Ozempic is a once-weekly medicine used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. It decreases blood sugar levels in several ways, including by releasing more insulin when you need it.
Both Ozempic and its higher-dose obesity formulation, Wegovy, should be discontinued at least two months before you become pregnant or plan to conceive. Animal studies show that both products can cause problems for a fetus in the womb.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a medicine used to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It also helps lower your risk of heart problems in people with both diabetes and heart disease.
Ozempic works by mimicking a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1. This hormone regulates how much insulin is secreted by your pancreas in response to eating a meal. It also helps you feel fuller and reduces your appetite for more food.
It is available as a pre-filled pen injector that you use once weekly. It is one of the long-acting medications in a class of drugs called GLP-1 agonists.
This medication can help you lose weight when you take it along with diet and exercise. However, it can take several weeks for you to start seeing results.
Ozempic should only be taken by people who have type 2 diabetes and are clinically obese or significantly overweight (BMI 27 or higher). If you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding, don’t take this medicine.
How does Ozempic work?
Ozempic works by increasing the amount of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in your body. This can help control your blood sugar levels. It’s also used to treat type 2 diabetes in people who can’t use insulin or sulfonylurea drugs.
But it can also cause side effects that can make it hard for you to feel well, even when you’re taking the drug. The most serious of these side effects is thyroid cancer.
In animal studies, Ozempic increased the risk of thyroid tumors. It isn’t known if this will happen in people. But you should tell your doctor if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing, as these may be signs of thyroid cancer.
In addition to this, Ozempic can increase the risk of pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. To help prevent this, you should avoid chronic alcohol use during your treatment with Ozempic.
What are the possible side effects of Ozempic?
Ozempic is safe to take while pregnant but your doctor will talk with you about the risks and benefits. The manufacturer recommends that you stop taking the drug 2 months before becoming pregnant.
Some people who take ozempic with insulin or other diabetes drugs may have severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Your doctor will adjust your treatment plan to avoid this side effect.
Other possible side effects include kidney problems, including new or worsening kidney disease, and dehydration. Your doctor will monitor your kidney health closely during your use of ozempic.
Another possible side effect is a serious allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. If you have a serious allergic reaction, stop using ozempic and call your doctor right away.
You should also tell your doctor if you have ever had thyroid cancer, or if you have a family history of thyroid cancer. If you have a thyroid tumor, your doctor will stop your use of ozempic and will adjust your diabetes treatment plan.
How should I take Ozempic?
Ozempic is a once-weekly injection that contains semaglutide, which helps people to lose weight. The drug is often used in conjunction with a diet plan and exercise to help control blood sugar levels.
The medication is safe to take while pregnant, as long as you are not trying to conceive. However, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.
If you are planning to conceive, it is best to stop taking the drug at least two months before you plan to begin trying. This is to ensure your body is cleared of the medication.
Ozempic works by activating a natural hormone called GLP-1, which makes you feel fuller for longer, reduces your appetite, and improves the way your body regulates blood sugar levels and fat storage. It is a safe drug for people who are clinically obese or have weight-related health conditions, such as high blood pressure, PCOS, heart disease, or osteoarthritis.