Ozempic is a medicine that helps control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. It works by binding to glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors in the body.
Like other GLP-1 agonists, it lowers blood glucose by stimulating insulin release when you need it and slowing down how fast your stomach emptyes. It also blocks your liver from making more sugar.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a prescription medicine used to help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels. It works by mimicking the action of a natural substance in your body called GLP-1.
In clinical trials, people taking Ozempic lost weight and had better control of their blood sugar than those who took a placebo. It also helped reduce their risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke.
If you are using Ozempic, your doctor will prescribe a dose that is right for you. You can start by taking 0.25 mg once weekly for 4 weeks, and then your doctor may increase it to 0.5 mg once weekly.
Your doctor can tell you if your blood sugar is well-controlled on this dose of Ozempic or if you need to take a higher dosage. Your doctor can also prescribe a different strength of Ozempic for you if you need to take a higher dose than what your doctor recommends.
How does Ozempic work?
Ozempic is a prescription injectable medication that comes in a prefilled pen that’s injected under your skin. It’s used for people with diabetes to help manage blood sugar levels and reduce certain risks, like heart attack or stroke.
The medicine’s active ingredient is semaglutide, which belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). GLP-1 RAs stimulate the GLP-1 receptors in your stomach and small intestine, helping control your blood sugar and reduce hunger.
It’s also used to lose weight in people who are overweight or clinically obese and have at least one of the following weight-related conditions: obesity, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol.
Ozempic is safe to take during pregnancy if your doctor prescribes it and you tell your doctor if you are trying to get pregnant. But it’s important to stop taking the drug at least 2 months before you become pregnant, and it should never be taken while breastfeeding.
What is the risk of getting pregnant while taking Ozempic?
Ozempic lowers blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes by slowing the movement of food into and out of the stomach. This helps keep your blood sugar levels at a healthy level, which reduces your risk of developing serious health problems like heart disease and stroke.
It also increases the amount of a protein in your body that makes it easier for you to absorb insulin, so you can get more of the medicine into your bloodstream. It is used along with diet and exercise to improve your glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes.
You should not take Ozempic or other medications called GLP-1 agonists (drugs that increase the amount of this hormone in your body) during pregnancy, or for at least two months before you plan to become pregnant. These drugs can cause birth defects and other health problems in your unborn baby.
The only way to know for sure if Ozempic or other GLP-1 agonists will harm your unborn child is to talk with a doctor or maternal-fetal medicine specialist. They can help you decide if Ozempic is safe to use during pregnancy and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
What should I do if I get pregnant while taking Ozempic?
If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, stop using Ozempic at least 2 months before you plan to try to conceive. This waiting period will make sure your body is fully cleared from the drug before trying to conceive.
It is important to discuss the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy with your doctor. Pregnancy can increase the risk of diabetes, so it is especially important to control your diabetes and gain the right amount of weight during your pregnancy.
This medication may also increase your risk of pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas), which can be dangerous for you and your baby. To help lower your risk, avoid alcohol while you are taking this medication.
Fortunately, many of the side effects that can occur from Ozempic are related to gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea and bloating. These symptoms can be managed with a healthy diet that includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. It’s also best to avoid greasy fried foods, which can worsen these symptoms and increase your risk of obesity.