Ozempic: A Guide to Its Uses, Side Effects, and More
Many people are buzzing about Ozempic these days. But it seems like everyone’s focused on using it for weight loss. This makes sense because, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a significant portion of American adults are struggling with obesity. What people may not realize is that Ozempic was actually initially developed to treat another condition: type 2 diabetes.
Table Of Contents:
- What is Ozempic?
- Uses for Ozempic
- Side Effects of Ozempic
- Other Considerations When Using Ozempic
- Other Medications
- How to Get Ozempic in Kissimmee
- Ozempic Alternatives
- FAQs about Ozempic
- Conclusion
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is the brand name for the Ozempic medication semaglutide, approved in 2017 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It was developed by Novo Nordisk to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. Ozempic is typically taken alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise.
How Ozempic Works
Ozempic belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone.
After you eat, this hormone is released in your gastrointestinal tract. It helps to lower your blood sugar by encouraging the pancreas to release more insulin. GLP-1 also signals to the brain that you are full and can even slow down digestion, similar to the way gastric bypass surgery does. The result is that people taking the Ozempic drug often experience weight loss as a side effect.
Uses for Ozempic
Ozempic is FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. This can help to improve a person’s A1C results. Doctors sometimes prescribe Ozempic “off-label,” which means for a purpose other than its approved use.
Although it’s gaining a reputation as a weight loss treatment, this isn’t one of Ozempic’s approved uses. But another semaglutide drug with the same active ingredient is sold under the brand name Wegovy for weight loss.
Ozempic for Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body can no longer regulate its blood sugar levels effectively. If uncontrolled, this condition can cause long-term complications affecting various organs, including an increased risk of heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney problems.
Ozempic helps improve blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It can even reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as stroke or heart attack in those who also have heart disease. The American Diabetes Association guidelines recommend it for individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who have heart disease, kidney disease, or heart failure.
Ozempic for Weight Loss
Although it’s not yet FDA-approved for this use, semaglutide Ozempic can lead to weight loss in some individuals. A 2022 study found positive results after participants used semaglutide for 1 year. Many lost weight and experienced improvements in other metabolic risk factors, like cholesterol and blood pressure, which can lower their risk for many serious health conditions. This potential has led some doctors to prescribe Ozempic “off-label” to their patients for weight loss, especially those struggling with obesity.
Ozempic may also be used in place of bariatric surgery for patients with obesity in some cases. However, bariatric surgery often causes greater weight loss that’s sustained for a longer period than when using medications like Ozempic.
Side Effects of Ozempic
As with most medications, Ozempic side effects can range from mild to serious.
Mild Side Effects
Mild side effects are quite common. These tend to go away within a few weeks and typically involve gastrointestinal issues. Side effects may occur more frequently at higher doses.
- nausea.
- vomiting.
- diarrhea.
- stomach pain.
- constipation.
To help combat gastrointestinal upset, you might try:
- eating smaller, blander meals.
- opting for low-fat foods that are easy to digest, such as crackers or rice.
- drinking plenty of clear liquids.
- staying upright for a while after eating.
To learn about other mild side effects of Ozempic use, you can read the prescribing information or speak with your doctor.
Serious Side Effects
There’s also a chance of developing more serious side effects while using Ozempic, even though these occur less frequently.
- Pancreatitis – This is inflammation of your pancreas. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain radiating to your back, as well as nausea or vomiting.
- Vision changes – Inform your doctor right away if your vision changes while using Ozempic.
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) – You are at higher risk for low blood sugar if you also take certain diabetes medicines such as insulin or sulfonylureas (glipizide, glyburide, and glimepiride). Pay attention to symptoms such as blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, headache, feeling weak, shaking, and sweating. To learn how to manage low blood sugar, speak with your doctor.
- Kidney problems – These may develop in some cases, particularly if you become dehydrated. If you already struggle with kidney issues, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting can lead to dehydration, worsening kidney problems. Signs of dehydration include weakness or fatigue, reduced need to urinate, confusion, or swelling in your legs, feet, or ankles. Ozempic’s prescribing information emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated.
- Allergic reactions – Ozempic can sometimes cause a serious allergic reaction. If you develop symptoms like dizziness, a racing heartbeat, breathing problems, or swelling in your throat, face, or mouth, call 911 right away. Or you can contact a poison control center at 800-222-1222 or reach America’s Poison Centers online.
- Gallbladder problems – Using Ozempic can potentially cause issues like cholecystitis (inflamed gallbladder) or cholelithiasis (gallstones). Let your doctor know immediately if you have symptoms like fever, clay-colored stools, abdominal pain, or yellowish discoloration of your skin or eyes.
Black Box Warning
The FDA has issued a black box warning – its most serious safety alert – for Ozempic. It points to a possible risk for developing medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a rare type of thyroid cancer. Research shows this condition developed in animals used in trials, but scientists aren’t sure if Ozempic increases this risk in humans. The FDA does warn against using Ozempic if you or anyone in your family has had MTC or if you’ve been diagnosed with MEN 2.
If you’re in the United States, you can report Ozempic side effects to the FDA online or by calling 800-FDA-1088.
Other Considerations When Using Ozempic
Keep these points in mind when you’re using Ozempic.
Storing Ozempic
Unopened Ozempic pens should be kept refrigerated, ideally between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Avoid freezing it, as a frozen pen should not be used. Ozempic pens should be stored in their original carton to protect them from light. An unopened pen is good until its expiration date.
Once you’ve started using a pen, you can keep it either refrigerated or at room temperature. This is ideal if you don’t always want to take it out of the refrigerator every week for your injection. However, this does shorten its lifespan considerably. A pen that has been opened should be used within 56 days or discarded even if it’s not empty yet.
