Ozempic (generic name semaglutide) is a brand-name medication used for people with type 2 diabetes. It helps control blood sugar levels by stimulating your body’s release of insulin and reducing glucagon, which can increase your appetite.
It must be refrigerated before you use it for the first time. After using it, you can store it at room temperature (59°F to 86°F or 15°C to 30°C) for up to 56 days.
Semaglutide loses its efficacy
Ozempic (semaglutide) is an injectable medicine used to treat people with type 2 diabetes and for overweight or obese adults who are at risk of developing diabetes. It works by helping the body to use glucose more effectively.
It is also used with a diet and exercise program to help people who are obese or overweight lose weight. This is called weight loss therapy.
Your doctor may recommend that you use ozempic long-term for sustainable weight loss. That’s because obesity is a chronic disease, and you need to take medication long-term for the best results.
Your doctor may need to increase your dose of ozempic if you have gastrointestinal side effects or don’t get enough weight loss after the first few months. Ask your doctor about using a copay savings card to make your prescription more affordable.
Symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
The symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) include feeling hungry, shaky or weak, sweating, a fast heartbeat and confusion. If you develop severe hypoglycemia, you may lose consciousness.
The exact symptoms depend on the glucose level and the underlying cause. It is usually a problem with the body’s ability to produce or absorb enough insulin or with eating too little or too much.
It can also be a problem with medications, especially those used to treat diabetes. For example, if you take a high dose of salicylates or propranolol for high blood pressure, you could get hypoglycemia.
The treatment for hypoglycemia is to eat or drink something that contains sugar, such as a tube of instant glucose gel or three to four glucose tablets. Your blood sugar should be above 70 mg/dL. If it is still below 70, you can have another 15 grams of fast-acting carbs to raise your blood sugar levels. Then, check your blood sugar again in 15 minutes.
Nausea and vomiting
If you don’t refrigerate ozempic before you use it for the first time, you may experience nausea and vomiting. You should contact your doctor to discuss how you can manage these symptoms.
Ozempic is a prescription medicine that helps to control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It works by causing your body to make insulin and to slow the movement of food through your stomach.
Your doctor will tell you how much ozempic to take each week. The starting dose is 0.5 mg once weekly for the first 4 weeks, then your doctor will increase it to 1 or 2 mg once weekly if needed.
You should start your treatment on the same day each week. You can change the day you give yourself an injection if it’s not convenient, but make sure to wait at least 48 hours between each injection.
You can get a discount on ozempic by using patient assistance programs or a copay savings card. Visit GoodRx to learn more about these options and how to save on your next prescription.
Diarrhea
If ozempic is not refrigerated before first use, it can cause diarrhea. This can happen within the first 24 hours of treatment and may last for a few days or longer.
Semaglutide is usually started at a low dose and gradually increased every 4 weeks to 30 days. Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions very carefully.
Ozempic is injected under the skin (subcutaneous injection) using an injection pen. It is given once a week at any time of the day, with or without food.
Your doctor may adjust your dose if you experience serious side effects or have any questions. You should call your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; trouble breathing or swallowing; rash or itching; fainting or feeling dizzy; or very fast heartbeat.
Stop using this medicine at least 2 months before you plan to get pregnant, or if you are pregnant. Controlling diabetes is important during pregnancy, and gaining the right amount of weight is also essential.