Ozempic (semaglutide) is a once-weekly injectable medicine that can help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar. It is also used to help people lose weight.
However, a growing number of health experts are warning that semaglutide and its similar medications may have adverse effects on fertility. For women, the FDA recommends stopping this drug at least two months before trying to get pregnant.
What is ozempic?
Ozempic is a medicine used to help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It is also sometimes used to help people lose weight.
Semaglutide blocks a chemical in your body that causes your liver to make glucose (a sugar). It makes it less likely that your blood sugar levels will get too high after a meal.
It can also slow the movement of food from your stomach into the rest of your digestive system, so you feel full more slowly. This can lower your appetite and make it easier to control your weight.
The dose of Ozempic you take depends on your condition and other medicines you use. Your doctor will prescribe a dosage that’s right for you.
Your doctor may change your dosage from time to time, depending on how well it works for you. It can take several weeks for Ozempic to work fully.
This medicine can cause pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). You may need to stop taking this medicine if you have pancreatitis. Ask your doctor about other ways to treat your pancreatitis.
How does ozempic work?
Ozempic is in a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These medications work by helping the pancreas release insulin in response to high blood sugar after a meal.
Many people with diabetes use ozempic to control their blood sugar. It may also help them lose weight.
If you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking ozempic, talk with your doctor before starting treatment. You should stop using the drug at least 2 months before trying to conceive so your body can get rid of it.
In animal studies, semaglutide caused a higher rate of miscarriage and babies were smaller and more likely to have birth defects than babies born to mothers who weren’t treated with semaglutide. This information is outlined on the ozempic and wegovy drug labels — which is the big sheet of information that comes with all medicines.
During pregnancy, you should not take ozempic or other GLP-1 receptor agonists, like wegovy. Until more is known, this is the best advice.
What are the possible side effects of ozempic?
If you’re pregnant, it’s important to talk with your doctor before taking ozempic. They can help you understand the potential risks and benefits of using ozempic while you’re pregnant and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.
The most common side effect of ozempic is nausea. This side effect is usually mild and goes away within a few days or weeks of starting treatment with the drug.
But if it doesn’t, talk with your doctor about trying a different medication that may be safer for you.
Ozempic is a type of diabetes medication that works by regulating blood sugar and helping people with obesity feel fuller for longer. It’s based on a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1).
You should stop using this medicine 2 months before you get pregnant or try to conceive a baby. It could cause problems during pregnancy or lead to birth defects.
How should I take ozempic?
If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, ask your doctor if it is safe for you to take ozempic. There aren’t many studies on ozempic and pregnancy, so it’s not known whether it will harm your baby.
Ozempic is a prescription medication that can be taken along with a healthy diet and exercise plan to help you manage your diabetes. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which helps you to lose weight and feel fuller for longer.
Your healthcare professional may prescribe you a weekly injection of 0.5 mg. You’ll usually start with this dose and gradually increase your dosage until you get to 2 mg once a week.
You can give yourself ozempic injections at any time of day, but you should do so at the same day each week. If you need to change your day, wait at least 48 hours between injections.