovascular Events .Diet
Used in combination with other therapies
Cardiovascular Events
Type 2 Diabetes
Cardiovascular Diseases
Physical Activity
Used in combination with other therapies
Effectiveness
How Ozempic Affects PatientsSemaglutide helps to reduce levels of HbA1c, blood pressure, and body weight. It does this by increasing insulin production and decreasing the amount of glucagon in the body. It also lowers triglycerides and VLDL cholesterol, which can help improve cardiovascular health. There is a risk of developing medullary thyroid cell cancer, pancreatitis, and dehydration while taking semaglutide. It is important to stay hydrated and seek medical attention right away if experiencing abdominal pain. Additionally, this drug may affect how other drugs taken orally are absorbed, so it's important to monitor for both positive and negative
How Ozempic works in the bodySemaglutide helps to keep blood sugar levels in check by stimulating the pancreas to produce insulin. It also slows down the digestion of food and reduces the amount of glucagon released after meals. Semaglutide binds to the GLP-1 receptor in the body, activating several processes that lower blood sugar. Additionally, semaglutide may reduce the progression of atherosclerosis, a type of heart disease, by decreasing inflammation and gut permeability. Finally, semaglutide can also lead to weight loss through its effects on appetite and food cravings.
When to interrupt dosage
The dosage of Ozempic is contingent upon the diagnosed issue, such as Type 2 Diabetes, at least one weight-related comorbid condition and reduced-calorie diet. The sum of medication also fluctuates in accordance with the technique of delivery (e.g. Solution - Subcutaneous or Subcutaneous) specified in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
BMI >27 kg/m2
2.4 mg, 14.0 mg, 7.0 mg, , 0.25 mg, 1.34 mg/mL, 1.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg/pump actuation, 10.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 24.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mL, 17.0 mg/mL, 1.7 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 6.8 mg/mL, 9.6 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg/mL, 2.68 mg/mL, 0.68 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL
Solution - Subcutaneous, Subcutaneous, , Injection, powder, lyophilized, for suspension, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Subcutaneous, Solution, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for suspension - Oral
at least one weight-related comorbid condition
2.4 mg, 14.0 mg, 7.0 mg, , 0.25 mg, 1.34 mg/mL, 1.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg/pump actuation, 10.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 24.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mL, 17.0 mg/mL, 1.7 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 6.8 mg/mL, 9.6 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg/mL, 2.68 mg/mL, 0.68 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL
Solution - Subcutaneous, Subcutaneous, , Injection, powder, lyophilized, for suspension, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Subcutaneous, Solution, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for suspension - Oral
Disease
2.4 mg, 14.0 mg, 7.0 mg, , 0.25 mg, 1.34 mg/mL, 1.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg/pump actuation, 10.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 24.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mL, 17.0 mg/mL, 1.7 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 6.8 mg/mL, 9.6 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg/mL, 2.68 mg/mL, 0.68 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL
Solution - Subcutaneous, Subcutaneous, , Injection, powder, lyophilized, for suspension, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Subcutaneous, Solution, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for suspension - Oral
Diet
2.4 mg, 14.0 mg, 7.0 mg, , 0.25 mg, 1.34 mg/mL, 1.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg/pump actuation, 10.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 24.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mL, 17.0 mg/mL, 1.7 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 6.8 mg/mL, 9.6 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg/mL, 2.68 mg/mL, 0.68 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL
Solution - Subcutaneous, Subcutaneous, , Injection, powder, lyophilized, for suspension, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Subcutaneous, Solution, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for suspension - Oral
Physical Activity
2.4 mg, 14.0 mg, 7.0 mg, , 0.25 mg, 1.34 mg/mL, 1.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg/pump actuation, 10.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 24.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mL, 17.0 mg/mL, 1.7 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 6.8 mg/mL, 9.6 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg/mL, 2.68 mg/mL, 0.68 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL
Solution - Subcutaneous, Subcutaneous, , Injection, powder, lyophilized, for suspension, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Subcutaneous, Solution, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for suspension - Oral
Chronic Weight Management
2.4 mg, 14.0 mg, 7.0 mg, , 0.25 mg, 1.34 mg/mL, 1.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg/pump actuation, 10.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 24.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mL, 17.0 mg/mL, 1.7 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 6.8 mg/mL, 9.6 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg/mL, 2.68 mg/mL, 0.68 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL
Solution - Subcutaneous, Subcutaneous, , Injection, powder, lyophilized, for suspension, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Subcutaneous, Solution, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for suspension - Oral
Type 2 Diabetes
2.4 mg, 14.0 mg, 7.0 mg, , 0.25 mg, 1.34 mg/mL, 1.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg/pump actuation, 10.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 24.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mL, 17.0 mg/mL, 1.7 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 6.8 mg/mL, 9.6 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg/mL, 2.68 mg/mL, 0.68 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL
Solution - Subcutaneous, Subcutaneous, , Injection, powder, lyophilized, for suspension, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Subcutaneous, Solution, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for suspension - Oral
Chronic Weight Management therapy
2.4 mg, 14.0 mg, 7.0 mg, , 0.25 mg, 1.34 mg/mL, 1.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg/pump actuation, 10.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 24.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mL, 17.0 mg/mL, 1.7 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 6.8 mg/mL, 9.6 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg/mL, 2.68 mg/mL, 0.68 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL
Solution - Subcutaneous, Subcutaneous, , Injection, powder, lyophilized, for suspension, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Subcutaneous, Solution, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for suspension - Oral
reduced-calorie diet
2.4 mg, 14.0 mg, 7.0 mg, , 0.25 mg, 1.34 mg/mL, 1.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg/pump actuation, 10.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 24.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mL, 17.0 mg/mL, 1.7 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 6.8 mg/mL, 9.6 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg/mL, 2.68 mg/mL, 0.68 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL
Solution - Subcutaneous, Subcutaneous, , Injection, powder, lyophilized, for suspension, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Subcutaneous, Solution, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for suspension - Oral
Warnings
Ozempic ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia
Do Not Combine
Medullary carcinoma of thyroid
Do Not Combine
Patient History of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Semaglutide may interact with Toxoplasma Infections
Common Ozempic Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Acetohexamide
Moderate
Semaglutide may increase the hypoglycemic activities of Acetohexamide.
