Contents Show
Costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. These factors include what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use. If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also visit the Ozempic manufacturer’s website to see if it offers any support options.
Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Ozempic that’s right for you. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes. Form and strengthsOzempic comes as a liquid solution inside prefilled, disposable pens. The following table shows which strengths Ozempic pens come in. The strengths are written as milligrams of semaglutide (Ozempic’s active drug) per milliliter of solution (mg/mL). Recommended dosagesYou’ll inject Ozempic once each week. You should use the medication on the same day each week. And try to inject it at about the same time on each of those days. Your doctor may start you on a low dose of Ozempic for the first 4 weeks of treatment. This way, they can see how well Ozempic is working for you. After this, your doctor will likely increase your dose. Your adjusted dose will depend on your blood sugar levels and other factors. Each Ozempic pen holds several doses of the drug. Your doctor or pharmacist will explain when you need to throw away each pen and start using a new one. Questions about Ozempic’s dosageBelow are some common questions about Ozempic’s dosage.
For more information about Ozempic’s dosage, see this article. Your doctor will explain how to take Ozempic. They’ll also explain how much to take and how often to take it. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes. Taking OzempicOzempic comes as a solution inside prefilled, disposable pens. You’ll be able to inject doses of Ozempic yourself. Giving yourself injections of a medication may be new to you. But your doctor can show you how to do this when you first start treatment. Ozempic injections are given under your skin in your thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. Be sure to rotate the injection site each time you take the medication. You should also use a new needle for each injection. This will help you avoid getting infections from using needles that aren’t clean. Ask your doctor for suggestions to help you feel comfortable and confident managing your injections. Be sure to follow the instructions they give you. The list below contains a few tips you should follow:
For instructions on how to use Ozempic, see the manufacturer’s site. Or, ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to use Ozempic pens. Taking Ozempic with other drugsYour doctor may prescribe Ozempic with other medications to help manage your blood sugar levels or lower your risk of cardiovascular problems. Some examples of other diabetes medications that may be prescribed with Ozempic include:
If you’d like to know more about taking other drugs with Ozempic, talk with your doctor. Note: For information about things that can interact with Ozempic, such as other drugs or foods, see the “What should be considered before taking Ozempic?” section below. Questions for your doctor Like most drugs, Ozempic may cause mild or serious side effects. The lists below describe some of the more common side effects that have been reported with Ozempic. These lists don’t include all possible side effects. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Ozempic. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects. For more details about Ozempic’s side effects, see this related article. Mild side effectsHere’s a short list of some of the mild side effects that have been reported with Ozempic. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist or read Ozempic’s medication guide. Mild side effects of Ozempic can include:
Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Serious side effectsSerious side effects from Ozempic can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side effects from Ozempic, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number. Serious side effects can include:
* For more information about this side effect, see the “Side effect focus” section below. Side effect focusLearn more about some of the side effects Ozempic may cause. Boxed warningOzempic has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Ozempic has been shown to cause thyroid tumors and thyroid cancer in animals. It isn’t known if Ozempic can cause thyroid tumors or medullary thyroid cancer in humans. If you have a family or personal history of medullary thyroid cancer or a rare endocrine condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, you shouldn’t take Ozempic. Talk with your doctor if you have either of these conditions or a family history of them. What might help Be sure to call your doctor immediately if you have any signs or symptoms of a thyroid tumor while taking Ozempic. These include:
NauseaOzempic can cause nausea, especially when you first start taking the medication or when your dose changes. Usually, nausea should go away after a few days. But keep in mind that nausea is also a symptom of pancreatitis (inflammation in your pancreas). And pancreatitis is a serious side effect of Ozempic. If you have nausea that doesn’t go away after a few days, worsens, or becomes severe, call your doctor right away. What might help If you have nausea while taking Ozempic, your doctor may suggest ways to help control your symptoms. These may include taking over-the-counter or prescription medications until your nausea gets better. Be sure to check with your doctor before taking any medications for nausea with Ozempic. PancreatitisOzempic may cause pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). This is a serious condition. Call your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of pancreatitis. These may include:
