OZEMPIC ratings & reviews

Semaglutide
Company: Novo Nordk
Brand: OZEMPIC
+2 more
OZEMPIC, Rybelsus, Wegovy
Drug class: Alimentary Tract and Metabolism
+4 more
Alimentary Tract and Metabolism, Antidiabetic Agents, Blood Glucose Lowering Agents, excluding Insulins, Incretin mimetics Antidiabetics, Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists

Sermo AI Overview

  • Ozempic is widely recognized for its effectiveness in managing type 2 diabetes and reducing cardiovascular mortality, with patients often experiencing significant improvements in glycemic control and weight loss.
  • The once-weekly injection schedule of Ozempic is considered advantageous for patient adherence, making it easier for individuals to stick to their diabetes treatment regimen compared to more frequent dosing alternatives.
  • Patients report some side effects, particularly gastrointestinal issues like nausea, which can affect adherence to Ozempic. This highlights the need for careful monitoring and support from healthcare providers to ensure tolerability.
  • Despite its many benefits, accessibility issues persist with Ozempic, as insurance coverage problems significantly limit patient access, leading to frustrations among healthcare providers and impacting treatment outcomes.
Based on insights from Sermo’s triple verified physicians

Description

OZEMPIC is a brand name for semaglutide, a human GLP-1 receptor agonist. It is available as a sterile, aqueous solution for subcutaneous injection, with prefilled pens containing semaglutide in dosages of 2 mg, 4 mg, or 8 mg. Key inactive ingredients include disodium phosphate dihydrate, propylene glycol, and phenol. OZEMPIC is intended to work by binding to albumin, aiding in its main protraction mechanism.

Source: This information is sourced from FDA and powered by AI

Dosage & Administration

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for injection under the skin of your upper leg (thigh), stomach area, or upper arm. It is given once every week (every 7 days). You will be taught how to prepare and give this medication. Use exactly as directed. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. If you use this medication with insulin, you should inject this medication and the insulin separately. Do not mix them together. Do not give the injections right next to each other. Change (rotate) injection sites with each injection. It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one. A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time. This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions. Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can within 5 days after the missed dose. Then take your next dose at your regular weekly time. If it has been longer than 5 days after the missed dose, do not take the missed dose. Take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take double or extra doses. If you have questions about a missed dose, contact your care team for advice.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children. Store unopened pens in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from light and heat. After you first use the pen, it can be stored for 56 days at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F) or in a refrigerator. Throw away your used pen after 56 days or after the expiration date, whichever comes first. Do not store your pen with the needle attached. If the needle is left on, medication may leak from the pen.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Side Effects

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: -Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat -Change in vision -Dehydration—increased thirst, dry mouth, feeling faint or lightheaded, headache, dark yellow or brown urine -Fast or irregular heartbeat -Gallbladder problems—severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever -Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet -Pancreatitis—severe stomach pain that spreads to your back or gets worse after eating or when touched, fever, nausea, vomiting -Thyroid cancer—new mass or lump in the neck, pain or trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, hoarseness Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome): -Constipation -Diarrhea -Loss of appetite -Nausea -Upset stomach

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings & Precautions

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -Eye disease caused by diabetes -Gallbladder disease -Have or have had pancreatitis -Having surgery -Kidney disease -Personal or family history of MEN 2, a condition that causes endocrine gland tumors -Personal or family history of thyroid cancer -Stomach or intestine problems, such as problems digesting food -An unusual or allergic reaction to semaglutide, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives -Pregnant or trying to get pregnant -Breastfeeding

What may interact with this medication?

Some medications may affect your blood sugar levels or hide the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Talk with your care team about all the medications you take. They may suggest changes to your insulin dose or checking your blood sugar levels more often. Medications that may affect your blood sugar levels include: -Alcohol -Certain antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim -Certain medications for blood pressure or heart disease, such as benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril, losartan, valsartan -Certain medications for mental health conditions, such as fluoxetine or olanzapine -Diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) -Estrogen and progestin hormones -Other medications for diabetes -Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone -Testosterone -Thyroid hormones Medications that may mask symptoms of low blood sugar include: -Beta blockers, such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol -Clonidine -Guanethidine -Reserpine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication. Your care team will monitor your HbA1C (A1C). This test shows what your average blood sugar (glucose) level was over the past 2 to 3 months. Know the symptoms of low blood sugar and know how to treat it. Always carry a source of quick sugar with you. Examples include hard sugar candy or glucose tablets. Make sure others know that you can choke if you eat or drink if your blood sugar is too low and you are unable to care for yourself. Get medical help at once. Tell your care team if you have high blood sugar. Your medication dose may change if your body is under stress. Some types of stress that may affect your blood sugar include fever, infection, and surgery. Do not share pens or cartridges with anyone, even if the needle is changed. Each pen should only be used by one person. Sharing could cause an infection. Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your condition. List the medications and doses you take on the card. Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer if you take this medication. Talk to your care team right away if you have a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness that does not go away, trouble swallowing, shortness of breath, or trouble breathing. Make sure you stay hydrated while taking this medication. Drink water often. Eat fruits and veggies that have a high water content. Drink more water when it is hot or you are active. Talk to your care team right away if you have fever, infection, vomiting, diarrhea, or if you sweat a lot while taking this medication. The loss of too much body fluid may make it dangerous for you to take this medication. If you are going to need surgery or a procedure, tell your care team that you are taking this medication. Do not take this medication without first talking to your care team if you may be or could become pregnant. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you. Weight loss is not recommended during pregnancy. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels can help reduce the risk of pregnancy complications. Talk to your care team if you are breastfeeding. When recommended, this medication may be taken. Its use during breastfeeding has not been well studied. Lactation may help lower your blood sugar levels. Your care team may recommend changes to your treatment plan.

What are the most serious risks of this medication?

This medication may increase the risk of thyroid tumors or cancer. Do not take this medication if you or a family member has or have had multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) 2 or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Talk to your care team right away if you have a lump or swelling in the neck, pain or trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, or hoarseness.

Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.

Disclaimer

The reviews, ratings, comments, and opinions expressed on this platform are solely those of the individual medical professionals who posted them and do not reflect the views or positions of Sermo, Inc. Sermo does not endorse, verify, or validate the content of individual reviews. The information provided is user-generated and reflects personal clinical experiences, which may not be complete, accurate, or applicable to your specific health needs. It is not intended as medical advice.

Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances. Only a licensed healthcare provider can advise you on what is safe and effective for you.

Keep all medications out of the reach of children, never share your medicine with others, and use each medication only as prescribed. Your reliance on any information provided on this platform is at your own risk.

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