Dosing
Ozempic is delivered through weekly subcutaneous injections. A doctor will generally begin treatment with a low dose then slowly increase the amount every 4 weeks to reach the ideal amount for you. The manufacturer’s website provides full instructions on how to use the Ozempic pen.
Missed Doses
What should you do if you forget to take your weekly dose of Ozempic? If you remember within 5 days of your missed injection, take it right away.
If more than 5 days have passed, you can skip that missed dose and go back to your regular weekly schedule. However, avoid taking two doses of ozempic within 48 hours of each other. It may be helpful to set up a weekly reminder for your injections. Consider using a reminder app like Medisafe if that’s useful for you.
Cost and Access
Because it’s a brand-name drug, Ozempic can be quite expensive. However, financial assistance is sometimes available through your health insurance, savings coupons, or discount programs.
To see price estimates using savings coupons from Optum Perks, you can visit its website. You might also want to look into support options such as a savings card or a patient assistance program through the Ozempic manufacturer’s website.
Off-Brand Alternatives
Some people seek less costly, off-brand versions of Ozempic due to these higher prices. It’s important to understand there are currently no approved generic versions of Ozempic or Wegovy, though they have been spotted at compounding pharmacies in the U.S. While some people have success stories about finding cheaper alternative drugs, healthcare providers caution about possible risks. Because there’s no FDA approval, there’s also no FDA guarantee about the medication’s effectiveness, quality, or safety. There are also reports of shortages of both Wegovy and Ozempic.
Other Medications
Semaglutide (the generic form of Ozempic) can also be found in Wegovy. Other medications also fall into this category of GLP-1 agonists.
| Brand Name | Generic Name | Commonly Used To Treat |
|---|---|---|
| metformin | metformin | type 2 diabetes |
| Rybelsus | semaglutide | type 2 diabetes |
| Saxenda | liraglutide | weight loss, type 2 diabetes |
| Trulicity | dulaglutide | type 2 diabetes |
| Victoza | liraglutide | type 2 diabetes |
Many studies explore how these various medications compare. For instance, research shows that semaglutide may cause greater weight loss than dulaglutide. This is based on studies directly comparing both drugs. Research also indicates that semaglutide medication has outperformed placebo groups in trials focusing on its effectiveness for weight loss. And there’s exciting research about other new weight loss treatments as well, such as the first treatment to reduce heart problems specifically for adults diagnosed with obesity.
How to Get Ozempic in Kissimmee
Lots of folks in Kissimmee are talking about Ozempic. Maybe you heard about it from a friend or saw it on TV. It’s been getting a lot of attention lately, and for good reason. But how do you actually get it? It all starts with a conversation with a doctor who understands your health history and wellness goals.
Ozempic is a prescription medication, so you can’t just buy it over the counter. This means a trip to your doctor is the first step. It’s really important to chat with them about Ozempic, especially if you’re over 50. Your doctor can help you figure out if it’s a good fit for you.
Ozempic Alternatives
Ozempic is a popular medication, but it isn’t right for everyone. Some people in Kissimmee want to find other ways to reach their wellness goals. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor about the best options for you. This is because they know your medical history.
At C3 Wellness, we believe in offering personalized approaches, which is why we want to talk about sermorelin. What makes sermorelin different? This therapy focuses on boosting your body’s natural growth hormone production.
As we age, our growth hormone levels naturally decline. This can lead to some unwanted changes, like decreased energy levels and changes in body composition. Sermorelin works to combat these changes by encouraging your body to produce more of its own growth hormone.
FAQs about Ozempic
Is Ozempic used for weight loss?
Although Ozempic’s main use is for treating type 2 diabetes, people taking it for this reason frequently experience weight loss as a side effect. Because of its effect on blood sugar, insulin levels, appetite, and digestion, many are now using Ozempic for weight loss. But it’s important to note that Ozempic is not yet FDA-approved for this purpose.
What is the downside of Ozempic?
Ozempic can cause mild side effects like nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting. It can also cause more serious side effects like pancreatitis and changes to your vision. It’s also important to consider that Ozempic can be quite costly and may not be covered by your health insurance.
How much weight can you lose in a month with Ozempic?
While it varies for everyone, you could lose around 4 to 9 pounds within a month when using Ozempic. But you need to follow a healthy diet and exercise to lose weight, even when using this drug. Remember that your experience will likely vary based on several factors such as your current weight, lifestyle habits, and the specific dose you’re taking. To get personalized guidance on how Ozempic might help you with weight loss, speak with a healthcare professional.
Who can prescribe Ozempic for weight loss?
It’s possible for many licensed healthcare providers to prescribe Ozempic for weight loss, including your primary care doctor, a specialist, like an endocrinologist, or by scheduling a consultation with a C3 Wellness physician. They can discuss with you your individual medical needs to help you decide whether using Ozempic to manage your weight makes sense for you.
It’s essential that your healthcare provider reviews your medical history before prescribing Ozempic. If you are already taking other medications, be sure to inform them as well because there is a potential for interaction between some medicines, like those for type 2 diabetes.
Conclusion
Ozempic offers a promising new approach for individuals looking to control their blood sugar and perhaps even their weight. It is FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults. Ozempic can help reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, or death in adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who also have a history of heart disease. But it’s essential to consult a doctor before taking Ozempic for any reason. Only a healthcare professional can determine if this medication is appropriate for you.
DISCLAIMER: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any medication or treatment. The author is not a medical professional, and individual results may vary. This post does not endorse the use of Wegovy or Ozempic. The author and this website are not liable for any adverse effects resulting from the information provided.
