Description
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a medication designed to:
- Help control blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes.
- Reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, or death) in adults with heart disease.
- Aid in weight loss for people who are overweight or obese when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.
Key Ingredient:
Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, mimics a natural hormone that:
- Stimulates insulin production in response to food.
- Slows digestion, helping regulate blood sugar.
- Suppresses appetite, aiding weight loss.
How Does Ozempic Work?
Ozempic reduces blood sugar and supports weight management by:
- Slowing the speed at which food leaves your stomach.
- Reducing hunger and food intake.
- Blocking the release of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar.
It also helps lower A1C levels (a measure of average blood sugar over 3 months).
In studies, Ozempic helped patients with an average starting A1C of 8.1 achieve levels below 7 (the target for most people) within 12 months.
Dosage and Administration
- Starting Dose: 0.25 mg once weekly for four weeks.
- Maintenance Dose: 0.5 mg weekly, possibly increased based on results.
How to Use:
- Inject once a week, on the same day, at the same time (with or without food).
- Use the pre-filled pen to inject under the skin of the abdomen, upper thigh, or upper arm.
- Rotate injection sites weekly to avoid irritation.
Missed Dose?
- Take it within 5 days of the missed dose. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.
- Do not double-dose.
Storage:
- Keep Ozempic pens refrigerated.
Precautions
- Do not share pens. Sharing can lead to infection or incorrect dosing.
- Check the pen before use. If the liquid is discolored or contains particles, replace it.
Who Shouldn’t Use Ozempic?
- People with Type 1 diabetes (not FDA-approved for this use).
- Those with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome Type 2 (MEN 2).
Potential Side Effects
Common Side Effects (usually mild and temporary):
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Flatulence
Serious Side Effects:
- Pancreatitis: Severe, persistent stomach pain (may radiate to the back), with or without vomiting.
- Kidney Issues: Dehydration from side effects like nausea and vomiting can worsen kidney problems.
- Gallbladder Problems: Symptoms include upper abdominal pain, jaundice, fever, or clay-colored stools.
- Thyroid Tumors (rare): Symptoms include a lump in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath.
What to Do:
- If serious side effects occur, stop using Ozempic and contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Special Benefits
- Reduces blood sugar without the need for external insulin.
- Helps lower A1C levels.
- Reduces the risk of heart-related events in people with cardiovascular disease.
- Supports weight loss when combined with a healthy lifestyle.
Important: Always read the Product Insert included with your medication and consult your doctor with any concerns or unexpected side effects.
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