Doctors typically won’t prescribe Ozempic if you’ve had pancreatitis in the past. What might help If needed, your doctor can order tests to check if you have pancreatitis. They’ll stop your Ozempic treatment if necessary and discuss changes to your treatment plan. Allergic reaction Here’s how Ozempic compares to other medications that have similar uses. Ozempic vs. SaxendaYou may wonder how Ozempic compares to Saxenda. They both belong to a group of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). So, they have related uses and side effects, but they also have important differences. They each contain different active drugs: Ozempic contains semaglutide, and Saxenda contains liraglutide. What are their uses?Ozempic is used to help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It is also used to help lower the risk of certain heart or blood vessel problems in adults who have both heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Saxenda, on the other hand, is a weight-management medication. It’s used by people who have obesity or another weight-related condition such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or type 2 diabetes. Saxenda can also be used by certain children. What are their forms?Ozempic comes in self-injection pens that are used once weekly. Saxenda also comes in self-injection pens, but it’s injected once daily. What are their side effects?Ozempic and Saxenda have some of the same side effects. These include diarrhea, nausea, kidney damage, fatigue (low energy), pancreatitis, and gallbladder disease. Ozempic and Saxenda can also cause serious side effects, and they both have a boxed warning about a possible risk of thyroid cancer. (A boxed warning is the most serious warning for a drug.) Talk with your doctor if you have more questions about Ozempic and Saxenda. How effective are they?Both Ozempic and Saxenda have been found effective for their approved uses. You can see the prescribing information for Ozempic and Saxenda for details about how each drug performed in studies. You can also talk with your doctor or a pharmacist to learn more about how they compare. Ozempic vs. TrulicityYou might also like to know how Ozempic compares to Trulicity. Both drugs belong to a group of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). So, they have similar uses, side effects, and effectiveness. But they contain different active drugs: Ozempic’s active drug is liraglutide, and Trulicity’s active drug is dulaglutide. What are their uses?Ozempic and Trulicity are both used to treat type 2 diabetes. Both drugs also have protective effects on the heart and kidneys. They are recommended in the American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines for use in people with type 2 diabetes who also have heart disease, heart failure, or kidney disease. What are their forms?Both Ozempic and Trulicity come in self-injection pens that you’ll use once weekly. What are their side effects?These drugs share some side effects. These include diarrhea, nausea, kidney damage, fatigue, pancreatitis, and diabetic retinopathy. But they also have some unique side effects, such as headache with Ozempic and loss of appetite with Trulicity. Ozempic and Trulicity have serious side effects, and they both have a boxed warning about a possible risk of thyroid cancer. (A boxed warning is the most serious warning for a drug.) How effective are they?Studies have directly compared semaglutide (the active drug in Ozempic) with dulaglutide (the active drug in Trulicity). Semaglutide was found to be more effective at lowering hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and body weight. HbA1c is an average of your blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. Your doctor can provide more information about these medications and determine which one may be most suitable for you. You can see the prescribing information for Ozempic and Trulicity for more information about how each drug performed in studies. You can also see this detailed comparison of the two drugs. Talk with your doctor if you have more questions about Ozempic and Trulicity. They can determine which one may suit you best. Ozempic vs. VictozaOzempic and Victoza are both approved to:
Victoza can also be used to help manage blood sugar levels in children ages 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes. For more information on how Ozempic and Victoza compare, see this detailed article. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Find answers to some commonly asked questions about Ozempic. Is Ozempic used for weight loss?No, Ozempic isn’t approved for use as a weight loss medication. But you might lose weight while you’re taking Ozempic. That’s because the medication decreases your appetite. In some cases, Ozempic is prescribed off-label for weight management. With off-label use, a drug that’s approved for certain conditions is prescribed for another purpose. If you’re interested in using Ozempic for weight management, talk with your doctor. They can discuss the risks and benefits of taking Ozempic to manage weight. Insurance may not cover off-label uses of Ozempic. Ask your doctor for more information. How does Ozempic work?Ozempic works in several ways to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The drug also lowers heart-related risks in people with both diabetes and heart disease. The drug does this by:
A doctor may prescribe Ozempic to:
