Ozempic is a once-weekly medicine used with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. It can also help lower the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack or stroke, in adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease.
The drug is part of a class called GLP-1 receptor agonists. Studies in animal models show that these drugs can cause fetal abnormalities, including decreased fetal weight and structural changes in various parts of the body.
Dosage
Ozempic is taken as a subcutaneous injection (injection under the skin) once weekly for up to 4 weeks. The starting dosage is 0.25 mg. After the initial 4-week treatment period, your doctor may recommend you increase the dose to 0.5 mg or 1 mg once weekly.
Taking Ozempic together with diabetes medications or a diet and exercise program that is healthy for you can help to control blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, and lose weight. But you should also tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
A few studies have shown that ozempic can increase the risk of pregnancy-related complications, including miscarriage and lower birth weights in babies. This is because ozempic works by slowing down your stomach’s ability to empty.
This can be a risk for pregnant women who take this medication, especially if they have other health conditions that might affect their digestion. For example, people with pancreatitis or a history of pancreas problems should not use ozempic. Similarly, women with polycystic ovary syndrome should not take this medication.
Side effects
Ozempic is a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that’s used to help control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It’s also sometimes used to help people lose weight.
It is usually given as an injection under the skin in a thigh, abdomen, or upper arm once every 7 days. The dose is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
The most common side effects of ozempic include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These side effects tend to go away over time.
However, getting pregnant while on ozempic is not recommended. This is because it’s not well-studied during pregnancy, so there’s no way to know how it would affect a woman’s ovaries.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy, also known as gestation, is a period of around 9 months in which an unborn child develops in the uterus. It begins with a woman’s last menstrual period (LMP).
During pregnancy, an egg cell is fertilized by sperm cells to form an embryo and placenta that is then carried in the uterus. This process takes about 40 weeks, divided into three trimesters.
During each trimester, your body goes through changes in weight and shape. Your heart works harder, your temperature registers slightly higher, your body secretions increase and your hormone levels change. Many women experience mood changes as well.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a great way to protect your baby’s health, and give you and him a healthy start in life. It provides all of the nutrients, calories and fluids that your infant needs to grow and develop.
Breast milk is also high in antibodies that help your baby develop a strong immune system. This immunity can protect him against everything from the common cold to serious illnesses.
It also lowers his risk of obesity, diabetes, asthma, ear infections and other illnesses, and can lead to better development.
Your infant gets the best nutrition from your milk, and breastfeeding can make it easier for you to get back to your normal weight after childbirth. In addition, it can reduce postpartum bleeding and help your uterus shrink to its regular size.
Semaglutide (Ozempic) is a GLP1 receptor agonist. It can enter your breast milk, but only a very small amount. Until more information is available, this drug is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers.