Description
About Ozempic (semaglutide) injection
Ozempic is a prescription medicine for adults with type 2 diabetes. It contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, and is injected under the skin once a week with a prefilled pen.
What Ozempic is used for
Along with diet and exercise, Ozempic is used in adults with type 2 diabetes to:
- improve blood sugar control
- lower the risk of heart attack, stroke or death from heart disease in people who also have heart or blood vessel disease
- lower the risk of kidney disease getting worse, kidney failure and death from heart disease in people who also have chronic kidney disease
Ozempic isn’t approved for type 1 diabetes or for weight loss. Semaglutide for weight management is sold under a different name, Wegovy.
How Ozempic is used
- Inject it once a week on the same day each week, at any time of day, with or without food.
- Inject it under the skin of your stomach area, thigh or upper arm, and use a different spot each week.
- Your prescriber usually starts you on 0.25 mg once a week for 4 weeks, then raises the dose to 0.5 mg. The dose may go up to 1 mg or 2 mg once a week if needed.
- If you miss a dose, take it within 5 days. If more than 5 days have passed, skip it and take your next dose on your usual day.
- Each pen holds several doses. Use a new needle for every injection, and never share your pen, even if you change the needle.
Common side effects
The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and constipation. They’re most likely when you start Ozempic or raise the dose.
Important safety information
In studies in rodents, semaglutide caused thyroid tumors. It isn’t known whether it does in people. Don’t use it if you or a family member has had medullary thyroid cancer, or if you have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Tell your doctor about a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing or shortness of breath. Other serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems and kidney problems from dehydration.
Tell your doctor if you have diabetic eye disease (retinopathy) or have had pancreatitis. Low blood sugar is more likely if you also take insulin or a sulfonylurea such as glimepiride. Stop Ozempic at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy. Before surgery or any procedure with anesthesia or deep sedation, tell the team you take Ozempic.
Storage
Before first use, keep the pen in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). After first use, you can keep it in the refrigerator or at room temperature, 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C), for up to 56 days. Don’t freeze it, and keep the cap on to protect it from light.
This page is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to a qualified healthcare professional.