With diabetes, you have elevated blood sugar levels. And over time, this can damage blood vessels in your body. Ozempic helps lower blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of certain heart and blood vessel problems. To learn about how Ozempic works, see the “What are some frequently asked questions about Ozempic?” section just above. Note: There are some limitations to how Ozempic can be used. These are as follows:
Before starting Ozempic, talk with your doctor about all the benefits and risks of using it. You should also discuss your overall health and any health conditions you may have. Ask your doctor if Ozempic is safe for you to take if you:
InteractionsUsing medications, vaccines, foods, and other things with a certain drug can affect how the drug works. These effects are called interactions. Interactions can raise or lower the effect of medications taken together. Before taking Ozempic, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take (including prescription and over-the-counter types). Also, describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions these items may cause with Ozempic. Interactions with drugs or supplementsOzempic can interact with several types of drugs. This list does not contain all types of drugs that may interact with Ozempic. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about these interactions and any others that may occur while using Ozempic. If you take Ozempic with other diabetes medications that also lower blood sugar levels, your blood sugar levels might drop too low. This can be dangerous. Some diabetes medications can increase your insulin levels if taken with Ozempic. And this can lead to low blood sugar. These medications include:
Note: It’s important to regularly monitor your sugar levels according to your doctor’s advice. Doing so will help you recognize when your blood sugar levels are high (hyperglycemia) or low (hypoglycemia). Talk with your doctor about what to do if your blood sugar levels are either too high or too low. Foods to avoid with OzempicYou don’t need to avoid any particular foods while you’re using Ozempic. There aren’t any foods that are known to interact with this drug. And Ozempic doses can be taken with or without food. Other interactionsCertain herbs and other natural supplements can interact with Ozempic and cause your blood sugar levels to drop. Some examples include:
If you’re taking any herbs or supplements, talk with your doctor about whether they’re safe to take with Ozempic. Boxed warningsOzempic has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Ozempic has been shown to cause thyroid tumors and thyroid cancer in animals. It isn’t known if Ozempic can cause thyroid tumors or medullary thyroid cancer in humans. If you have a family or personal history of medullary thyroid cancer or a rare endocrine condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, you shouldn’t take Ozempic. Talk with your doctor if you have either of these conditions or a family history of them. For more information, see the “What are Ozempic’s side effects?” section above. Other warningsOzempic may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Ozempic. Factors to consider include:
Use with alcoholDrinking large amounts of alcohol with Ozempic can affect your blood sugar levels. This can also:
Ask your doctor for more information about the risks of drinking alcohol while you’re taking Ozempic. Pregnancy and breastfeedingIt’s not known if Ozempic is safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of Ozempic if you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Don’t take more Ozempic than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to serious side effects. Because Ozempic is injected once weekly, the effects of an overdose may last for a while. If you take too much Ozempic, your doctor will need to monitor you closely and treat your symptoms until they’ve resolved. Symptoms of overdoseOzempic overdose can cause:
What to do in case you take too much OzempicCall your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much Ozempic. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or you can use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room. There are many treatment options for managing type 2 diabetes. Your doctor can discuss medications available, including Ozempic. And there are several options available for people with heart disease. You may have questions before taking Ozempic. Be sure to ask your doctor what to expect with treatment. Here are a few questions to consider:
For more information on the latest treatment options for type 2 diabetes, sign up for Healthline’s diabetes newsletter. You can also see advice and stories from others with the same condition in the Bezzy T2D community. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses. What are the most common side effects of Ozempic?The most common side effects of Ozempic® may include:. Nausea. Diarrhea.. Stomach (abdominal) pain. Vomiting.. Constipation.. How long do Ozempic side effects last?How long do Ozempic side effects last? In general, mild side effects of Ozempic should be temporary or manageable while you're using the drug. However, after stopping Ozempic, it could take your body about 5 weeks after your last dose to fully clear the drug from your system.
What is the once a week injection for type 2 diabetes?Trulicity is a once-weekly injectable prescription medicine to improve blood sugar (glucose) in adults with type 2 diabetes (mellitus). It should be used along with diet and exercise.
What foods should be avoided in Ozempic diet?Ozempic is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and consuming some types of foods may contribute to raising your blood sugar levels.. fast food.. junk food.. processed food.. alcohol.. cookies.. pastries.. |