Carbutamide
Moderate
Semaglutide may increase the hypoglycemic activities of Carbutamide.
Chlorpropamide
Moderate
Semaglutide may increase the hypoglycemic activities of Chlorpropamide.
Englitazone
Moderate
The risk or severity of hypoglycemia can be increased when Semaglutide is combined with Englitazone.
Fluconazole
Moderate
The risk or severity of hypoglycemia can be increased when Semaglutide is combined with Fluconazole.
Ozempic Toxicity & Overdose RiskSome people have overdosed on Semaglutide and experienced nausea as the primary symptom. All those who have overdosed have recovered fully with the help of medical care. It can take up to one week for Semaglutide to leave the body, so observation and treatment may be necessary for a while. There is no specific antidote for an overdose on this drug.
Ozempic Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Ozempic?
196 active studies are currently underway to assess the effectiveness of Ozempic in treating Disease, Weight-Related Comorbidities and BMI >27 kg/m2.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Disease
0 Actively Recruiting
Diet
3 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
at least one weight-related comorbid condition
0 Actively Recruiting
BMI >27 kg/m2
0 Actively Recruiting
Chronic Weight Management therapy
0 Actively Recruiting
reduced-calorie diet
0 Actively Recruiting
Chronic Weight Management
0 Actively Recruiting
Physical Activity
34 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Early Phase 1
Type 2 Diabetes
175 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Early Phase 1, Phase 1, Phase 3
Ozempic Reviews: What are patients saying about Ozempic?
5Patient Review
10/16/2022 I've been on this medication for four months now. I definitely noticed a change in my cravings; I used to love greasy foods, but now they don't appeal to me at all. I'm down 31 pounds since starting the medication, and I don't feel the need to snack constantly like I used to.
5Patient Review
10/29/2022 I've lost 35lbs since starting this treatment in July. The side effects were unpleasant at first, but they've gone away now and I'm really happy with the results. It's important to drink lots of water when you're on this medication, and to be patient as your body adjusts to it. The constipation was the hardest part for me, but it eventually went away.
5Patient Review
11/4/2022 This is the best medication I've ever been on. In just four months, it's helped me lower my A1C from 11 to 7. Plus, I haven't experienced any negative side effects.
4.3Patient Review
10/21/2022 Just feeling sick... otherwise this treatment is working well.
3Patient Review
11/8/2022 I get very nauseous from this medication, to the point of vomiting. The taste is incredibly unpleasant as well.
2.3Patient Review
11/5/2022 I took a one shot Monday night and was in the ER 5 days later. Spent over night and went home next night and was diagnosed with Pancreatitis. I have since been Diagnosed with Pancreas Cancer and seeing a Specialist Tuesday to see the depth of my Cancer. Ozempic may have alerted me of something far worst to come or it caused my Pancretitis. I won't be taking it again. Male 59
2Patient Review
11/7/2022 I would not recommend this drug for weight loss. It gave me terrible constipation that I have never experienced before in my life. I was on it for 5 weeks and stopped immediately after feeling these effects.
1.7Patient Review
10/30/2022 I have been experiencing gut pain, nausea, and headaches since I started taking this medication six weeks ago. I am also constantly constipated and have gained twelve pounds. While my A1C has dropped from 12.1 to 6.1 in the same time frame, I can't say that this drug is worth the other side effects I've experienced.
1.3Patient Review
10/16/2022 Allergic dermatitis is a terrible reaction to have. I had red splotches, dry patches, and hive-like itching all over my face. If anyone has experienced this, please let me know what the remedy was.
1Patient Review
10/7/2022 I was really surprised that this drug is allowed on the market after experiencing its terrible side effects firsthand. I had stomach aches, diarrhea and vomiting when I took the full dose. No wonder people lose weight when they're too sick to eat!
1Patient Review
10/18/2022 I have been struggling with chronic gastritis for a while now. I was put on Ozempic .25 five weeks ago, and my doctor has finally listened to me about the severe stomach pain I've been experiencing. This medication is being taken off of my regimen because it's made me feel incredibly ill--I have never felt this way from a medication before. It did help lower my blood sugar into the normal range, but the stomach pain is so unbearable that I would rather not have any relief than go through this again. If only I had found these reviews before starting this med...
1Patient Review
11/2/2022 After my first injection of this medication, I was beset by vomiting and diarrhea for six days straight. This led to extreme dehydration and a potassium deficiency that could've resulted in a heart attack. Needless to say, I won't be taking this drug any longer.
Patient Q&A Section about ozempic
What exactly does Ozempic do?
"Ozempic, when used with diet and exercise, has been shown to improve blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. In adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease, Ozempic reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events such as stroke, heart attack, or death." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
Is Ozempic for weight loss?
"Ozempic is a medication for adults with type 2 diabetes. It is not a weight-loss drug. Ozempic, combined with diet and exercise, may improve blood sugar." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What are the most common side effects of Ozempic?
"These are some of the side effects that may occur when using semaglutide. If you experience any of these effects, tell your doctor or pharmacist." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What are the dangers of Ozempic?
"The pancreas can become inflamed, which is called pancreatitis. This can cause changes in vision, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), kidney problems (kidney failure), serious allergic reactions, and gallbladder problems." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer