{"id":20205,"date":"2022-03-28T10:41:48","date_gmt":"2022-03-28T10:41:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/?p=20205"},"modified":"2022-03-29T11:33:44","modified_gmt":"2022-03-29T11:33:44","slug":"ozempic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/medicines\/ozempic\/","title":{"rendered":"Ozempic &#8211; Semaglutide uses, dose and side effects"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>0.25 mg&nbsp;solution for injection&nbsp;in pre-filled&nbsp;pen&nbsp;semaglutide<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Ozempic is and what it is used for<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ozempic contains the active substance semaglutide.&nbsp;It helps the body lower your blood sugar, but only when your blood sugar is too high.&nbsp;It can also help prevent heart disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ozempic is used:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>as the only medicine &#8211; unless diet and exercise alone are enough to get your blood sugar under control, and you can not use\u00a0metformin\u00a0(another diabetes medicine) or<\/li><li>together with other diabetes medicines &#8211; when these are not enough to get your blood sugar under control.\u00a0These other medicines can be diabetes medicines that you swallow (such as\u00a0metformin, a thiazolidinedione, sulphonylurea, sodium-glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors) or\u00a0insulin.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You must continue to follow the advice on diet and exercise given to you by your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse<em>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What you need to know before you use Ozempic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do not use Ozempic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>if you are allergic to liraglutide or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Warnings and cautions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse before using this medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This medicine is not&nbsp;insulin&nbsp;and should not be used if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>you have type 1\u00a0diabetes\u00a0&#8211; a condition in which the body does not produce any\u00a0insulin<\/li><li>you develop diabetic ketoacidosis &#8211; a complication of\u00a0diabetes\u00a0with high blood sugar, difficulty breathing, confusion, excessive thirst, sweet breath, or a sweet or metallic taste in the mouth.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Ozempic is not\u00a0insulin\u00a0and should therefore not be used as a replacement for\u00a0insulin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Effects on the digestive system<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During treatment with this medicine, you may feel unwell, vomit, or have diarrhea.\u00a0These\u00a0side effects\u00a0can cause dehydration (fluid loss).\u00a0It is important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.\u00a0This is especially important if you have kidney problems.\u00a0Talk to a doctor if you have any questions or concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Severe and persistent abdominal pain that may be due to&nbsp;acute&nbsp;inflammation&nbsp;of the pancreas<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have severe and persistent stomach pain &#8211; see a doctor immediately as this may be a sign of&nbsp;acute&nbsp;pancreatitis&nbsp;(&nbsp;inflammation&nbsp;of the pancreas).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>See section 4 for warning signs of the inflamed pancreas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Hypoglycemia<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Combining sulphonylurea or\u00a0insulin\u00a0with this medicine may increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).\u00a0See section 4 for information on warning signs of low blood sugar.\u00a0Your doctor may ask you to test your blood sugar levels.\u00a0This will help your doctor decide if a\u00a0dose\u00a0of sulphonylurea or\u00a0insulin\u00a0needs to be changed to reduce the risk of low blood sugar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Diabetic eye disease (&nbsp;retinopathy&nbsp;)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have diabetic eye disease and use\u00a0insulin, this medicine may lead to your vision deteriorating, which may require treatment.\u00a0Tell your doctor if you have diabetic eye disease or if you experience eye problems during treatment with this medicine<em>.\u00a0<\/em>If you have a diabetic eye disease that may be unstable, we do not recommend that you take Ozempic 2 mg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Children and young people<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This medicine is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age, as safety and efficacy in this age group have not been established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other medicines and Ozempic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tell your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines, including herbal medicines or other medicines you have bought without a prescription.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Especially if you are taking medicines that contain any of the following, tell your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Warfarin\u00a0or similar medicines are taken orally to reduce blood clotting capacity (oral\u00a0anticoagulants\u00a0).\u00a0You may be required to have frequent check-ups of your blood clotting capacity.<\/li><li>If you are\u00a0taking insulin, your doctor will tell you how to lower your insulin dose and recommend that you measure your blood sugar more often to avoid\u00a0hyperglycemia\u00a0(high blood sugar) and diabetic ketoacidosis (a complication of\u00a0diabetes\u00a0that occurs when the body is unable to break down\u00a0glucose\u00a0because there is not enough\u00a0insulin\u00a0).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pregnancy and breastfeeding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before using this medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This medicine should not be used during pregnancy as it is not known if it may affect your fetus.&nbsp;Therefore, you should use a contraceptive when using this medicine.&nbsp;If you want to get pregnant, stop using this medicine at least two months in advance.&nbsp;If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, talk to your doctor immediately as your treatment may need to be changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not use this medicine if you are breastfeeding, as it is not known if it passes into breast milk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Driving and using machines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ozempic is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or use machines.\u00a0If you use this medicine together with a sulphonylurea or\u00a0insulin, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) may occur which may lower your ability to concentrate.\u00a0Avoid driving or using machines if you get signs of low blood sugar.\u00a0Section 2, \u201cWarnings and precautions\u201d provides information on the increased risk of low blood sugar and Section 4 provides information on the warning signs for low blood sugar.\u00a0For more information, talk to your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sodium content<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This medicine contains less than 1 mmol (23 mg)\u00a0sodium\u00a0per\u00a0dose, ie essentially &#8216;sodium-free&#8217;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to use Ozempic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you.\u00a0If you are not sure, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How much to use<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The starting dose is 0.25 mg once a week for four weeks.<\/li><li>After four weeks, the doctor increases the&nbsp;dose&nbsp;one to 0.5 mg once a week.<\/li><li>Your doctor may increase your&nbsp;dose&nbsp;one to 1 mg once a week if your blood sugar is not kept sufficiently under control at a&nbsp;dose&nbsp;of 0.5 mg once a week.<\/li><li>Your doctor may increase the&nbsp;dose&nbsp;to one to 2 mg once a week if your blood sugar is not kept under sufficient control at a&nbsp;dose&nbsp;of 1 mg once a week.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The dose\u00a0may only be changed as directed by a physician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How Ozempic should be given<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ozempic is given as an&nbsp;injection&nbsp;under the skin (&nbsp;subcutaneous&nbsp;injection&nbsp;).&nbsp;Do not inject the medicine directly into a blood vessel or muscle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The best places to inject are the front of the thighs, the front of the waist (abdomen), or the upper arm.<\/li><li>Before using the pen for the first time, tell your doctor or nurse how to use it.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>There is a detailed instruction manual on the back of this leaflet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>When to use Ozempic<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You should use this medicine once a week on the same day of the week if possible.<\/li><li>You can&nbsp;inject&nbsp;one at any time during the day &#8211; regardless of meals<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To help you remember to inject this medicine only once a week, you should write down the day of the week you have chosen (eg Wednesday) on the carton and write the date on the carton each time you have injected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If needed, you can change the day of the week for the\u00a0injection\u00a0of one of these medicines as long as at least 3 days have passed since the last\u00a0injection.\u00a0Once you have selected a new dosing day, continue with the weekly\u00a0dosing\u00a0one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you use more Ozempic than you should&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Contact a doctor immediately if you have used too much Ozempic.&nbsp;You can get&nbsp;side effects&nbsp;such as nausea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you forget to use Ozempic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you forget to inject a&nbsp;dose&nbsp;and:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>it has been 5 days or less since you would have used Ozempic, you should take an\u00a0injection\u00a0as soon as you remember.\u00a0Inject the next\u00a0dose\u00a0as usual on a regularly scheduled day.<\/li><li>it has been more than 5 days since you would have used Ozempic, you should skip the missed\u00a0dose\u00a0one.\u00a0Inject the next\u00a0dose\u00a0as usual on a regularly scheduled day.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not use a double\u00a0dose\u00a0to make up for a forgotten\u00a0dose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you stop using Ozempic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not stop using this medicine without talking to your doctor first.&nbsp;If you stop using the medicine, your blood sugar level may rise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Possible side effects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Like all medicines, this medicine can cause\u00a0side effects, although not everybody gets them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Serious&nbsp;side effects&nbsp;are<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Common (<\/strong>&nbsp;may affect up to 1 in 10 people)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Complications of diabetic eye disease (&nbsp;retinopathy&nbsp;) &#8211; you should tell your doctor if you experience eye problems, such as vision changes, during treatment with this medicine.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Uncommon<\/strong>&nbsp;(may affect up to 1 in 100 people)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Inflamed\u00a0pancreas\u00a0(\u00a0acute\u00a0pancreatitis\u00a0) can cause severe pain in the abdomen and back and which does not cease.\u00a0You should see a doctor immediately if you experience such symptoms.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rare<\/strong>&nbsp;(may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>severe allergic reactions (anaphylactic reactions,\u00a0angioedema\u00a0).\u00a0Seek medical attention immediately and inform your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and\/or throat with difficulty swallowing, and palpitations.