Ozempic is a medication used to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It’s injected under the skin (subcutaneously) once per week.
To get the most from your Ozempic, it’s important to inject it correctly. That includes priming your new pen, using a new needle each time, and making sure you’ve got the right dose.
Freezing
Ozempic is a once-weekly medication that’s used to improve blood sugar, along with diet and exercise, in people with type 2 diabetes. It can also reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events like heart attack or stroke in people with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease.
Ozempic works by stimulating the release of insulin and reducing the release of glucagon, which can help control blood sugar levels. It’s also used to help people with obesity lose weight.
Once the medication is injected, it’s important to store it properly so it remains effective. This means avoiding freezing and excessive temperatures, which can affect the drug’s structure and efficacy.
The FDA says that Ozempic should never be frozen or exposed to high temperatures above 86degF. That means if you’re traveling with your medication or live in an area where the temperature gets too hot, you may need to use a medical-grade cooler to keep it at a consistent temperature.
Excessive Temperatures
Ozempic is sensitive to excessive temperatures and needs to be kept in the refrigerator when it’s not in use. This is especially important for people who live in or travel to places where it gets really hot.
Having too much heat on a daily basis can cause dehydration and lead to health problems called heat illness. This condition can make you feel ill or have trouble breathing and can even lead to death if it’s not treated right away.
Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of Ozempic but are usually mild and will go away on their own as your body adjusts to the medication. It can also help to stay hydrated and avoid too much alcohol while taking this medication.
Dizziness isn’t a common symptom of this drug, but it could be caused by low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Call your doctor if you feel dizzy while taking this medicine. It’s also important to talk with your doctor about how often you should check your blood sugar before and after using this medication.
Deterioration
The word deteriorate (pronounced drowse) has plenty of meanings. It describes the process of falling apart, as in a crumbling old house with foot-tall weeds growing through it or a fading relationship. Deterioration also means something is becoming worse, such as when a car is driven into a tree or when someone becomes more forgetful.
Ozempic is a good example of the old adage that the best thing you can do for your health is to keep up with your doctor. He or she can advise you on what medications are right for you and monitor your progress to make sure you get the most out of your treatment.
The word ozempic is a bit of a misnomer, as it has been credited with several less than impressive innovations, but it’s still the most exciting medical device you can use for your diabetes management. The following are a few things you should know before you give it a try:
Discoloration
If you’ve ever injected with ozempic, you’re likely familiar with the discoloration that can occur. The liquid can turn from blue to red, brown or green.
To prevent this from happening, check the liquid in your Ozempic pen before injecting. If you see particles or discoloration, discard it and replace the needle.
You can also use an alcohol swab to wipe the skin at the injection site. Change the injection site each week to avoid injury under the skin.
Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of ozempic. They can be mild and go away with time, or they can be more serious.
The drug can also cause a condition called pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. You can tell your doctor if you have stomach pain that spreads to your back and if you experience vomiting in combination with this side effect.
This medication can also cause a rare eye problem called diabetic retinopathy, which damages the small blood vessels in your eyes. This can lead to blurred vision, patchy vision or sudden vision loss.