What is ozempic?
Ozempic is a prescription drug with the active ingredient Semaglutid for the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2. It belongs to the group of GLP-1 receptor agonists and is administered once a week as a subcutaneous injection.
Semaglutid simulates the effect of the intestinal hormone GLP-1, which is extracted after eating. It improves blood sugar control, supports weight loss and has proven cardiovascular protective effect.
Ozempic is produced by Novo Nordisk and is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults if metformin alone is not sufficient or is not tolerated.
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Semaglutid
Semaglutid acts on several levels via the GLP-1 receptor:
**Glucose-dependent insulin release:* *
- Stimulates insulin distribution from the pancreas only with increased blood sugar
- inhibits glucose release (low sugar production of the liver)
Magic emptying:
- Slows down stomach emptying
- Blood sugar tips after eating are flattened
Saturation feeling:
- Works on the saturation center in the brain
- Reduces appetite and food intake
Cardiovascular protection: In the SUSTAIN-6 study, Semaglutid showed a reduction in severe cardiovascular events in diabetes patients.
Who is it suitable for?
Ozempic is suitable for:
- Adults with type 2 diabetes where diet and exercise alone are not enough
- As a supplement to metformin or other oral antidiabetics
- Patients with increased cardiovascular risk
- Overweight type 2 diabetes (additional weight advantage)
Not suitable:
- Diabetes type 1
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Personal or family anamnese of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- MEN-2-Syndrome (multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2)
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Available Dosages
For subcutaneous injection:
- 0.25 mg once a week (start dose, 4 weeks)
- 0.5 mg once a week (first therapeutic dose)
- 1.0 mg once a week (if necessary for at least 4 weeks)
- 2.0 mg once a week (Maximaldosis)
Increasing dose:
- start with 0.25 mg for 4 weeks (conciliation phase)
- Then increase to 0.5 mg
- Further increase only with insufficient effect
How to Take
Application:
- Once weekly, on the same weekday
- Subcutaneous injection in belly, thighs or upper arm
- Change injection site regularly
- Independent meals
Injection: 1. Remove prep from the refrigerator (30 min. before) Two. Set dose at the pen 3. Forming skin fold, insert needle 4. Press Pen button and hold 6 seconds Five. Pull out needle, place not rub
Important notes:
- Forgotten dose: Repeat within 5 days, then return to regular day
- Store pen in the refrigerator (2-8 °C), broken to 6 weeks at room temperature
Contraindications
**Ozempic must not be used at:* *
- hypersensitivity to semaglutide or auxiliary substances
- Personal or family history of a medullary thyroid carcinoma
- MEN-2- Syndrome
- Diabetes type 1
Preview at:
- Pancreatitis in prehistory
- Diabetic retinopathy (narrow control)
- Heavy kidney or liver failure
- Simultaneous use of insulin or sulfonylureas (hypoglycemia risk)
Pregnant period: Contraindicated. At least 2 months before planned pregnancy.
Possible Side Effects
Very common (>10%):
- nausea
- diarrhea
Acid (1-10%):
- Break.
- stomach pain
- Blocking
- Loss of appetite
- Headaches
- fatigue
- Reactions at the injection site
Occasionally:
- Pancreatitis
- gallstones
- Increased heart rate
** Nausea occurs mainly at the beginning and at dose increase and usually improves within a few weeks. Slow dose increase reduces these symptoms.
Interactions
Insulin and sulfonylureas: Increased hypoglycemia risk. Dose reduction of these drugs may be necessary.
Oral medicines: The slowed gastric emptying can delay the absorption of other drugs. Special attention in time-critical drugs.
Warfarin/Anticoagulants: Control INR values more frequently at the beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar Medications
Is ozempic right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor. Read the package leaflet before use.