What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a type 2 diabetes medication that has been approved by the FDA. Novo Nordisk, one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, developed the drug, which was released in 2017. Novo Nordisk specializes in the development of GLP-1 agonists, which have been shown to effectively manage insulin levels in type 2 diabetics. Novo Nordisk created the drugs Wegovy and Rybelsus, which are both based on a molecule known as “semaglutide.” They discovered that these drugs suppressed appetites and resulted in remarkable weight loss properties in diabetic patients who were overweight or obese. As a result, they decided to market the molecule in a higher dosage under a new brand name designed specifically for weight loss, Wegovy. Ozempic contains the same active ingredient as Wegovy, but in a lower concentration. Due to supply shortages of Wegovy, your doctor may choose to prescribe Ozempic for weight-loss at a potentially higher dosage to almost exactly match the weight-loss properties of Wegovy.
How does Ozempic Work?
Ozempic, which is the brand name for the medication semaglutide, works by increasing the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas in response to meals. It belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists.
GLP-1 agonists mimic the effects of a hormone called GLP-1, which is naturally produced by the body. When GLP-1 is released after eating, it stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin, which helps the body use or store the glucose from the food we eat. GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide work by activating the same pathways in the body as GLP-1, increasing insulin production and lowering blood sugar levels.
In addition to increasing insulin production, semaglutide also has other effects that help to lower blood sugar levels. It reduces the amount of glucose produced by the liver, and it slows the absorption of glucose from the intestines. These effects help to prevent blood sugar spikes after meals and improve overall blood sugar control.
Ozempic is typically taken once a week by injection, either under the skin or into the muscle. It is usually used in combination with other diabetes medications, and it is most effective when used in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
How do I take Ozempic?
Ozempic is administered once a week. The drug comes in the form of a pen with a needle. Simply press down on your stomach or thigh with the pen. You are not required to measure the medication or handle the needles. The injection is relatively painless, and the prepackaged pens make administering the medication simple. You must also only inject once a week, with no pills or other medications required at other times.
How much weight do I lose on Ozempic?
The amount of weight you may lose while taking Ozempic (semaglutide) will depend on several factors, including your starting weight, your diet, and your level of physical activity. In clinical trials, people taking semaglutide lost an average of 5-10% of their body weight, with some people losing much more and others losing less.
In one study, people with type 2 diabetes who were taking semaglutide for 52 weeks lost an average of 10.3% of their body weight, while those taking a placebo (a dummy treatment) lost an average of 2.4% of their body weight. In another study, people with type 2 diabetes who were taking semaglutide for 68 weeks lost an average of 12.4% of their body weight, while those taking a placebo lost an average of 3.5% of their body weight.
It is important to remember that weight loss is just one of the potential benefits of taking semaglutide. The medication is primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes, and it can help improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of complications from the disease. If you are considering taking Ozempic, you should talk to your doctor about the potential benefits and risks of the medication, as well as any other treatment options that may be available to you.
What are the side effects of Ozempic?
Like all medications, Ozempic (semaglutide) can cause side effects. The most common side effects of semaglutide are nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and abdominal pain. These side effects are usually mild and tend to go away on their own over time.
Other potential side effects of semaglutide include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), allergic reactions, and changes in liver function. Low blood sugar is a common side effect of medications that increase insulin production, like semaglutide. It can cause symptoms like dizziness, shakiness, sweating, and hunger, and it can be serious if not treated promptly. If you experience symptoms of low blood sugar while taking semaglutide, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Allergic reactions to semaglutide are rare, but they can be serious. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. If you have an allergic reaction to semaglutide, you should stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately.
Semaglutide can also cause changes in liver function, although this is rare. If you experience symptoms of liver problems, such as yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, or abdominal pain, you should contact your doctor immediately.
It is important to remember that not everyone who takes semaglutide will experience side effects. If you are concerned about the potential side effects of the medication, you should talk to your doctor. They can provide more information and help you decide if semaglutide is the right medication for you.