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Other&nbsp;side effects&nbsp;are<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Very common<\/strong>&nbsp;(may affect more than 1 user in 10)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>nausea &#8211; this usually goes away over time<\/li><li>diarrhea &#8211; this usually goes away with time<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Common<\/strong>&nbsp;(may affect up to 1 in 10 people)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>vomiting<\/li><li>low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when used with another antidiabetic medicine<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The warning signs of low blood sugar may come on suddenly.\u00a0They may manifest themselves as cold sweat, cold and pale skin, headache, palpitations, nausea or strong hunger, changes in vision, drowsiness or weakness, nervousness, anxiety or confusion, difficulty concentrating or shaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your doctor will tell you how to treat low blood sugar and what to do if you notice any of the warning signs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Low blood sugar is more likely to occur if you are also taking a medicine that contains sulphonylurea or\u00a0insulin.\u00a0Your doctor may reduce your\u00a0dose\u00a0of these medicines before you start using this medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>indigestion<\/li><li>gastritis (\u00a0gastritis\u00a0) &#8211; may manifest as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting<\/li><li>acid reflux or heartburn &#8211; also known as\u00a0gastroesophageal reflux disease\u00a0(\u00a0GERD\u00a0)<\/li><li>abdominal pain<\/li><li>swollen stomach<\/li><li>constipation<\/li><li>burp<\/li><li>gallstone<\/li><li>dizziness<\/li><li>fatigue<\/li><li>weight loss<\/li><li>decreased appetite<\/li><li>gases (\u00a0flatulence\u00a0)<\/li><li>increase in a pancreatic enzyme (such as\u00a0lipase\u00a0and amylase).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Uncommon<\/strong>&nbsp;(may affect up to 1 in 100 people)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>change in how food and drink taste<\/li><li>fast\u00a0pulse<\/li><li>injection site reactions &#8211; such as bruising, pain, irritation,\u00a0itching,\u00a0and rash.<\/li><li>allergic reactions such as rash,\u00a0itching,\u00a0or hives.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to store Ozempic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the pen and carton after EXP.&nbsp;The expiration date is the last day of the specified month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Unopened:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Store in a refrigerator (2 \u00b0 C to 8 \u00b0 C).&nbsp;Do not freeze.&nbsp;Do not store near the heat sink.&nbsp;Sensitive to light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>During use:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The pen can be stored for 6 weeks at a maximum of 30 \u00b0 C or in a refrigerator (2 \u00b0 C to 8 \u00b0 C), not near the cooling element.&nbsp;Ozempic must not be frozen and if it has been frozen, it must not be used.<\/li><li>When the pen is not in use, store it with the pen cap on.&nbsp;Sensitive to light.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The drug may only be used if the solution is clear and colorless or almost colorless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste.&nbsp;Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required.&nbsp;These measures will help to protect the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contents of the pack and other information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Content declaration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Content declaration<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The active substance is semaglutide.\u00a0One ml of\u00a0solution for injection\u00a0contains 1.34 mg of semaglutide.\u00a0One pre-filled\u00a0pen\u00a0contains 2 mg of semaglutide in a 1.5 ml solution.\u00a0Each\u00a0dose\u00a0contains 0.25 mg of semaglutide in 0.19 ml.<\/li><li>The other ingredients are disodium phosphate dihydrate, propylene glycol, phenol, water for injections, sodium hydroxide \/ hydrochloric acid (for\u00a0pH\u00a0adjustment).\u00a0See also section 2, \u201cSodium content\u201d.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What the medicine looks like and the contents of the pack<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ozempic is a clear and colorless or almost colorless\u00a0solution for injection\u00a0in a pre-filled\u00a0pen.\u00a0Each pre-filled\u00a0pen\u00a0contains 1.5 ml of solution, giving 4\u00a0doses\u00a0of 0.25 mg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Ozempic 0.25 mg&nbsp;solution for injection&nbsp;is available in the following pack sizes:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1&nbsp;pen&nbsp;and 4 NovoFine Plus disposable needles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Marketing Authorization Holder and Manufacturer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Novo Nordisk A \/ S<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Novo All\u00e9<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>DK-2880 Bagsv\u00e6rd<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Denmark<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ozempic contains the active substance semaglutide. It helps the body lower your blood sugar, but only when your blood sugar is too high. It can also help prevent heart disease.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2200,18526],"tags":[20618,20613,20614,20617,20609,20612,20615,20610,20616,20611],"class_list":["post-20205","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-medicines","category-o","tag-benefits-of-ozempic","tag-benefits-of-semaglutide","tag-ozempic","tag-ozempic-side-effects","tag-semaglutide","tag-semaglutide-side-effects","tag-what-is-ozempic","tag-what-is-semaglutide","tag-what-ozempic-is-used-for","tag-what-semaglutide-is-used-for"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20205","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20205"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20205\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20254,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20205\/revisions\/20254"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20205"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20205"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20205"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}