Ozempic

Ozempic is a once-weekly injection whose active ingredient is semaglutide. Semaglutide belongs to a group of medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Ozempic is used, alongside diet and exercise, to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. In people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease it may also be used to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke.

Ozempic helps lower blood sugar (HbA1c) and can support weight reduction. In people with type 2 diabetes and established heart disease it has been shown to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events.

Semaglutide mimics the natural hormone GLP-1. It prompts the body to release more insulin when blood sugar is high and reduces the amount of sugar made by the liver, in a glucose-dependent way. It also slows how quickly the stomach empties and reduces appetite, which helps control blood sugar after meals.

Ozempic is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously) into the abdomen, thigh or upper arm, once a week on the same day, with or without food. To reduce stomach side effects, the dose is started low and increased gradually under your prescriber's guidance (typically beginning at 0.25 mg weekly for 4 weeks, then 0.5 mg, with further increases if needed).

The most common side effects affect the digestive system and include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation and abdominal (tummy) pain. They are usually mild and often ease as your body adjusts. Decreased appetite, indigestion and burping can also occur.

Like other GLP-1 medicines, this medicine carries a boxed warning about the risk of thyroid C-cell tumours (including medullary thyroid carcinoma, MTC). These tumours were seen in rodent studies; the relevance to humans is not established. Do not use Ozempic if you or a close family member have had medullary thyroid cancer or the genetic condition Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), or if you have had a serious allergic reaction to semaglutide. It is not for people with type 1 diabetes. Tell your prescriber promptly about severe, persistent tummy pain, which could signal pancreatitis.

Use with caution if you have a history of pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, diabetic eye disease (retinopathy), or kidney problems, as dehydration from vomiting or diarrhoea can affect the kidneys. If you also take insulin or a sulfonylurea, your risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) is higher and your prescriber may adjust those doses. Discuss pregnancy or breastfeeding with your prescriber.

Store unused pens in a refrigerator at 2-8°C, away from the cooling element; do not freeze. Once in use, a pen may be kept refrigerated or at room temperature up to 30°C. Keep the cap on and protect from light, and follow the in-use discard time stated in the patient leaflet.

If you miss a dose and your next scheduled dose is more than 2 days (48 hours) away, take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is less than 2 days away, skip the missed dose and continue on your usual day. If you miss several doses, speak to your prescriber, as restarting at a lower dose may be advised.